Best Campgrounds near Maryville, TN

Camping in the Maryville, Tennessee area provides access to both developed campgrounds and primitive sites within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding areas. Cades Cove Campground, located about 20 miles south of Maryville, offers tent and RV camping with picnic tables, drinking water, and fire rings. Several campgrounds in the region, including Elkmont and Abrams Creek, feature riverside locations within the national park boundaries. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort and Townsend Great Smokies KOA provide more amenities including cabin options and glamping accommodations for those seeking comfort while exploring the mountains.

Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with most developed sites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park operating from spring through fall. Look Rock Campground typically opens from May through October, while Cades Cove operates from March to October. A camper wrote, "The camping season here is April through October so if you are trying to stay during off season you will need to contact authorities to make arrangements." Many sites require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months and fall color season. Weather conditions vary significantly with elevation, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer months. Cell service is limited or non-existent within many campground areas, particularly those deeper in the national park.

The proximity to water features ranks high in visitor feedback for campgrounds near Maryville. Elkmont Campground receives consistent praise for its riverside sites. One visitor noted, "I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont. I was able to hang my hammock right next to the river to enjoy my naps and morning coffee." Campers frequently mention the peaceful sounds of flowing water as a highlight of their experience. Beyond water access, visitors appreciate the region's convenient location for exploring both the natural attractions of the Smokies and nearby towns. The varied terrain accommodates different camping styles, from private developed campgrounds with full hookups to more rustic national park sites with fewer amenities but greater immersion in nature.

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Best Camping Sites Near Maryville, Tennessee (466)

    1. Cades Cove Campground

    97 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    15 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."

    2. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    123 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $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."

    3. Abrams Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    24 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $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."

    "Way if they beaten path and reservations can ONLY be made online. No cell service no internet for at least ten miles away from camp.. absolutely gorgeous location and rangers keep it clean every day."

    4. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

    28 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-2241

    "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."

    5. Cades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    27 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $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."

    6. Look Rock Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    14 Reviews
    Maryville, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 436-1261

    $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"

    7. Southlake RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Rockford, TN
    8 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."

    8. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

    22 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-6363

    $60 - $185 / night

    "It’s right outside one of the entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains and about 20 minutes from Cades Cove."

    "Close to Cades Cove and right at the entrance to Smokey Mountains National Park. Just cant say enough good things about it."

    9. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    54 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-7903

    "Had we been in a site away from the river, we’d have been packed in like sardines."

    "Close to everything, right in the heart of pigeon forge. Best bath houses we’ve ever been too, all other reviews were spot on!"

    10. Whispering River RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 981-4300

    "Nice park with amenities close to the NP. Grounds were well kept, staff was super friendly, good laundry room. Pool and plenty of room to walk dogs. "

    "We stayed a week with friends in the sites around us.  The campground is located off Little Pigeon River.  We could  hear quite a bit of noise from the highway into Townsend.  "

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Recent Reviews near Maryville, TN

2257 Reviews of 466 Maryville Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Panther Creek State Park Campground

    Panther creek camping

    I had a very cute camp spot up in the woods away from the road it was number 50 it was so cute and quieter than the rest of the spots. It also had two fire pits one up by the tent area and one down by the picnic table

  • 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.

  • A
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Triple Creek Campground

    Would recommend!

    It got only for stars because I can hear traffic from my campsite.
    I was next to a brook, under a paw paw tree. It was safe, very friendly. The bath and shower house were clean and very nice for tent camping! Laundry room, firewood delivery.

  • Mandi R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Fort Wilderness RV Park

    Just passing theough

    The staff was friendly enough. The credit card machine wasn’t working, luckily I had cash. It’s more like a mobile home park not a campground. It was very quiet though.

  • 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

    Notchy Creek Campground

    Peaceful and Pretty Place

    Site 42. The site is right across the water. Easy to carry a kayak to! The sites are very well kept, and the bathrooms are honestly the cleanest I’ve come across at any campground. It makes such a difference. There are several long-term residents, but it's quiet and everything feels well cared for and peaceful.

    The only drawback (for those who love to lounge in a hammock like I do) is that they don’t allow hammocks to be hung from the trees. Other than that, it’s an excellent place to stay and definitely worth visiting! Would like to stay at site 44 next time! I have US Cellular and there is just enough service to send and receive texts. Not sure about calls.


Guide to Maryville

Camping near Maryville, Tennessee, offers a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of campgrounds, there's something for everyone, whether you're a tent camper or an RVer.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed hikes like the Little River Trail, which offers beautiful views and a gradual uphill path. One reviewer mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground noted, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near rivers and streams, perfect for fishing. A camper at Smokemont Campground shared, "I saw some elk that reluctantly budged from the trail."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful settings. One reviewer at Elkmont Campground said, "The campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were amazing," highlighting the well-maintained facilities.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds often have activities for kids. A family at Anchor Down RV Resort enjoyed, "There is so much to do with the water activities and on-site."

What you should know:

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Cades Cove Campground noted, "Most sites are close," which might not suit everyone.
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in many areas. A visitor at Cataloochee Campground advised, "There isn’t cell service, so be sure to plan your next move before you head in."
  • Bear Awareness: Some campgrounds are in bear country. A camper at Frozen Head State Park Campground warned, "Watch for copperheads!!! There are lots at this park."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A family at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed the "multiple playgrounds and a lazy river with a swimming hole."
  • Plan for Downtime: Bring books or games for quiet time. A camper at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground suggested, "Have a good book, downloaded shows, crossword book, or what have you."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A visitor at Smokemont Campground mentioned, "The sound of the flowing River is wonderful."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Anchor Down RV Resort noted, "It was too tight for our 45 ft bus."
  • Use Amenities: Take advantage of campground amenities like dump stations and laundry facilities. A camper at Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground appreciated, "The bathhouses were clean, full hookups."
  • Book Early: Popular campgrounds can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Elkmont Campground recommended booking ahead to secure a good spot.

Camping around Maryville, TN, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the scenery, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Maryville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Maryville, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 466 campgrounds and RV parks near Maryville, TN and 21 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Maryville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Maryville, TN is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 97 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Maryville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Maryville, TN.

What parks are near Maryville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 parks near Maryville, TN that allow camping, notably Croatan National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.