Fontana Dam sits on the western edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 1,703 feet elevation, creating a unique camping environment where mountain wilderness meets lakeside recreation. The area experiences mild spring and fall temperatures with summer highs in the mid-80s and winter lows occasionally dropping below freezing. Campgrounds near Fontana Dam offer varying levels of development, from basic tent sites to yurt camping options that remain accessible even during seasonal closures of traditional camping facilities.
What to do
Cycling the Cades Cove loop: Cades Cove offers special bicycle-only access periods when the 11-mile scenic loop is closed to vehicle traffic. "What a great campground!! They close off the loop of Cades Cove for bicycles to be able to ride. At the store near the campground they rent bikes for a reasonable rate. We took the entire family on the loop bike ride. This was so much fun," shares Jeremy H. from Cades Cove Campground.
River activities near Townsend: The Little River provides natural recreation within walking distance of several campgrounds. "We loved the campground. Clean and staff are awesome. The Little River runs behind it. Go tubing!!! So much fun," reports Cathy O. from Townsend-Great Smokies KOA. The river offers cool relief during hot summer months with easy access points.
Paddling at Indian Boundary Lake: Located about 25 miles from Fontana Dam, this mountain lake offers flat-water paddling options. "Great camping area, great for family camping. Hiking trail around lake fun to kayak and fish on also has a swimming area and large picnic area that's covered," notes Kaitlyn from Indian Boundary. Equipment rentals are available seasonally at the lake.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds near Fontana Dam have upgraded their washroom facilities. "The bathrooms were FABULOUS. SERIOUSLY. I've never wanted to bathe in a campground bathroom before, but I do it out of necessity. Well these bathrooms were luxurious and modern and so SO clean," explains Jenny J. from Little Arrow Outdoor Resort.
Community gathering spaces: Campgrounds have created social areas where guests naturally congregate. "At night they light up a fire and everyone hangs out," shares Staci W. about Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge & Resort. These common areas often include amenities like "WiFi, plenty of places to charge a phone or GoPro, a game room with pool tables and TVs, and giant maps with ride routes of the area."
River access from campsites: Many campgrounds position their sites along waterways. "We camped in site #16 and it was perfect! The Little Pigeon River was just steps off the back of our camper. My kids enjoyed the swimming hole as well although the water was freezing," notes Erica F. from Greenbrier Campground. Water-adjacent sites typically book fastest during summer months.
What you should know
Seasonal crowd levels: Campgrounds in the Smokies region experience dramatic differences in visitation. "This is a great campground, but can get a little busy. That doesn't make it good or bad, but you need to know what to plan for. If you want nature and solitude, go somewhere else," advises DrDavid P. from Cades Cove.
Morning wildlife viewing: Optimal wildlife sighting opportunities occur at specific times. "The main attraction for most is a driving tour loop that starts & ends right at the campground. You drive around a valley with rivers running through and you're surrounded by mountains. Tons of wildlife, even saw a bear from a distance," explains Dan N. Arrive at viewing areas before 9am for best results.
Yurt camping considerations: Yurt accommodations near Fontana Dam require advance planning. "The bathhouse is clean and there's a laundry room on site if you need it," reports a visitor at Kickstand Lodge, which offers alternatives to traditional camping. Yurt options typically include electricity but vary in their heating/cooling capabilities.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly water features: Swimming areas provide built-in entertainment. "This place is beautiful only if you love lakes on top of a mountain! Great family spot or just you and your happy camper. Great beach area and they rent SUP and kayaks," recommends Tiffney B. from Indian Boundary. Many sites offer designated swimming zones with gradual entry points.
Choose campgrounds with activity programming: Some facilities offer organized recreation. "They also offer activities for kids, wonderful hot shower rooms, a laundry room, and gas grills for anyone to use!" says Melissa L. from Greenbrier Campground. Weekend activities often include ranger talks, crafts, or outdoor movie nights during peak season.
Consider noise levels for sleeping children: Site selection impacts how well families rest. "Cades Cove itself is a gorgeous loop but the campground isn't as private and secluded as one would expect for camping. To me it feels a little more pruned and polished and not as 'wild' as Elkmont & Cosby," observes Monica P. Request sites further from common areas if traveling with light sleepers.
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing matters: RV travelers should plan their arrival strategically. "Long and windy road to get to the area," notes Aliy L. about accessing Cades Cove. Most campgrounds have check-in times between 1-4pm, but road conditions and vehicle size can significantly impact travel times to more remote locations like Fontana Dam.
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate bigger RVs equally. "Sites are big and level. Power hook ups if you need them and plenty of shade. The 3.5 mile trail around the lake is a good little walk for the dogs," suggests Jim M. about Indian Boundary. When reserving, confirm site dimensions match your specific RV requirements and consider slide-out clearance needs.
Off-season accommodations: Yurt camping near Fontana Dam provides an alternative when standard RV sites close. "We camped here during Thanksgiving break 2020. We had a great spot on the river. The staff is very helpful and accommodating," shares John from Townsend-Great Smokies KOA, which maintains yurt operations when tent camping might be impractical due to weather.
