308 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Maynardville, Tennessee feature diverse accommodation types from tent sites to cabin rentals, primarily concentrated around Norris Lake and adjacent state parks. Big Ridge State Park Campground offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options with waterfront access, while Loyston Point Campground provides similar amenities with highly-rated facilities. The area includes several smaller private campgrounds and public lands suitable for more primitive camping experiences within a 30-minute drive of the city.
Road conditions and campground accessibility vary significantly by season, with most developed sites open year-round while others operate seasonally from March through October. Big Ridge State Park maintains all-weather access throughout the year, while Loyston Point Campground operates from March 21 to October 31. Bathhouse facilities receive mixed reviews regarding cleanliness and maintenance at several locations. Visitors should note that many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. As one camper noted, "Sites are nice and well maintained just a little close for a state park. Weekends seem to be busy but during the week campground was very quiet."
The campground landscape near Maynardville features notable contrasts between developed and primitive options. Waterfront campsites consistently receive higher ratings, particularly those providing direct access to Norris Lake for fishing, boating, and water recreation. Several visitors highlighted the hiking opportunities at Big Ridge State Park as a key attraction, with multiple trails ranging from easy to strenuous difficulty levels. Privacy between campsites varies considerably across the region, with some areas offering spacious sites while others position campers in closer proximity. According to reviews, "The campground is nice with facilities there. A pool, a lake, has a place to ride bicycles. There are some hiking trails. The park is clean, staff are friendly and helpful." Backcountry camping options exist for those seeking more solitude, though reviews indicate challenging terrain and limited amenities at these remote sites.
"I’ve stayed at this site a couple times now and I love the location. The site is a short and easy hike (under 2 miles) from the parking lot via the Lake Trail to the Dark Hollow Trail."
"Close to the bathhouse and a quick walk to the entrance to get to the store, swim area, etc."
"The staff is warm and helpful, it’s incredibly clean, and the surroundings really allow you to feel the love of East Tennessee’s beauty."
"Stayed at a premium lakeshore site on Norris Lake. Advertised as a pull through, but that must be for travel trailers, as I have an RV."
"We stayed at the main area but not much space or privacy so we put up a tent out side our door, but then moved to the tent camping site area the second night which was more secluded and private, but still"
"There is a lake, so naturally that means there is boating, jet skiing, canoeing and of course fishing."
"I recently learned that TVA land is free to camp on, so I sought out some close to me and found Fork Bend. If you want to get away from people, this place is for you."
"Reminder the lake is really low all fall/winter before Memorial Day. It was quiet and serene and you could hear the fish jumping all evening."
"Anchors Down is just outside Severville Tennessee and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Located on Douglas Lake with the Smokie Mountains in the back ground."
"This campground is one of the best you will find in Tennessee. "
from $49 - $139 / night
Check Availability"Bathrooms and Showers with hot water. 20 minutes outside Knoxville and extremely quiet."
"The campsite is nestled in trees and conveniently located to the Knoxville area. They have a small store for small forgotten items as well as a place to fill propane."
from $30 - $65 / night
Check Availability"The coordinates on here will lead you to the middle of the road, however, if you keep driving, right before you hit the state park, you will see a campground to your left that is free free free."
"Lots to explore here, beaches, hi clearance roads(Jeep roads), caves, old cemeteries, rocks to jump off into the lake,and an old fire tower you can climb for what I would expect is a great view."
"I was need of a place to camp to breakup a long drive and this certainly did the trick!"
"There are cows across the way that would get as close to the fence as possible and just stare at us as we drove by . I would recommend this place a million times it was absolutely beautiful."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Great location just off I75, close to easy shopping (Walmart), Urgent Care facility just minutes away, nice BBQ place right in the park, local eatery’s just up the way (less than 2 miles)."
"Our site is nice and right on the lake but it’s a little odd the way the sites are. Our neighbors site is next to us but there table and fire pit are behind our rig."
"Panther Creek SP Panther Creek State Park was an unexpected find outside of Knoxville, TN , in Morristown. I’ve driven by the sign but no need to camp so close to home."
"Nuzzled into the East Tennessee hills. Very pretty. Nice State Park. Would stay here again."
ScoutThey have a pool, a lake with boat ramp and dock, and picnic tables at all spots. There are a few rows of permanent spots but didn't seem ran down. The office workers were nice and easy to communicate with.
ScoutCabins and Campgrounds are very clean
GuideEverything is new after Helene came through. I liked the park, and the staff was very helpful. Sometimes vehicles on the bridge near the dam could be noisy. After exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park each day, I was too tired to care. It's conveniently located and I'd stay here again when I'm in the area. There were Canadian geese, otters, and nesting bald eagles in the area.
ScoutVery nice campground with very good sites easy to back into and pretty level
ScoutLovely 5 site park on the family farm. 30/50 amp water and sewer. Exrtremly quite park
Enjoyed our stay. Debbie and Ernie were wonderful to work with. Had a cloudy night so didnt get to see sunset. But heard they are marvelous.
ScoutWe love this campground! We have the best spot although, all of them are nice! Right on Lake Norris with the most beautiful views!
