Best Campgrounds near Maryville, TN

Campgrounds near Maryville, Tennessee are concentrated primarily in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with options ranging from developed sites to more rustic settings. The region includes established campgrounds like Cades Cove and Elkmont within the national park boundaries, plus commercial options like Little Arrow Outdoor Resort and Townsend-Great Smokies KOA in nearby Townsend. These areas accommodate diverse camping styles, with many sites supporting both tent and RV camping. Several locations also offer cabin accommodations and glamping options for those seeking more comfortable outdoor experiences.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability between April and October. Look Rock Campground, situated along the Foothills Parkway at 2,724 feet elevation, reopened in 2023 after a lengthy closure for restoration. "After a 9-year closure, Look Rock Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be welcoming visitors into this campground this spring," noted one reviewer. Road access to higher elevation sites can be challenging, with some campgrounds featuring steep switchbacks that may prove difficult for larger RVs or trailers. Bear activity is common throughout the region, yet some reviewers mention that even newly renovated campgrounds lack bear boxes at individual sites, making proper food storage essential.

Waterfront camping opportunities exist at several locations outside the national park, including Yarberry Campground on Tellico Lake and Melton Hill Dam Campground operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Public lands with water access receive consistently positive reviews, though amenities vary widely between locations. Campgrounds within the national park boundaries typically provide more rustic experiences with limited hookups, while private campgrounds offer additional conveniences like showers, electric hookups, and sewer connections. Several campground reviewers highlight the peaceful settings and scenic beauty, particularly at higher elevations where summer temperatures remain comfortable even when lower elevations experience heat. Access to hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly in Cades Cove, represent major draws for campers seeking nature experiences beyond their campsites.

Best Camping Sites Near Maryville, Tennessee (464)

    1. Cades Cove Campground

    98 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "You can easily bike through the loop, or drive. Nice spot to see wildlife as well. Cades Cove is well known for spotting bears, deer and turkey."

    "We camped in the middle of a hot sticky Tennessee summer and felt just fine in all of the shade."

    2. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    124 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."

    "We stayed 3 nights so we could hike the surrounding trails! Loved learning about the history of the area while checking out the old cabins."

    3. Abrams Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    24 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "We were in site 11, nice but next to a group site so a little louder than I like. There are trails near by but I was unable to experience. Bear boxes and trash bins. Centrally located water."

    "Way if they beaten path and reservations can ONLY be made online. No cell service no internet for at least ten miles away from camp.. absolutely gorgeous location and rangers keep it clean every day."

    4. Cades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    27 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $50 - $94 / night

    "There is a camp store with firewood (you are required to buy it from an authorized location!). Nice roomy campsites, but not as much plant cover as at Elkmont in my experience."

    "I wanted to see if there was a difference in the camping experience at the two locations."

    5. Look Rock Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    14 Reviews
    Maryville, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 436-1261

    $30 - $36 / night

    "There is a state campground near the base, but it was crowded and noisy. Unfortunately I've been informed this campground is no longer in operation, so sad."

    "This place has so many gorgeous camping spits and hiking trails! In the fall there is just so many different hues of oranges reds and yellows"

    6. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

    28 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-2241

    "The Lizard Lounge has a separate WiFi but you have to be inside or just outside to use it. Amazing river views and very close to the entrance of the National park."

    "Right next to the entrance to the Great Smokey mountains. Townsend is a lovely town for eating and lots of walking trails. It is a short drive into pigeon forge if you want more activities to do."

    7. Southlake RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Rockford, TN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 573-1837

    $28 - $38 / night

    "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."

    8. Yarberry Campground

    15 Reviews
    Lenoir City, TN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 986-3993

    "Yarberry Campground is a gated lakefront campground and day use area located on Tellico Lake, not far from the Fort Loudon Dam."

    "We rented a pontoon boat for four hours and had a great time exploring the lake. Highly recommend this campground if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the larger campgrounds."

    9. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

    22 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-6363

    $60 - $185 / night

    "It’s right outside one of the entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains and about 20 minutes from Cades Cove."

    "Close to Cades Cove and right at the entrance to Smokey Mountains National Park. Just cant say enough good things about it."

    10. Melton Hill Dam Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    29 Reviews
    Lenoir City, TN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 361-0436

    $18 - $31 / night

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Maryville, TN

2254 Reviews of 464 Maryville Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • B
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    beautiful and peaceful

    It was perfect weekend getaway, the camp ground wasn’t full, bathrooms clean, the camp ground was clean. The sites along the water were amazing, and the sites were level.

  • 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.

  • s
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground

    Worst experience ever

    Absolutely the worst advertised campground I’ve ever been to in my life. They stated it was“riverside” ummmm nooooo!!! It’s basically a big open field with absolutely no privacy or shade. Picture Woodstock. The“barely there stream of water” was covered by trees at the campsite and there was basically just a huge mound of dirt where they told us to set up. We asked for a different spot and they said they were full. We paid SIXTY SIX dollars for this tent camping experience on the river!! We asked for a refund and they refused(otherwise, I wouldn’t have left a review at all. They should have made it right.) We luckily found a beautiful spot at Deep Creek Campground otherwise we would have had to drive two hours home!!! Do.not.be.scammed.

  • 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).

  • Isabelle C.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indian Creek Campground

    Excellent Campground

    Indian Creek Campground in Cherokee, NC is a hidden gem. Nice hosts, clean facilities in the woods. We have a 25 ft pull behind camper and sites are big enough for slide-outs. Picknick table and campfire ring was on site. We had a 30 amp full hook-up site. Campground has tent sites, RV sites, cabins, clean bathhouse and is dog friendly.


