Best Campgrounds near Maynardville, TN

Campgrounds near Maynardville, Tennessee feature diverse accommodation types from tent sites to cabin rentals, primarily concentrated around Norris Lake and adjacent state parks. Big Ridge State Park Campground offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options with waterfront access, while Loyston Point Campground provides similar amenities with highly-rated facilities. The area includes several smaller private campgrounds and public lands suitable for more primitive camping experiences within a 30-minute drive of the city.

Road conditions and campground accessibility vary significantly by season, with most developed sites open year-round while others operate seasonally from March through October. Big Ridge State Park maintains all-weather access throughout the year, while Loyston Point Campground operates from March 21 to October 31. Bathhouse facilities receive mixed reviews regarding cleanliness and maintenance at several locations. Visitors should note that many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. As one camper noted, "Sites are nice and well maintained just a little close for a state park. Weekends seem to be busy but during the week campground was very quiet."

The campground landscape near Maynardville features notable contrasts between developed and primitive options. Waterfront campsites consistently receive higher ratings, particularly those providing direct access to Norris Lake for fishing, boating, and water recreation. Several visitors highlighted the hiking opportunities at Big Ridge State Park as a key attraction, with multiple trails ranging from easy to strenuous difficulty levels. Privacy between campsites varies considerably across the region, with some areas offering spacious sites while others position campers in closer proximity. According to reviews, "The campground is nice with facilities there. A pool, a lake, has a place to ride bicycles. There are some hiking trails. The park is clean, staff are friendly and helpful." Backcountry camping options exist for those seeking more solitude, though reviews indicate challenging terrain and limited amenities at these remote sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Maynardville, Tennessee (290)

    1. Big Ridge State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Maynardville, TN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 992-5523

    $8 - $100 / night

    "I’ve stayed at this site a couple times now and I love the location. The site is a short and easy hike (under 2 miles) from the parking lot via the Lake Trail to the Dark Hollow Trail."

    "Close to the bathhouse and a quick walk to the entrance to get to the store, swim area, etc."

    2. Loyston Point Campground

    18 Reviews
    Andersonville, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 494-9369

    "The staff is warm and helpful, it’s incredibly clean, and the surroundings really allow you to feel the love of East Tennessee’s beauty."

    "Stayed at a premium lakeshore site on Norris Lake. Advertised as a pull through, but that must be for travel trailers, as I have an RV."

    3. West Campground — Norris Dam State Park

    29 Reviews
    Lake City, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 425-4500

    "We stayed at the main area but not much space or privacy so we put up a tent out side our door, but then moved to the tent camping site area the second night which was more secluded and private, but still"

    "There is a lake, so naturally that means there is boating, jet skiing, canoeing and of course fishing."

    4. Anchor Down RV Resort

    48 Reviews
    Sevierville, TN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 784-4446

    $49 - $139 / night

    "Anchors Down is just outside Severville Tennessee and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Located on Douglas Lake with the Smokie Mountains in the back ground."

    "This campground is one of the best you will find in Tennessee.  "

    5. TVA Public Land- Fork Bend

    11 Reviews
    La Follette, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 632-2101

    "I recently learned that TVA land is free to camp on, so I sought out some close to me and found Fork Bend. If you want to get away from people, this place is for you."

    "Locals do roll through on their ATVs/off roading vehicles, but no one ever fired any weapon systems while I was there."

    6. Volunteer Park Family Campground

    13 Reviews
    Heiskell, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 938-6600

    $30 - $65 / night

    "Bathrooms and Showers with hot water. 20 minutes outside Knoxville and extremely quiet."

    "The campsite is nestled in trees and conveniently located to the Knoxville area. They have a small store for small forgotten items as well as a place to fill propane."

    7. Chuck Swan State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Maynardville, TN
    8 miles
    Website

    "The coordinates on here will lead you to the middle of the road, however, if you keep driving, right before you hit the state park, you will see a campground to your left that is free free free."

    "Lots to explore here, beaches, hi clearance roads(Jeep roads), caves, old cemeteries, rocks to jump off into the lake,and an old fire tower you can climb for what I would expect is a great view."

    8. Rocky Meadows Farm

    4 Reviews
    Corryton, TN
    9 miles
    Website

    $30 / night

    "I was need of a place to camp to breakup a long drive and this certainly did the trick!"

    "There are cows across the way that would get as close to the fence as possible and just stare at us as we drove by . I would recommend this place a million times it was absolutely beautiful."

    9. Cove Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    La Follette, TN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 566-9701

    $25 - $55 / night

    "Great location just off I75, close to easy shopping (Walmart), Urgent Care facility just minutes away, nice BBQ place right in the park, local eatery’s just up the way (less than 2 miles)."

    "Our site is nice and right on the lake but it’s a little odd the way the sites are. Our neighbors site is next to us but there table and fire pit are behind our rig."

    10. The Farmers Forest

    1 Review
    Corryton, TN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 464-0830

    $90 - $100 / night

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Recent Reviews near Maynardville, TN

1639 Reviews of 290 Maynardville Campgrounds


  • SunnyLake
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Lakeside RV Resort & Marina

    Great Place with Great People

    Under new ownership, this little campground is wonderful.  Easy access and close to the activities on Douglas Lake or a quick drive into Sevierville, Pigeon Forge - Dollywood, and the Great Smoky Mountains.  The views from the lake are amazing and the campground hosts are so helpful and available.  Clean and fun!  Love it here!

  • Laur H.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Clabough's Campground

    Good for families

    Our stay was good. It was our first time camping in Pigeon Forge, we usually stay closer to Nashville in state parks. The campsites are extremely close together - everyone is packed in like sardines. We knew it would be tight from when we looked at the map when booking but whew - if you don’t know your neighbors, you will! This seems par for the course in the area. The location here compared to attractions in PF was so convenient it made it worth it.

