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Best Campgrounds near Knoxville, TN

2,079 Reviews

Knoxville, Tennessee is the closest major city to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Knoxville is only about an hour away if you’re looking for comfortable accommodations when traveling to the park.

Knoxville has capitalized on comfortable camping with plenty of glamping and RV resorts to choose from in the area. The best camping near Knoxville is in the Norris Dam State Park and surrounding area. Another good option for campgrounds is Big Ridge State Park near Ridenour, TN. It’s worth noting that for an extra 30 minutes of driving, you can get to Great Smoky, where admission is free and the campsites are more abundant.

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Best Camping Sites Near Knoxville, Tennessee (404)

    1. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    123 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."

    "We stayed 3 nights so we could hike the surrounding trails! Loved learning about the history of the area while checking out the old cabins."

    2. Cades Cove Campground

    97 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "You can easily bike through the loop, or drive. Nice spot to see wildlife as well. Cades Cove is well known for spotting bears, deer and turkey."

    "We camped in the middle of a hot sticky Tennessee summer and felt just fine in all of the shade."

    3. Southlake RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Rockford, TN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 573-1837

    $28 - $38 / night

    "We only stayed one night, but will return to take advantage of the prime lake front tent spots! On the map it shows individual sites, but it’s more of a disbursed area."

    "The tent sights are located right on a great fishing cove on Fort Loudon reserve. We booked tent site 7 but when we got there someone was fishing off the point where our campsite was supposed to be."

    4. Anchor Down RV Resort

    48 Reviews
    Sevierville, TN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 784-4446

    $49 - $139 / night

    "Anchors Down is just outside Severville Tennessee and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Located on Douglas Lake with the Smokie Mountains in the back ground."

    "This campground is one of the best you will find in Tennessee.  "

    5. Low Meadow Farms (formerly Brown Bike Farms)

    7 Reviews
    Knoxville, TN
    6 miles
    Website

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Next to some good hiking and biking trails. Every site with the exception of one was right next to the creek. It’s definitely worth checking out."

    "Close to some great breweries, hiking, paddling, great biking. All around a great place!"

    6. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    54 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-7903

    "Had we been in a site away from the river, we’d have been packed in like sardines."

    "Close to everything, right in the heart of pigeon forge. Best bath houses we’ve ever been too, all other reviews were spot on!"

    7. Volunteer Park Family Campground

    13 Reviews
    Heiskell, TN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 938-6600

    $30 - $65 / night

    "Bathrooms and Showers with hot water. 20 minutes outside Knoxville and extremely quiet."

    "The campsite is nestled in trees and conveniently located to the Knoxville area. They have a small store for small forgotten items as well as a place to fill propane."

    8. Melton Hill Dam Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    29 Reviews
    Lenoir City, TN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 361-0436

    $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."

    9. West Campground — Norris Dam State Park

    29 Reviews
    Lake City, TN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 425-4500

    "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."

    10. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

    28 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-2241

    "Amazingly clean campgrounds 10 minutes from the entrance of the National Park and 20 minutes from the Visitor's Center."

    "The Lizard Lounge has a separate WiFi but you have to be inside or just outside to use it. Amazing river views and very close to the entrance of the National park."

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Recent Camping Photos near Knoxville, TN

761 Photos of 404 Knoxville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Knoxville, TN

2079 Reviews of 404 Knoxville Campgrounds

Guide to Knoxville

Camping near Knoxville, TN, offers a great mix of beautiful nature and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One camper mentioned, “We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for bears and elk. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground shared, “Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground.”
  • Swimming and Tubing: Enjoy the nearby rivers for swimming or tubing. A review from Greenbrier Campground noted, “The river ran close enough to our site that we didn't feel like we needed a premium spot.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. One camper at Elkmont Campground said, “The campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at Anchor Down RV Resort mentioned, “Bathrooms/showers are kept clean.”
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Greenbrier Campground offer playgrounds and activities for kids. One family said, “There were bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, and a lazy river with a swimming hole!”

What you should know:

  • Limited Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Cades Cove Campground noted, “Most sites are close; site privacy is tightly packed.”
  • No Showers: Many campgrounds, like Cosby Campground, do not offer shower facilities. A visitor mentioned, “The bathrooms were adequate—sinks and toilets and cleaned daily (no showers).”
  • Bear Awareness: Campers should be cautious about wildlife. A review from Bandy Creek Campground warned, “There are lots of copperheads at this park. Watch your step!”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. A camper at Greenbrier Campground said, “The campground had great amenities, really awesome service from the staff, and was a quiet mountain getaway.”
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and activities. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, “Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone! Doing so just irritates the bears.”
  • Bring Entertainment: Since some campgrounds have limited cell service, bring books or games. A camper at Cataloochee Campground noted, “There isn’t cell service, so be sure to plan your next move before you head in for the evening.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Anchor Down RV Resort said, “Super clean, bathrooms/showers, and plenty of room for your dog to have an equally good time.”
  • Book Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Elkmont Campground shared, “It looks so good so far. Thank you so much for sharing.”
  • Use Dump Stations: Make sure to utilize dump stations available at campgrounds like Bandy Creek Campground for convenience. A review mentioned, “There is a swimming pool, volleyball court, and playground right by A loop which is primitive camping.”

Camping near Knoxville, TN, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Knoxville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Knoxville, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 404 campgrounds and RV parks near Knoxville, TN and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Knoxville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Knoxville, TN is Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.7-star rating from 123 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Knoxville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Knoxville, TN.

What parks are near Knoxville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 parks near Knoxville, TN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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