3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent campsites near Maryville, Tennessee range from established sites to backcountry options in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Poland Creek offers lakeside tent camping with sites set on grassy terrain, while Camp Birdsong provides a dedicated tent platform and mini kitchen area. Several campgrounds in Cherokee National Forest and along Citico Creek provide primitive tent camping experiences within an hour's drive of Maryville, giving tent campers multiple options without traveling to the more crowded Smoky Mountains destinations.
Most tent sites in this region require advance planning for water access. The Double Camp area along Citico Creek offers tent camping with clear, cold creek water but lacks modern amenities like showers or hookups. Walk-in tent sites at Young Branch Horse Camp feature picnic tables, vault toilets, and trash service, but no drinking water or showers. Backcountry tent camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park typically requires permits, with sites like Bote Mountain Campsite 18 accessible via short hikes from trailheads. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, particularly during dry summer and fall months.
The tent camping experience near Maryville benefits from the mountainous terrain and abundant waterways. Areas around Citico Creek provide secluded tent sites where campers can fish for trout and enjoy clear water access. Backcountry tent sites like Bote Mountain Campsite 18 offer creek-side camping with flat ground for tent setup and natural separation between sites. Higher-elevation walk-in tent sites provide cooler temperatures during summer months. A camper described Citico Creek's Double Camp area as having "clear, clean water" and noted that visitors should "leave your phone at home, you won't have a signal, broadcast radio barely makes it in." Many tent campers use these sites as base camps for exploring the extensive trail networks throughout the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests.
"This is a medium size campground which offers both RV and tent camping. There is a recreational facility which can be used for day use as well. Overall everything is grassy green and beautiful."
"This spot is kid and tent friendly with a boat ramp and beautiful small lake with lots of fishing opportunities."
"Camp Birdsong is here to provide an excellent spot to setup your tent, with a platform for a level setup, and a mini kitchen so that you can prepare some great meals while listening to the morning birds"
"Luv the fact it tells you about the camping space"
from $40 - $49 / night
"Cosby is a small town about a 45 minute easy drive from Gatlinburg. Heavily wooded, lends itself nicely to hammock camping."
"Most of the sites are better suited to tent campers, though a few of them are designated RV sites offering a back-in parking pad."
from $50 / night
"Great site & fairly easy hike in from Laurel Creek rd. Camp site is about .5 miles downhill from the Bote Mountain and West Prong Trail Head."
"I chose this campsite as the location of my first backcountry overnight experience, and I was not disappointed. Loved every minute of it. Short hike from your vehicle on Laurel Gap Rd."
"I rounded a turn and the trail turned rocky. Then the brush disappeared and the view off the side of the mountain was breathtaking."
"All secluded and away from overpopulated areas. Bring your fishing pole!"
"Plenty of trails, swimming and fishing!!"
"After checking it out and realizing we were unprepared to set up a tent in a gravel mud puddle we checked out frozen head's campground and it was so nice."
"There is a primitive tent area along a creek branch and there are some primitive hike-in areas) Tennessee seems to have a thing for larger rock pieces in their gravel on tent platforms... otherwise no"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when available"This spot is new, and the set up is awesome. Perched on top of a hill, the site has great sunrise views."
"This spot is new, and the set up is awesome. Perched on top of a hill, the site has great sunrise views."
from $75 - $175 / night
"Great campground with very friendly and helpful rangers. Was pretty empty the night we were there."
"The ranger was very friendly when we checked in. The site was a great site for winter camping, since the loop beside it was closed for the season (so there was only one neighbor)."
"Site 26 is good for rooftop tent camping. Shade in afternoon and plenty of room for additional vehicles. Fire ring has a movable grate that is good to cook on."
"I’m in a truck camper with a rooftop tent."
from $20 - $49 / night
LegendBeautiful campground with all the amenities. If you like rustic in the woods this is not your place, but they advertise what they are. Top dollar for top service and gorgeous sites. All the frills if that’s what you want. We love both. Lots of grass for dogs and good dog parks if that’s important.
TravelerNext door to trolley depot, and Old Mill heritage. Walking path along river. Walking distance to shops. Nice camping spots, clean showers and bathrooms. Lots of kids amenities, pool open most of the time.
GuideI'm excited about visiting this place and being secluded by all the greenery and enjoying the sound of silence… I heard it was a wonderful place to visit and stay!
TravelerWe have stayed here several times over the years. It's nothing fancy but it is on the creek, sites are level and spaced fairly good. Kids have a pretty good play area and like to feed the goats. Love the tubing access!
TravelerMy family and I stayed here for our first ever family trip since we’ve all been grown - 5 kids, 3 boyfriends/husbands, 2 parents, 1 dog, so much fun. My parents stayed in one of the rentable RVs and my mom booked the 2 campsites next to each other on the little “island” for the kids, which gave us awesome privacy. The running water was amazing to listen to at night. My biggest complaint is the road noise, it’s close to an occasionally busy road for that area. Big 18 wheelers and motorcyclists using the road at times. But the campsite itself was beautiful and had so much open sunshine. They had recently added a bathhouse with 2 toilets and a shower, which was great. I will be back here.
