Campgrounds near La Follette, Tennessee range in elevation from 1,000 to 3,000 feet, creating varied camping experiences across the Cumberland Plateau. The region receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually, with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows reaching 25°F. Fall camping draws many visitors for the colorful foliage displays typically peaking in mid-October.
What to do
Hiking diverse terrain: Big Ridge State Park Campground offers multiple trail difficulty levels for hikers. "I've stayed at this site a couple times now and I love the location. The site is a short and easy hike (under 2 miles) from the parking lot via the Lake Trail to the Dark Hollow Trail," notes Chelsea about the backcountry options at Big Ridge State Park Campground.
Watersports on Norris Lake: Access numerous water activities within walking distance of camping areas. "Some sites are right next to the water which is great for kayaking and water adventures," shares Mary D. about the lakefront spots. Many campers bring their own equipment, though seasonal rentals are available May through September.
ATV trail access: Royal Blue RV Park connects directly to maintained off-road vehicle trails. One visitor noted, "Level dry gravel pull through camper pads... The trails are well maintained and all levels of riders will have a full week of fun here!!" Royal Blue RV Park requires trail permits ($17/day) for motorized vehicles.
What campers like
Secluded backcountry sites: Frozen Head State Park offers remote camping with privacy. "Tub Springs which was amazing! Very windy but dry! Fireplace, fire pit, bear safe storage container and several tables were available," explains Carissa D. about the Frozen Head State Park Campground backcountry experience.
Year-round camping options: Anderson County Park maintains winter availability when other campgrounds close. "I spent the long Thanksgiving weekend here. Other campgrounds in the area were closed, but this one is open year round. Bathrooms and showers remain open as well," notes Jason W. about Anderson County Park.
Cultural attractions: Appalachia Ridge provides unique access to regional history. "It is right next to the Museum of Appalachia. It's full of peacocks and mini horses and fat little pigs," describes Bethany I., highlighting the unusual neighbors at this camping destination.
What you should know
Bathhouse conditions vary: Quality and cleanliness differences exist between facilities. "Bathhouses were super clean," reports Jeremy K. about Clinton-Knoxville North KOA, while another camper at a different location noted "Bathrooms need a lot of TLC."
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited connectivity. One traveler at Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort reported, "Our Verizon cell signal was terrible and the campground wifi was not much better... No cell or wifi service would probably keep us from staying here again as it was impossible to get any work done."
Seasonal crowd differences: Expect varying levels of solitude depending on when you visit. "This seems to be a popular area to visit. The sites are small and close together," notes Christy E. about peak season camping, while off-season campers report more spacious experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Clinton-Knoxville North KOA offers family-friendly recreation areas. "They had a playground, horseshoes, cornhole, volleyball, and a dog park. They also had laundry, and a nice little game room," explains Jeremy K. about the Clinton-Knoxville North KOA amenities.
Swimming options: Look for dedicated swimming areas during summer months. "Great place to swim for the summer with the kids," mentions Brooke M. about Big Ridge State Park, though some visitors note that water quality can vary seasonally.
Educational opportunities: Plan visits to historical sites adjacent to camping areas. "The history of the area is interesting, and the lake is quite peaceful," shares Christy E., suggesting families combine outdoor recreation with learning experiences.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring additional equipment. "Where we parked which was 9 is not. It's uphill and was very difficult to level out the rv. Ours like many is self leveling and it just couldn't make it happen," cautions Douglas T. about one location.
Pull-through availability: Select campgrounds offer easier access for larger rigs. "The sites were level. Just have levelers on one side. Close to the bathhouse and a quick walk to the entrance to get to the store, swim area, etc. Roads are a little narrow in the campground, made it a little hard to back trailer in," explains Kc K. from Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
Water pressure variations: Be prepared with pressure regulators at some locations. "They have a pressure regulator on the water so showering was like a spit bath and took forever to get the shampoo out of my 'short' hair," notes one RVer, suggesting campers bring supplemental water containers for convenience.
