2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent camping opportunities surrounding Andersonville, Tennessee include both state-managed and public land sites. Norris Dam State Park offers backcountry tent sites with primitive amenities, while TVA Public Land at Fork Bend provides free dispersed camping along Norris Lake. Chuck Swan State Forest and North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area offer additional tent camping options within a short drive of Andersonville for those seeking more remote experiences.
Access to tent campsites varies significantly between locations. TVA Public Land at Fork Bend features dirt roads that may require high-clearance vehicles in wet conditions, though some visitors report making it in standard cars with careful driving. Most primitive tent setups lack facilities, with no toilets, running water, or trash service available. Campers should pack out all waste and bring sufficient water supplies. The Farmers Forest and some areas within Norris Dam State Park provide limited amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and occasionally vault toilets. A visitor remarked, "The road back is a gravel/dirt road a few miles into the woods. Although bumpy, 4x4 isn't necessary as we were able to get our 85 GMC van back here."
Waterfront campsites are abundant in this region, particularly along Norris Lake at Fork Bend. These lakeside tent campgrounds provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling directly from camp. Sites typically offer good spacing between campsites, especially in the more remote areas of Chuck Swan State Forest. Most tent camping areas maintain tree cover, providing natural shade during summer months. Weekend visitation increases noticeably, particularly at free camping areas which sometimes attract local recreational vehicles and occasional noise. A camper at Fork Bend noted, "If you want to get away from people, this place is for you. Fork Bend is a heavily wooded forest surrounded by Norris Lake, which is known for being the best lake around the area." Fall and spring typically offer the most comfortable tent camping conditions with reduced crowds compared to summer months.
"Great campground with very friendly and helpful rangers. Was pretty empty the night we were there."
"The ranger was very friendly when we checked in. The site was a great site for winter camping, since the loop beside it was closed for the season (so there was only one neighbor)."
"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."
"Disclaimer: I pack heat whenever I am alone.)
The site was pretty much shaded by the forest canopy throughout the day, with full sun toward the edge of the water."
"After checking it out and realizing we were unprepared to set up a tent in a gravel mud puddle we checked out frozen head's campground and it was so nice."
"There is a primitive tent area along a creek branch and there are some primitive hike-in areas) Tennessee seems to have a thing for larger rock pieces in their gravel on tent platforms... otherwise no"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when available"I just did an overnighter here but it was quiet, good space between spots,access to bathhouse and good fire rings. Nothing bad to say about it."
"If you like primitive camping out in the middle of nowhere with a view, this is a place for you! Chuck Swan State Forest is just that , a Forest, nothing more."
"Lots to explore here, beaches, hi clearance roads(Jeep roads), caves, old cemeteries, rocks to jump off into the lake,and an old fire tower you can climb for what I would expect is a great view."
from $90 - $100 / night
"My site was covered in dried mud, cigarette butts all over. They don't seem to clean the sites much. Showers/restrooms need better cleaning."
"Dog friendly, quiet and patrolled by state park rangers, and Jellico police. The picnic tables and fire rings are oddly placed at some campsites. Camp store was only open Sat & Sun."
Available this weekend
"Site 26 is good for rooftop tent camping. Shade in afternoon and plenty of room for additional vehicles. Fire ring has a movable grate that is good to cook on."
"I’m in a truck camper with a rooftop tent."
from $20 - $49 / night
"This spot is new, and the set up is awesome. Perched on top of a hill, the site has great sunrise views."
"This spot is new, and the set up is awesome. Perched on top of a hill, the site has great sunrise views."
from $75 - $175 / night
"We were in our rooftop tent, so we we’re looking to drive in and had several options. There were several fields you could rent camp in though."
"North Cumberland/Royal Blue is located a few miles off I-75, and is a good spot for outdoor recreation. This place is a bid draw for ATV’s, and from what I understand they ride up there year round."
TravelerBeautiful spot in the smoky mountains. State park style amenities, no showers. No hookups. Very busy very open campground. Nice that some trails are walking distance from campground. I would not camp here again as I prefer more separation and privacy. No cell service. STARLINK is usable but obstructed with tree canopy
GuideDrove 5 hrs from our last campground to here for event Campground was very well maintained and liked the site. Wasn’t overly crazy about the event not a lot of vendors mainly jeeps went to a few local shops in town had a great lunch at the cookie dough monster.
TravelerFantastic National Park! Elkmont is really nice but lacking in hookups and there are no showers. Hard to stay too long without power, water, sewer and showers. Still, an amazing site along the river!
