1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent campgrounds dot the landscape around Loudon, Tennessee, with options ranging from basic sites to more developed camping areas. Poland Creek offers lakeside tent camping with grassy, level sites that provide access to fishing and water activities. Double Camp along Citico Creek provides primitive tent sites in the Cherokee National Forest with no electricity or facilities but direct creek access.
Campers at these tent sites should prepare for varying levels of amenities. Most primitive areas lack drinking water, and sites at Double Camp have fire rings but no running water or electric hookups. Poland Creek features more developed sites with lake views, though shade can be limited at some locations. Clean toilet facilities are available at Young Branch Horse Camp and Rock Creek Campground, though the latter reports compact sites with little privacy between neighbors. One camper noted that "all camping in Citico Creek area is primitive but absolutely gorgeous" with plenty of swimming and fishing opportunities.
Tent campsites in this region provide direct access to natural features and outdoor activities. The Double Camp area along Citico Creek offers secluded sites away from populated areas, making it ideal for those seeking quiet tent camping experiences. "Clear, clean water abounds here," according to one tent camper who has visited for decades. Sites at Young Branch are well-maintained with medium-sized clearings suitable for tents. Windrock Ridge Campground provides wooded tent sites with varying levels of flatness, and campers recommend asking to preview available spots before booking. Most primitive tent areas require campers bring all necessary supplies, including water. For those seeking more remote experiences, Lost Creek in Cherokee National Forest offers dispersed tent camping with basic toilets and picnic tables but no other amenities.
"After checking it out and realizing we were unprepared to set up a tent in a gravel mud puddle we checked out frozen head's campground and it was so nice."
"There is a primitive tent area along a creek branch and there are some primitive hike-in areas) Tennessee seems to have a thing for larger rock pieces in their gravel on tent platforms... otherwise no"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when available"This spot is kid and tent friendly with a boat ramp and beautiful small lake with lots of fishing opportunities."
"This is a medium size campground which offers both RV and tent camping. There is a recreational facility which can be used for day use as well. Overall everything is grassy green and beautiful."
"Site 26 is good for rooftop tent camping. Shade in afternoon and plenty of room for additional vehicles. Fire ring has a movable grate that is good to cook on."
"I’m in a truck camper with a rooftop tent."
from $20 - $49 / night
"The campsites have a fire ring, picnic bench, and lantern pole. Each campsite has their little parking space except site 9, 10, and 11."
"It's a primitive campground with 11 sites for tents only. RVs are not allowed. There is a restroom for campers with pit style toilets."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 / night
"The state park/campground adjoins the Cherokee National Forest and sits on the north bank of the Hiwassee River outside of Benton, TN."
"Very nice campground with large tent sites with fairly level ground capable of sitting 2 or 3 tents. Most have mature trees to hang hammocks. Very quiet during weekdays."
Available this weekend
"Camp Birdsong is here to provide an excellent spot to setup your tent, with a platform for a level setup, and a mini kitchen so that you can prepare some great meals while listening to the morning birds"
"Luv the fact it tells you about the camping space"
from $40 - $49 / night
"Great campground with very friendly and helpful rangers. Was pretty empty the night we were there."
"The ranger was very friendly when we checked in. The site was a great site for winter camping, since the loop beside it was closed for the season (so there was only one neighbor)."
"All secluded and away from overpopulated areas. Bring your fishing pole!"
"Plenty of trails, swimming and fishing!!"
"I found this awesome campground close to the beginning of the Cherohala skyway in Tellico Plains."
from $20 / night
from $24 - $40 / night
TravelerBeautiful spot in the smoky mountains. State park style amenities, no showers. No hookups. Very busy very open campground. Nice that some trails are walking distance from campground. I would not camp here again as I prefer more separation and privacy. No cell service. STARLINK is usable but obstructed with tree canopy
GuideDrove 5 hrs from our last campground to here for event Campground was very well maintained and liked the site. Wasn’t overly crazy about the event not a lot of vendors mainly jeeps went to a few local shops in town had a great lunch at the cookie dough monster.
ScoutI camped here with a friend last weekend and absolutely loved this place! It's a cute little site with a great host, clean bathrooms, free firewood, and super friendly dogs, goats, and people. I would for sure stay here again and recommend.
GuideParksville Lake RV Campground is an absolute gem! I had a fantastic stay here. The campground is beautifully maintained, and the sites are nice, spacious, and wonderfully shaded by the trees. We loved the layout of the RV loop, especially the outer section where a peaceful creek flows right past the sites—the sound of the water at night was perfect. The restrooms and showers were exceptionally clean and well-kept. I had Starlink connectivity at my site and my WeBoost cell signal booster gave me up to three bars on AT&T. The campground host was incredibly nice, welcoming, and helpful. It's a wonderful, relaxing spot, and I will definitely be back!
TravelerFantastic National Park! Elkmont is really nice but lacking in hookups and there are no showers. Hard to stay too long without power, water, sewer and showers. Still, an amazing site along the river!
GuideThis is one of several USFS campgrounds that are within a few miles of each other. The cost is only $8/night, first come first served. The sites are fairly large with about half of them on a wide, clear creek. There is no running water, but there are bear proof trash cans and vault toilets that were fairly clean, but didn't smell great.
There is free potable water and an RV dump station about a mile away at the North River Game Checking Station on River Road near the Spivey Cove campground..