    We really appreciated the amenities - the bath house was super clean and the laundry room was nice. We loved that the campground picks up trash daily. There was an issue with the sewer in the area where we were and the campground was quick to resolve it. We also appreciated having campground staff escort us to our site so we did not have to wander with a map.

    The playground is big and nice, and my nephew loved the bouncy pillow. The pool and lazy river looked really neat but we didn’t have swim gear with us since it’s fall, although we saw some people swimming so maybe it is heated?

    On the other hand - The staff does not answer any email inquiries, apparently. The cancellation policy is really awfully strict. We didn’t necessarily feel super welcomed at check in.

    There seem to be a LOT of long-term/permanent residents here. That always makes me uncomfortable since I feel like I’m in other peoples space, but no one was unfriendly. It did seem like the rules (which I read carefully prior to arrival) are selectively applied.

    Overall it was a good trip and we wouldn’t be opposed to staying here again, but this definitely isn’t our preferred type of campground.

  • Sarah and Philip H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Knoxville Campground

    Great Pass through Campground not for staying long term

    Location was great to get to lots of things but campsites are very tight and no room for an actual camping feel.

  • S
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Yarberry Campground

    Beautiful views

    Even the non-lake site spots have lake views. Lots of nice amenities, but still rustic. My site was a little tough to back into, but worth it.

  • Mary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Frozen Head State Park Campground

    Forever a Special Place

    I have been camping at Frozen Head since I was a child. In fact, I went to my first day of Kindergarten from the campsite. The campground is wooded and perfect for that woodsy camp feel. There are so many hiking trails around I absolutely loved the little library they had. This last trip, we stayed in the primitive site and loved being next to a little creek. There is no wifi and no cell phone reception.

  • Mary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Anderson County Park

    Amazing Site!

    This is one of my new absolute favorite sites yet! While a majority of the campground is long-term, the sites along water are not. This specific spot was huge and next to a wooded area and nature walk and, in my opinion, the best site in the whole campground! The bathhouse was small, but functional and clean. The campground host was exceptionally friendly. No wifi. I have US Cellular and had limited service. Enough to maybe look something up and receive texts.

  • Jessi B.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Soaring Eagle Campground

    Huge disappointment

    !Infested with termites! They price gouge. The lots are basically right on top of each other(some spots are not big enough for slide outs). The check-in lady is very condescending and will rob you blind while wearing the biggest smile. There's cornhole, a basketball hoop, and a volleyball net, but they are all falling apart or are inaccessible. No fire rings at your site. There's a huge hive of ground nesting bees by the picnic tables that are set up next to the pool. The pool area is also the only area in which you can access a fire ring. The lake is beautiful and is accessible to boats. Low riding cars beware of double speed bump and sinking concrete. There is no bathroom for the pool area. The maintenance man seems a bit unfriendly. They do not honor their online rates. 😒 We also had to move from a spot that we were already paying for bc she reserved it out from under us. I-40 echoes through the campsite. We were constantly woken up by j braking semis and emergency service vehicles. We will definitely not be visiting again.

  • Allissa F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    One night stay

    Right on Little River. The view and sound was so enjoyable. The restroom is a couple minute walk away, very convenient. Zero signal for Att (for signal, take a right out of the campground heading toward Gatlinburg. There’ll be a Pulloff with a view on the left, pull in and use your phone if needed).

  • Gary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Douglas Tailwater Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    Great Location

    Nice campground near river and dam. Had three pup tents for overnight motorcycle stay. Bridge nearby is a bit noisy if that bothers you. Decent rest rooms. Camp host was very friendly! Half hour to Gatlinburg and Dolly Wood.


Guide to Maynardville

Camping near Maynardville, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails in the area. Campers have enjoyed hikes like the Little River Trail, which offers beautiful views and a gradual uphill path. One reviewer 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. Campers at Cades Cove Campground reported numerous wildlife sightings, with one saying, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near rivers and streams, perfect for fishing. One camper at Bandy Creek Campground noted, "The roads and some trails are fun on our bikes," indicating the area is great for both fishing and biking.

What campers like:

  • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the stunning surroundings. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground said, "Absolutely stunning campground! My young family of six were instantly impressed."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. One reviewer at Frozen Head State Park Campground mentioned, "The restrooms are heated and immaculate."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Anchor Down RV Resort offer various activities for families. A camper shared, "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:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have closely spaced sites. A camper at Elkmont Campground noted, "All of the campsites are extremely close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Cosby Campground lacks drinking water and electric hookups, which some campers found inconvenient.
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bears. A camper at Cades Cove Campground warned, "Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just irritates the bears."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One family at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed the playgrounds and activities available.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "The store was convenient and awesome proximity when we biked the loop."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and books for downtime. A visitor at Anchor Down RV Resort suggested, "Have a good book, downloaded shows, crossword book, or what have you."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park noted, "The sites are very close together."
  • Use Amenities Wisely: Take advantage of amenities like dump stations and water hookups. A reviewer at Bandy Creek Campground appreciated the "clean bathrooms" and "ample hot water for showers."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A camper at Smokemont Campground mentioned, "No cell or TV service here."

Camping near Maynardville, Tennessee, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Maynardville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Maynardville, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 290 campgrounds and RV parks near Maynardville, TN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Maynardville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Maynardville, TN is Big Ridge State Park Campground with a 3.5-star rating from 23 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Maynardville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Maynardville, TN.

What parks are near Maynardville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 37 parks near Maynardville, TN that allow camping, notably Cumberland Gap National Historic Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.