Low Meadow Farms Campground sits in the rolling landscape of eastern Tennessee at around 950 feet elevation. The campground forms part of Knoxville's Urban Wilderness system that encompasses over 1,000 acres of forest and meadowland within city limits. Weather ranges from summer temperatures around 90°F to winter lows near 30°F, with rainfall distributed evenly throughout the year.
What to do
Hiking access: Elkmont Campground offers immediate trail access to explore the Smoky Mountains. "Great hiking opportunities and close to Gatlinburg if you run out of supplies," notes Charlotte B., who particularly enjoyed staying along the river.
Biking opportunities: Knoxville's Urban Wilderness offers extensive mountain biking trails connecting to Low Meadow Farms. "Short bike ride on country roads or mountain bike trails" to reach the city, according to Kat B., who appreciated this small campground's beautiful meadow setting despite its primitive facilities.
Water recreation: Many campsites provide water access for fishing, swimming, and boating. "Site 7 was located right on a great fishing cove on Fort Loudon reserve," reports Nate H. about his experience at Southlake RV Park, noting it was "money" for bank fishing or launching kayaks.
What campers like
Creek access: The running water creates a peaceful soundtrack at Low Meadow Farms. "The creek by the camp sites is beautiful! Primitive sites for sure, and that's exactly what we wanted," Michael C. shares about his experience at the campground.
Quiet atmosphere: Despite being minutes from downtown, the secluded setting provides tranquility. "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," reports Ashley Y. from her stay at Cades Cove Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting attracts various wildlife. "The Smoky Mountains are to big to really navigate all from one camp area. Roads are narrow and windy and on busy days you hardly can accomplish even a couple things of interest on your list," explains Crystal C. about strategically using Elkmont Campground as her base.
What you should know
Limited amenities: The primitive camping style means minimal facilities. "Clean and quite. Firewood provided. My campsite was creek side and a stones throw from the firewood and porta-potty," notes Penny B. about Low Meadow Farms.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies throughout the area. "Cell service wasn't great for me here, but then again in all the Smoky Mountains I cruised around with pretty much 1 bar or less," reports Crystal C. about her experience at Elkmont.
Seasonal patterns: Melton Hill Dam Campground offers year-round access while other sites have seasonal limitations. "This management works hard to keep bathrooms clean and park clean," reports Amy M., noting the overall positive experience despite the campground's basic amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: Several campgrounds offer lake or creek swimming options. "There is a giant blow up slide leading into the lake," reports Becca O. about Anchor Down RV Resort, adding it has "a super cute and fun dog park, arcade room, very nice pool area, food truck with anything you could want to eat."
Pet-friendly rules: While many campgrounds welcome pets, specific rules apply. "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," notes Joy A., who found it convenient for accessing family in Knoxville.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playground equipment and recreational facilities. "Very kid friendly KOA. Was always very busy with comers and goers due to the area being touristy," mentions Laurie B. about the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA, noting it's not ideal "if you want quiet."
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: Big Ridge State Park Campground offers varied RV sites. "The campground has two levels and three sections. There are two new, clean showerhouses and one old showerhouse," explains Shelly S., noting its distance from amenities: "nothing within 30 minutes and we are talking some winding roads."
Leveling considerations: Pay attention to site grading when selecting a spot. "All driveways shaded, paved, and level. Very pleasant place," shares Kim L. about Cades Cove Campground, though she noted the "requirement to check in between 9-10:00 am the following day if one arrived later than check in time" forced her to change hiking plans.
Hookup availability: Confirm which utilities are available at your chosen campground. "We had water, electric, sewer, and cable. Since we had sewer hook up I did not use their bathrooms," reports Crystal H. about Volunteer Park Family Campground, noting its proximity to I-75 makes it "easy enough to get to."
