61 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Lenoir City, Tennessee range from forest service sites to primitive lakeside spots, with several options within a 30-mile radius. Rock Creek Campground in the Obed Wild and Scenic River area offers tent-specific sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern poles, while TVA Public Land at Fork Bend provides free dispersed camping along Norris Lake for those seeking more solitude.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Rock Creek's 11 tent-only sites include bearproof food lockers and fire rings with grills, but no potable water or electricity. Sites typically have dirt or grass tent pads with varying levels of shade. Access roads to more remote tent areas like Lost Creek Campground require higher-clearance vehicles, with one camper noting "you must traverse a well-maintained gravel road for 7 miles" to reach the campground. Vault toilets are available at most established tent sites, though primitive areas like Fork Bend have no facilities whatsoever.
The tent camping near Lenoir City offers excellent water access, with many campsites sitting alongside creeks or lakes and providing opportunities for fishing, wading, and swimming during warmer months. Windrock Ridge Campground features wooded tent sites that provide space and privacy, though some visitors mention increased noise from off-road vehicle traffic in the evenings. Areas farther from town offer deeper seclusion, particularly at primitive tent sites. According to one visitor, "If you want to get away from people, Fork Bend is for you. It's a heavily wooded forest surrounded by Norris Lake, which is known for being the best lake around the area." Tent campers should be prepared for varying levels of privacy, as some established campgrounds have sites positioned quite close together.
"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"
"This spot is kid and tent friendly with a boat ramp and beautiful small lake with lots of fishing opportunities."
"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."
"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
Check Availability"The campsites have a fire ring, picnic bench, and lantern pole. Each campsite has their little parking space except site 9, 10, and 11."
"It's a primitive campground with 11 sites for tents only. RVs are not allowed. There is a restroom for campers with pit style toilets."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"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)."
"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
Check Availability"The state park/campground adjoins the Cherokee National Forest and sits on the north bank of the Hiwassee River outside of Benton, TN."
"Very nice campground with large tent sites with fairly level ground capable of sitting 2 or 3 tents. Most have mature trees to hang hammocks. Very quiet during weekdays."
"I recently learned that TVA land is free to camp on, so I sought out some close to me and found Fork Bend. If you want to get away from people, this place is for you."
"Disclaimer: I pack heat whenever I am alone.)
The site was pretty much shaded by the forest canopy throughout the day, with full sun toward the edge of the water."
"We were limited on site selection with our rooftop tent, and I saw a couple teardrop campers, but you can’t take anything larger."
"Big bundles of good firewood. Wifi only at the brewery area which is perfectly fine for my camping style. They even had a band Friday night. I’ll definitely be back."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"All secluded and away from overpopulated areas. Bring your fishing pole!"
"Plenty of trails, swimming and fishing!!"
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.
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!
GuideThis is one of several USFS campgrounds that are within a few miles of each other. The cost is only $8/night, first come first served. The sites are fairly large with about half of them on a wide, clear creek. There is no running water, but there are bear proof trash cans and vault toilets that were fairly clean, but didn't smell great.
There is free potable water and an RV dump station about a mile away at the North River Game Checking Station on River Road near the Spivey Cove campground..
The campsite was clean with picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern post. The fire ring was almost full of ashes and it appears that campers have to clean them out themselves.
The Green Cove Angler store is a couple miles away and has ice, firewood and other camper things.
Unfortunately, while we were there, it was bear hunting season and another camper had multiple barking and baying dogs that went on and on for hours.
TravelerThis worked well for us while we were visiting Dollywood in our trailer, but we wouldn't stay here if we had been in a different type of site. Cons: Unless you have a site up against the river or on patriot park, you are packed in VERY TIGHT with other people, sometimes with your sliders only a foot or two away from your neighbor's sliders. We were in a site that was "on patriot park", but the few first sites of that type are really just behind the trolley parking lot and pick up with a path behind you (including ours). People are on the other side of the fence walking about two feet behind you all day and pretty late in to the night. Pros: There are lot of trees and campground is very pretty. Super close to Dollywood and other Pigeon Forge points of interest.
ScoutCalled 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.
ScoutThis 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.
GuideThis is a beautiful campground but is unfortunately permanently closed. It's sad.
GuideThis 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!
Tent campsites near Lenoir City, Tennessee range from lakefront primitive sites to forested campgrounds with basic amenities. Most locations sit at elevations between 800-1,200 feet, creating moderate temperatures that average 75-85°F in summer and 40-50°F in winter. The area receives approximately 50 inches of annual rainfall, making many campgrounds accessible year-round with proper preparation.
