Looking for the best campgrounds near Louisville, TN? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Louisville is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Louisville, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
"Yarberry Campground is a gated lakefront campground and day use area located on Tellico Lake, not far from the Fort Loudon Dam."
"We rented a pontoon boat for four hours and had a great time exploring the lake. Highly recommend this campground if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the larger campgrounds."
$30 / night
"We were in site 11, nice but next to a group site so a little louder than I like. There are trails near by but I was unable to experience. Bear boxes and trash bins. Centrally located water."
"Sites are close to one another, but arranged great. My family of 5 had plenty of room for two tents, chairs, picnic tables, etc."
$30 - $36 / night
"There is a state campground near the base, but it was crowded and noisy. Unfortunately I've been informed this campground is no longer in operation, so sad."
"This place has so many gorgeous camping spits and hiking trails! In the fall there is just so many different hues of oranges reds and yellows"
"The location wasn't far from Louisville which made it a great escape from the city yet close enough to get back easily."
"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 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."
"Right next to the entrance to the Great Smokey mountains. Townsend is a lovely town for eating and lots of walking trails. It is a short drive into pigeon forge if you want more activities to do."
$50 - $94 / night
"There is a camp store with firewood (you are required to buy it from an authorized location!). Nice roomy campsites, but not as much plant cover as at Elkmont in my experience."
"I wanted to see if there was a difference in the camping experience at the two locations."
ScoutWe were truck tent camping and used an RV site with water/electric hookup...... it was close to our gold panning and Brian taught us the proper technique. If there was not a fire pit at your site, they would make one or have one set up at the Pavilion. The picnic table would be at the pavilion, but overall it is a peaceful more rustic campground.
ScoutVery compact space. Only good for a short stay or to visit the area attractions and only sleep. Not as nice as some of the bigger areas. I should have noticed from the photos.
Not right off the highway so. It is pretty quiet.
The employees are really friendly and helpful.
ScoutFirst time camping KOA. We are very pleased with this campground. The staff is friendly. The grounds are beautifully maintained with lots to do for the kids.
Our pull thru site 60 was directly across from the pool and playground. We stayed for the night in 28ft travel trailer without unhooking on a wonderfully level site.
GuideWe traveled in a Class C, so I chose this CG because the bus stop is just outside the CG. Unfortunately, the bus route was suspended due to a lack of drivers just 2 weeks before we arrived. (Not the CG's fault, but it did complicate our trip a bit.) The CG is nice, sites are regularly spaced somewhat close to each other but level. There are many seasonal campers here. Restrooms are clean, laundry is convenient. There are many things to do in the CG, pools, arcade and lots of kids. There is a gas station/convenience store on the property. Staff in the office can answer questions about the area.
We would stay here again if the bus is running.
ScoutNice clean and very quiet.
TravelerHorse cove was a gorgeous campsite. There are two “areas”, the campground near the check in station and dispersed camping along the road. We stayed in May 2025.
We chose to camp in the campground. It had a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern poles. It was a rainy weekend so we didn’t have many neighbors which made it perfect. The campground use to have two sections to camp but one has been closed down for quite a bit of time (there have fallen trees). There were only about 6-8 campsites all close to each other on the campground along the river.
The other option is to find campsites along the river. There were maybe 3-4 rv friendly sites from the campground to the boat dock (mostly tent options). There’s probably more past the boat dock but we didn’t check.
There’s probably river was loud but beautiful. No electric. There was a water pump but I didn’t see if it worked. There was an abundance of firewood in the campground and along the road. We decided to go hike Joyce Kilmore Forest which was a small trek from the campground. Felt like we were camping in a rainforest!
Toilet: enclosed toilet with thin toilet paper just like a porta potty. Smelled bad.
GuideThis is our second time here. I really like this campground. It is right next to the Museum of Appalachia. It's full of peacocks and mini horses and fat little pigs. I really enjoyed hearing the peacocks and donkeys in the morning. There is so much to do around in the area, too. My family lives here so it is very convenient to visit them.
TravelerThis is the "meet up" point for us and many of our camping friends. The sites are fairly level and they have added more gravel to the roads. The bathrooms are kept clean and most necessities can be found in the camp store. We usually pull our camper, but we have stayed in cabin 116.
Cabins 116 and 117 have dishes, cookware, etc. furnished.
135 and 135A are Jack and Jill sites, which we have used often with close friends. Sites along the river go fast, so make your reservations early.
If you can get by with 30 amp service, site 25 allows you to face your camper towards the swimming hole.
GuideNot only is it crowded, but very noisy. It is on the main road/highway. Regardless of what the info says, the wifi sucks. They give you the password, but it refuses to let you sign in... Due to thunderstorms, we weren't able to enjoy the pool area.
Camping near Louisville, Tennessee, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful campgrounds nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains and surrounding areas, there's something for everyone.
Camping in Louisville, TN, and its surrounding areas offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family adventure, there's a campground that fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Louisville, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 418 campgrounds and RV parks near Louisville, TN and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Louisville, TN is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 97 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Louisville, TN.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 parks near Louisville, TN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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