Best Campgrounds near Alcoa, TN

Alcoa is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Alcoa campgrounds just for you. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Alcoa, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Alcoa, Tennessee (443)

    1. Cades Cove Campground

    98 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "You can easily bike through the loop, or drive. Nice spot to see wildlife as well. Cades Cove is well known for spotting bears, deer and turkey."

    "We camped in the middle of a hot sticky Tennessee summer and felt just fine in all of the shade."

    2. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    123 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."

    "We stayed 3 nights so we could hike the surrounding trails! Loved learning about the history of the area while checking out the old cabins."

    3. Southlake RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Rockford, TN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 573-1837

    $28 - $38 / night

    "The tent sights are located right on a great fishing cove on Fort Loudon reserve. We booked tent site 7 but when we got there someone was fishing off the point where our campsite was supposed to be."

    "Our site us overlooking the lake and the view is beautiful. Close to downtown and the mountains. Only downfall is very spotty wifi in some areas."

    4. Abrams Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    24 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $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."

    5. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

    28 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-2241

    "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."

    6. Cades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    27 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $50 - $94 / night

    "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."

    "I wanted to see if there was a difference in the camping experience at the two locations."

    7. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    54 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-7903

    "Had we been in a site away from the river, we’d have been packed in like sardines."

    "Close to everything, right in the heart of pigeon forge. Best bath houses we’ve ever been too, all other reviews were spot on!"

    8. Melton Hill Dam Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    29 Reviews
    Lenoir City, TN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 361-0436

    $18 - $31 / night

    "We really enjoyed Milton Hill dam, very friendly people , well stocked store, easy access to swimming and fishing and full hook up sites if you want them."

    "We made a last minute trip to Melton Hill that was very conveniently located just outside of Knoxville. The campsite offers several options for camping along the water or in the woods."

    9. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

    22 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-6363

    $60 - $185 / night

    "It’s right outside one of the entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains and about 20 minutes from Cades Cove."

    "Close to Cades Cove and right at the entrance to Smokey Mountains National Park. Just cant say enough good things about it."

    10. Look Rock Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    14 Reviews
    Maryville, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 436-1261

    $30 - $36 / night

    "There is a state campground near the base, but it was crowded and noisy. Unfortunately I've been informed this campground is no longer in operation, so sad."

    "This place has so many gorgeous camping spits and hiking trails! In the fall there is just so many different hues of oranges reds and yellows"

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Recent Reviews near Alcoa, TN

2176 Reviews of 443 Alcoa Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge

    Beautiful grounds if you feel like splurging

    It 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.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    East Campground - Norris Dam State Park

    Nice park but road is not that friendly

    Google maps and the website will tell you to take the 441 to get here but I recommend going down to the 61 and coming up that way as the road is quite a bit wider and not so steep and windy. The last mile or so into the campground is a pretty narrow road that when we were here was in bad shape with potholes. Note that some of the campsites have only 30 amp and some of the campsites have only 50 amp so when making a reservation don’t assume that a 50 amp campsite will also have 30 amp. They all did appear to 20 amp. There is a dump station available and a fairly nice bathroom and showers. Most of the spaces are fairly level and fairly easy to get into. 1-3 were quite short. Recommend popping down to the Clinch River Brewery for a beverage and possibly dinner. Also the Appalachian museum in Norris was pretty fascinating.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cades Cove Campground

    Quite, beautiful, weekend traffic

    This 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Little River Campground & RV Resort

    Labor Day weekend

    Overall 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.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mountaineer Campground

    Pleasant Stay

    Lovely 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Panther Creek State Park Campground

    Panther creek camping

    I had a very cute camp spot up in the woods away from the road it was number 50 it was so cute and quieter than the rest of the spots. It also had two fire pits one up by the tent area and one down by the picnic table

  • Kc K.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    Amazing site! See note on hook-ups

    This campground is great. The hosts/camp store workers are so nice. This site is big and has easy walk-in access to water for swimming or fishing. **Only weird thing is the hookups are on the opposite side of the site. Take a 50 ft water hose and a 30 amp extension - ours was 50 ft but I think a 30 ft would work. **

  • Kc K.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Big Ridge State Park Campground

    Big level site

    Site 43. Big site. fairly flat. Just have levelers on one side. Close to the bathhouse and a quick walk to the entrance to get to the store, swim area, etc. Roads are a little narrow in the campground, made it a little hard to back trailer in- the front of the truck was the issue hitting rocks on the side of the road.

