Christina M.
Scout
ScoutWindrock Ridge Campground
Great Campground
Cabins and Campgrounds are very clean
Camping near Heiskell, TN
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Heiskell, Tennessee serves as a convenient base for camping with several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. Located about 20 miles northwest of Knoxville, the area features Volunteer Park Family Campground with 150 sites for both tent and RV camping, and Escapees Raccoon Valley RV Park which operates year-round. Nearby, Norris Dam State Park's West Campground provides water and electric hookups in a more natural setting, while Big Ridge State Park Campground offers year-round access with boat-in, drive-in, and hike-in options. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) manages several campgrounds in the region, including the highly-rated Loyston Point Campground and the free TVA Public Land at Fork Bend, providing a mix of developed facilities and more primitive camping experiences.
Reservations are essential during peak season from late spring through early fall, when temperatures regularly climb into the 90s with high humidity. Many campgrounds in the region feature water access, with Melton Hill Dam Campground situated directly beside the Tennessee River. As one camper noted, "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." Most established campgrounds provide drinking water, electric hookups, and shower facilities, though site leveling can be challenging in some locations. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to Knoxville and limited or no service in more remote locations.
Water features rank highly in camper reviews across the region. Sites along creeks and rivers are consistently the most requested, offering natural cooling during hot Tennessee summers. The Clinton-Knoxville North KOA provides a convenient stopover for those heading to the Smoky Mountains, with both primitive and improved camping options. According to one visitor, "This stop, a little less crowded than some of the other stops along the way, offers both primitive and improved camping options for tent campers." Bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews throughout the area, with state park facilities generally rated higher for cleanliness and maintenance than some private campgrounds. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer and turkey, with proper food storage recommended as bears are present in parts of the region.
Best Campgrounds near Heiskell (339)
1. West Campground — Norris Dam State Park
"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."
2. Big Ridge State Park Campground
"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."
3. Volunteer Park Family Campground
"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."
from $30 - $65 / night
Check Availability4. Norris lake
"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."
5. 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 Availability6. Cove Lake State Park Campground
"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."
7. Escapees Raccoon Valley RV Park
"Easy access to the highway."
from $23 - $30 / night
Check Availability8. Clinton-Knoxville North KOA
"When passing through this area going to the Smoky Mountains I made a pit stop in Clinton, TN, just a few short miles away from one of the entrances to Smoky Mountain National Park."
"A great stop right off the highway. Super nice staff, easy in and out (make sure you pay attention to the left turn in past the gas station). Not the roomiest of sites, but fine for what we needed."
9. TVA Public Land- Fork Bend
"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."
"Reminder the lake is really low all fall/winter before Memorial Day. It was quiet and serene and you could hear the fish jumping all evening."
10. 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 Availability
Drive Time
- 14 min from Knoxville, TN
- 53 min from Morristown, TN
- 1 hr 16 min from Cleveland, TN
- 1 hr 35 min from Kingsport, TN
Recent Camping Photos near Heiskell, TN
564 Photos of 339 Heiskell Campgrounds
Paul R.
Volunteer Park Family Campground
Andrea F.
Clinton-Knoxville North KOA
Anna
West Campground — Norris Dam State Park
Richard J.
Greenman Gardens
Mary D.
Big Ridge State Park Campground
Kelly R.
Windrock Campground
Olivia H.
The Farmers Forest
Lori H.
TVA Public Land- Fork Bend
Nate H.
Southlake RV Park
Nate H.
Low Meadow Farms (formerly Brown Bike Farms)
Nate H.
GlampKnox
Tommy S.
Cove Lake State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Heiskell, TN
1787 Reviews of 339 Heiskell Campgrounds
C.J. C.
GuideDouglas Tailwater Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Clean and right on the river
Everything is new after Helene came through. I liked the park, and the staff was very helpful. Sometimes vehicles on the bridge near the dam could be noisy. After exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park each day, I was too tired to care. It's conveniently located and I'd stay here again when I'm in the area. There were Canadian geese, otters, and nesting bald eagles in the area.
- DDaniel H.Scout
Riveredge RV Park
Camping
Very nice campground with very good sites easy to back into and pretty level
- Diana C.Scout
Out to Pasture RV Campground
Out to Pasture
Lovely 5 site park on the family farm. 30/50 amp water and sewer. Exrtremly quite park
Enjoyed our stay. Debbie and Ernie were wonderful to work with. Had a cloudy night so didnt get to see sunset. But heard they are marvelous.