Fishing access: Rock Creek Campground features easy access to the Emory River, popular for trout fishing. "Really nice and quiet camping," notes Steven S., who found the campground's proximity to fishing spots convenient.
Water activities: At Poland Creek, visitors can enjoy boating and swimming. "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," according to Corey T.
Hiking options: The Cumberland Trail connects to Rock Creek Campground, offering multi-day hiking options. "Good 14+ mile hike to great swimming at Devil's Breakfast Table," says Jay B., highlighting one popular destination accessible from the campground.
Rock climbing: For adventure seekers, Lilly Pad Campground serves as a base for local climbing. "Wonderful climbing spots only a short jot away. My favorite spots are along the bluff," explains Tyler J.
Stargazing: The dark skies at Rock Creek provide excellent night viewing. "This is a dark sky park, a neat thing to experience," says Larry, who visited specifically for stargazing opportunities.
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive, many campers appreciate well-maintained facilities. "Manager was very kind, bathrooms were super clean, campsites were nice and spacious," notes Cody G. about his stay at Poland Creek.
Water proximity: Many sites offer direct water access. "We put our tents near the water. It was very peaceful and perfect for the dogs to swim," writes Katrin M. about camping at Burnt Mill Bridge Loop.
Wildlife viewing: The natural surroundings provide opportunities to observe local fauna. "Clear, clean water abounds here. TWRA stocks plenty of trout Feb-early Sept," mentions Todd R. about Double Camp/Citico Creek, highlighting the active wildlife management in the area.
Privacy options: Many campsites offer seclusion for those seeking quiet. "The wooded tent sites where perfect not all are level so ask to drive through and preview avails before booking," advises Stoked C. about Windrock Ridge Campground.
Affordability: Free or low-cost camping is available throughout the region. "We paid $18 for the site and it was great. I had full access to all the amenities at a fraction of the $30 charged for electricity," explains Crystal C. about her camping experience at Poland Creek.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences seasonal weather changes requiring different gear. "Bring extra shoes because the trails cross creeks and streams!" advises Natalie A. from her experience at Rock Creek.
Road conditions: Many campsites require traveling on unpaved roads. "The road back is a gravel/dirt road a few miles into the woods. Although bumpy 4x4 isn't necessary as we were able to get our 85 GMC van back here," notes Logan W. about TVA Public Land- Fork Bend.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically between sites. "Cell service with Verizon very poor only 1 bar ok to make phone call but unable to send pics or text," reports Andy K. about Fork Bend, while other campgrounds maintain reliable service.
Bug protection: Insect activity can be heavy, especially near water. "The mosquitoes were BAD. I sprayed down in deet multiple times and still had at least a dozen bites," warns Holly about her experience at Lilly Pad Campground.
Trail difficulty: Some hiking trails present significant challenges. "The terrain is ROUGH! Especially with a pack. There are ladders, stairs, scrambling, rocks, and steep terrain," cautions Lori H. about the Burnt Mill Bridge Loop area.
Kid-friendly swimming: Look for gentle water access points. "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!" writes Nia M. about Poland Creek.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities. "There is a recreational facility which can be used for day use as well. There is a playground as well as a water area where you can launch a boat," mentions Crystal C. about her family-friendly camping experience.
Noise considerations: Some areas experience increased activity during peak times. "Super friendly dude. They are just getting their campgrounds back up and going. They had a great selection of beer, food, and even homemade ice cream," reports Holly about the family-appropriate amenities at Lilly Pad Campground.
Safety features: Bear-proof storage is available at some locations. "Each site has a picnic table, lantern hook, bearproof food locker, fire ring with grill, and a tent pad. Bearproof trashcans are located throughout the campground," explains a visitor to Rock Creek.
Site accessibility: Many primitive sites accommodate small RVs but not larger rigs. "Nice sites on the lake with a boat ramp but almost no trees," notes Cal L. about Windrock Ridge Campground, indicating the open sites suitable for small campers.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at many sites. "Site 26 is good for rooftop tent camping. Shade in afternoon and plenty of room for additional vehicles," advises Brian about Windrock Ridge, noting one of the few level sites.
Navigation difficulties: GPS coordinates sometimes lead to incorrect locations. "Do not camp here. The gps coordinates lead you to the wrong campground. If you never been to windrock before, this place is impossible to find," warns benjamin B. about navigation challenges.
Fire ring features: Some sites include cooking amenities. "Fire ring has a movable grate that is good to cook on," mentions Brian about the RV-friendly features at Windrock Ridge Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lenoir City, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lenoir City, TN is Frozen Head State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lenoir City, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 61 tent camping locations near Lenoir City, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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