L
Linda K.
Scout
ScoutAnderson County Park
Beautiful State Park
We love this campground! We have the best spot although, all of them are nice! Right on Lake Norris with the most beautiful views!
Camping near Alcoa, TN
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Alcoa, Tennessee serves as a gateway to several established campgrounds in the eastern Tennessee region. Within a 30-mile radius, campers find options ranging from National Park Service facilities like Cades Cove and Elkmont Campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to private operations such as Southlake RV Park and Little Arrow Outdoor Resort. The accommodation types span traditional tent camping, RV sites with various hookup configurations, cabin rentals, and glamping experiences including yurts. Most developed campgrounds concentrate along the northern boundary of the Smokies and near water features like Melton Hill Reservoir and Fort Loudon Lake, providing different price points and amenity levels for travelers.
Campground operating seasons vary significantly throughout the region, with many National Park facilities open only from March through October. "Many sites are not well developed with power and sewer in odd places," noted one camper about a nearby RV park, highlighting infrastructure limitations at some locations. Weather conditions can affect camping experiences, particularly in shoulder seasons when rainfall increases and temperatures fluctuate. The higher elevation campgrounds in the national park offer cooler summer temperatures but close during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays during peak season (May-September), as campgrounds report consistently high occupancy rates. Cell service remains limited in the mountainous areas but improves near Knoxville and Alcoa.
Waterfront access represents a sought-after feature among campgrounds in the region. Sites overlooking lakes and rivers typically command premium prices but provide enhanced recreation opportunities. One camper described their lakefront site as having "beautiful views" despite some infrastructure challenges. Campgrounds like Southlake RV Park offer direct lake access for fishing and kayaking from tent sites, though some visitors mention road noise as a drawback during weekday mornings. The quiet western side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Townsend provides a less congested alternative to the busier Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas. When searching for campgrounds near Alcoa, travelers should consider proximity to desired attractions and amenities, as the area offers diverse camping options from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks. Most mixed-use campgrounds in the region accommodate both weekend visitors and longer-term stays, creating varied camping atmospheres depending on location and management style.
Best Campgrounds near Alcoa (471)
1. Cades Cove Campground
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability2. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability3. Southlake RV Park
"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."
from $28 - $38 / night
Check Availability4. Abrams Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"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."
"Sites are close to one another, but arranged great. My family of 5 had plenty of room for two tents, chairs, picnic tables, etc."
from $30 / night
Check Availability5. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA
"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. Melton Hill Dam Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
"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."
from $18 - $31 / night
Check Availability7. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground
"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. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort
"Biking trail less than 100 yds away. Borders the National Park, Townsend is a Great place to stay, close to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and even closer to Cades Cove."
"Overall, this is a nice campground with lots of amenities in a great location."
from $60 - $185 / night
Check Availability9. Cades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"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."
from $50 - $94 / night
Check Availability10. Whispering River RV Resort
"Nice park with amenities close to the NP. Grounds were well kept, staff was super friendly, good laundry room. Pool and plenty of room to walk dogs. "
"We stayed a week with friends in the sites around us. The campground is located off Little Pigeon River. We could hear quite a bit of noise from the highway into Townsend. "
Drive Time
- 12 min from Knoxville, TN
- 53 min from Morristown, TN
- 1 hr 6 min from Cleveland, TN
- 2 hrs 11 min from Asheville, NC
Recent Camping Photos near Alcoa, TN
781 Photos of 471 Alcoa Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews near Alcoa, TN
2261 Reviews of 471 Alcoa Campgrounds
- AAngelique B.Scout
Elk Valley Farm RV Park
Perfect Home Base for Exploring Western North Carolina
We stayed for a month in Site 27 with our 40’ Brinkley fifth wheel, our tow vehicle, and a follow-behind Toyota Highlander. The site easily accommodated all of it without feeling cramped.
Elk Valley Farm RV Park made the perfect home base for exploring western North Carolina. It’s conveniently located near grocery stores, restaurants, and some wonderful hiking, and it’s an easy drive to Cherokee, Bryson City, Sylva, Franklin, and other nearby towns.
The sites include sturdy picnic tables and nice fire rings with attached cooking shelves.
Some sites also feature paved patios.The campground is new and still expanding, but it’s already a great place to stay. The only amenity we missed was on-site laundry, but Heather and Jeff told us they’re planning to add a laundry room, which will make longer stays even better.
Heather and Jeff are wonderful owners—kind, friendly, flexible, and genuinely committed to making sure their guests have a great experience. You can tell they care about the campground and the people who stay there.
As an added bonus, Angry Elk Brewing right at the entrance to the RV park is absolutely worth a visit. Great beer, delicious food, and so convenient after a day of exploring.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and wouldn’t hesitate to return the next time we’re in the area.