TravelerBeautiful spot in the smoky mountains. State park style amenities, no showers. No hookups. Very busy very open campground. Nice that some trails are walking distance from campground. I would not camp here again as I prefer more separation and privacy. No cell service. STARLINK is usable but obstructed with tree canopy
GuideDrove 5 hrs from our last campground to here for event Campground was very well maintained and liked the site. Wasn’t overly crazy about the event not a lot of vendors mainly jeeps went to a few local shops in town had a great lunch at the cookie dough monster.
ScoutI camped here with a friend last weekend and absolutely loved this place! It's a cute little site with a great host, clean bathrooms, free firewood, and super friendly dogs, goats, and people. I would for sure stay here again and recommend.
TravelerFantastic National Park! Elkmont is really nice but lacking in hookups and there are no showers. Hard to stay too long without power, water, sewer and showers. Still, an amazing site along the river!
Tent camping near Maryville, Tennessee offers multiple secluded options within Cherokee National Forest, where elevations range from 900 to 5,000 feet. Temperatures in this region can vary significantly between valleys and mountain campsites, with a typical 10-15°F difference during summer months. Most tent sites in the area require bringing your own water or filtering from creeks, as drinking water access is limited at primitive locations.
Trout fishing in cool streams: At Double Camp/Citico Creek, anglers can access stocked waters from February through early September. "TWRA stocks plenty of trout Feb-early Sept," notes camper Todd R. The creek's cold, clear water makes it ideal for fishing during warmer months.
Hiking nearby trails: Bote Mountain Campsite 18 offers quick access to West Prong Trail and connections to longer routes. "Great site & fairly easy hike in from Laurel Creek rd. Camp site is about .5 miles downhill from the Bote Mountain and West Prong Trail Head," explains Kristin M. This serves as an excellent starting point for day hikes.
Horseback riding access: Young Branch Horse Camp provides dedicated facilities for equestrian campers within an hour's drive of Maryville. "Located in between campsites 7&8, Young Branch is the more 'civilized' part of Citico Creek. There is a toilet, but no hookups," reports Zane P. The camp features approximately six different sites designed to accommodate horse trailers.
Secluded creek-side sites: Campers consistently praise Double Camp/Citico Creek for its isolation and water access. "Family oriented, clear & cold waters, beautiful views, peaceful thoughts, and convenient campsites. Great to visit with your friends and family," writes Tonya R. The sites offer direct creek access without overcrowding.
Less crowded Smokies experience: Cosby Campground provides a quieter alternative to more popular park destinations. "This location is a great choice for anyone who wants to visit GSMNP while avoiding some of the crowds. This campground rarely fills up, allowing for the opportunity to pick your site when you get there," explains Janine B.
Lake views at Poland Creek: The open, grassy terrain offers waterfront camping with boat access. "This campsite is perfect for anyone looking to get away from it all for a bit. With gorgeous lake views and a selection of sites that is impressive you will love it here!" says Nia M. Many campers appreciate the boat ramp for easy water access.
Digital disconnection: Most primitive tent sites have no cell service. At Double Camp/Citico Creek, camper Todd R. advises: "Leave your phone at home, you won't have a signal, broadcast radio barely makes it in." This creates a true unplugged camping experience.
Limited facilities: Young Branch Horse Camp offers basic amenities but lacks modern conveniences. "There is a toilet, but no hookups. About 6 different sites within the campground. Medium sized sites, but well taken care of," reports Zane P. Campers should bring all necessary supplies, including water.
Permit requirements: Backcountry sites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park require advance permits. For Mount LeConte Shelter, camper Amanda notes: "Primitive shelter with privy and water nearby, and bear cables. But, note that it's not free. You have to get a permit through the GSMNP website."
Lakeside options for kids: Poland Creek provides family-friendly tent sites with swimming access. "Poland creek is a quaint little spot with a tremendous friendly staff and laid back campers. This spot is kid and tent friendly with a boat ramp and beautiful small lake with lots of fishing opportunities," writes Corey T.
Educational ranger programs: Cosby Campground offers special activities for children. "On Fridays they have special Ranger programs. We were lucky enough to learn about moon-shining from guys on the moonshiner TV show. It was very interesting!" shares Janine B.
Glamping options: For families new to tent camping, GlampKnox provides a comfortable introduction. "The glamping tent is very high quality, with a covered porch, two comfy beds, and a wood-burning stove, so camping is possible year-round," notes Nate H. This allows children to experience camping with more comfortable sleeping arrangements.
Best tent-only alternatives: When RV sites are full, tent campers can find quieter options at Cosby Campground. "Much quieter than the other campgrounds in the park. Several wonderful hikes right out of the campground," recommends Molly K. This location works well for tent campers seeking less crowded alternatives.
Camping season awareness: Many campgrounds operate seasonally. At Camp Birdsong, visitors find "a platform for a level setup, and a mini kitchen so that you can prepare some great meals while listening to the morning birds sing," according to Jake C. Always verify seasonal availability before planning your trip to the best tent camping near Maryville, Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Maryville, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Maryville, TN is Poland Creek with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Maryville, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 83 tent camping locations near Maryville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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