Campgrounds near Harriman, Tennessee range from primitive dispersed camping to full-service RV resorts on nearby waterways. Caney Creek RV Resort & Marina provides year-round access with full hookups for RVs and tent sites along the waterfront, while Riley Creek offers a more seasonal camping experience from April through October. The Bi-Color Campground in Catoosa Wildlife Management Area offers free dispersed camping for those seeking a more primitive experience. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals or glamping options.
Camping areas around Harriman face seasonal limitations, with many developed sites operating primarily from spring through fall. Riley Creek, which operates April through October, represents the typical seasonal pattern for the region. Winter camping is limited to year-round facilities like Caney Creek RV Resort. Water access is a significant draw for many campgrounds, with lakefront sites being particularly popular. Cell coverage varies significantly, especially in more remote areas like the Catoosa WMA. Road access to dispersed sites may require careful navigation, as noted by one camper: "Dirt road in, washboard out was north to Rock Creek campground steep downhill grade narrow. My opinion not for 5th wheel. No cell for miles."
The mixed-use campgrounds near Harriman provide varying levels of amenities and natural settings. Water recreation stands out as a primary attraction, with several campgrounds offering direct lake or river access. Soaring Eagle Campground features lakefront sites popular with paddlers, though highway noise from nearby I-40 is mentioned in several reviews. More remote options like Bi-Color Campground offer greater solitude but fewer amenities. "This area is beautiful almost all times of the year! Plenty of wildlife and lots of shady areas," reported one visitor about Bi-Color Campground. Hunters frequently use the wildlife management areas during hunting seasons, particularly in fall, which can lead to increased campground occupancy during these periods. Summer remains the most popular season for water-based recreation at campgrounds throughout the area.
"The campground is in close proximity to many of the trailheads. There is a nice bathhouse, but all the sites are rustic (non electric)."
"It may be the loveliest campground in Tennessee. There’s only 20 spots, and they all seem to be shady and have trees between neighbors."
$18 - $31 / night
"We really enjoyed Milton Hill dam, very friendly people , well stocked store, easy access to swimming and fishing and full hook up sites if you want them."
"We made a last minute trip to Melton Hill that was very conveniently located just outside of Knoxville. The campsite offers several options for camping along the water or in the woods."
$15 / night
"Site 1 is open so a small pull behind can fit in parking area. Tents only on sites. Lots of shade. Toilet is vaulted, no water. Easy access to Obed River and trails."
"Bearproof trashcans are located throughout the campground. A section of the Cumberland Trail begins at the campground. The Emory River runs right alongside the campground with easy access."
"We were in a pop-up camper and had a lakefront site, which was awesome, except for the highway noise."
"The primitive tent sites are amazing, I didn’t give it 5 stars only because you can hear a little bit of road noise, as the campground is near the interstate."
"Cumberland Mountain has a total of 145 campsites, spread across 5 loops, plus a backcountry site on an 8 mile backpacking trail."
"Great spacious site with beautiful scenery all around! There’s a lake and walking trails. Descent bathrooms. Water nearby and they sell firewood."
"Amenities are nice, there is a pool and pavilion, paved walking trails, shuffle board, basketball court, and boat docks and fishing pier. Our loop didn’t have cable but I believe the others do."
"Caney Creek is right off the highway and offers a lot to do. We only passed through the area but wished we were staying there for longer."
"They brought my firewood everyday and even took all the kids for rides on the golf cart around the campground. We had 8 kids with is so that took a few trips."
"There was no accessible water near by so make sure you bring your own provisions. Haven’t got to explore much around the area by hiking. Found a nice creek a few miles on down the road."
"Solid location for a night or a whole weekend. There are several porta potties available and the sites are spacious. This camp is perfect for the fam as it can accommodate RV sized vehicles."
"It's a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, especially in beautiful locations like The Crosseyed Cricket Campground in Tennessee."
$18 - $300 / night
"Off roading, shooting range, mountain bike trails, atv rentals. Very close to town if needed. The serenity and peace we feel staying there makes us never want to leave."
"Great sites, cute cabins great location."
ScoutVery nice, peaceful campground along Little River. Well maintained and great launch point for Smoky Mountain exploring and the whole area. Be warned about heavy stink bug season in September/October
GuideThe sites are not very level. This is an old Campground and it doesn't look like it's been upgraded for a very long time. The bathrooms were clean but old. The first sight they gave me was extremely unlevel, so they moved me to a different site that still wasn't level but better than the first.
TravelerVery friendly staff and well maintained grounds, showers and bathrooms are clean and have hot water
TravelerGot there on December 4th and it was closed. I checked the website and I found nothing that showed it was closed this time of year.
