Best Campgrounds near Lenoir City, TN

Lenoir City, Tennessee serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences along the Tennessee River and its reservoirs. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) manages several campgrounds in the area, including Melton Hill Dam Campground, which offers year-round camping with full hookup sites for RVs and tent camping areas. Yarberry Campground, situated on a peninsula with lake views from nearly every site, provides both RV and tent options with excellent water access. The Crosseyed Cricket and Soaring Eagle campgrounds round out the local options, all within a short drive of town. These established campgrounds primarily cater to RV campers seeking amenities like electric hookups, water, and sewer connections, though tent campers will find designated areas at most facilities.

Reservations are essential during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly, particularly at Yarberry Campground where the gated entrance requires access codes for late arrivals. Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though services may be limited in winter. Cell service is generally reliable near Lenoir City proper but can be spotty at more remote water access points. According to one camper at Melton Hill Dam, "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." The proximity to Knoxville, approximately 30 minutes away, makes these campgrounds convenient weekend destinations for city residents seeking outdoor recreation.

Water recreation dominates the camping experience in this region, with swimming areas, boat launches, and fishing opportunities available at most campgrounds. Yarberry Campground receives particularly high marks for its sandy beach, boat slips, and equipment rentals. As one visitor noted, "All the sites have good spacing and are extremely well maintained. The entire campground is immaculate." Sites at TVA campgrounds typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathhouses with showers. For those seeking more rustic experiences, Frozen Head State Park lies about an hour northwest, offering primitive camping with access to hiking trails in the Cumberland Mountains. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, turkey, and occasionally black bears, particularly in the more mountainous areas surrounding the Tennessee Valley.

Best Camping Sites Near Lenoir City, Tennessee (345)

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

    29 Reviews
    Lenoir City, TN
    4 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."

    2. Yarberry Campground

    14 Reviews
    Lenoir City, TN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 986-3993

    "We were in site 48, it’s at the top of the campground, and like pretty much all sites in the campground, has lake views. We even had a fireworks show going on one night across the lake."

    "Yarberry Campground is a gated lakefront campground and day use area located on Tellico Lake, not far from the Fort Loudon Dam."

    3. Soaring Eagle Campground

    9 Reviews
    Kingston, TN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 376-9017

    "We were in a pop-up camper and had a lakefront site, which was awesome, except for the highway noise."

    "The primitive tent sites are amazing, I didn’t give it 5 stars only because you can hear a little bit of road noise, as the campground is near the interstate."

    4. The Crosseyed Cricket

    6 Reviews
    Lenoir City, TN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 986-5435

    "It's a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, especially in beautiful locations like The Crosseyed Cricket Campground in Tennessee."

    5. Cades Cove Campground

    98 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    32 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."

    6. Lotterdale Cove Campground

    6 Reviews
    Greenback, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 776-0720

    $26 - $48 / night

    "Would have been nice to have, but  the view being right next to the lake made up for it four-fold. "

    "Great family location with dry camping for tents, travel trailors and places for RVs. Some are on the Tellico Lake Reservoir.

    Many of the sites are occupied by seasonal residents."

    7. Frozen Head State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    Petros, TN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 346-3318

    "The campground is in close proximity to many of the trailheads. There is a nice bathhouse, but all the sites are rustic (non electric)."

    "It may be the loveliest campground in Tennessee.

    There’s only 20 spots, and they all seem to be shady and have trees between neighbors."

    8. Poland Creek

    5 Reviews
    Louisville, TN
    10 miles
    Website

    "This campsite is perfect for anyone looking to get away from it all for a bit. With gorgeous lake views and a selection of sites that is impressive you will love it here!"

    "The location wasn't far from Louisville which made it a great escape from the city yet close enough to get back easily."

    9. Sweetwater KOA

    14 Reviews
    Madisonville, TN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 213-3900

    "For amenities there is a bouncy blob (dry), small pond with fountain and memorial bench, large playground for the kids, volleyball, basketball, I’m not sure what the game is next to the blob."