- KKane G.
TravelerSourwood Campground
Beautiful area
Only deducting a star for people not cleaning after themselves, leaving me to yet again to clean a site after someone before I can enjoy myself. Bring trash bags and pack your trash out with you please. Over all very beautiful area. I absolutely recommend if you don’t mind having other sites within 30-50 ft of you. Not usually my style, but the beauty of this area makes it alright. Even 2 wheel drive cars can make it back here.
Nancy W.
LegendLittle Arrow Outdoor Resort
Nice amenities, tight for big-rigs, great location.
Overall, this is a nice campground with lots of amenities in a great location. They have easy online booking and when you arrive you are instructed to go straight to your site and come to the office later for campground information and parking pass. Little Arrow has lots of amenities with the most popular being the swimming pool. In fact, it was a little too popular as it was quite crowded most of the time. The community firepit is a great place to gather with lots of people. There is a restaurant onsite (which we did not eat at but heard it was very good). The nearby town of Townsend is a great town with shopping and restaurants. We loved the brewery in town (Peaceful Side Social) which had great food and beer and lots of space for kids to run around. Next store to the brewery was a delicious ice cream shop. This campground is in a great location to visit the Great Smokey Mountain National Park with the entrance being just a few miles away and it’s a short drive to the Cades Cove Loop which is a very interesting and popular driving route in the park with historic sites and great wildlife viewing along the way. We had a buddy site which was laid out so that RVs are on the same pad and share a common area in between. We enjoyed the table and chairs and “kitchen” area which was great for gathering. Some sites back up to a river and have nice covered pavilions. There is public river access at the campground which I liked for fly fishing and my dog loved for swimming. The only complaints are that some sites (including ours) was very close to your neighbor and it is really a tight squeeze getting big-rigs into the park and to our site. The entrance to our loop was really tight and we even noticed one tow hauler ripped off part of his bumper on an old gate post that was covered by overgrown bushes. There are low hanging trees at the entrance which I mentioned to the manager and she dismissed it that stuff was really growing since it was late spring and they didn’t have time to trim. She did indicate that they intended on trimming but we left so I’m not sure if it happened or not.
Ryan K.TravelerCherohala Mountain Trails Campground
Great time, greater breakfast!
We had an awesome stay! Our family used a mix of a cabin and a tent, which worked out perfectly—it gave us a great option to get some AC while still letting the kids get the real tent-camping experience. We absolutely loved the French toast, and the bathroom and shower facilities were convenient. We really enjoyed our time and all the amenities. Thanks for a great stay!
- LLarry R.Scout
Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground
Great Campground spaces are extremely hard to get pulled into being they have filled every inch of space with lots and parking is horrible after setting camper
A lot of amenities for the kids however getting camper backed in and parking is horrible
Erin TrattTravelerFontana Village Resort and Campground
Its okay for what it is
For a campground with a nice view, it's alright. Bathrooms and showers are functional but could use a little more tlc. Grass was freshly mowed when I stayed. Again, there is no cell service for ATT, not that it's the campsites fault or anything. it's just not there. For a tent site with no hookups, i thought it was a bit pricey, compared to other campsites I've visited in the area. I like the concrete slab and tables for every site though.
Shillelagh C.ScoutLittle River Campground & RV Resort
Careless about the guests
At my arrival, the office mistakenly saved my debit card information under the wrong customer file and charged my card. When I brought this to their attention, I was assured that my card information would be removed from the incorrect account and that the issue had been resolved. Despite those assurances, my debit card was charged again. This second charge occurred after I had already notified the staff of the mistake and after I was specifically told that my card information would be deleted. As a result, I spent a significant portion of my vacation dealing with a problem that should never have happened in the first place. Not only did these errors create financial stress and inconvenience, but they also ruined what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation. I trusted your staff to correct the mistake after it was first reported, and unfortunately that trust was misplaced when my card was charged again. I believe it is unreasonable for me to bear the consequences of repeated errors made by the office, particularly after I had notified you of the problem and received assurances that it had been corrected. For these reasons, I respectfully requested a refund and I was denied and told that it was my banks fault for letting the transactions to occur. They won't take accountability and refuse to work with me. This was my debit card that was charged and over$400 and was on hold for a total of 8 days. My bank cancelled my card. Just one headache after another because of all of this. I feel as though they should've accommodated me seeing how their actions and failure to pay attention caused all of this.
- Erin TrattTraveler
Pisgah National Forest Carolina Hemlocks Campground
This is NOT the Carolina hemlocks campground location
I plugged the GPS in for the location the app showed, and this is not the campground location. It is further northeast near Asheville, "Carolina hemlocks rec area" is what it is titled under.
