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.

Best Camping Sites Near Maryville, Tennessee (470)

    1. Cades Cove Campground

    98 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

    124 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

    55 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. Yarberry Campground

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

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Maryville, TN

2271 Reviews of 470 Maryville Campgrounds


  • Sarah and Philip H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Knoxville Campground

    Great Pass through Campground not for staying long term

    Location was great to get to lots of things but campsites are very tight and no room for an actual camping feel.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Yarberry Campground

    Beautiful views

    Even the non-lake site spots have lake views. Lots of nice amenities, but still rustic. My site was a little tough to back into, but worth it.

  • B
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    beautiful and peaceful

    It was perfect weekend getaway, the camp ground wasn’t full, bathrooms clean, the camp ground was clean. The sites along the water were amazing, and the sites were level.

  • Mary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Frozen Head State Park Campground

    Forever a Special Place

    I have been camping at Frozen Head since I was a child. In fact, I went to my first day of Kindergarten from the campsite. The campground is wooded and perfect for that woodsy camp feel. There are so many hiking trails around I absolutely loved the little library they had. This last trip, we stayed in the primitive site and loved being next to a little creek. There is no wifi and no cell phone reception.

  • Mary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Anderson County Park

    Amazing Site!

    This is one of my new absolute favorite sites yet! While a majority of the campground is long-term, the sites along water are not. This specific spot was huge and next to a wooded area and nature walk and, in my opinion, the best site in the whole campground! The bathhouse was small, but functional and clean. The campground host was exceptionally friendly. No wifi. I have US Cellular and had limited service. Enough to maybe look something up and receive texts.

  • Jessi B.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Soaring Eagle Campground

    Huge disappointment

    !Infested with termites! They price gouge. The lots are basically right on top of each other(some spots are not big enough for slide outs). The check-in lady is very condescending and will rob you blind while wearing the biggest smile. There's cornhole, a basketball hoop, and a volleyball net, but they are all falling apart or are inaccessible. No fire rings at your site. There's a huge hive of ground nesting bees by the picnic tables that are set up next to the pool. The pool area is also the only area in which you can access a fire ring. The lake is beautiful and is accessible to boats. Low riding cars beware of double speed bump and sinking concrete. There is no bathroom for the pool area. The maintenance man seems a bit unfriendly. They do not honor their online rates. 😒 We also had to move from a spot that we were already paying for bc she reserved it out from under us. I-40 echoes through the campsite. We were constantly woken up by j braking semis and emergency service vehicles. We will definitely not be visiting again.

  • s
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground

    Worst experience ever

    Absolutely the worst advertised campground I’ve ever been to in my life. They stated it was“riverside” ummmm nooooo!!! It’s basically a big open field with absolutely no privacy or shade. Picture Woodstock. The“barely there stream of water” was covered by trees at the campsite and there was basically just a huge mound of dirt where they told us to set up. We asked for a different spot and they said they were full. We paid SIXTY SIX dollars for this tent camping experience on the river!! We asked for a refund and they refused(otherwise, I wouldn’t have left a review at all. They should have made it right.) We luckily found a beautiful spot at Deep Creek Campground otherwise we would have had to drive two hours home!!! Do.not.be.scammed.

  • Allissa F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    One night stay

    Right on Little River. The view and sound was so enjoyable. The restroom is a couple minute walk away, very convenient. Zero signal for Att (for signal, take a right out of the campground heading toward Gatlinburg. There’ll be a Pulloff with a view on the left, pull in and use your phone if needed).

  • Isabelle C.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indian Creek Campground

    Excellent Campground

    Indian Creek Campground in Cherokee, NC is a hidden gem. Nice hosts, clean facilities in the woods. We have a 25 ft pull behind camper and sites are big enough for slide-outs. Picknick table and campfire ring was on site. We had a 30 amp full hook-up site. Campground has tent sites, RV sites, cabins, clean bathhouse and is dog friendly.


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 470 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 98 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.