Best Tent Camping near Maynardville, TN

Public lands surrounding Maynardville, Tennessee offer several tent camping options for those seeking natural settings and basic amenities. TVA Public Land at Fork Bend provides free primitive tent camping in a heavily wooded area along Norris Lake, approximately 15 miles northeast of town. Chuck Swan State Forest, located about 20 miles east of Maynardville, offers tent-only sites with a more secluded backcountry experience. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Norris Dam State Park features designated backcountry tent sites accessible via hiking trails, providing a more remote tent camping experience.

Most tent campsites in the region feature minimal amenities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient. At TVA Public Land-Fork Bend, tent sites are undesignated with no facilities, water sources, or restrooms. According to reviews, the access road is rutted gravel, potentially requiring high-clearance vehicles. Chuck Swan State Forest provides basic tent pads with fire rings but no drinking water or toilets. Backcountry sites at Norris Dam State Park require reservations and a hike-in approach, with no facilities at the campsites. Tent campers should pack in all water and supplies, including bear-resistant food storage containers where required. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with summer bringing humidity and potential thunderstorms.

The tent-only experience at these locations offers genuine seclusion not found at developed campgrounds. One visitor to Fork Bend noted, "If you want to get away from people, this place is for you. Fork Bend is a heavily wooded forest surrounded by Norris Lake." The primitive tent camping areas provide direct access to fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers frequently mention the quiet atmosphere and lack of crowds, particularly at the walk-in tent sites. The forest canopy provides ample shade for most tent sites, though summer insects can be problematic. Fall brings cooler temperatures and reduced bugs, making it an ideal season for backcountry tent camping in the region's forests and along its waterways.

Best Tent Sites Near Maynardville, Tennessee (39)

    1. TVA Public Land- Fork Bend

    11 Reviews
    La Follette, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 632-2101

    "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."

    "(Disclaimer: I pack heat whenever I am alone.)

    The site was pretty much shaded by the forest canopy throughout the day, with full sun toward the edge of the water."

    2. Chuck Swan State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Maynardville, TN
    8 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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."

    3. The Farmers Forest

    1 Review
    Corryton, TN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 464-0830

    $90 - $100 / night

    4. Cedar Grove Marina & Campground

    1 Review
    Maynardville, TN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 278-3131

    5. Holston River Bank

    4 Reviews
    Corryton, TN
    13 miles

    "This trip can be done with tents just as easy if not easier than hammocks if you prefer to pack in your tent camping gear. We chose hammocks for space saving reasons only."

    6. GlampKnox

    3 Reviews
    Kodak, TN
    16 miles
    Website

    $75 - $175 / night

    "This spot is new, and the set up is awesome. Perched on top of a hill, the site has great sunrise views."

    "This spot is new, and the set up is awesome. Perched on top of a hill, the site has great sunrise views."

    7. Backcountry Site 1 — Norris Dam State Park

    1 Review
    Lake City, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 425-4500

    "I just did an overnighter here but it was quiet, good space between spots,access to bathhouse and good fire rings. Nothing bad to say about it."

    8. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    70 Reviews
    Cosby, TN
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 487-2683

    $50 / night

    "Cosby is a small town about a 45 minute easy drive from Gatlinburg. Heavily wooded, lends itself nicely to hammock camping."

    "Most of the sites are better suited to tent campers, though a few of them are designated RV sites offering a back-in parking pad."

    9. Riverside RV Park & Resort

    2 Reviews
    Sevierville, TN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-7299

    "Fire rings all along the river with everyone out at night sitting along the river.  Had all the amenities you would want in a full service RV Park."

    "Convenient to highway 66 that runs from Interstate 40 to Sevierville. Not particularly charming, but seems to be clean and well run. Worked well for a one night stay."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 39 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Maynardville, TN

1332 Reviews of 39 Maynardville Campgrounds



Guide to Maynardville

Tent camping near Maynardville, Tennessee offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Tent campers should check out TVA Public Land- Fork Bend

  • This spot features remote campsites with stunning views and plenty of fire rings for cozy evenings.
  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the area, where you might encounter local wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
  • While there’s some trash reported, the overall experience is enhanced by the peaceful surroundings and friendly locals.

Explore the natural beauty of Chuck Swan State Forest

  • Known for its isolation, this area provides a quiet retreat with opportunities for hiking and exploring old cemeteries and caves.
  • The forest is a great spot for primitive camping, allowing you to connect with nature without the distractions of modern amenities.
  • Visitors appreciate the clean picnic areas and the chance to enjoy the serene environment, making it a well-reviewed destination.

Tips for tent camping near Maynardville

  • Always bring bug spray and essential camping gear, as some sites are quite remote and lack facilities.
  • Consider visiting GlampKnox for a unique glamping experience, where you can enjoy the comforts of home while still being close to nature.
  • Be prepared for limited cell service in some areas, especially at sites like Chuck Swan State Forest, where you can truly disconnect and unwind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Maynardville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Maynardville, TN is TVA Public Land- Fork Bend with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Maynardville, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 39 tent camping locations near Maynardville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.