Guide to Alcoa
Alcoa, Tennessee serves as a departure point for numerous camping areas within the Cherokee National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains region. Most campgrounds in this vicinity sit between 800-1,500 feet elevation, with temperatures averaging 75-85°F in summer months and 35-45°F in winter. Late spring through early fall represents the primary camping season, though several campgrounds maintain year-round availability with reduced services during colder months.
What to do
Bike the Cades Cove loop: Available on Wednesday and Saturday mornings when the road closes to vehicles. Cades Cove Campground offers on-site bike rentals. "We rented bikes on site, perfect day. We also did longer hikes in the area. Stayed here for 4 days as a basecamp, just a great wooded site," shares one visitor.
Historic building exploration: Walkable access to preserved mountain homes, churches and mills from the 1800s. "Go on the car tour loop and make sure to stop and look at the cabins and church. History at its finest," notes a camper at Cades Cove.
Lake activities: Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding at Yarberry Campground on Tellico Lake. "The swimming area is in a great spot with a sandy beach. There are also other areas around the campground where you could enter the water with floats, kayaks, paddle boards, etc. They also rent all of those things."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning or evening drives through designated wildlife areas. "This is a very unique spot in the smokies. I have never seen more black bear. It was a very safe distance we watched them about a football field away across a field," reports one camper at Cades Cove.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Elkmont Campground offers woodland spacing between campers. "It was a compact site; the location of the picnic table between the tent and fire ring made it a challenge to set up a screen house over the picnic table and maintain sufficient distance from the fire."
Waterfront camping options: Direct river or lake access from tent sites at multiple campgrounds. "If you are wanting to fish the bank or even put in kayaks this spot is money. The tent sights are located right on a great fishing cove on Fort Loudon reserve," notes a visitor to Southlake RV Park.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and common areas. "Bathrooms are basic, no frills, but clean; The one in the A loop didn't even have an outlet or hand dryer," reports a camper at Elkmont.
Ranger presence: Regular patrols and helpful staff at national park campgrounds. "Very strict rules regarding food storage and park has managed to control bears and raccoons," mentions one Elkmont visitor about the staff enforcement of safety protocols.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. For Abrams Creek Campground, "Make sure you make reservations BEFORE setting out there. Way off the beaten path and reservations can ONLY be made online. No cell service no internet for at least ten miles away from camp."
Shower availability: Limited at national park campgrounds. "There's cold running water, flush toilets, and a dishwashing station available, but no showers or hookups. If you ask at the visitor's center, they'll provide you with a list of area campgrounds that allow you to take a shower for $3-7."
Generator policies: Vary significantly between campgrounds. Some prohibit them entirely, while others designate specific loops. "I was on a loop that allowed generators but very few were in use," reports a camper at Elkmont.
Cell service limitations: Reception can be poor to nonexistent at many campgrounds. "No cell service for Verizon and none for many miles on the drive to the site," notes a visitor to Cades Cove Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Little Arrow Outdoor Resort offers modern play areas. "The playground is beautiful and the kids loved it. There is a community firepit with rocking chairs around it, and it looks like it came out of a Martha Stewart magazine."
Swimming options: Some campgrounds provide dedicated swim areas with supervision. "The day use area is nice, with a roped off swimming area, kayak rentals, picnic tables, a basketball court, etc. there's also a boat launch for boats," reports a camper at Yarberry.
Kid-friendly activities: Scheduled events at some private campgrounds. "They always have activities for kids and adults. Food trucks and coffee trucks are usually there," notes a visitor to Little Arrow.
Space for group activities: Designated group camping areas available. "The group site was great! There was only 20 people allowed at the site but could've held 40. It poured rain all weekend so we made a tarp city and squeezed all of our tents together."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare with blocks at certain campgrounds. "Sites are not well developed with power and sewer in odd places. Monthly rentals and not well kept," warns a visitor to Southlake RV Park.
Premium waterfront options: Townsend Great Smokies KOA offers premium waterfront sites. "Spacious and on the river. Close to the biking trails and Cades cove. Spots are clean, fire pits are great, well maintained pavers patio and nicely landscaped."
Hookup availability: Varies significantly across campgrounds. "We had a great pull thru spot (D2) for our one night stay. We stayed one night as a halfway point on the way up and then again on the way back," reports a camper at Southlake RV Park.
Long-term stay policies: Some campgrounds accommodate extended stays. "Even though its a small campground, we were able to get a site, but I've hiked through in the middle of summer with no availability. Its cozy enough you want to go meet your camping neighbors."
Frequently Asked Questions
What tent camping facilities are available near Alcoa?
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?
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?
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.
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