The campsite was clean with picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern post. The fire ring was almost full of ashes and it appears that campers have to clean them out themselves.
The Green Cove Angler store is a couple miles away and has ice, firewood and other camper things.
Unfortunately, while we were there, it was bear hunting season and another camper had multiple barking and baying dogs that went on and on for hours.
TravelerThis worked well for us while we were visiting Dollywood in our trailer, but we wouldn't stay here if we had been in a different type of site. Cons: Unless you have a site up against the river or on patriot park, you are packed in VERY TIGHT with other people, sometimes with your sliders only a foot or two away from your neighbor's sliders. We were in a site that was "on patriot park", but the few first sites of that type are really just behind the trolley parking lot and pick up with a path behind you (including ours). People are on the other side of the fence walking about two feet behind you all day and pretty late in to the night. Pros: There are lot of trees and campground is very pretty. Super close to Dollywood and other Pigeon Forge points of interest.
ScoutCalled the day of to ask if we could camp and set up after hours for that day and the next the lady told me yes i could pay in the morning i got here set up that night woke up around 8 am to go pay and reserve my campsite for the day and she told me they were booked even though she had told me the day before she had plenty of campsites. Then tried to tell me the only one she had was a $75 site for 4 people which is absolutely insane. She made snarky remarks and was overall incompetent in making sure the guests receive the right information the first time. Absolutely zero care that we set up not even 12 hours before to make us take it down and leave.
ScoutThis was a very nice campground! The tent areas are partially gravel so it helped the area be less muddy after rain. Beautiful view of the river and would be a great place to fish! Bathrooms are very nice! Comes with a nice fire pit and didn’t have to use own grate! Pet friendly! Staff was very nice and helpful!
Only complaint was some of their quiet hours were confusing. The quiet hours on the email said 10pm to 7am but then sign posted at bathroom was 11pm-7am for quiet hours.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Loudon, Tennessee extend beyond established campgrounds, with several locations offering more remote experiences. The Cherokee National Forest surrounding Loudon provides primitive camping access at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,200 feet, creating varied camping conditions throughout the year. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing while summer nights remain comfortable in the mid-60s.
**Creek exploration: At Double Camp/Citico Creek, visitors can wade and fish in clear waters. One camper notes, "Clear, clean water abounds here. TWRA stocks plenty of trout Feb-early Sept." The creek provides cooling relief during summer months.
**Stargazing: Rock Creek Campground offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. According to a camper, "This is a dark sky park, a neat thing to experience." The remote location minimizes light pollution, making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
**Hiking: Multiple trails connect to Lost Creek Campground, where the Benton McKaye trail runs directly beside campsites. As one visitor shared, "Many places to explore on bike or hiking. Super remote area, ride were in decent shape, I could see them being bad after a heavy storm."
**Peaceful seclusion: The primitive camping areas near Loudon attract visitors seeking quiet. A camper at Double Camp/Citico Creek said, "Family oriented, clear & cold waters, beautiful views, peaceful thoughts, and convenient campsites."
**Wildlife watching: The natural forest setting supports diverse animal species. Morning birdwatching is particularly rewarding at Camp Birdsong, which features platforms for level tent setup and a mini kitchen area.
**Water access: Many campsites offer direct water access. At Lost Creek, "There's a free campsite so it's first come first serve and everyone we've met so far there have been the friendliest of people... Some have direct access to the creek. Great hikes around and good place to fish and hunt."
**Variable site conditions: Not all tent sites are naturally level. At Windrock Ridge Campground, "The wooded tent sites where perfect not all are level so ask to drive through and preview avails before booking."
**Limited amenities: Most primitive sites lack running water. One camper at Lost Creek noted, "Your classic primitive campground. No generators, water, or porta potties. How camping in the forest should be!" Campers should pack accordingly.
**Cell reception: Service varies significantly by location. At Lost Creek, expect "no Verizon cell reception" while Windrock Ridge reports "3 bars signal with Verizon and good speed."
**Hunting seasons: Be aware of hunting activity in some areas. A Lost Creek visitor reported, "We apparently went during hunting season. Had to have been a dog sport. Too many dogs running around and barking throughout the night."
**Pack for water play: Many campsites near creeks offer natural swimming spots. Poland Creek is particularly family-friendly, with one camper noting it's "perfect for a family vacation" with "lake views and a selection of sites."
**Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds experience evening activity that may not suit young children. At Lilly Pad Campground, campers reported "A live band playing until the early morning hours, and drinks flowing among the thru hikers and rock climbers."
**Choose sites with amenities: For families new to tent camping near Loudon, Tennessee, select campgrounds with basic facilities. Young Branch Horse Camp offers "a toilet, but no hookups. About 6 different sites within the campground. Medium sized sites, but we'll taken care of."
**Size restrictions: Many campgrounds limit RV access due to narrow roads and compact sites. At Rock Creek Campground, "RVs are not allowed" as it's "a primitive campground with 11 sites for tents only."
**Consider hookup needs: Most primitive sites lack electrical connections. One camper at Poland Creek noted that lakefront sites are "reserved for those wanting electricity" while tent sites without hookups cost considerably less at "$18 for the site" compared to "$30 charged for electricity."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Loudon, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Loudon, TN is Frozen Head State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Loudon, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 66 tent camping locations near Loudon, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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