Jackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Beautiful view on the water. Not very full, which was nice. I came for some quiet and privacy and while it worked, there were just some that were very social. Haha
227 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Harriman, Tennessee range from primitive dispersed camping to full-service RV resorts on nearby waterways. Caney Creek RV Resort & Marina provides year-round access with full hookups for RVs and tent sites along the waterfront, while Riley Creek offers a more seasonal camping experience from April through October. The Bi-Color Campground in Catoosa Wildlife Management Area offers free dispersed camping for those seeking a more primitive experience. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals or glamping options.
Camping areas around Harriman face seasonal limitations, with many developed sites operating primarily from spring through fall. Riley Creek, which operates April through October, represents the typical seasonal pattern for the region. Winter camping is limited to year-round facilities like Caney Creek RV Resort. Water access is a significant draw for many campgrounds, with lakefront sites being particularly popular. Cell coverage varies significantly, especially in more remote areas like the Catoosa WMA. Road access to dispersed sites may require careful navigation, as noted by one camper: "Dirt road in, washboard out was north to Rock Creek campground steep downhill grade narrow. My opinion not for 5th wheel. No cell for miles."
The mixed-use campgrounds near Harriman provide varying levels of amenities and natural settings. Water recreation stands out as a primary attraction, with several campgrounds offering direct lake or river access. Soaring Eagle Campground features lakefront sites popular with paddlers, though highway noise from nearby I-40 is mentioned in several reviews. More remote options like Bi-Color Campground offer greater solitude but fewer amenities. "This area is beautiful almost all times of the year! Plenty of wildlife and lots of shady areas," reported one visitor about Bi-Color Campground. Hunters frequently use the wildlife management areas during hunting seasons, particularly in fall, which can lead to increased campground occupancy during these periods. Summer remains the most popular season for water-based recreation at campgrounds throughout the area.
"The campground is in close proximity to many of the trailheads. There is a nice bathhouse, but all the sites are rustic (non electric)."
"It may be the loveliest campground in Tennessee. There’s only 20 spots, and they all seem to be shady and have trees between neighbors."
"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 Availability"Site 1 is open so a small pull behind can fit in parking area. Tents only on sites. Lots of shade. Toilet is vaulted, no water. Easy access to Obed River and trails."
"Bearproof trashcans are located throughout the campground. A section of the Cumberland Trail begins at the campground. The Emory River runs right alongside the campground with easy access."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"We were in a pop-up camper and had a lakefront site, which was awesome, except for the highway noise."
"The primitive tent sites are amazing, I didn’t give it 5 stars only because you can hear a little bit of road noise, as the campground is near the interstate."
"Gorgeous views of the lake, convenient hiking trail on property for our pups, sandy beach."
"They brought my firewood everyday and even took all the kids for rides on the golf cart around the campground. We had 8 kids with is so that took a few trips."
"Cumberland Mountain has a total of 145 campsites, spread across 5 loops, plus a backcountry site on an 8 mile backpacking trail."
"Great spacious site with beautiful scenery all around! There’s a lake and walking trails. Descent bathrooms. Water nearby and they sell firewood."
"Amenities are nice, there is a pool and pavilion, paved walking trails, shuffle board, basketball court, and boat docks and fishing pier. Our loop didn’t have cable but I believe the others do."
"Caney Creek is right off the highway and offers a lot to do. We only passed through the area but wished we were staying there for longer."
"There was no accessible water near by so make sure you bring your own provisions. Haven’t got to explore much around the area by hiking. Found a nice creek a few miles on down the road."
"Solid location for a night or a whole weekend. There are several porta potties available and the sites are spacious. This camp is perfect for the fam as it can accommodate RV sized vehicles."
"There is a road close by but not a major freeway. It’s one of the quieter KOA’s I have stayed at. Pool is small but very clean. The store is well stocked and you can get hand dipped ice cream."
"It does sit right next to Highway 70 into Crossville and can be noisy but it didn’t bother us. Each bathroom is a private toilet and shower, very clean, nicely tiled and plenty of hot water."
"Off roading, shooting range, mountain bike trails, atv rentals. Very close to town if needed. The serenity and peace we feel staying there makes us never want to leave."
