4 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Lakeside Getaway on Douglas houses well-appointed glamping tents positioned along scenic Douglas Lake, offering an immersive outdoor experience without sacrificing comfort. Located near Jefferson City, Tennessee, this property combines waterfront views with comfortable canvas accommodations. The site features private tent units with proper beds, scenic views, and basic facilities including toilet and sink facilities. Nearby, Firefly Season Glamping provides additional lakefront glamping opportunities with similar amenities. Just a short drive away, GlampKnox boasts elevated safari tents perched on a hilltop with sunrise views, comfortable twin beds, wood-burning stoves for year-round comfort, and covered porches with rocking chairs. According to a camper, "The glamping tent is very high quality, with a covered porch, two comfy beds, and a wood burning stove, so camping is possible year round."
Guests at these eco-friendly glamping sites enjoy direct water access with Douglas Lake providing opportunities for paddlesports and fishing. Lakeside Getaway features a dock with paddlesport launches and waterfront relaxation areas. GlampKnox offers a one-mile hiking trail that circles the property, outdoor showers, and proximity to both downtown Knoxville and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it an ideal base for regional exploration. Both locations maintain a balance of natural immersion and comfortable accommodations, with sites nestled within scenic landscapes while remaining accessible from Interstate 40. One visitor noted, "The site has great sunrise views. The glamping tent is very high quality, with a covered porch, two comfy beds, and a wood-burning stove, so camping is possible year-round."
"Dog park, laundry."
"Really friendly staff. Nicely stocked store. Clean and large laundry room with TV. We loved the lazy river in the pool. Our site was concrete and level but as with most KOAs not cheap."
"Our oldest rented a bell tent, and when I say they are the cutest camping spot, I am not exaggerating. The bell tents sit on the river and away from all the RV sites."
"We stayed 3 nights in the Baby Bear bell tent with our small children and it was perfect. We ended up arriving later than expected and the hosts were wonderful. Very nice and helpful our whole stay."
from $35 - $258 / night
"The only bad part was the non quiet hours- so It was loud at night. But the campsites are far apart, easy walking distance to bathrooms."
"There are no hook ups for electric and sewer here, nor are their showers."
Available next weekend
from $30 / night
"The Lakeside Getaway on Douglas is new to the Dyrt but has an amazing location to share with everyone, they have glamping tents but also spots for car camping by the river. "
"Very quiet, secluded and private. I have been out there several times and enjoy it every time. Great people and family."
from $35 - $100 / night
"Bath house was OK. On the good side there were lots of families and pets. Playground with bounce house. Pool and basketball courts. Office staff was efficient and helpful."
"It feels like you are away from the busy area but still close by to all the action. Friendly staff and great pool."
from $30 - $71 / night
"We were impressed with the paved parking space, picnic table, fire pit and level tent pad. It looks like these are very new. Proximity to cades cove loop was great."
"The one lane, one way, circular drive around Cades Cover is scenic but can get very crowded and cars will stop for any wildlife, go early..."
Available next weekend
from $30 / night
"I was next to a brook, under a paw paw tree. It was safe, very friendly. The bath and shower house were clean and very nice for tent camping! Laundry room, firewood delivery."
"The staff was really welcoming and friendly, campsites were amazing and the bathrooms were extremely clean!!!"
"We paid extra to get the upgraded spot which included a picnic table, grill, and fire pit. The pool was closed, but it was storming the majority of our trip."
"Great location and the staff was friendly but that’s the pros."
from $51 - $171 / night
"Overnight stop that was quieter than expected for so close to I40. Not a fan of the access road and condition- narrow and a couple potholes swallowed up my left front; too narrow a road to avoid."
"It’s quiet, well off the highway, good camp store, friendly helpful staff. We will come here again when out this way."
from $40 - $85 / night
"Nice paved sites with fire pits. We did wish the sites had a curb or some sort at the back of the paved area as it’s a drop off beyond the site. Clean restrooms."
"Close to the bathhouse and a quick walk to the entrance to get to the store, swim area, etc."
Available next weekend
TravelerNext door to trolley depot, and Old Mill heritage. Walking path along river. Walking distance to shops. Nice camping spots, clean showers and bathrooms. Lots of kids amenities, pool open most of the time.
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
Traveler✨ I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about our stay at Glamping on the Clinch River!❤️ It was truly one of the most relaxing, beautiful experiences, and waking up to such a breathtaking piece of God’s creation was something special that I will never forget. The views are absolutely stunning, the peacefulness is unmatched, and it’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the beauty God has blessed us with.🙏🏻🤍 But what makes this place even more special is the incredible family behind it. Bonnie and Rusty are truly two of the sweetest, most generous, and kindhearted people you could ever meet! Their hospitality goes above and beyond, and you can feel the love they put into making sure every guest has the most wonderful experience. From preparing breakfast for their guests to the thoughtful little touches like making s’mores around the outdoor campfire, they make you feel so welcomed and cared for.❤️🔥 The tipi itself was absolutely beautiful, exceptionally clean, and decorated so thoughtfully to create the perfect glamping experience. Every detail made our stay feel cozy, comfortable, and magical while still allowing us to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.🏕️✨ Places like this are a reminder that sometimes the best experiences aren’t about fancy hotels or extravagant vacations. They’re about beautiful surroundings, genuine kindness, peaceful moments, and the wonderful people who make you feel right at home. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway surrounded by God’s beautiful creation and hosted by people with truly golden hearts, you NEED to experience Glamping on the Clinch River! I would recommend it a thousand times over, and we are so grateful we had the opportunity to stay here. Bonnie and Rusty, thank you for sharing your beautiful place with others and for making our experience so incredibly special. You two are such a blessing!❤️🙏🏻 We will absolutely cherish these memories and hope to be back again soon!🌿🤍✨
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.
