Dandridge sits along Douglas Lake at an elevation of 1,004 feet, surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains and French Broad River. The area gets annual rainfall of 45 inches with summer temperatures averaging 85°F. Many campgrounds open March through October with limited winter facilities, while some provide year-round access for tent and RV camping alongside specialty accommodations like yurts.
What to do
Hiking near campgrounds: At Elkmont Campground, access multiple trailheads directly from your site. "There's a nice little fenced in dog area. Our site had some trash on it and the road noise was loud, but for just an overnight it was adequate," notes a visitor at nearby Newport KOA.
Wildlife viewing: The Cades Cove area offers some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities. "The scenic drive increases congestion and traffic. Camp store is near campsites. Also a ranger station. Several hiking trails are accessible from campground," reports a camper who visited recently.
Tubing and water activities: Triple Creek Campground provides river access for summer fun. "Lots of places for the kids to float down on intertubes. The owners and staff are so kind, they make you feel at home," shares one visitor who enjoyed the water features.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Douglas Lake offers prime waterfront camping at Lakeside Getaway on Douglas. "The hosts were really great and what they've done with the campsite and what they are working on is amazing. The views of the lake were amazing. There is a sitting area and a dock with paddle sport launches," a visitor noted about this newer property.
Bathroom facilities: Clean restrooms rank high on camper priorities. At Greenbrier Campground, one camper mentioned, "When you're camping in a tent, that's is a big plus," referring to their amazing bathrooms. Another camper pointed out, "The bath house appeared to be newer, and will trump your home facilities in many cases!"
Proximity to attractions: Many campers value the strategic location near both natural and tourist destinations. "Campground is very well maintained. Our group was in tents, campers and the only cabin on property. The tent sites are a little tight and fire pits in slightly odd places with proximity to the tent pads," explains a Triple Creek visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area have limited winter operations. Cades Cove Campground operates March to October, while others like River Plantation RV Resort remain open year-round.
Reservation requirements: Elkmont requires advance booking through recreation.gov, especially during peak seasons. "This early in the season (mid-April) the campground wasn't full, some of the loops were closed," notes one visitor.
Noise levels: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise from nearby roads. At Gateway to the Smokies, a visitor mentioned, "A quiet campground tucked in to the craziness of PF and GB," highlighting the balance of accessibility and peace.
Yurt options: Yurt camping near Dandridge, Tennessee has grown in popularity. Lakeside Getaway on Douglas offers "glamping tents and yurts" among their accommodations, making it one of the few places offering true yurt camping in the Dandridge area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature kid-friendly play areas. "Very kid friendly KOA. Was always very busy with comers and goers due to the area being touristy. Tent camping not the best idea if you want quiet," advises a visitor to the Pigeon Forge KOA.
Swimming opportunities: Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort provides swimming facilities for family enjoyment. "They have a swimming pool and outdoor activity center. They have special activities going on at different times to keep the little ones entertained," mentions one happy camper.
Educational experiences: Historical sites near campgrounds provide learning opportunities. "The campground is beautiful with rivers running through it. Is usually very crowed year round (especially during firefly season), but there is plenty of space between the campsites. Great hiking trails nearby," notes an Elkmont visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site sizes and accessibility: Gateway to the Smokies receives mixed reviews on site dimensions. "The only reason I left four and not five stars is because the spots are very close together," shares one RVer, while another mentions, "Newly cemented sites that require little to no leveling."
Hookup availability: River Plantation RV Resort provides full hookups, which many RVers appreciate. "The campground has a wonderful area and the history of the place is amazing," notes a visitor to the area.
Winter camping options: For those wanting to yurt camp in Dandridge during winter months, several resorts now operate year-round. "We stayed for a few nights between Christmas and New Years, and it was great! The bath house was clean (and warm!) it was cold, so we didn't get to use the playground, but the kids really wanted to use it!" reports a winter visitor to Gateway to the Smokies.
