Best Campgrounds near Lake City, TN

Camping areas around Lake City, Tennessee include a mix of state park facilities, family campgrounds, and public lands. Norris Dam State Park provides the largest developed options with both East and West campgrounds offering tent and RV sites, plus cabin accommodations. Many campground options span between Lake City and the surrounding communities of Andersonville, Caryville, and Heiskell, including the Loyston Point Campground situated along Norris Lake and TVA public lands offering more primitive experiences. Commercial facilities like Clinton-Knoxville North KOA and Volunteer Park Family Campground provide additional full-hookup camping with amenities for travelers seeking convenience.

Seasonal considerations influence campground availability throughout the region, with most state park facilities maintaining year-round operations while others like Loyston Point operate from March through October. The approach roads to some campgrounds feature steep grades and winding routes that can challenge larger RVs and trailers. Site selection requires attention to vehicle size, as many reviews indicate limitations for bigger rigs. The West Campground at Norris Dam features sites arranged in inner and outer loops, with outer sites generally accommodating smaller campers under 20 feet, while inner sites can handle units up to 30 feet. One visitor noted, "Sites are big, playground closely is very new. Bath houses clean. No sewer hook up for our site but has dump station closeby. We have a 44ft pull behind so the roads getting here were a bit nerve racking but doable."

Waterfront access and mountain views rank among the most mentioned features in camper reviews. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to showers and restrooms. Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and hiking trails that connect directly to camping areas. The primitive sites at TVA public lands near Fork Bend offer free camping options with minimal facilities but maintain high ratings from visitors seeking more natural settings. Campgrounds in the region typically fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays, especially those with water access. Public lands and state park backcountry sites often provide more seclusion but fewer amenities. A camper at Norris Dam State Park remarked, "We stayed at the east campsite, on one of the primitive sites. The site was level, and the picnic bench and fire ring were useful. There is plenty of room for your tent and parking."

Best Camping Sites Near Lake City, Tennessee (288)

    1. West Campground — Norris Dam State Park

    29 Reviews
    Lake City, TN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 425-4500

    "We stayed at the main area but not much space or privacy so we put up a tent out side our door, but then moved to the tent camping site area the second night which was more secluded and private, but still"

    "There is a lake, so naturally that means there is boating, jet skiing, canoeing and of course fishing."

    2. Cove Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    La Follette, TN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 566-9701

    $25 - $55 / night

    "Great location just off I75, close to easy shopping (Walmart), Urgent Care facility just minutes away, nice BBQ place right in the park, local eatery’s just up the way (less than 2 miles)."

    "Our site is nice and right on the lake but it’s a little odd the way the sites are. Our neighbors site is next to us but there table and fire pit are behind our rig."

    3. Loyston Point Campground

    18 Reviews
    Andersonville, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 494-9369

    "The staff is warm and helpful, it’s incredibly clean, and the surroundings really allow you to feel the love of East Tennessee’s beauty."

    "Stayed at a premium lakeshore site on Norris Lake. Advertised as a pull through, but that must be for travel trailers, as I have an RV."

    4. Big Ridge State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Maynardville, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 992-5523

    $8 - $100 / night

    "I’ve stayed at this site a couple times now and I love the location. The site is a short and easy hike (under 2 miles) from the parking lot via the Lake Trail to the Dark Hollow Trail."

    "Close to the bathhouse and a quick walk to the entrance to get to the store, swim area, etc."

    5. TVA Public Land- Fork Bend

    11 Reviews
    La Follette, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 632-2101

    "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."

    "Locals do roll through on their ATVs/off roading vehicles, but no one ever fired any weapon systems while I was there."

    6. Volunteer Park Family Campground

    13 Reviews
    Heiskell, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 938-6600

    $30 - $65 / night

    "Bathrooms and Showers with hot water. 20 minutes outside Knoxville and extremely quiet."

    "The campsite is nestled in trees and conveniently located to the Knoxville area. They have a small store for small forgotten items as well as a place to fill propane."

    7. Frozen Head State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Petros, TN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 346-3318

    "The campground is in close proximity to many of the trailheads. There is a nice bathhouse, but all the sites are rustic (non electric)."

    "It may be the loveliest campground in Tennessee. There’s only 20 spots, and they all seem to be shady and have trees between neighbors."

    8. Clinton-Knoxville North KOA

    6 Reviews
    Norris, TN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 494-9386

    "When passing through this area going to the Smoky Mountains I made a pit stop in Clinton, TN, just a few short miles away from one of the entrances to Smoky Mountain National Park."

