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Best Campgrounds near Maryville, TN

2,243 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Maryville, Tennessee (462)

    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

    123 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

    14 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 Camping Photos near Maryville, TN

886 Photos of 462 Maryville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Maryville, TN

2243 Reviews of 462 Maryville Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge

    Beautiful grounds if you feel like splurging

    It is an absolutely beautiful campground with an awesome club house and a ton to do. The pool and lazy river are heated. Honestly though you really need to want to splurge to justify staying here because you are still camping if that makes sense.

    Also the trolley “system” is super confusing and the front desk knows nothing about it lol

    Our site is great. It is right across the road from the playground without having to pay for a family site.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    East Campground - Norris Dam State Park

    Nice park but road is not that friendly

    Google maps and the website will tell you to take the 441 to get here but I recommend going down to the 61 and coming up that way as the road is quite a bit wider and not so steep and windy. The last mile or so into the campground is a pretty narrow road that when we were here was in bad shape with potholes. Note that some of the campsites have only 30 amp and some of the campsites have only 50 amp so when making a reservation don’t assume that a 50 amp campsite will also have 30 amp. They all did appear to 20 amp. There is a dump station available and a fairly nice bathroom and showers. Most of the spaces are fairly level and fairly easy to get into. 1-3 were quite short. Recommend popping down to the Clinch River Brewery for a beverage and possibly dinner. Also the Appalachian museum in Norris was pretty fascinating.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cades Cove Campground

    Quite, beautiful, weekend traffic

    This is one of the quietest campgrounds I’ve stayed at. Sites are nestled in the woods in a cove in the Smokies. No cell service. No internet. No cable tv. Just peace and quiet! This is a national park campgrounds, so no water, electric or hookups. There is a dump station and modern bathrooms. Cold water showers. There is a camp store with basics. There is a lot of traffic especially on weekends with visitors driving the scenic Cades Cove Loop Road.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Little River Campground & RV Resort

    Labor Day weekend

    Overall a positive experience. We stayed in the tent camping area. Absolutely beautiful site with a wonderful river view, but be aware that the direct river bank is considered common area including day use so it had a lot of traffic while we were there. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Being a holiday weekend it was very crowded and very noisy, including a few neighbors without regards to quiet hours. Overall the facilities including bath house are were very nice though I believe the large crowds caused issues with the crew being able to keep up with keeping them clean. The location is very convenient to Townsend and we rode bikes out to explore and get food in the evening. We would definitely go back just probably not on a holiday weekend.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mountaineer Campground

    Pleasant Stay

    Lovely campground on the river and close to amenities. Biking, hiking, tubing, swimming. My favorite experience here has been the pavilion prayer and fellowship on Sunday mornings hosted by Charm ministry volunteers. Very casual with lots of singing and great conversation in a very positive and welcoming atmosphere. The bathrooms and showers were kept very clean as well as the laundry and pool area. The camp hosts were very helpful and work hard to keep the above clean. The campground offers a 50% discount on a 28-day stay which I took advantage of. They allowed me to stay an extra 28 days due to my dog passing away so I could wait for his remains. They were very understanding, thoughtful and gracious during this sad time for me and I am very grateful to the management and hosts for the time, space and respect they extended to me July & August.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Panther Creek State Park Campground

    Panther creek camping

    I had a very cute camp spot up in the woods away from the road it was number 50 it was so cute and quieter than the rest of the spots. It also had two fire pits one up by the tent area and one down by the picnic table

  • Kc K.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    Amazing site! See note on hook-ups

    This campground is great. The hosts/camp store workers are so nice. This site is big and has easy walk-in access to water for swimming or fishing. **Only weird thing is the hookups are on the opposite side of the site. Take a 50 ft water hose and a 30 amp extension - ours was 50 ft but I think a 30 ft would work. **

  • Kc K.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Big Ridge State Park Campground

    Big level site

    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. 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.

  • A
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Triple Creek Campground

    Would recommend!

    It got only for stars because I can hear traffic from my campsite.
    I was next to a brook, under a paw paw tree. It was safe, very friendly. The bath and shower house were clean and very nice for tent camping! Laundry room, firewood delivery.

Guide to Maryville

Camping near Maryville, Tennessee, offers a great mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One camper mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground shared, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in nearby streams. A review from Cosby Campground noted, "There is a stream that runs through the back of the site that our kids loved."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. One reviewer at Elkmont Campground said, "The campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground remarked, "The bathrooms were amazing."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds often have activities for kids. A family at Anchor Down RV Resort enjoyed, "There is so much to do with the water activities and on-site."

What you should know:

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Cades Cove Campground noted, "Most sites are close."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service. A visitor at Cataloochee Campground mentioned, "There isn’t cell service, so be sure to plan your next move before you head in."
  • Bear Awareness: Some areas have bear activity. A camper at Frozen Head State Park Campground warned, "Watch for copperheads!!! There are lots at this park."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A parent at Greenbrier Campground said, "My young family of six were instantly impressed when we pulled in."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground suggested, "The nearby driving loop with trails is well worth the stay over."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and activities. A camper at Anchor Down RV Resort mentioned, "They have a little food truck if you want."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Cades Cove Campground noted, "Most sites are close together."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A camper at Smokemont Campground appreciated, "There is a clean dump station."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A visitor at Frozen Head State Park Campground advised, "The restrooms are heated and immaculate."

Camping around Maryville, TN, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there's something for everyone!

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.

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