309 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."
"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."
"Our site was right next to the lake. Quiet and very peaceful until 7am lol! People get going right away lol!"
from $20 - $60 / night
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TravelerI've stayed here multiple times always a good time. Its TVA protected and next to a water treatment plant. Mossy creek flows into Cherokee Lake which greatly improves the fishing year round.
RangerFirst thing--be sure you check your route here. Do not end up on Happy Valley Rd with a big rig. My RV life app took me that way with a 30ft TT and the park explicitly says to avoid it. The campground itself is somewhat unremarkable. It was nearly empty during my stay. My site was not remotely level, but no big deal to me. The views around the area made it all worthwhile to me.
RangerGreat experience booking and staying at this private spot on the water. The hosts were incredibly helpful and friendly, and the site itself was very pleasant. Perfect for my first time Boondocking!
GuideWe’re heading down to Florida and this was along our route. Our site was right next to the lake. Quiet and very peaceful until 7am lol! People get going right away lol!
GuideWe booked for two nights but extended by another night because it was such a great spot. We were right on the creek, so it was nice to hear that at night. The sites have full hook-ups.
The trolley to Gatlinburg stops right out front, but I recommend catching the trolley in front of Food City on the other side of the road instead. That way, you go directly to Gatlinburg without having to make all the extra stops.
The facility is clean and well-kept. It has great showers with antimicrobial mats, laundry, a pool and a hot tub. There’s a little store on site. The staff were super friendly! We would definitely come back again.
ScoutFriendly people. Dump station needs work. Beautiful scenery with lake views everywhere.
GuideGreat campsite. No cell service at all. Has nice toilets and dish washing area.
ScoutThis is our favorite rv park we’ve stayed at yet.
ScoutIf you’re looking for chill sights with minimal needs and no electric this place has been lovely. Creek access with some sites. Not all for direct creek. Lake access to entire campground tho! Will be back for us !!!
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 309 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 26 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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