RV parks near Morristown, Tennessee provide convenient access to the Great Smoky Mountains and Douglas Lake with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,350 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and winter lows typically in the 30s. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though mountain roads can become challenging during winter precipitation events.
What to do
Douglas Lake fishing access: Forest Grove RV Resort maintains 200 RV sites within easy access to Douglas Lake fishing spots. "We loved our time here. Very clean with paved sites, pool, basketball and lake. Great place to spend a whole week," notes Jake W. about Anchor Down RV Resort, which offers lakeside camping with dedicated water activities.
Bluegrass events: The region hosts seasonal music events including the annual bluegrass festival at Dumplin Valley Farm RV Park. "We were just passing through and it was the perfect spot to stay the night. Would love to come back for their bluegrass festival," shares alex C. The festival typically runs for three days in September with tickets ranging from $30-125 depending on camping packages.
Local urban wilderness: Morristown campers can access Knoxville's outdoor areas within 30 minutes. "Close to Pigeon Forge. Close to Great Smoky Mountains. Very friendly hosts that keep the park in excellent condition," notes Warren J. about Up the Creek RV Camp. Nearby Panther Creek State Park offers 17 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
What campers like
Spacious premium sites: Many RV parks offer upgraded sites with added amenities. "Each site has plenty of room on both sides. The staff is friendly," states Sarah R. about Anchor Down RV Resort. Premium sites often feature custom fireplaces, larger concrete pads, and enhanced privacy for an additional $10-20 per night.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks highly in visitor feedback. "Bathrooms spotless. Great location on the trolley route (trolley stops right in the resort by the pool)," explains Gary T. about Riveredge RV Park. Most parks perform daily cleaning of common areas, with premium facilities offering individual shower rooms rather than communal setups.
Rural settings with conveniences: "We did an overnight stop at Dumplin as it was close to the interstate. It was very nice! Sites were part gravel and grassy. Without the hustle and bustle," describes Brenda L. Several campgrounds provide quiet rural settings while maintaining proximity to I-40 and I-81 corridors for easy access to services.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Operating schedules vary between campgrounds. "It is so hard to get a reservation here, so we decided to take what we could get so we could try it out! A tip to get reservations! 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!" advises Beth H. about camping at Anchor Down.
Site spacing considerations: Campgrounds differ significantly in how they configure spaces. "This park was awesome, beautiful views, rolling green grass, full hook up and partial hook ups for a decent fare," reports Ed C. about Mountain Ranch RV Park. Travelers should verify actual site dimensions before booking, especially for larger RVs with multiple slides.
Communication systems: Reservation procedures vary between parks. "There are 3 reasons/experiences we will never return. There is a couple who camphost (fulltime RVers), and another couple who are the owners who live in a house on property. Generally speaking- if you obtain permission for something from the camp host, you can reasonably expect that you have obtained the proper permission," shares Laura H. about their experience at Dumplin Valley Farm RV Park, highlighting the importance of confirming arrangements directly with ownership.
Tips for camping with families
Water features: Multiple RV parks offer water recreation options for families. "We loved staying here. It is so well done. Each site is clean and roomy with private fire pit. The premium sites have custom fireplaces and the views are gorgeous. I imagine it's lots of fun in the summer with the lake and the private beach," mentions Betheny about Anchor Down RV Resort. Water access points are typically open May through September.
Playground options: Family-friendly amenities vary between parks. "Perfect location between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Bath house was beautiful and clean. Will stay here again," reports Lisa M. about Riveredge RV Park. Facilities with dedicated children's areas typically charge $5-10 more per night than basic parks.
Indoor activity spaces: Weather-protected entertainment areas provide backup options during rain. "My first time there and I am a newby so wasn't sure what to expect. Since it rain the entire time it's hard to give a detailed review," shares Louise B. about her stay at Riveredge RV Park, which maintains indoor arcade spaces for rainy days.
Tips from RVers
Level site availability: RV-specific considerations include pad construction and leveling requirements. "Location was great, right on the river bank, gorgeous views. Very clean and beautifully landscaped!" reports Linda about Two Rivers Landing RV Resort, which features concrete pads throughout the facility. Most parks in the region use crushed gravel for drainage, which can require additional leveling blocks.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping experiences throughout the year. "The sites are level. No grass to worry about rocks hitting a window when they mow. Campground is super clean, they pick up the trash for guests," explains Jay L. about Forest Grove RV Resort, highlighting the maintenance practices common during growing season.
Off-peak advantages: Visiting during non-peak periods offers multiple benefits. "We picked the wrong time to go to PF/Gatlinberg. It was way too touristy for us. Campsites were small/tight. Staff was extremely nice," advises Ashley W. about her experience at Creekside RV Park. September through November weekdays typically offer better availability and reduced rates at most RV parks around Morristown.
