Camping in the Knoxville area offers diverse experiences across eastern Tennessee's varied topography, with elevations ranging from 800 to 2,800 feet in nearby camping locations. The region's extended camping season runs from March through November at most sites, with temperature ranges of 30-90°F depending on season and elevation. Many campgrounds remain accessible year-round at lower elevations, allowing for multi-season outdoor adventures.
What to do
Hiking from camp: At Big Ridge State Park Campground, campers can access several trails directly from the camping area. "I've also finished the trip by hiking the loop back out by continuing on Dark Hollow to Big Valley Trail, to Ghost House Trail and back to Lake Trail (5.3 miles total). These sections of the trails are easy to moderate," notes one visitor to the backcountry sites.
Water recreation: Southlake RV Park provides direct water access for various activities. A camper mentioned, "If you are wanting to fish the bank or even put in kayaks this spot is money. The tent sights are located right on a great fishing cove on Fort Loudon reserve." The proximity to water makes this location ideal for swimming, fishing and paddling.
Historic exploration: At Cades Cove Campground, visitors can tour historic structures along the scenic loop road. "Go on the car tour loop and make sure to stop and look at the cabins and church. History at its finest," recommends one camper. The 11-mile loop features restored 19th-century buildings and offers frequent wildlife sightings, particularly in early morning and evening hours.
Biking: The Cades Cove loop road closes to vehicles on certain days to accommodate cyclists. "On certain days they close off the loop of Cades Cove for bicycles to be able to ride. At the store near the campground they rent bikes for a reasonable rate. We took the entire family on the loop bike ride. This was so much fun," shares a visitor.
What campers like
Privacy in urban settings: Low Meadow Farms (formerly Brown Bike Farms) provides unexpected seclusion just minutes from Knoxville. "This small campground is a really beautiful meadow. I camped here with a friend over Labor Day weekend. It's very primitive but also very beautiful. Only a few miles from the city and a short bike ride on country roads or mountain bike trails!" explains one camper.
Lakeside camping: Melton Hill Dam Campground offers scenic water views that campers consistently mention. "We had a beautiful view onto the lake. The parking area is an asphalt slab and many have a slant to them and will require leveling," notes one visitor, highlighting the practical aspects alongside the aesthetics.
Spacious sites: At certain campgrounds, site layout and spacing receive positive feedback. "All driveways shaded, paved, and level. Very pleasant place," reports a camper at West Campground at Norris Dam State Park. Another visitor adds, "We stayed at site #2 which was nice but had soft ground from prior rain (when other sites had already dried up well)."
Wildlife viewing: Campers frequently mention animal sightings as a highlight. "This is a very unique spot in the smokies. 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," shares an enthusiastic visitor to Cades Cove.
What you should know
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience unexpected noise issues. At Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA, a camper warns, "When the noise of the amusement parks and traffic dies down you get about an hour of peace before the food warehouse on the other side (about 50 yds) starts loading trucks non stop through the night."
Site selection strategies: Elkmont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers varied camping experiences based on site location. "Many of the sites, particularly those on the western side of A - F loops, are along the river. Most of the sites are shaded. A few of the B-loop sites are walk-in," notes a detailed reviewer.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across the region. One camper at Southlake RV Park reports, "The advertised wifi doesn't reach the campsites though so don't depend on it and when I connected at laundry to test it was like a 1/1Mbps speed. Cell Data signal isn't great here either."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. "Make your reservations far in advance this is a destination!" advises a camper regarding Cades Cove. For Elkmont, another visitor notes, "Sites are booked in advance through recreation.gov so make sure you book, during nice weather this place is very busy, even during the week."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Big Ridge State Park offers designated swimming spots. "Great place to swim for the summer with the kids," notes a camper, though another mentions "There is a nearby swimming area, but it was occupied by geese families and there was quite a lot of goose poop," highlighting the need to check conditions.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Volunteer Park, "The park has a playground with a wooden pirate ship for kids, and a really nice pool. It was crystal clear," according to one visitor.
Educational opportunities: Historic sites provide learning experiences for children. At Cades Cove, one camper suggests "Be sure to watch the YouTube video of the building of the dam in the 30's makes you appreciate everything even more," indicating the value of researching area history before visiting.
Kid-friendly hiking: Many trails near Knoxville-area campgrounds accommodate younger hikers. "We rented bikes on site, perfect day. We also did longer hikes in the area. Stayed here for 4 days as a basecamp, just a great wooded site," shares a visitor to Cades Cove, highlighting the mix of activity options.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: RVers should prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. A visitor to Melton Hill notes, "The parking area is an asphalt slab and many have a slant to them and will require leveling."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging roads or site access. At West Campground, a camper advises, "Keep in mind, a trailer much longer that 16' will have trouble getting in." Another visitor adds, "Roads are a little narrow in the campground, made it a little hard to back trailer in- the front of the truck was the issue hitting rocks on the side of the road."
Long-term vs. short-term areas: Several campgrounds have distinct sections for different stay durations. At Volunteer Park, one RVer explains, "There were clearly people who had been here for a very long time, even having pole barns put up over there rigs...The grounds are decently taken care of aside from the long-term residents."
Hookup locations: RVers should note unusual utility arrangements at some parks. A camper at Southlake RV Park mentions, "Sites are not well developed with power and sewer in odd places," indicating the need to check hookup locations when selecting sites.
