Glamping and camping options near Bean Station, Tennessee center around the nearby waterways including Cherokee Lake, Douglas Lake, and the Clinch River. The region sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation and experiences a moderate climate with humid summers and mild winters. Proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains provides opportunities for scenic drives on days when weather conditions don't favor camping activities.
What to do
Explore historic ghost towns: Visitors to Elkmont Campground can walk to the Daisy Town ghost town area. "One of the more intriguing areas to explore at Elkmont is the Daisy Town ghost town. Once you've set up camp, walk or drive down the road toward the Little River and Jakes Creek trails. Follow the signs for additional parking and you'll find yourself at the end of a road lined with assorted cottages and cabins that used to be vacation homes," explains Jean C.
Visit the swimming hole: Take a dip in the swimming spot at Greenbrier Campground during summer months. "The swimming hole was a blessing durning the hot days! (Think ice bucket challenge). The tubing was fun for the older kids and adults," shares Elizabeth B. The campground offers this natural feature along with modern amenities like private bathrooms.
Fish alongside the campsite: Several campgrounds provide direct fishing access from individual sites. "The campground is surrounded by water and you can hear the creek from the site. They have a really nice bath house too. I love to fish and fishing is just a few steps away," notes Tommy R. about his experience at Greenbrier Campground. This ease of access means less time traveling to fishing spots and more time actually fishing.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: The sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience at Triple Creek Campground. "As u can guess from the name there are 3 creeks that all converge into one at the point. Since it is a rolling creek it makes such beautifully tranquil noise. I slept so good when it wasnt too hot to sleep with the windows open," describes Patti C. These water-adjacent sites provide both auditory relaxation and recreational opportunities.
Private bathroom facilities: Many campers appreciate the upgraded bathroom facilities at campgrounds near Bean Station. "The bath house is awesome with individual rooms equipped with toilet, sink and shower," notes Elizabeth B. about Triple Creek Campground. These private bathroom suites offer a more comfortable experience compared to traditional campground facilities.
Convenient lake access: Glamping close to Bean Station, Tennessee provides direct water access at Lakeside Getaway on Douglas. "The views of the lake were amazing. There is a sitting area and a dock with paddle sport launches," writes Richard T. The property features multiple water access points for different activities from fishing to paddling.
What you should know
Road noise impacts certain sites: Some waterfront sites have the trade-off of highway noise. "Despite it being on the lake, you will also hear almost constant road noise," noted one reviewer about some lakefront accommodations. Sites further from main roads generally provide a quieter experience.
Seasonal water levels: Water activities depend on seasonal rainfall amounts. "The water fluctuates with rainfall quite a bit, you can always hear it from your tent or RV," mentions a camper. Spring typically offers higher water levels while late summer may see reduced flow in creeks and rivers.
Local mud conditions: After rainfall, Tennessee clay soil creates challenging conditions. "The rain resulted in a very muddy area around the A-Frame and Tennessee mud is no joke. We accumulated about an inch of the thick gooey mud on our shoes," shared a visitor. Pack extra footwear and consider bringing a small outdoor rug for your tent entrance.
Backcountry navigation challenges: At Big Ridge State Park, maps can be confusing. "The trail maps don't have the sites clearly marked, and either the booking system, or the signage is incorrect, making is difficult to figure out how to get to your site," explains Lori H. Before hiking to backcountry sites, confirm directions at the ranger station.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Multiple options exist for children to enjoy water recreation. "There was a big field where kids could play, with a play set and many other things to keep them busy. Kids are welcome get wet and stroll down one of the creeks in tubes and there's plenty of shade," shares Tony M. about Triple Creek Campground.
Campground-organized activities: Some locations provide structured entertainment options. "They have activities planned lots on the weekend," notes D.S. about Baileyton KOA Holiday. Activities typically run spring through fall and include nature programs, craft sessions, and outdoor games.
Entertainment alternatives for rainy days: Indoor spaces provide backup options when weather doesn't cooperate. "Best kept secret was the free arcade room in AC with couches to boot," reveals Elizabeth B. about Triple Creek Campground. These indoor spaces can salvage a camping trip during periods of inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: Even within the same campground, site conditions differ significantly. "We stayed in a pull through site and it was not very level (we had planned to not even unhook from the truck but had too bc of this)," warns Beth H. about Baileyton KOA. Request specific sites when making reservations if levelness is a priority.
Narrow campground roads: Some campgrounds present navigation challenges for larger rigs. "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," cautions Kc K. about Big Ridge State Park Campground. Consider requesting pull-through sites when available.
Hookup locations and access: Hookup positioning impacts convenience. "There are water, sewer and electric hook ups, and even a cable hookup!" notes a reviewer about site amenities. When making reservations, ask about hookup access to ensure compatibility with your RV configuration.
