Near La Follette, Tennessee, the Cumberland Mountains provide camping options at elevations ranging from 900 to 3,500 feet, creating a unique climate mix that extends camping seasons. This region features numerous waterways including Norris Lake, with over 800 miles of shoreline offering opportunities for waterfront camping at both developed and primitive sites. The area accommodates camping year-round with varying levels of amenities across multiple campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Norris Lake and surrounding water bodies offer excellent fishing opportunities. At Loyston Point Campground, visitors catch various species. "We caught and ate several catfish. The water was very clean," notes one camper.
Hiking trails of varied difficulty: The region features trails suitable for different fitness levels. In Frozen Head State Park, hikers find numerous options. "If you are able, make sure to hike to the Lookout Tower! This is a great park and campground if you want to experience the beauty of East Tennessee without the crowds of the Smoky Mountains," shares a visitor.
Water recreation: Beyond swimming, campgrounds offer various water activities. At Indian Mountain State Park, "Paddle boats, kayaks, and paddle boards are available for rental at a very low price," according to one reviewer.
Historical exploration: The region contains significant historical sites. "Be sure to watch the YouTube video of the building of the dam in the 30's makes you appreciate everything even more," advises a camper at West Campground.
What campers like
Quiet locations away from crowds: Some sites provide isolation from busy tourist areas. At TVA Public Land-Fork Bend, free dispersed camping offers seclusion. "What a gem! I was searching for a primitive spot to camp on for two nights with my dog where I could relax by the water and this checked all the boxes," writes one camper.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. At Cove Lake State Park, "Campsites are well maintained as is the rest of the park. Rangers are super cool and helpful," notes a visitor.
Wildlife viewing: The forested areas provide opportunities to observe local fauna. "We love the little critters (chipmunks, birds, squirrels) squirrels are used to being around people," mentions a camper at Loyston Point Campground.
Waterfront access: Lake sites remain highly desirable. "We were right on the lake and the grounds were very clean. The staff was so nice and always around to help if needed," reports a Loyston Point visitor.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds feature tightly packed sites while others offer more privacy. At West Campground, "We stayed in East campground mid week only 5 sites taken so nice and quiet... Narrow road to campground."
Seasonal operation: While some parks remain open year-round, others have limited seasons. Frozen Head State Park operates "March 15 to November 1," requiring advance planning.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. At TVA Public Land-Fork Bend, one camper reports, "There were generally 2 bars of Verizon 4G, which sometimes increased to 3 bars or dropped down to 1X."
Primitive sites require preparation: For true wilderness camping, bring everything needed. "You won't find restrooms, hookups, picnic tables, or anything like that, this is just public land for recreation. Hunting is allowed also, so be aware of hunting season dates," cautions a TVA Land reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Family campers should know park rules and wildlife precautions. At Frozen Head State Park, one camper warns, "Be advised, the last two years there's been baby copperhead snakes that hang around outside the bath house at night."
Kid-friendly amenities: Many parks offer dedicated facilities for children. At Indian Mountain State Park, "The park is small with a few hikes... The new playground was very nice."
Weather preparedness: Mountain locations experience temperature fluctuations. "We stayed at site #2 which was nice but had soft ground from prior rain (when other sites had already dried up well)," reports a West Campground visitor.
Educational opportunities: Some parks feature interpretive programs or historical sites. Big Ridge State Park offers "a mix of developed camping and backcountry options" with opportunities to learn about local history and ecology.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the mountainous terrain require leveling equipment. At Loyston Point Campground, "The only downside is the horrifically unleveled sites. The bathrooms were clean, the view from our site was spectacular and the staff was very helpful."
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have limited access for larger vehicles. At Eagle Rock Resort & Campground, "It's filled with RVs and trailers, and by no means beautiful, but it was perfect for getting off the interstate to sleep for the night, while traveling thru."
Hookup options: Available utilities vary between parks. "We had water, electric, sewer, and cable. Since we had sewer hook up I did not use their bathrooms," notes a Volunteer Park camper.
Dump station availability: Not all parks offer full services. Clinton-Knoxville North KOA provides sanitary dump facilities, making it "a great stop right off the highway. Super nice staff, easy in and out."
