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Best Campgrounds near Maynardville, TN

1,646 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Maynardville, TennesseeExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Maynardville, Tennessee (297)

    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 Camping Photos near Maynardville, TN

613 Photos of 297 Maynardville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Maynardville, TN

1646 Reviews of 297 Maynardville Campgrounds

  • Heidi H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2025

    Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed Site 3

    Jellico Creek #3

    Using the coordinates from the dispersed site #1 post, we found our way down the road and settled on the third site. Not huge, but right next to the creek. Went to sleep to the sound of coyotes and woke up to turkeys gobbling, and saw otters in the creek over breakfast. Someone had left a bunch of trash when we showed up, bottles, cardboard, cigarette boxes, etc but we picked it up and made the most of it. Not a bunch of places to use the bathroom but just do your best. Minimal traffic down the road. Saw one car pass while we were at our site? The drive in is beautiful in the fall. There is a point where Jellico Creek Rd continues straight, and also peels off to the right, it’s really weird. But take the option to the right down across the small bridge.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2025

    Wilderness Road Campground

    Cozy

    Love this place…simple…peaceful… quiet…lots of shade for summer heat…beautiful fall colors…

  • Scott Z.
    Nov. 6, 2025

    The Drift

    Convenient, clean, and close to nature

    What a fantastic way to end our day rafting Section 10 & 11 of the French Broad River.  There aren’t many places for river sportsmen to get off the river at their own campsite for the night.   Lots of wildlife too from herons, hawks and bald eagles to deer, otters and an occasional bear.   Watched the flames dance in the campfire while we drank beer and cooked up hot dogs and beans.  Downtown Newport is 10 minutes away for any needs.

  • Ken A.
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Little River Campground & RV Resort

    A Bit of a Let Down.

    The campground was clean and friendly and surprisingly quiet considering how full it was. The sites are very tight for bigger rigs and the sites are very close together. We stayed multiple days and we had to cut our trip short by two days. We checked out early and spoke with a very friendly staff member about refunding the two days we were not able to stay. She informed us that the manager was not there and that she would let her know when she came in and she could refund the two nights. We received a call later from the employee and she told us the manager said she would not be able to refund us and if we wanted to call her she would give us her number and her name was Bunny. We gave her call and explained our situation and she said that unless someone had died or had to go to the hospital they didn't issue refunds. I explained without giving too much personal details that we had to leave due to some circumstances and she said she would issue us a voucher for one night if we liked. Probably would have stayed there again with our smaller camper and our not fifth wheel and recommended to friends as well but it came across to us that once they had our money it was our loss.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground

    So perfect

    This place has clean bathrooms, wifi, secluded spots on the river to fish. Enough space for group camping too. Pick the spot the stump of banks end for the best river side spot. Book on Hipcamp! The host is amazing and delivers anything you need. Firewood, fishing bait, even fresh chicken eggs from the farm. Also does dog grooming! And you can book extra to spend time with the fluffy cows! Close to Cumberland falls!

  • Kc K.
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Cherokee Dam Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    Peaceful and beautiful

    Small quiet campground. Site is on the water, but with the hill and trees it isn't easily accessible. Quick walk over to the boat ramp and swim area. This site as a little snug I snug to back into with a tree on my each side and a downhill drive. But overall it is great.

  • Zach L.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Appalachian Springs Outdoor Resort

    October in the Smokey Mountains

    This is an amazing campsite spot. Minutes outside Pigeon Forge you're close to sites, shops, and anything you need. A short drive to the park and Blue Ridge Parkway. The spaces are easily accessible with options for any setup. Incredibly affordable so great value. The best campsite bathrooms I've ever seen, seriously immaculate bathrooms. Digital processes for registration and check in made it very easy to book. Staff was super helpful and very responsive to texts if you need anything.

  • 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.

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 297 campgrounds and RV parks near Maynardville, TN and 4 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 4 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.

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