LegendOverall, this is a nice campground with lots of amenities in a great location. They have easy online booking and when you arrive you are instructed to go straight to your site and come to the office later for campground information and parking pass. Little Arrow has lots of amenities with the most popular being the swimming pool. In fact, it was a little too popular as it was quite crowded most of the time. The community firepit is a great place to gather with lots of people. There is a restaurant onsite (which we did not eat at but heard it was very good). The nearby town of Townsend is a great town with shopping and restaurants. We loved the brewery in town (Peaceful Side Social) which had great food and beer and lots of space for kids to run around. Next store to the brewery was a delicious ice cream shop. This campground is in a great location to visit the Great Smokey Mountain National Park with the entrance being just a few miles away and it’s a short drive to the Cades Cove Loop which is a very interesting and popular driving route in the park with historic sites and great wildlife viewing along the way. We had a buddy site which was laid out so that RVs are on the same pad and share a common area in between. We enjoyed the table and chairs and “kitchen” area which was great for gathering. Some sites back up to a river and have nice covered pavilions. There is public river access at the campground which I liked for fly fishing and my dog loved for swimming. The only complaints are that some sites (including ours) was very close to your neighbor and it is really a tight squeeze getting big-rigs into the park and to our site. The entrance to our loop was really tight and we even noticed one tow hauler ripped off part of his bumper on an old gate post that was covered by overgrown bushes. There are low hanging trees at the entrance which I mentioned to the manager and she dismissed it that stuff was really growing since it was late spring and they didn’t have time to trim. She did indicate that they intended on trimming but we left so I’m not sure if it happened or not.
TravelerThis is the best place to park your travel trailer for a few days! Tons of space it’s not to crowded and everyone is so nice
ScoutA lot of amenities for the kids however getting camper backed in and parking is horrible
Campgrounds near Maynardville, Tennessee offer both established and primitive options across varying terrain at elevations between 900-1100 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs around 90°F and winter lows in the 20s. Most campsites provide water access to Norris Lake and its 809 miles of shoreline, though water levels fluctuate seasonally affecting beach and dock accessibility.
Fishing opportunities: Norris Lake stretches throughout the area with multiple access points for anglers. "Words can't describe. The water is so beautiful with the sunset shining down on it," notes a visitor to Loyston Point Campground.
Explore hiking trails: The backcountry site at Big Ridge State Park connects to multiple trail loops. "I've stayed at this site a couple times now and I love the location. The site is a short and easy hike (under 2 miles) from the parking lot via the Lake Trail to the Dark Hollow Trail," explains one camper at Big Ridge State Park Campground.
Water activities: Swimming and boating options abound throughout the summer months when water levels are highest. At TVA Public Land-Fork Bend, one visitor notes, "There is a nice rocky/sandy beach to play in and it stays shallow for a ways out so it would probably be nice for the kids."
Privacy and seclusion: For those seeking solitude, Chuck Swan State Forest provides isolation. "If you like primitive camping out in the middle of nowhere with a view, this is a place for you! Chuck Swan State Forest is just that, a Forest, nothing more," reports a visitor to Chuck Swan State Forest.
Natural beauty: Many campers appreciate the abundance of wildlife and scenery. "For those who want peace and quiet, it doesn't get much better than this! It's secluded but clean, and lots of fireflies and a great view!" writes a camper at Rocky Meadows Farm.
Level camping surfaces: Multiple reviews mention the quality of the camping pads. At West Campground, a camper noted, "We stayed just one night while driving our new camper home. It was a beautiful park and our site (27 in the west campground) was in a great spot."
Seasonal campground closures: Operating dates vary widely. Loyston Point operates only from March 21 to October 31, while others remain open year-round. "We stayed in the A loop, site 26, for one night in early December. The restroom/showers were just up a little hill from this site and were very clean, heated and with plenty of hot water," notes a winter camper at Cove Lake State Park Campground.
Primitive camping challenges: Free sites have no facilities. At TVA Public Land-Fork Bend, a visitor cautions: "Really loved this location but was absolutely filled with trash, I picked up everything I could around my site and packed it out but even on my way out in the morning there was trash on the road that wasn't there the night before."
Road conditions: Access to several campgrounds requires travel on unpaved roads. One Fork Bend visitor explains: "The road back is a gravel/dirt road a few miles into the woods. Although bumpy 4x4 isn't necessary as we were able to get our 85 GMC van back here."
Kid-friendly water access: Several sites offer shallow swimming areas appropriate for children. A camper at Loyston Point reports: "Nice campground. A bit noisy on the back side & people going through your area are the complaints. Sites are roomy for the most part. Love the little critters (chipmunks, birds, squirrels)."
Playground proximity: Some campgrounds feature play areas close to sites. At Cove Lake State Park, a visitor notes: "This is a nice green campground but only a very few sites are close to the water. The campsites are a little small, close, and open with a playground within earshot of many of the sites."
Recreation facilities: Organized activities and facilities vary widely. "The campground has two levels and three sections. There are two new, clean showerhouses and one old showerhouse... There are water sports and hiking trails to enjoy and nice group areas for get togethers," explains a visitor at Big Ridge.
Site levelness: Many RV sites require leveling equipment. As one Loyston Point camper notes, "The only downside is the horrifically unleveled sites. The bathrooms were clean, the view from our site was spectacular and the staff was very helpful. The sites were spacious and the access roads were very easy to maneuver."
Long-term vs. short-term: Some campgrounds have a mix of temporary and permanent residents. A visitor to Volunteer Park Family Campground observed: "I was a little taken back when we first arrived at this campground because of how many people lived here long-term. There were clearly people who had been here for a very long time, even having pole barns put up over there rigs."
Site sizing: RV length limitations vary considerably. At West Campground, one visitor cautions: "Keep in mind, a trailer much longer that 16' will have trouble getting in."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Maynardville, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Maynardville, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 308 campgrounds and RV parks near Maynardville, TN and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Maynardville, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Maynardville, TN is Big Ridge State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Maynardville, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Maynardville, TN.
What parks are near Maynardville, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 37 parks near Maynardville, TN that allow camping, notably Cumberland Gap National Historic Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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