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."
"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."
$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 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."
"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."
"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."
ScoutIt is an absolutely beautiful campground with an awesome club house and a ton to do. The pool and lazy river are heated. Honestly though you really need to want to splurge to justify staying here because you are still camping if that makes sense.
Also the trolley “system” is super confusing and the front desk knows nothing about it lol
Our site is great. It is right across the road from the playground without having to pay for a family site.
LegendThis is one of the quietest campgrounds I’ve stayed at. Sites are nestled in the woods in a cove in the Smokies. No cell service. No internet. No cable tv. Just peace and quiet! This is a national park campgrounds, so no water, electric or hookups. There is a dump station and modern bathrooms. Cold water showers. There is a camp store with basics. There is a lot of traffic especially on weekends with visitors driving the scenic Cades Cove Loop Road.
TravelerOverall a positive experience. We stayed in the tent camping area. Absolutely beautiful site with a wonderful river view, but be aware that the direct river bank is considered common area including day use so it had a lot of traffic while we were there. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Being a holiday weekend it was very crowded and very noisy, including a few neighbors without regards to quiet hours. Overall the facilities including bath house are were very nice though I believe the large crowds caused issues with the crew being able to keep up with keeping them clean. The location is very convenient to Townsend and we rode bikes out to explore and get food in the evening. We would definitely go back just probably not on a holiday weekend.
TravelerThis is by far my favorite place we’ve been off grid camping. It’s more Jeep friendly than full size vehicles, to get a spot down by the creek. But it is possible to get a full size 4*4 truck down the switch back.
TravelerPersimmon Creek is a beautiful and peaceful place. The owner is very friendly and helpful. It is centrally located to some great attractions.
GuideLovely campground on the river and close to amenities. Biking, hiking, tubing, swimming. My favorite experience here has been the pavilion prayer and fellowship on Sunday mornings hosted by Charm ministry volunteers. Very casual with lots of singing and great conversation in a very positive and welcoming atmosphere. The bathrooms and showers were kept very clean as well as the laundry and pool area. The camp hosts were very helpful and work hard to keep the above clean. The campground offers a 50% discount on a 28-day stay which I took advantage of. They allowed me to stay an extra 28 days due to my dog passing away so I could wait for his remains. They were very understanding, thoughtful and gracious during this sad time for me and I am very grateful to the management and hosts for the time, space and respect they extended to me July & August.
TravelerBathrooms always clean. It’s pretty family friendly with adult supervision. Great views and scenery. Swimming lake.
ScoutSo peaceful and accommodated our 34” trailer and 2500
ScoutIt got only for stars because I can hear traffic from my campsite.
I was next to a brook, under a paw paw tree. It was safe, very friendly. The bath and shower house were clean and very nice for tent camping! Laundry room, firewood delivery.
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
What is the best time of year to camp at Fontana Dam?
Late spring through early fall offers the best camping experience at Fontana Dam. May through September provides ideal weather conditions with comfortable temperatures for hiking, fishing, and water activities. Summer (June-August) is peak season with the warmest temperatures, perfect for enjoying Fontana Lake, though it can be busier. Fontana Village Resort and Campground is particularly beautiful in late spring and early summer when the surrounding forest is lush and green. Fall brings spectacular colors to the area, especially along hiking trails like those near Mollies Ridge Shelter on the AT, making September and October excellent for camping with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
What amenities are available at Fontana Dam campgrounds?
Amenities vary across campgrounds near Fontana Dam. Indian Creek Campground offers clean bathhouses, well-maintained sites with lush greenery for privacy, and a campsite store carrying essential supplies. The unique Fontana Hilton Trail Shelter provides hikers with modern comforts including a solar charging station for electronic devices—a rare luxury for trail accommodations. Campgrounds in the area typically offer basic facilities like pit toilets or bathhouses, picnic tables, and fire rings. Some have access to drinking water, while others may require you to bring your own. Boat-in sites like those at Double Island are more primitive. For those seeking more amenities, Smokemont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides flush toilets and running water. Cell service is limited throughout the region.
Can you camp directly on Fontana Lake?
Yes, you can camp directly on Fontana Lake, but primarily at designated boat-in sites. Double Island — Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers remote camping accessible only by watercraft. This campground requires check-in at stations, with one located at Fontana Dam Boat ramp. For those seeking alternatives with lake access, Jackrabbit Mountain is an excellent option on nearby Lake Chatuge, offering lakeside sites where you can launch paddleboards or kayaks directly from your campsite. Remember that many shoreline areas around Fontana Lake are part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park or managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, so always camp in designated areas and follow local regulations.
Where are the best campgrounds near Fontana Dam?
The area around Fontana Dam offers several excellent camping options. Fontana Village Resort and Campground is located right beside the dam and provides a rustic yet beautiful setting with great trout fishing opportunities. For hikers, the Fontana Hilton Trail Shelter along the Appalachian Trail offers modern amenities unusual for a trail shelter, including a solar charging station for electronics. Indian Creek Campground provides relaxing creekside camping with private, well-maintained sites and clean facilities. For those seeking dispersed options, the Lake Santeetlah area offers free camping with beautiful mountain views. Each location provides unique access to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the Fontana Dam region.
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