GuideYoung Branch Campground is a bit off the grid, no services cellular or TV. We camped mid November and had the whole place to ourselves. There are 8 back in gravel sites with fire pits, a vault toilet (very clean) and a short stroll down to Cherokee Creek. The terrain is hilly but plenty of places to hike, we found a nice trail that we followed to the top of the mountain that was gradual and an easy relaxing walk. There are many marked campsites along the creek for OTG camping. We spent 3 days here and I could count on one hand the amount of vehicles that passed on the road. It was a great escape to a peaceful wooded forest with the sound of the creek just yards away.
ADDITION: There is a paddock and horse stalls so I'm assuming that horses are welcomed at this location.
ScoutA couple miles to the end. Not a soul around. Just speedboat cruising and hunters shooting. Accessible to anyone with 2wd but a good idea to have a 4 we if you get down to the giant beaches.
RangerEverything is clean and perfect space between RV’s. Office people were friendly, they took us to our site (wish they all did instead of wandering around) it was easy in and easy out. Place was well marked off the highway and close to 40E.
RangerI was raised in this area and it was always the party spot for teens. So I was a little apprehensive about going here. But sooo glad we did. It was a late fall night and we had the entire area to ourselves by the water. Reminder the lake is really low all fall/winter before Memorial Day. It was quiet and serene and you could hear the fish jumping all evening. Some people did ride by on their four wheelers but there’s tons of ATV trails around here. Not as trashy as reviews said. And lots of man made rock fire pits. Some good flat spots for tents and we car camped.
Overall a great FREE camp spot nearby. I imagine summer nights it gets busy and packed with party/lake crowds so try it for the fall! You can go to the water and our dog loved it. So side note. It’s a long rougher gravel drive in. Our truck did good and our friends Subaru. But I wouldn’t do a car. It’s a long drive back but super secluded and a scenic drive. Also no bathrooms but tons of spots to go away from camp! Area is all around boat dock marinas for summer food/beer!
GuideUsing the coordinates from the dispersed site #1 post, we found our way down the road and settled on the third site. Not huge, but right next to the creek. Went to sleep to the sound of coyotes and woke up to turkeys gobbling, and saw otters in the creek over breakfast. Someone had left a bunch of trash when we showed up, bottles, cardboard, cigarette boxes, etc but we picked it up and made the most of it. Not a bunch of places to use the bathroom but just do your best. Minimal traffic down the road. Saw one car pass while we were at our site? The drive in is beautiful in the fall. There is a point where Jellico Creek Rd continues straight, and also peels off to the right, it’s really weird. But take the option to the right down across the small bridge.
Camping options in the Harriman area of Tennessee range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites, with several waterfront locations taking advantage of regional lakes and rivers. Caney Creek RV Resort & Marina offers full-service camping directly in Harriman with year-round availability for tents, RVs, and glamping setups. Just outside Harriman, Riley Creek Campground provides boat-in access and waterfront sites with both tent and RV accommodation options. The region also includes primitive camping at Bi-Color Campground in the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, which offers free dispersed camping primarily used by hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
Road access varies significantly between established and primitive camping areas near Harriman. Most developed campgrounds feature paved roads suitable for larger rigs, though some secondary access roads may require caution. Primitive sites at Bi-Color Campground require preparation for dirt roads that can become challenging during wet conditions. The camping season generally extends year-round at many developed sites, while some campgrounds like Riley Creek operate seasonally from April through October. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers and mild winters, though occasional snow and ice can affect winter camping. Cell service can be limited at more remote locations. A visitor to Bi-Color noted: "This area is beautiful almost all times of the year! Plenty of wildlife and lots of shady areas... There was no accessible water nearby so make sure you bring your own provisions."
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the Harriman area, with several campgrounds positioned along lakes and rivers. Soaring Eagle Campground, located near Lenoir City, offers lake access that campers frequently mention in reviews, though some note proximity to Interstate 40 creates highway noise. Visitors to Riley Creek consistently rate their experience highly, with one camper describing it as having "beautiful sunsets over the lake." The campground areas near Harriman provide varying levels of amenities - from the full-service hookups and facilities at Caney Creek RV Resort to the primitive experience at Bi-Color where campers must be entirely self-sufficient. During hunting seasons, particularly in November, primitive campgrounds become considerably busier as hunters utilize these public lands, which may affect the experience for recreational campers seeking solitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Harriman, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Harriman, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 215 campgrounds and RV parks near Harriman, TN and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Harriman, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Harriman, TN is Frozen Head State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Harriman, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Harriman, TN.
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