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!
ScoutDog park, laundry. Showers,come by pick up trash, have lawn chairs, outdoor sports item to rent, have over flow area to park extra vehicles, lot size ample for extra large trailers or tents cabins to rent popular places to eat or shop in walking distances had arts and craft show going that was going to be there a month kept clean water walk with duck's
ScoutWe’ve been coming at this campground for 13 years and it is always an enjoyable experience. The past owners, Barry and Chong, have turned over the day to day management to their son and daughter-in-law. They are so pleasant and accommodating. It is a small campground but drive thru spaces are big enough for big rigs. They keep the campground in immaculate condition…. Would give it 6 stars out of 5!
GuideGreat campsites, little closer together than what I like but still nice and shaded all paved. Have three dump stations that are very nice. Will definitely come back. Better have reservations, cause it does stay full.
ScoutCampground is not big which is a plus. Couple miles off the highway so not a lot of traffic noise. Camp store is fully stocked. However the food at the snack shack not so good. Playground and pool are very small compared to other KOA properties. A lot of full time campers which is not a bad thing but leaves very little room for folks just passing through.
Jefferson City, Tennessee offers varied glamping and camping options across elevations ranging from 850 to 1,400 feet. Located where the Great Valley meets the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the area experiences moderate rainfall year-round with warm summers and mild winters. Campsites near Douglas Lake typically fill quickly during summer weekends when water temperatures reach 80°F.
Hiking trails access: Elkmont Campground provides direct access to several hiking trails without needing to drive elsewhere. "Great hiking trails nearby" makes it convenient for campers seeking both nature immersion and exercise opportunities.
Water recreation options: Triple Creek Campground offers unique water features where three creeks converge. "Lots of places for the kids to float down on intertubes" notes one visitor, while another mentions "During warmer months, children can play and swim in the clear and smooth stoned river."
Historical exploration: Visitors to Elkmont Campground can explore Daisy Town ghost town. "The campground has a wonderful area and the history of the place is amazing," explains one camper. This abandoned vacation community features cottages and cabins in various states of preservation.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Cades Cove features diverse wildlife spotting opportunities. One camper observed, "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."
Private bathroom facilities: Greenbrier Campground offers unusual privacy in their bath facilities. A visitor notes, "The bath houses were awesome with individual rooms equipped with toilet, sink and shower." Another camper mentioned they're "clean (and warm!)" during winter visits.
River access from sites: Many Jefferson City area campgrounds feature waterfront access. At Greenbrier Campground, campers appreciate that "the Little Pigeon River was just steps off the back of our camper" and "the sound of the rushing river is a plus."
Off-peak value: Newport-Smoky Mountains KOA offers convenient highway access for short stays. "Clean, mowed grass, gravel roads, basic campground without frills. It's quiet, well off the highway, good camp store, friendly helpful staff," reports a recent visitor.
Tent site positioning: Lakeside Getaway on Douglas receives praise for its waterfront tent locations. A camper explains, "The views of the lake were amazing. There is a sitting area and a dock with paddle sport launches."
Site spacing considerations: Several campgrounds feature varied site spacing. At Gateway RV Campground, reviews note "Slots are small" while another mentions "The only reason I left four and not five stars is because the spots are very close together."
Reservation requirements: For popular campgrounds like Cades Cove, planning is essential. A visitor recommends, "Make your reservations far in advance this is a destination!"
Tent camping noise concerns: Some locations aren't ideal for tent camping due to noise. At Newport KOA, campers report "Highway traffic noise (semis, engine braking) is LOUD...might be ok in a camper but not in a tent."
Bath facility variations: Bathroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds. While some like Greenbrier feature "Private bathrooms with great showers," others like Elkmont are more basic: "Bathrooms are basic, no frills, but clean; The one in the A loop didn't even have an outlet or hand dryer."
Kid-friendly water features: River Plantation RV Resort offers extensive water recreation. "They have so much for the kids to do, full court basketball, tennis courts, battle ball, arcade room, and pool," reports one family, making it ideal for multi-day stays with children.
Playground access: Gateway RV Campground includes play areas that visitors appreciate. One reviewer noted, "Great amenities including pool and play area for kids" while another mentioned "We didn't get to use the playground, but the kids really wanted to use it!"
Protected swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature dedicated swimming spots. At Triple Creek, "There's also an historic swimming hole on location," while at River Plantation families enjoy "a lazy river."
Natural play opportunities: Greenbrier Campground offers unique riverside play options. "The swimming hole was a blessing during the hot days! (Think ice bucket challenge). The tubing was fun for the older kids and adults."
Leveling requirements: Site construction varies across campgrounds. At Newport KOA, RVers mention "no concrete pads and site was small and all gravel so not level," while River Plantation features "lots that are gravel and level with full hookups."
Campground layout consideration: Proximity to amenities matters for different RV setups. At Greenbrier, "Sites are narrow and fairly close together, although they've done an excellent job of maintaining the heavy trees around the river and on the 'treelawn' area which separates each site."
Hookup availability: Full-service options vary by location. River Plantation offers "full hookups, PRIVATE bathrooms with great showers, ice and firewood sales, shuttle to downtown, and waterfront sites."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Jefferson City, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Jefferson City, TN is Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 60 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Jefferson City, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 62 glamping camping locations near Jefferson City, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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