- LLinda K.Scout
Anderson 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!
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.
- 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 Tratt
TravelerFontana 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.
Guide to Heiskell
Camping spots near Heiskell, Tennessee range from primitive lakeside sites to developed campgrounds with full amenities. Located in the Tennessee Valley at elevations between 900-1,100 feet, this area experiences high summer humidity with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August. Fall camping season offers more comfortable temperatures in the 60-70°F range with decreased precipitation, making September through early November particularly popular for campers.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 3 miles from Melton Hill Dam Campground, campers can access prime fishing spots along the Tennessee River. The dam area features multiple access points for bank fishing and boat launches. "Beautiful lake and easy access to water. Clean facilities," notes one visitor who rated the campground 5 stars.
Kayaking and swimming: At Loyston Point Campground, water activities dominate the recreation options with direct lake access from many sites. "Great place for kids to hang out, play in the water, and pull the boat right up to our camp site," shares a camper who visited with their children. The camp store sells basic supplies for water activities.
Hiking trails: West Campground at Norris Dam State Park offers immediate trail access from many sites. "We were right next to a trailhead and that gave us a lot of extra room," notes a camper who stayed at site 27. Trails range from easy lakeside paths to more challenging ridge routes with elevation changes of 300-400 feet.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Several campgrounds offer direct water access, with TVA Public Land at Fork Bend providing completely free primitive camping on Norris Lake. A camper reports, "The sites are all close to the water with beautiful sunsets on the west side and gorgeous sunrises on the east sites." Sites vary in size but can typically accommodate 1-3 vehicles per site.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the maintenance standards at Big Ridge State Park Campground, particularly in the newer bathhouse. "Bath houses are clean and one is fairly new. Some sites are right next to the water which is great for kayaking and water adventures," notes a recent visitor in July 2025.
Privacy options: For campers seeking more seclusion, backcountry sites provide alternatives to the more developed campgrounds. "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," explains a camper about Big Ridge State Park's backcountry options.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region feature sloped terrain requiring leveling equipment. At Loyston Point Campground, a camper notes, "The only downside is the horrifically unleveled sites. The bathrooms were clean, the view from our site was spectacular and the staff was very helpful."
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive sites can be challenging, particularly at TVA Public Land areas. "From Demory Rd., take a right on Jim Lee rd, then take the second road on the left to head back to the public land area. Someone had carved in Fork Bend on the back of a road sign," explains a camper who initially had trouble finding the location.
Trash management: Free camping areas require pack-in, pack-out practices. A visitor to Fork Bend observed: "Unfortunately there's a lot of trash around, it's truly a shame some people pollute something so beautiful." Established campgrounds provide trash receptacles, but primitive areas do not.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming safety: When camping with children at Loyston Point, choose sites in the 10-20 range for gradual water entry. "Located on the beautiful Norris Lake. Our tents were right on the water and a short swim/walk to paddle boats and kayaks!" notes a family camper.
Playground access: Volunteer Park Family Campground offers family-friendly amenities including a unique play structure. "The park has a playground with a wooden pirate ship for kids, and a really nice pool. It was crystal clear," reports a visitor who stayed with their children.
Tent site selection: For tent camping families, proximity to bathhouses matters. At Big Ridge State Park, a camper advises: "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Clinton-Knoxville North KOA, full hookup sites have convenient placement. "The sites were tight but had full hook ups. Staff is super friendly and guided us into our pull-through site," notes a camper who stopped for one night while traveling. The campground has 37 RV sites, making reservations essential during peak season.
Road clearance: Access roads at some campgrounds can present challenges for larger rigs. At Big Ridge State Park, a camper noted: "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."
Winter camping considerations: Several campgrounds remain open year-round with varying levels of service. "We stayed in the A loop, site 26, for one night in early December. The ranger was very friendly when we checked in... The restroom/showers were just up a little hill from this site and were very clean, heated and with plenty of hot water," reports a winter camper at Cove Lake State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Heiskell, TN?
What camping is available near Heiskell, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Heiskell, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 339 campgrounds and RV parks near Heiskell, TN and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Heiskell, TN?
Which is the most popular campground near Heiskell, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Heiskell, TN is West Campground — Norris Dam State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 29 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Heiskell, TN?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Heiskell, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Heiskell, TN.
What parks are near Heiskell, TN?
What parks are near Heiskell, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 parks near Heiskell, TN that allow camping, notably Cumberland Gap National Historic Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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