"Great sites, cute cabins great location."
from $18 - $300 / night
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Beautiful view on the water. Not very full, which was nice. I came for some quiet and privacy and while it worked, there were just some that were very social. Haha
Called the day of to ask if we could camp and set up after hours for that day and the next the lady told me yes i could pay in the morning i got here set up that night woke up around 8 am to go pay and reserve my campsite for the day and she told me they were booked even though she had told me the day before she had plenty of campsites. Then tried to tell me the only one she had was a $75 site for 4 people which is absolutely insane. She made snarky remarks and was overall incompetent in making sure the guests receive the right information the first time. Absolutely zero care that we set up not even 12 hours before to make us take it down and leave.
Me and my cousin and my dog absolutely love staying here, we will be back. It has beautiful views from our campsite, and down a little trail to the quarry. It’s super clean and peaceful. Has a little bit of road noise, but honestly, I like a little bit of white noise
This was a very nice campground! The tent areas are partially gravel so it helped the area be less muddy after rain. Beautiful view of the river and would be a great place to fish! Bathrooms are very nice! Comes with a nice fire pit and didn’t have to use own grate! Pet friendly! Staff was very nice and helpful!
Only complaint was some of their quiet hours were confusing. The quiet hours on the email said 10pm to 7am but then sign posted at bathroom was 11pm-7am for quiet hours.
This is our number one favorite place to camp. We are from Knoxville, TN and if we are wanting to camp for the weekend but avoid the drive, this is where we come! Area 1 site 25 is our favorite and we are super excited to stay at 108 and 109 in the future. The campground is beautiful. Area 1 is shaded with plenty of trees around making it feel like you're in a little forest, and of course fall is wonderful. Some sites have sewer. I have T-mobile cell phone and I have 3 bars at 5g and my husband has xfinity and has 2 bars at 4G.
Love this campground!
It was such a great weekend getaway!! The bathrooms were nice and clean. We stayed in spot 20 and it was perfect! The staff were so kind and helpful. Overall great campsite
Loved the park. Waterfalls, hiking, nice campground, overall very nice stay. Turns were a little tight but made it okay. Dump station looks like it was designed by someone who’s never dumped an RV. The sewer spot was elevated (above my dump connection!), and required stupid tactics (fill hose, shut valve, dump hose contents, open valve, fill hose………).
Nice quiet campground. Big rig friendly. Long pull through sites. Very nice camp host. River along one side. Mostly open. A few shady spots. Great location for being just outside the National Park away from the busy cities.
Man, what a beautiful campground built in 1960s. We had the place to ourselves, right next to the creek. Rough terrain getting there but we have a ford Econoline that had no trouble. Hate I didn’t snag enough pictures.
Camping options in the Harriman area of Tennessee range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites, with several waterfront locations taking advantage of regional lakes and rivers. Caney Creek RV Resort & Marina offers full-service camping directly in Harriman with year-round availability for tents, RVs, and glamping setups. Just outside Harriman, Riley Creek Campground provides boat-in access and waterfront sites with both tent and RV accommodation options. The region also includes primitive camping at Bi-Color Campground in the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, which offers free dispersed camping primarily used by hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
Road access varies significantly between established and primitive camping areas near Harriman. Most developed campgrounds feature paved roads suitable for larger rigs, though some secondary access roads may require caution. Primitive sites at Bi-Color Campground require preparation for dirt roads that can become challenging during wet conditions. The camping season generally extends year-round at many developed sites, while some campgrounds like Riley Creek operate seasonally from April through October. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers and mild winters, though occasional snow and ice can affect winter camping. Cell service can be limited at more remote locations. A visitor to Bi-Color noted: "This area is beautiful almost all times of the year! Plenty of wildlife and lots of shady areas... There was no accessible water nearby so make sure you bring your own provisions."
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the Harriman area, with several campgrounds positioned along lakes and rivers. Soaring Eagle Campground, located near Lenoir City, offers lake access that campers frequently mention in reviews, though some note proximity to Interstate 40 creates highway noise. Visitors to Riley Creek consistently rate their experience highly, with one camper describing it as having "beautiful sunsets over the lake." The campground areas near Harriman provide varying levels of amenities - from the full-service hookups and facilities at Caney Creek RV Resort to the primitive experience at Bi-Color where campers must be entirely self-sufficient. During hunting seasons, particularly in November, primitive campgrounds become considerably busier as hunters utilize these public lands, which may affect the experience for recreational campers seeking solitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Harriman, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Harriman, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 227 campgrounds and RV parks near Harriman, TN and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Harriman, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Harriman, TN is Frozen Head State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Harriman, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Harriman, TN.
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