Fontana Dam is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Fontana Dam is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near Fontana Dam, reviewed by campers like you.
$30 / night
"There’s a river that runs a long the outside of the campground. Good swimming holes. A store that sells food (the best ice cream), firewood & camping supplies."
"The sites were pretty close to each other but the store was convenient and awesome proximity when we biked the loop. Far drive from all of the other hikes and adventures we did."
$30 / night
"Right outside of Gatlinburg so plenty to do and see if you feel like exploring outside of the park."
"I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."
$50 - $94 / night
"I spent three days hiking from Fontana Dam to Newfound Gap. I spent two nights in shelters on the AT (Mollies Ridge and Silers Bald). Well worth the effort."
"There is a camp store with firewood (you are required to buy it from an authorized location!). Nice roomy campsites, but not as much plant cover as at Elkmont in my experience."
$30 / night
"We were in site 11, nice but next to a group site so a little louder than I like. There are trails near by but I was unable to experience. Bear boxes and trash bins. Centrally located water."
"Way if they beaten path and reservations can ONLY be made online. No cell service no internet for at least ten miles away from camp.. absolutely gorgeous location and rangers keep it clean every day."
"The Lizard Lounge has a separate WiFi but you have to be inside or just outside to use it. Amazing river views and very close to the entrance of the National park."
"Right next to the entrance to the Great Smokey mountains. Townsend is a lovely town for eating and lots of walking trails. It is a short drive into pigeon forge if you want more activities to do."
$20 / night
"The lake is great for kayaking and swimming, with an easy trail around the perimeter. The gorgeous Cherohala Skyway is very close by (highly recommend!)."
"The surrounding mountains and water were breathtaking. This camp ground is close to the water if you stay in loop A. Just a short walk the water and beach."
"The campground was rustic, but absolutely gorgeous, right beside Fontana Dam. Trout fishing here is top notch. We camped in the overlander tent here."
"This is an absolute nature lover's dream, kayaking, fishing, and the legendary Applician Trail crosses the dam."
"Each has a picnic table, fire pit/grill, and level area for 1-2 tents (a few can accommodate more if you’re ambitious), and lake views (most have lake access if you want to put in a kayak or canoe)."
"There are nine lakeside campsites along a smooth gravel road off of NC-143. Each of the campsites have fire rings and some had picnic tables."
"It's an absolutely beautiful lake in the forest. The trees are turning and the sky is blue. Only drawback is the Pine Ridge Rd dispersed camping is along the roadside. Not really private."
"There are a handful of Lots located right along the lake with a beautiful view of the mountains in the distance."
"Nice lakeside side with good lake views. Park next to site. Toilet facility available, site next to marina on north side. Cellphone service with Verizon ok 1or 2 bars."
"Campsite L8 was one of 30 something dispersed primitive sites scattered around Lake Santeetlah, and it was an amazing place to spend 4 nights."
TravelerHave to reserve ahead of time. Stayed in a van. Restrooms clean. I reserved noon on day of check in and there were only two spots left.
TravelerThe sites have plenty of privacy. I felt very tucked away from the activities. Which there are plenty of! The lake has a beach, you can rent a kayak or paddle boat. There’s a beautiful waterfall and the hikes are amazing! I could have stayed longer!
TravelerReally great experience, the people running this location are fantastic and they made the stay all the more relaxing and worthwhile.
ScoutWe were truck tent camping and used an RV site with water/electric hookup...... it was close to our gold panning and Brian taught us the proper technique. If there was not a fire pit at your site, they would make one or have one set up at the Pavilion. The picnic table would be at the pavilion, but overall it is a peaceful more rustic campground.
ScoutVery compact space. Only good for a short stay or to visit the area attractions and only sleep. Not as nice as some of the bigger areas. I should have noticed from the photos.
Not right off the highway so. It is pretty quiet.
The employees are really friendly and helpful.
TravelerThe Staff was very friendly and helpful. The facilities were nice and clean. Our neighbors were respectful of quiet hours, but not so much of other camping etiquette. The sites are very narrow and on the weekend we were there it was very busy. There appears to be quite a lot of permanent residents. We did have an attractive, clean creekside view. Overall we enjoyed our stay, just would have preferred a little more space and privacy.
ScoutFirst time camping KOA. We are very pleased with this campground. The staff is friendly. The grounds are beautifully maintained with lots to do for the kids.
Our pull thru site 60 was directly across from the pool and playground. We stayed for the night in 28ft travel trailer without unhooking on a wonderfully level site.
GuideWe traveled in a Class C, so I chose this CG because the bus stop is just outside the CG. Unfortunately, the bus route was suspended due to a lack of drivers just 2 weeks before we arrived. (Not the CG's fault, but it did complicate our trip a bit.) The CG is nice, sites are regularly spaced somewhat close to each other but level. There are many seasonal campers here. Restrooms are clean, laundry is convenient. There are many things to do in the CG, pools, arcade and lots of kids. There is a gas station/convenience store on the property. Staff in the office can answer questions about the area.
We would stay here again if the bus is running.
ScoutNice clean and very quiet.
Camping near Fontana Dam, North Carolina, offers a mix of stunning natural beauty and a variety of campgrounds to suit different preferences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there's something for everyone in this picturesque area.
Camping near Fontana Dam, North Carolina, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Fontana Dam, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 653 campgrounds and RV parks near Fontana Dam, NC and 51 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fontana Dam, NC is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 97 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 51 free dispersed camping spots near Fontana Dam, NC.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Fontana Dam, NC that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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