178 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds surrounding Jellico, Tennessee range from established state parks to primitive dispersed sites, with most within a 30-mile radius of town. Indian Mountain State Park Campground offers concrete pads with full hookups for RVs, while also accommodating tent campers along its small lake. Several miles outside Jellico, dispersed camping options become available along Jellico Creek Road, where primitive sites with minimal amenities attract campers seeking a more rugged experience. The region includes both Tennessee state parks and areas within the Daniel Boone National Forest across the Kentucky border.
Seasonal considerations affect campground selection, as many Tennessee state parks remain open year-round while dispersed sites may become difficult to access during winter months or after heavy rainfall. Indian Mountain State Park provides all-season camping with reliable facilities, including clean bathhouses and concrete pads that remain accessible regardless of weather conditions. Primitive sites along Jellico Creek have natural swimming holes but lack drinking water and other amenities. Cell reception varies significantly across the area, with stronger coverage at established campgrounds and weaker or non-existent service at remote sites. A recent visitor noted, "There are three dispersed camp sites along this road. We stayed at the first and largest of the three. This first site has room for two groups. It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing."
Waterfront sites consistently receive high ratings from campers visiting the Jellico area. Indian Mountain State Park features lakefront camping with paddle boat and kayak rentals, making it popular for families. According to one visitor, "Nice lake with paddle boat and kayak rentals and fishing. Nice playgrounds for the kids. Bathhouse is extremely nice for a state park and better than most commercial campgrounds." The sites along water features tend to have less shade than wooded areas but offer premium views. Campers seeking more solitude gravitate toward the primitive sites outside established campgrounds, trading amenities for privacy. Most established campgrounds near Jellico provide concrete pads, fire rings, and picnic tables, while the dispersed sites offer more basic camping experiences with natural surroundings as the primary amenity.
"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."
"Large walking path and places for your dog to exercise. Loved watching the ducks swim near our campsite"
"Great location just off I75, close to easy shopping (Walmart), Urgent Care facility just minutes away, nice BBQ place right in the park, local eatery’s just up the way (less than 2 miles)."
"Our site is nice and right on the lake but it’s a little odd the way the sites are. Our neighbors site is next to us but there table and fire pit are behind our rig."
"Sadly, there is a massive amount of trash at the bottom (as you can see in the pictures posted here) which takes away from the natural appearance of the falls."
"It’s has many (12) trails and many falls. Would definitely recommend shopping before camping, it’s several miles, and mountains, to get to stores."
from $28 - $40 / night
Check Availability"We stayed at the main area but not much space or privacy so we put up a tent out side our door, but then moved to the tent camping site area the second night which was more secluded and private, but still"
"There is a lake, so naturally that means there is boating, jet skiing, canoeing and of course fishing."
"The campground is actually not in Tennessee. It's located on the Kentucky side of Big South Fork. The campsites have a picnic table and a firepit."
"The sites are well maintained and old , probably CCC built with wood steps leading up or down to your site."
from $30 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"Close to trails and a waterpark too. Love the peace and tranquility. We will be going back again."
"Close to Cumberland falls!"
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability"The staff is warm and helpful, it’s incredibly clean, and the surroundings really allow you to feel the love of East Tennessee’s beauty."
"Stayed at a premium lakeshore site on Norris Lake. Advertised as a pull through, but that must be for travel trailers, as I have an RV."
"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."
"Close to the bathhouse and a quick walk to the entrance to get to the store, swim area, etc."
"The road to the campground forks to the left, past the State Park entrance sign. There are plenty of picnic tables and trash cans, before the trails. There is also a mutt mitt station."
TravelerMe and my cousin and my dog absolutely love staying here, we will be back. It has beautiful views from our campsite, and down a little trail to the quarry. It’s super clean and peaceful. Has a little bit of road noise, but honestly, I like a little bit of white noise
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!
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.
ScoutI was looking for a campground to stay between nights when I work in Knoxville and have a 2 hour travel back home. This place was great. The bathhouse was clean and campsite was clean as well. I was right next to the bathroom so there was no odor and hardly any foot traffic going back and forth. The views of the lake at night were pretty. The only downfall I found was the campsite was a little hard to find in the dark but other than that, no complaints at all.
GuideThis could possibly be the best camp I've ever stayed at. I personally visited around early May & it was quiet, very clean & everything worked. Showers and bathrooms were quite clean also. Great place to stay.