    "Very nice area, close to a historic area and site seeing underground lake."

    10. Southlake RV Park

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

    $28 - $38 / night

    "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."

    "Our site us overlooking the lake and the view is beautiful. Close to downtown and the mountains. Only downfall is very spotty wifi in some areas."

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Recent Reviews near Lenoir City, TN

1754 Reviews of 345 Lenoir City Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge

    Beautiful grounds if you feel like splurging

    It is an absolutely beautiful campground with an awesome club house and a ton to do. The pool and lazy river are heated. Honestly though you really need to want to splurge to justify staying here because you are still camping if that makes sense.

    Also the trolley “system” is super confusing and the front desk knows nothing about it lol

    Our site is great. It is right across the road from the playground without having to pay for a family site.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    East Campground - Norris Dam State Park

    Nice park but road is not that friendly

    Google maps and the website will tell you to take the 441 to get here but I recommend going down to the 61 and coming up that way as the road is quite a bit wider and not so steep and windy. The last mile or so into the campground is a pretty narrow road that when we were here was in bad shape with potholes. Note that some of the campsites have only 30 amp and some of the campsites have only 50 amp so when making a reservation don’t assume that a 50 amp campsite will also have 30 amp. They all did appear to 20 amp. There is a dump station available and a fairly nice bathroom and showers. Most of the spaces are fairly level and fairly easy to get into. 1-3 were quite short. Recommend popping down to the Clinch River Brewery for a beverage and possibly dinner. Also the Appalachian museum in Norris was pretty fascinating.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cades Cove Campground

    Quite, beautiful, weekend traffic

    This is one of the quietest campgrounds I’ve stayed at. Sites are nestled in the woods in a cove in the Smokies. No cell service. No internet. No cable tv. Just peace and quiet! This is a national park campgrounds, so no water, electric or hookups. There is a dump station and modern bathrooms. Cold water showers. There is a camp store with basics. There is a lot of traffic especially on weekends with visitors driving the scenic Cades Cove Loop Road.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Little River Campground & RV Resort

    Labor Day weekend

    Overall a positive experience. We stayed in the tent camping area. Absolutely beautiful site with a wonderful river view, but be aware that the direct river bank is considered common area including day use so it had a lot of traffic while we were there. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Being a holiday weekend it was very crowded and very noisy, including a few neighbors without regards to quiet hours. Overall the facilities including bath house are were very nice though I believe the large crowds caused issues with the crew being able to keep up with keeping them clean. The location is very convenient to Townsend and we rode bikes out to explore and get food in the evening. We would definitely go back just probably not on a holiday weekend.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mountaineer Campground

    Pleasant Stay

    Lovely campground on the river and close to amenities. Biking, hiking, tubing, swimming. My favorite experience here has been the pavilion prayer and fellowship on Sunday mornings hosted by Charm ministry volunteers. Very casual with lots of singing and great conversation in a very positive and welcoming atmosphere. The bathrooms and showers were kept very clean as well as the laundry and pool area. The camp hosts were very helpful and work hard to keep the above clean. The campground offers a 50% discount on a 28-day stay which I took advantage of. They allowed me to stay an extra 28 days due to my dog passing away so I could wait for his remains. They were very understanding, thoughtful and gracious during this sad time for me and I am very grateful to the management and hosts for the time, space and respect they extended to me July & August.

  • Kc K.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    Amazing site! See note on hook-ups

    This campground is great. The hosts/camp store workers are so nice. This site is big and has easy walk-in access to water for swimming or fishing. **Only weird thing is the hookups are on the opposite side of the site. Take a 50 ft water hose and a 30 amp extension - ours was 50 ft but I think a 30 ft would work. **

  • Kc K.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Big Ridge State Park Campground

    Big level site

    Site 43. Big site. fairly flat. Just have levelers on one side. Close to the bathhouse and a quick walk to the entrance to get to the store, swim area, etc. 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.