Guide to Maryville

Camping near Maryville, Tennessee offers access to varied terrain ranging from lower-elevation lake sites at approximately 800 feet to higher mountain campgrounds at 2,724 feet in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The camping season in this region runs predominantly from March through October, with most campgrounds closed during winter months. Weather conditions vary significantly with elevation, creating microclimates that can differ by 10-15 degrees between valley and mountain sites.

What to do

Bike the Cades Cove loop: Visitors to Cades Cove Campground can rent bicycles for riding the scenic valley loop. "On certain days they close off the loop of Cades Cove for bicycles to be able to ride. At the store near the campground they rent bikes for a reasonable rate. We took the entire family on the loop bike ride. This was so much fun," notes Jeremy H.

Float the Little River: Many campgrounds in Townsend provide access to river activities. At Townsend-Great Smokies KOA, "The Little River runs behind it. Go tubing!!! So much fun," according to Cathy O. The gentle current makes this suitable for families with children.

Observe fireflies at Abrams Creek: During late May to early June, firefly viewing becomes a special attraction. At Abrams Creek Campground, "We stayed there during the peak of firefly season, and once the sun went down we walked down the short gravel road that leads to the parking lot for day-hikers. There is a meadow here where we watched fireflies for hours and it was MAGICAL!" shares Phoebe A.

What campers like

Historic structures: The Smokies contain well-preserved historic buildings accessible from various campgrounds. At Elkmont Campground, "One of the more intriguing areas to explore at Elkmont is the Daisy Town ghost town," notes ranger Jean C., who adds, "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."

Waterfront sites: Lake camping options provide different experiences than mountain sites. At Yarberry Campground, "Most sites are lakefront, and I believe all have a lake view. All have fire rings, picnic tables, and all I saw were pretty level. The sites are large and spaced out so you don't feel right on top of your neighbors," according to Lori H.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening wildlife sightings are common throughout the region. "This is a very unique spot in the smokies. I have never seen more black bear. It was a very safe distance we watched them about a football field away across a field pretty amazing experience," reports Ashley Y. about Cades Cove.

What you should know

Cellular connectivity limitations: Most campgrounds in and near the national park have limited or no cell service. At Abrams Creek Campground, "Make sure you make reservations BEFORE setting out there. Way off the beaten path and reservations can ONLY be made online. No cell service no internet for at least ten miles away from camp," warns Jay A.

Road noise at some sites: Despite natural settings, some campgrounds experience traffic noise. At Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, "There is a A LOT of road noise coming from the other side of the little river at all hours of the day and night. It was not exactly relaxing and peaceful with dozens of motorcycles going by at a time," reports Mrs B.

Shower availability: Many national park campgrounds lack shower facilities. "The bathrooms were clean but there were no showers in the campground. If you wanted to shower you would have to drive to one of the nearby towns that offered showers at one of the rv campgrounds," explains Michelle A. about Cades Cove.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection for play space: Families should consider campground layout when booking. At Cades Cove, "If you want nature, love community, and want someone for your kids to play with, this is perfect," suggests DrDavid P., highlighting the social aspect of this popular campground.

Amenities for children: Some private campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for children. At Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, "The playground is beautiful and the kids loved it. There is a community firepit with rocking chairs around it, and it looks like it came out of a Martha Stewart magazine," according to Jenny J., who also notes, "There is a coffee shop on site also, with a playroom for small kids."

Educational opportunities: Historic sites provide learning experiences for children. "Cade's Cove has a long paved road where you can see everything from deer, Bear, turkeys, and more. Go on the car tour loop and make sure to stop and look at the cabins and church. History at its finest," advises Buck R.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the mountainous terrain require leveling equipment. At Melton Hill Dam Campground, "The parking area is an asphalt slab and many have a slant to them and will require leveling," cautions Sara M.

Weekday arrivals recommended: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "During nice weather this place is very busy, even during the week," notes Crystal C. about Elkmont Campground.

Generator restrictions: Several campgrounds restrict generator use, requiring self-sufficient power systems. At Look Rock Campground, generators are permitted, while Abrams Creek Campground prohibits them, according to campground data. This distinction becomes important for RVers relying on powered equipment during their stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Maryville, TN?

Among the best campgrounds near Maryville is Big Meadow Family Campground, featuring pull-through sites that accommodate both big rigs and tents across from the Tennessee River, with convenient double sewer hookups at each site. For a more rustic experience, Cades Cove Campground offers a convenient base for exploring the famous Cades Cove loop, known for wildlife viewing including bears, deer, and turkey. The campground provides proper food storage facilities and serves as an excellent gateway to the natural beauty and historic structures of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, all within a reasonable drive from Maryville.

Where can I find riverside camping near Maryville, Tennessee?

For riverside camping near Maryville, check out Citico Creek Area, where you can camp right beside the creek with sites just across the gravel road from the water. Perfect for those who enjoy day hikes with easy water access. Another excellent option is Elkmont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can secure riverside sites that allow you to hang a hammock next to the flowing water while enjoying your morning coffee. Both locations offer the peaceful sounds of running water and are within reasonable driving distance from Maryville, making them perfect weekend getaways for nature lovers.

Are there family-friendly campgrounds with lake access near Maryville?

Families seeking lake access near Maryville should consider Anchor Down RV Resort, located on Douglas Lake with stunning Smoky Mountain views. This premier resort offers excellent fishing opportunities and is just a 30-minute drive from Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge attractions like Dollywood and Tennessee Smokies baseball games. Another great option is Horse Cove, a well-maintained National Forest campground about a mile from a boat launch. Both campgrounds provide the perfect combination of water recreation and nearby attractions that keep children entertained, making them ideal for family camping trips within driving distance of Maryville.