Camping opportunities near Farragut, Tennessee range from water-adjacent sites at lower elevations to higher-terrain options within a 30-mile radius. The area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers often exceeding 90°F and mild winters where temperatures rarely drop below freezing. Spring brings significant rainfall, making waterproof gear essential during March and April campouts.
What to Do
Creek fishing access: At Melton Hill Dam Campground, shoreline anglers have multiple spots to cast from. The campground is situated on Melton Hill Reservoir where both bank and boat fishing are popular. As Joy A. notes, there's "easy access to swimming and fishing and full hook up sites if you want them."
Bicycle rentals: During summer months, Cades Cove Campground offers on-site bike rentals for a reasonable fee. The scenic loop drive closes periodically to motor vehicles exclusively for cyclists. One visitor shared, "At the store near the campground they rent bikes for a reasonable rate. We took the entire family on the loop bike ride. This was so much fun."
Historical exploration: The abandoned vacation community at Elkmont Campground provides a glimpse into early 20th century Appalachian resort life. Follow the road toward Little River and Jakes Creek trails to find the "Daisy Town ghost town" with its collection of historic cottages and cabins. Some structures are open for exploration while others are being renovated.
What Campers Like
Lakefront tent sites: At Soaring Eagle Campground, primitive tent campers enjoy dedicated water-access sites. One camper remarked, "The primitive tent sites are amazing... We took our rooftop tent and had a perfect corner spot next to the creek. Plenty of room on each site for tent camping."
Clean bath facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained facilities at Frozen Head State Park Campground. A recent visitor noted, "Bathhouse is beautiful with cedar stalls... Grounds are well maintained without taking away from the natural beauty." The campground offers showers and flush toilets despite its more rustic setting.
Limited connectivity: Many campers appreciate the digital detox aspect of camping in the region. A visitor to Frozen Head State Park mentioned, "There is no wifi and no cell phone reception," which forces a true separation from everyday life. This characteristic is common in several campgrounds throughout the area, particularly those at higher elevations.
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, particularly during peak season (May-October). For popular sites like Yarberry Campground, one visitor advised: "I highly recommend booking your spots very early, as it can be difficult to get a spot during the warmer months."
Seasonal weather patterns: Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter camping is possible but requires proper cold-weather gear. Spring brings frequent rainfall, especially March through May. Fall offers the most comfortable camping weather but also the highest demand.
Highway proximity impacts: Several campgrounds in the area experience road noise due to proximity to major highways. At Southlake RV Park, a visitor noted, "The tent spots towards the point are apparently very close to the hwy and morning commute traffic was pretty loud. It is probably not near as loud on the weekends."
Tips for Camping with Families
Water recreation options: Yarberry Campground offers multiple family-friendly water activities. As one visitor described, "There was a small beach area, basketball court and beach volleyball court. We rented a pontoon boat for four hours and had a great time exploring the lake."
Junior Ranger programs: Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds (including Elkmont and Cades Cove) offer ranger-led programs for children during summer months. These typically include nature walks, wildlife talks, and educational activities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning and evening drives through Cades Cove often reward families with wildlife sightings. One camper shared, "This is a very unique spot in the smokies. I have never seen more black bear. It was a very safe distance we watched them about a football field away across a field pretty amazing experience."
Tips from RVers
Limited large rig capacity: Many campgrounds in the area have size restrictions or limited sites for larger RVs. Melton Hill Dam Campground accommodates larger vehicles but reservation staff should be consulted about specific site dimensions before booking.
Leveling challenges: Several campgrounds feature sloped sites requiring significant leveling. One RVer at Melton Hill described, "The parking area is an asphalt slab and many have a slant to them and will require leveling. The picnic tables and grills for our area were up a set of stairs above the RV."
Hookup variations: Electric service varies significantly between campgrounds. While Yarberry Campground offers full hookups with 50-amp service, others like Elkmont have no hookups at all. Research specific utility offerings when planning longer stays.
