Best Campgrounds near Dandridge, TN
The Dandridge area sits at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee, offering a range of camping experiences along Douglas Lake and nearby woodlands. Established campgrounds like Anchor Down RV Resort provide premium lakefront sites with full hookups, while Lakeside Getaway on Douglas offers more rustic tent camping opportunities with lake access. The region includes both privately managed resorts with extensive amenities and public campgrounds operated by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) at Douglas Dam Headwater and Tailwater areas, accommodating tent campers and RVs of various sizes.
Camping season typically runs from March through October at most developed sites, though some private campgrounds remain open year-round. Douglas Lake experiences significant water level fluctuations, with winter drawdowns affecting shoreline access at certain campgrounds. The TVA-managed sites require advance reservations during peak season, with most campgrounds filling quickly between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Amenities vary significantly between private and public sites, with most private resorts offering full hookups, shower facilities, and trash service. As one visitor noted, "The lake was drained for the winter months but still a great view. Staff was wonderful. Early check-in paperwork make check-in a breeze."
Water access dominates the camping experience around Dandridge, with lakefront sites commanding premium rates and booking months in advance. Douglas Lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating and swimming, with several campgrounds offering boat ramps or docks. While lakefront resorts tend to have closely spaced sites with limited privacy, they compensate with extensive amenities and well-maintained grounds. A reviewer described Anchor Down as "the cleanest, well-maintained, friendliest and most beautiful campground we have visited so far." Sites farther from the shoreline often provide more space and natural settings, though they lack the prime water views. Proximity to Interstate 40 makes Dandridge campgrounds convenient stopping points for travelers visiting the Smoky Mountains or passing through to other destinations.