ScoutWe stopped here for an overnight traveling to Charleston, South Carolina. The sites were very nice. Staff very friendly. Very clean. Would recommend
TravelerI've stayed here multiple times always a good time. Its TVA protected and next to a water treatment plant. Mossy creek flows into Cherokee Lake which greatly improves the fishing year round.
GuideThe bathrooms are very clean well lit.
GuideThe place is full of activities for all of the family. A nice list of amenities including fishing kayaking playgrounds and disc golf.
Campgrounds near Jellico, Tennessee range from wooded hideaways on Norris Lake to rustic sites in the Big South Fork region. Tennessee's northern border campgrounds typically offer lower elevation sites (1100-1400 feet) with warmer summer nights than neighboring mountain camps. Road access varies significantly, with some dispersed camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles during wet conditions. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, particularly at sites along Norris Lake.
Waterfront recreation: At Loyston Point Campground, campers access Norris Lake directly. "Located on the beautiful Norris Lake. Our tents were right on the water and a short swim/walk to paddle boats and kayaks," notes Crissy T. The campground rents boats at reasonable rates.
Hiking trails: West Campground at Norris Dam State Park connects to multiple trails. "We were right next to a trailhead and that gave us a lot of extra room," says Anna. The surrounding area includes scenic overlooks with elevation gains of 400-600 feet.
Waterfall viewing: The Cumberland Falls area offers distinctive natural features. "We hiked to see Cumberland Falls (from the lodge) and Eagle Falls. After a short drive, we hiked Natural Arch and Yahoo Falls," reports Crystal H. The main falls drops 68 feet and spans 125 feet across, creating the region's largest waterfall.
Private waterfront spots: TVA Public Land-Fork Bend provides free camping with water access. "We found a great spot right on the lake. Unfortunately there's a lot of trash around, it's truly a shame some people pollute something so beautiful," notes Lori H. The shoreline features multiple peninsulas creating secluded camping areas.
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, many campgrounds maintain good bathhouses. At Cove Lake State Park, "The restroom/showers were just up a little hill from this site and were very clean, heated and with plenty of hot water," reports Denise. The park also features a swimming pool during summer months.
Wildlife viewing: Campers regularly spot local fauna at established sites. "Plenty of ducks roaming around. Comfortable bathrooms and showers. More than enough tables and campfires. And groundskeepers keeping the park clean," writes Emily W. about Indian Mountain State Park. Chipmunks and squirrels often approach campsites looking for food.
Road conditions: Access to remote sites can challenge standard vehicles. At Fork Bend, "The road through the land is gravel, but it's fairly rutted out in spots, so I don't think I'd take a car through there, you'd be safe to take a truck or Jeep or something similar," advises Lori H.
Cell coverage: Service varies widely across the area. At Blue Heron Campground, "My only complaint was that the restroom wasn't marked on the map that I could see so I ended up being very far away from it," notes Casey L. Cell reception typically improves near main roads and established campgrounds.
Site size limitations: Many campgrounds cannot accommodate larger RVs. At Ridgeline Campground, "This small campground is good only for small campers (20ft or smaller). The spots are uneven and many backup to a large hill," cautions Amy J. Most sites require leveling blocks or wheel chocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What recreational activities are available at parks near Jellico?
The parks near Jellico offer diverse recreational activities. Blue Heron Campground in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area provides access to hiking trails and outdoor exploration. Panther Creek State Park offers extensive recreational opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating. Indian Mountain State Park features walking trails, fishing in the lake, and paddle boat rentals. For water enthusiasts, Glamping on the Clinch River offers river activities surrounded by waterfalls in northern Tennessee.
Are there any campgrounds near Jellico, TN?
Indian Mountain State Park Campground is located right in Jellico with full hookup sites, good cell service, and easy access from I-75. The park is well-maintained, patrolled by rangers, and dog-friendly. For those seeking alternatives nearby, The Ridges at Royal Blue offers RV camping options, though note that the entrance and exit drives are steep with some potholes. Additionally, Cove Lake State Park Campground near Caryville is another option within driving distance of Jellico.
What camping is available near Jellico, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Jellico, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 178 campgrounds and RV parks near Jellico, TN and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Jellico, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jellico, TN is Indian Mountain State Park Campground — Indian Mountain State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Jellico, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Jellico, TN.
What parks are near Jellico, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 34 parks near Jellico, TN that allow camping, notably Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and Cumberland Gap National Historic Park.
Keep Exploring
