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."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Maynardville, TN

1350 Reviews of 39 Maynardville Campgrounds


  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2019

    Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Ranger Review: Wenzel Sun Valley Screen House at Elkmont Campground

    Campground Review

    On a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you quickly learn that you’ll enjoy your visit a lot more if you are located close to what you want to see and do. This means you may find it worth your while to move from one campground to another during your stay, as I did. My final night in the park found me setting up camp at Elkmont Campground, < 5 miles from the Sugarlands entrance, so I would have a shorter drive to view sunset and sunrise from overlooks along the beautiful Newfound Gap Rd. This is also the viewing area for the synchronous fireflies in late May/early June (dates vary; parking passes by lottery in April) if you don’t have a campsite reservation).

    Elkmont is open early March – October and reservations are required. If you arrive without a reservation, there is a phone line there that you can call to make them, or you can return to town where you have cell service and make reservations online. This early in the season (mid-April) the campground wasn’t full, some of the loops were closed. I was in site A14, beside a branch of the Little River with a large tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, and paved, slightly sloped, parking pad. It was a compact site;  the location of the picnic table between the tent and fire ring made it a challenge to set up a screen house over the picnic table and maintain sufficient distance from the fire. I was pleased with my site and the privacy, though I liked the looks of A13 even better. It was somewhat larger and more secluded. Many of the sites, particularly those on the western side of A - F loops, are along the river. Most of the sites are shaded. A few of the B-loop sites are walk-in. It’s bear country, so your food and toiletries need to be locked in a vehicle or hard-side camping unit; there are some food storage lockers provided for the walk-in sites. There’s a small camp store with limited supplies and hours (open late afternoon); Cades Cove has a much larger one, though it tends more toward souvenirs.

    There’s cold running water, flush toilets, and a dishwashing station available, but no showers or hookups (a couple of accessible sites do have electricity for medical equipment). Bathrooms are basic, no frills, but clean; The one in the A loop didn’t even have an outlet or hand dryer. If you ask at the visitor’s center, they’ll provide you with a list of area campgrounds that allow you to take a shower for $3-7. The nearest dump station is a seasonal one at the Sugarlands Visitor Center (doesn’t open until late May); the one at Cades Cove is open year round. Buy firewood in the park or, better yet, pick up deadwood around the park.

    One of the more intriguing areas to explore at Elkmont is the Daisy Town ghost town. Once you’ve set up camp, walk or drive down the road toward the Little River and Jakes Creek trails (leaves the camp road to the left before the ranger station on your way into the campground). Follow the signs for additional parking and you’ll find yourself at the end of a road lined with assorted cottages and cabins that used to be vacation homes. Some are open for exploration, others are cordoned off, and some are undergoing renovation. Another nearby, popular highlight is the hike to Laurel Falls.

    Product Review

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I sometimes I get to test and evaluate products. This is a review of a Wenzel Sun Valley 12’ x 12’ Screen House As a camper with a teardrop, I’m always looking to maximize my outdoor living space in subpar conditions, so I was excited to try this out at Elkmont.

    I set this up alone the first time in 14 minutes without reading the instructions. The instructions are attached to the inside of the bag and recommend 2 people for set-up, but if you’ve pitched a dome tent in the past, you’ll find this inituitive. Continuous sleeves for 4 of the fiberglass poles and the “Fast Feet” made set- up easy. I did wish the sleeves for the cross-poles were continuous as well, but the gap allows for a hook to hold the ceiling up and it didn’t take much extra effort to slide the poles in. The hardest part was getting the 4th end of the cross poles for the roof into place. I couldn’t bend them enough to slide it in while on the ground, so waited until everything else was up…should have figured it out while it was at ground level rather than over my head! This part would definitely be easier if there were two people pitching it.

    The zippers on the two doors close tightly and easily without extreme tension, though it was definitely easier to open and close with 2 hands rather than one. There was no gap at the junction of the 3 zippers. Once you are inside, you have a crystal clear view of the outside! It’s quite tall, I couldn’t touch the ceiling in the middle with a raised hand. It doesn’t have a floor, just a wide border around the perimeter, so you can place it over a picnic table. The picnic table (about 6’) fit inside it easily with plenty of room to walk around and even add a chair in a corner. I had to be careful about making sure the bottom of the walls lay flat on the ground, otherwise there were gaps.

    It comes with 10 thin metal stakes for the feet and 4 plastic ones for the guy lines. A word of advice: USE THEM.  The first time I set this up, this experienced camper made a rookie mistake. The weather was nice, but it was getting dark, and I wanted to move it over the picnic table in the morning…so I didn’t stake it down. That night a wind storm blew through and blew it away! Found it at 4am in the next campsite,  astonished to discover it was still intact! No broken poles, just a slight abrasion on one sleeve and a tiny tear in one part of the screen that will be easily repaired. A couple of the poles slid out of the Fast Feet during its overnight adventure, allowing the screen house to collapse and preventing damage to the poles themselves (I’ve seen MANY other screen houses/canopies with bent and broken poles from wind). Truly impressed.

    Pitched it again the next afternoon with the wind still blowing and as you can see in my video, the screen house was like a kite until I staked it down. Once staked, it stood up well to the wind, though it did cause the bottom edge of the screen house to lift a bit. If bugs are out in that weather (there were wind advisories), they probably deserve a chance for some shelter, too.