    "A great stop right off the highway. Super nice staff, easy in and out (make sure you pay attention to the left turn in past the gas station). Not the roomiest of sites, but fine for what we needed."

    9. Escapees Raccoon Valley RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Heiskell, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 947-9776

    $23 - $30 / night

    "Easy access to the highway."

    10. Knoxville Campground

    3 Reviews
    Norris, TN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 342-1111

    $55 - $115 / night

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Recent Reviews near Lake City, TN

1442 Reviews of 288 Lake City Campgrounds


  • Geo M.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Black House Mountain Campground

    Good little camp ground

    This is a small isolated little camp ground. Very well maintain. Wifi is great. Small cabins and rv spaces.

  • Laur H.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Clabough's Campground

    Good for families

    Our stay was good. It was our first time camping in Pigeon Forge, we usually stay closer to Nashville in state parks. The campsites are extremely close together - everyone is packed in like sardines. We knew it would be tight from when we looked at the map when booking but whew - if you don’t know your neighbors, you will! This seems par for the course in the area. The location here compared to attractions in PF was so convenient it made it worth it.

    We really appreciated the amenities - the bath house was super clean and the laundry room was nice. We loved that the campground picks up trash daily. There was an issue with the sewer in the area where we were and the campground was quick to resolve it. We also appreciated having campground staff escort us to our site so we did not have to wander with a map.

    The playground is big and nice, and my nephew loved the bouncy pillow. The pool and lazy river looked really neat but we didn’t have swim gear with us since it’s fall, although we saw some people swimming so maybe it is heated?

    On the other hand - The staff does not answer any email inquiries, apparently. The cancellation policy is really awfully strict. We didn’t necessarily feel super welcomed at check in.

    There seem to be a LOT of long-term/permanent residents here. That always makes me uncomfortable since I feel like I’m in other peoples space, but no one was unfriendly. It did seem like the rules (which I read carefully prior to arrival) are selectively applied.

    Overall it was a good trip and we wouldn’t be opposed to staying here again, but this definitely isn’t our preferred type of campground.

  • 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.

  • S
    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.

  • 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.

  • Gary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Douglas Tailwater Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    Great Location

    Nice campground near river and dam. Had three pup tents for overnight motorcycle stay. Bridge nearby is a bit noisy if that bothers you. Decent rest rooms. Camp host was very friendly! Half hour to Gatlinburg and Dolly Wood.

  • Gary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    Way overpriced for tent camping

    Three of us on motorcycles with pup tents were going to be charged for three tent sites at $141 each per night . We laughed and left. Hotels were charging less than that. Being a KOA member didn’t make a difference.


Guide to Lake City

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

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful." This trail is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Smokies.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground shared, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds are near rivers or lakes. One camper at Greenbrier Campground noted, "The river ran close enough to our site that we didn't feel like we needed a premium spot."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review from Elkmont Campground states, "The campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A visitor at Anchor Down RV Resort said, "Bathrooms/showers are super clean, and plenty of room for your dog to have an equally good time."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. One family at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed the "bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, and a lazy river."

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have closely spaced sites. A camper at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "Most sites are close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
  • Bear Awareness: Be cautious about food storage. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground warned, "Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone! Doing so just irritates the bears."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A camper at Frozen Head State Park Campground noted, "No Verizon service at the campground but 1 bar at the visitor center."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. A parent at Greenbrier Campground said, "The campground had great amenities, really awesome service from the staff, and was a quiet mountain getaway."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and activities. A camper at Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "We were at spot 116, which was on a hill but wasn’t bad enough to bother us sleeping in the tent."
  • Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that offer some privacy. A camper at Bandy Creek Campground suggested, "Considering the walk-in sites are no more private than any other, I think my highest recommendation would be the B sites."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Anchor Down RV Resort said, "The sites are perfectly level concrete pads with easy-to-use amenities."
  • Use Amenities: Take advantage of campground amenities like laundry and stores. A camper at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground noted, "Clean and large laundry room with TV."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially in peak season. A visitor at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground mentioned, "It was completely sold out."

Camping near Lake City, Tennessee, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lake City, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake City, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 288 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake City, TN and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lake City, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake City, TN is West Campground — Norris Dam State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake City, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Lake City, TN.

What parks are near Lake City, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 parks near Lake City, TN that allow camping, notably Cumberland Gap National Historic Park and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.