TravelerThis worked well for us while we were visiting Dollywood in our trailer, but we wouldn't stay here if we had been in a different type of site. Cons: Unless you have a site up against the river or on patriot park, you are packed in VERY TIGHT with other people, sometimes with your sliders only a foot or two away from your neighbor's sliders. We were in a site that was "on patriot park", but the few first sites of that type are really just behind the trolley parking lot and pick up with a path behind you (including ours). People are on the other side of the fence walking about two feet behind you all day and pretty late in to the night. Pros: There are lot of trees and campground is very pretty. Super close to Dollywood and other Pigeon Forge points of interest.
ScoutMost of the camp sites on the Clifty side are small and right on top of each other, except one- T-49. T-49 is off by itself and its big and private. There is a trail head (12) right next to the site, which was great. Its about a 1.5 mile hike, moderately difficult. This site is also not too far from the bathrooms, which were very clean. You can fill up a water can in the bathroom. We have At&t and had no service at the camp site. Lastly, there is plenty of fire wood at the site if you're willing to process it. So long as it has not rained recently, no need to buy fire wood. 5 stars for sure!
ScoutThis was a very nice campground! The tent areas are partially gravel so it helped the area be less muddy after rain. Beautiful view of the river and would be a great place to fish! Bathrooms are very nice! Comes with a nice fire pit and didn’t have to use own grate! Pet friendly! Staff was very nice and helpful!
Only complaint was some of their quiet hours were confusing. The quiet hours on the email said 10pm to 7am but then sign posted at bathroom was 11pm-7am for quiet hours.
GuideWe really enjoyed our stay at Gateway RV Campground! After spending plenty of time on the road, it’s always nice to find somewhere you can park up, relax, and feel at home.
The campground has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere and was a great place to unwind.
One of the real bonuses is the trolley that stops right outside the campground office. What a fantastic convenience! It makes getting out and exploring the local area so much easier without having to pack everything up and take the RV. Such a simple touch, but one that makes a big difference when you’re traveling.
We’ve stayed at plenty of RV parks during our travels, and it’s often the little things that make a place stand out.
All in all, a very enjoyable stay, and we’d happily return if we’re passing through the area again. Definitely worth a stop!
TravelerI had a brain fart and screwed up our dates and needed just one night last minute. Their online booking won’t take reservations less than 24 hours in advance. Quick call and they had us a spot and even offered early check in if we wanted it.
I appreciated a table and chairs instead of a picnic table. We had a little shade. Hookups were middle of the pad… super easy.
Lots to do right in the park. Well maintained and good location. We will try to stay longer next time.
GuideWilderness rosd campground is awesome!! Beautiful area, with electric hookups and nice restroom and shower facilities. Smooth paved level sites and easy to find the site. We loved our stay here. They also have beautiful trails that are pet friendly. Will come back here again.
Tent campers near Andersonville, Tennessee have several primitive options along the shores of Norris Lake and within nearby forested areas. TVA Public Land at Fork Bend offers free primitive tent sites with waterfront access, while the North Cumberland WMA-Royal Blue Unit and Chuck Swan State Forest provide more secluded tent camping experiences in wooded settings. Backcountry tent sites are also available at Norris Dam State Park for hikers seeking established walk-in camping areas.
Most primitive tent sites around Andersonville require campers to bring all necessary supplies, as amenities are extremely limited. TVA Public Land at Fork Bend features multiple fire rings at established sites, but no drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Access to many areas requires traveling rough dirt or gravel roads, with some locations like Fork Bend demanding high-clearance vehicles during wet seasons. Chuck Swan State Forest offers free primitive tent camping but visitors must be aware of hunting seasons that restrict non-hunting camping. One reviewer noted, "If you want to escape civilization and enjoy camping for free, this is a good spot."
Tent sites in the Andersonville area provide excellent water access, particularly along Norris Lake at Fork Bend where several waterfront campsites offer swimming and fishing opportunities. Forest canopy provides shade for many sites, keeping temperatures comfortable even during summer months. Locations vary from heavily wooded areas to ridge-top sites with views. Most areas remain uncrowded except on peak summer weekends, offering solitude for tent campers seeking a primitive experience. Campers at Chuck Swan State Forest appreciate the isolation, with one visitor commenting "If you like primitive camping out in the middle of nowhere with a view, this is a place for you!" The Farmers Forest offers a more managed tent camping experience with amenities like drinking water, showers and toilets while remaining walk-in tent camping only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Andersonville, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Andersonville, TN is Cove Lake State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Andersonville, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 46 tent camping locations near Andersonville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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