  • Melissa C.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Dudley Creek RV Resort

    Great place with nice hosts

    Beautiful campground very close to Gatlinburg. We love the black bear theme, the pool, and the playground. Some sites are right on the creek.

  • Mary D.
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground

    Awesome time!

    We had such a great time at Cumberland Mountain State Park! Area 1 was especially nice and shaded. It was quiet, clean, and so easy to enjoy. The bonus surprise for us was that the Wi-Fi worked really well, which made it easy to stay connected when we needed to. We’ve already made future reservations and can’t wait to come back and stay at site 25!


Guide to Lenoir City

Camping near Lenoir City, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Good hikes nearby," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Cades Cove Campground, visitors often spot wildlife. One reviewer shared, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing: The Greenbrier Campground is close to great fishing spots. A camper noted, "The roads and some trails are fun on our bikes," hinting at the outdoor fun available.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Elkmont Campground. One review stated, "The bathrooms were adequate—sinks and toilets and cleaned daily."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy Cades Cove Campground. A visitor said, "The sites were pretty close to each other but the store was convenient and awesome proximity when we biked the loop."
  • Beautiful Scenery: Campers rave about the views at Bandy Creek Campground. One camper exclaimed, "Beautiful park with great natural features and a mining history."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Popular spots like Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground can get busy. A reviewer mentioned, "The park is a top visited park in TN - it’s crowded."
  • Limited Privacy: At Elkmont Campground, some sites lack privacy. One camper noted, "All of the campsites are extremely close together."
  • No Showers: Some campgrounds, like Cades Cove Campground, do not offer showers. A visitor pointed out, "The bathrooms could use an update but I’m happy they were flush toilets."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Greenbrier Campground that offer activities for kids. One family shared, "There were bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, a gagaball court, volleyball court, basketball court."
  • Plan for Wildlife: At Cades Cove Campground, be prepared to see wildlife. A camper mentioned, "I saw turkeys and bears every day on the loop."
  • Pack for Activities: Bring bikes or hiking gear to make the most of your stay. A visitor at Bandy Creek Campground said, "The roads and some trails are fun on our bikes."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers should research site sizes at places like Anchor Down RV Resort. One reviewer noted, "It was too tight for our 45 ft bus."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Anchor Down RV Resort mentioned, "Underage drivers driving crazy... loud & rowdy!"
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with good amenities. A camper at Frozen Head State Park Campground said, "The restrooms are heated and immaculate."

Camping near Lenoir City, Tennessee, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Lenoir City, TN?

Lenoir City and its surrounding area offer several camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Yarberry Campground provides both tent and RV sites with amenities suitable for family camping. Another popular option near Lenoir City is Melton Hill Dam Campground, which offers full hookup sites, easy access to swimming and fishing, and a well-stocked store. Additional options in the wider area include Soaring Eagle Campground and Lotterdale Cove Campground, both offering various access options and amenities for campers looking to explore this beautiful part of Tennessee.

Can I rent an RV in Lenoir City, Tennessee?

While specific RV rental services in Lenoir City aren't mentioned in the review data, the area's proximity to popular camping destinations suggests RV rentals may be available. The presence of RV-friendly campgrounds like Anchor Down RV Resort (just outside Sevierville and near Pigeon Forge) indicates a strong RV culture in the broader region. Many visitors to East Tennessee opt to rent RVs from larger nearby cities like Knoxville, where rental agencies are more common. If you're planning an RV trip to the area, consider checking rental availability in advance, especially during peak camping seasons.

Where is Crosseyed Cricket Campground located in Lenoir City?

Crosseyed Cricket Campground is not found in the available review data for Lenoir City. For camping options actually in the Lenoir City area, consider Soaring Eagle Campground, which offers amenities like water and toilet facilities with boat-in and drive-in access. Alternatively, Lotterdale Cove Campground near Greenback is another option not far from Lenoir City. It's always recommended to call ahead to verify location details and availability before planning your trip.