  • A
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Triple Creek Campground

    Would recommend!

    It 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.


Guide to Alcoa

Camping near Alcoa, Tennessee, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various outdoor activities. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One camper mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground shared, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the nearby rivers and streams. A reviewer at Smokemont Campground noted, "I saw some elk that reluctantly budged from the trail," highlighting the area's rich wildlife.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. One happy camper at Greenbrier Campground said, "Absolutely stunning campground! My young family of six were instantly impressed."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Bandy Creek Campground remarked, "Clean bathrooms were a short walk away and had ample hot water for showers."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Anchor Down RV Resort offer plenty of activities for kids. One reviewer mentioned, "There is so much to do with the water activities and on-site that you could get away without a car."

What you should know:

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Elkmont Campground noted, "All of the campsites are extremely close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in many areas. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "No cell service with T-Mobile, so have a good book."
  • Bear Awareness: Campers should be cautious about wildlife, especially bears. A reviewer at Frozen Head State Park Campground warned, "Watch for copperheads!!! There are lots at this park."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A family at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed, "The sites are clean and spacious enough for our 31' TT and truck."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Cades Cove Campground said, "The store was convenient and awesome proximity when we biked the loop."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outdoor activities. A visitor at Cosby Campground mentioned, "It was a clean and decent campground," making it a great spot to refuel.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Anchor Down RV Resort noted, "The sites are tight for our 45 ft bus."
  • Use Amenities: Take advantage of the campground facilities. A camper at Bandy Creek Campground said, "Great amenities, Great sites, Great Park!! No complaints!!"
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "Dump Station: Yes," which can be helpful for RVers.

Camping near Alcoa, Tennessee, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What tent camping facilities are available near Alcoa?

Tent campers near Alcoa can enjoy several excellent options within the Great Smoky Mountains region. Deep Creek Campground offers peaceful tent sites along the creek with nearby hiking trails and waterfall access. It's located just minutes from Bryson City's amenities while still providing a natural camping experience. Citico Creek Area provides more primitive tent camping with sites adjacent to the creek, perfect for those seeking a more rustic experience. Many tent sites in the region offer fire rings, picnic tables, and nearby restroom facilities. For dispersed camping options, Starr Mountain Area provides a more adventurous experience. Most tent campgrounds in the Alcoa vicinity maintain a good balance of accessibility and natural immersion, making them ideal for weekend getaways.

Are there RV-friendly camping options in Alcoa?

RV campers near Alcoa have several excellent options. Anchor Down RV Resort offers premium RV camping on Douglas Lake with stunning Smoky Mountain views and is just a 30-minute drive from Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge attractions. Little River Campground & RV Resort is another gem for RV camping, featuring river access across a small bridge. Most RV parks in the area provide full hookups, spacious sites, and convenient access to popular tourist destinations. Many resorts also offer amenities like WiFi, laundry facilities, and camp stores. For those seeking a balance between natural surroundings and modern conveniences, these RV-friendly campgrounds make an excellent base for exploring eastern Tennessee.

What are the best campgrounds near Alcoa, Tennessee?

Alcoa is ideally situated near several excellent campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains region. Cades Cove Campground offers a convenient base for exploring the historic Cades Cove area with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Elkmont Campground provides beautiful riverside sites perfect for relaxation and is conveniently located near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge attractions. Other notable options include Tuckaleechee Campground with its charming river setting and Little Arrow Outdoor Resort near Townsend. The area boasts a mix of national park campgrounds with basic amenities and private resorts with more luxurious facilities, making it easy to find accommodations that match your preferred camping style within a short drive of Alcoa.