Camping options near Kodak, Tennessee extend beyond established campgrounds into surrounding natural areas within 30 minutes of town. The region sits at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,200 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between valley campsites and those at higher elevations. Winter camping is limited as most Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) campgrounds operate seasonally, though several private RV parks remain open year-round with heated facilities.
What to do
Fishing access: 24-hour options: Douglas Headwater Campground provides direct lake access with a large boat ramp. According to a visitor, "Great place to camp and be right on the water. Only downfall was only 1 shower in the bathhouse but bathrooms were clean and never too long of a wait for the shower" (Tammy F., Douglas Dam Headwater Campground).
Waterfront recreation: multiple options: Many campsites offer direct water access for swimming and wading. At Greenbrier Campground, "The swimming hole was a blessing durning the hot days! (Think ice bucket challenge). The tubing was fun for the older kids and adults" (Elizabeth B.).
Hiking trails: easy access: Elkmont Campground offers proximity to numerous trails within the national park. A camper notes, "Great hiking opportunities and close to Gatlinburg if you run out of supplies" (Charlotte B.). The Little River and Jakes Creek trails leave directly from the campground area.
Wildlife viewing: eagles and river wildlife: The Little Pigeon River provides habitat for diverse wildlife. At Duvall in the Smokies, visitors can "watch the eagles splash down in the river grabbing lunch" while using "a telescope so you can look at the eagles" (m M.).
What campers like
Private bathrooms: individual facilities: Several campgrounds feature individual bathroom units rather than traditional communal facilities. At Buddy Bear In The Smokies Campground, "Amenities are aptly located in the center of camp. A playground, bath house, laundry facility, game room... as well as campstore and volleyball and basketball courts make up the internal area" (Erin H.).
River sites: sound insulation: Riverside campsites offer natural white noise that masks other campground sounds. One camper at Douglas Tailwater Campground appreciated the peaceful environment: "Excellent Campground, quiet and slow. No Over the air TV reception, Cell service is spotty. Beautiful Place and a great place to relax" (Al B.).
Transportation options: trolley service: Some campgrounds offer public transportation connections. Camp Riverslanding provides "a trolley that stops in the campground to take you wherever you want to go" (Courtney T.), while Greenbrier Campground has "a Gatlinburg trolley stop on the grounds so makes day trips into the town easy!" (Richard C.).
What you should know
Seasonal closures: limited winter options: Most TVA campgrounds close during winter months. Douglas Dam Headwater Campground operates from "mid Apr to late Oct" while other campgrounds have varying seasons.
Water level changes: dam releases: Tailwater campgrounds experience water level fluctuations. At Elkmont Campground, visitors may observe these changes: "Woke up early enough to watch them release water from Douglas Dam" (Christopher L.).
Food storage requirements: bear safety: Bear-proof storage is mandatory in the region. At Elkmont, "It's bear country, so your food and toiletries need to be locked in a vehicle or hard-side camping unit; there are some food storage lockers provided for the walk-in sites" (Jean C.).
Varying site sizes: check before booking: Campsite sizes vary considerably between and within campgrounds. At Up the Creek RV Camp, "Sites are narrow and fairly close together, although they've done an excellent job of maintaining the heavy trees around the river and on the 'treelawn' area which separates each site" (Erin H.).
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Some campgrounds offer specific family amenities. A visitor to Dumplin Valley Farm RV Park noted, "We were expecting many people over the 4th of July holiday but were pleasantly surprised to have only a few other guests. Very soft green grass over the entire RV park. Plenty of room for pets to walk on lead" (Kerrie C.).
Check for river safety features: Water access varies in safety and supervision. One family noted at Up the Creek RV Camp, "My kids loved playing by the river. It's close to all the areas attractions but far enough where it feels like you are camping in the wilderness" (Brian P.).
Consider noise levels from attractions: Some campgrounds are affected by nearby attractions. Camp Riverslanding is "a block from the main drag in pigeon forge, but you feel much further away. A mountain river flows right beside the campground to give it a restful feeling. The only negative I notice is the noise from the go cart track" (Jim L.).
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements vary: Some campgrounds offer more level sites than others. At Anchor Down RV Resort, "Beautiful views from all campsites, level concrete pads for easy set up. Each site has plenty of room on both sides" (Sarah R.).
Full hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer full hookups, but with varying amp service. A visitor at Dumplin Valley Farm RV Park noted, "Sites were part gravel and easy to pull through. We were in a pull through with full hook ups" (Brenda L.).
Off-season advantages: Traveling outside peak season offers unique benefits. "We decided to take what we could get so we could try it out! Staff is very nice, park is clean and I'm sure in the summer it is bustling!" (Beth H.). A tip from this visitor: "Call and put your name on a waiting list for the dates you need. If they have cancellations, they call the people on the list instead of releasing the dates on the website!"