    Taking it down, it easily fit back in the storage bag, with the zipper extending down one end to open the bag a bit more. Oh, and it weighs so much less than many of the canopies do, coming in around 20# and not requiring a wheeled case to lug it around. If you’re looking for a  screen house, this one has a lot going for it!

    Black fly season is coming and with the Wenzel Sun Valley Screen House packed, I’m ready! MY fuller video review is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ealCyAi02HA

  • T
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Cades Cove Campground

    Great campsite near Cades Cove loop

    We reserved our site online, this can be done a month in advance. We were impressed with the paved parking space, picnic table, fire pit and level tent pad. It looks like these are very new. Proximity to cades cove loop was great. The souvineer shop has great gifts and a good selection of snacks and some supplies. Prices are reasonable, better than we expected. Bathroom was not the best, not very clean. The dish washing sink behind the bathroom was handy. No showers, but this is true for any camp sites in the park. Ranger station nearby is helpful to get advice and current weather reports (no phone reception in the park). Bike rentals available near the gift/snack shop too, to bike the loop. Lots of trees on our site that we used to setup a tarp to stay dry.

  • Rebecca J.
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    Pure gold for such an inexpensive price

    I think lots number 712 and 13 are the best because they are situated right around a beautiful pond with massive lily pads and dragonflies. It is about a 20 minute drive to a local store or a save a lot when we forgot some groceries. The trees are mature so there is plenty of shade and lofty space between each lot. We are on a paved site surrounded by gravel picnic table light post and fire ring also with a food storage bin to keep out the bears! It gets quiet! It gets dark! For $20, it is unbeatable. :-)

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2021

    Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Great spot in the Smokies

    Elkmont is right here n the National Park. Close to great hiking and occasional wildlife. Bears have been extra active this year, and rangers advise taking extra precautions. All National Park campgrounds are primitive, so no water, or electric. Put toilets and no showers. There is a dump station near the Sugarland Visitor Center. There are several camping loops, Most sites can accommodate a 20-30 ft motor home or travel trailer. A few sites can use a generator if you need it, but Some loops are reserved for no generator camping.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2018

    Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    What are you here for?

    Alum Ford Big South Fork Recreation Area is in my top 10 favorite areas.

    I try to participate in the Yamacraw Trail Run every year because it is just AWESOME, and this area is part of their route due to the excellent scenery of the area.

    If you like trees, hills, streams, falls, historical markers, old cabins and history , plus not much use of modern technology when you camp then you will thoroughly enjoy Big South Bend! If you are a bring the kitchen sink kinda camper you might wanna find a nearby KOA or other type campground.

    The campground has no signal, no electricity, no showers, no host. Just you, a tent pad, picnic table and fire ring. Oh, and there is one pit toilet. Bring 5$ cash for the honor pay station and your hiking shoes and watercraft. There is a Trailhead at the back of the 6 site campground and a boat ramp down the hill.

    The sites are well maintained and old , probably CCC built with wood steps leading up or down to your site. There is no direct access to the boatramp but there is a short trail that connects the sites to the boatramp that runs along the cliff face down to the ramp.

    The trailhead is part of the Sheltowee Trace Trail and connects to the Yamacraw Bridge. You could easily stage a multi day backpacking trip from Alum Ford to take in the local sights.

    Not far up the road is the Yahoo Picnic Area. I think it used to be a campground just by the way it’s set up. Picnic tables on pads and a nice old pavilion for groups with a grill. Past that Yahoo Falls. This is a technical, moderate trail down to the tallest falls in Kentucky. Also a very old area but maintained with newer restroom facilities. The loop trail was approximately 1.5 miles long with a metal staircase on one side and trail on the far side. This is also part of a thru trail. Get you an old fashion paper map before coming cause your fancy electronic gear may or may not work here.

    This is one of many areas through the Kentucky/Tennessee Big South Fork if you are able plan for an extended stay to check the whole place out;)

  • Katrin M.
    Apr. 10, 2022

    Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

    Nice little primitive campground on the river

    We camped here for one night on a Saturday. 

    The campsites have a fire ring, picnic bench, and lantern pole. Each campsite has their little parking space except site 9, 10, and 11. It is one parking spot for 3 cars and you have to walk about 100 feet. The campsites are very close together. We were very lucky with campsite 11 bc nobody around us showed up. Probably due to the bad weather the first day. The campsite was very spacious and was right on the creek. 

    There is no electricity or water at the campground. The vault toilet had no flushing water but was clean and didn't have a smell. The Obed area is very inviting for fishing, hiking, and rock climbing. There are trails that start right from the campground. If you need an escape from the daily grind, that's your place.

  • Davina B.
    May. 9, 2019

    Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

    Great Little Hiking and Fishing Spot

    Rock Creek Campground is the only campground for the Obed Wild and Scenic River National Park. It's a primitive campground with 11 sites for tents only. RVs are not allowed. There is a restroom for campers with pit style toilets. No potable water available, but there is plenty that you can treat.

    Each site has a picnic table, lantern hook, bearproof food locker, fire ring with grill, and a tent pad. Bearproof trashcans are located throughout the campground. A section of the Cumberland Trail begins at the campground. The Emory River runs right alongside the campground with easy access. There is no camp store, but the town of Wartburg is about a mile away if you need anything.

    Pros: Good hiking trails and great fishing. Easy access to the river. Restrooms available.

    Cons: The sites are very close together and it gets quite crowded during the summer months and on weekends. A public road runs right next to the campground so there is traffic at times when people are coming and going from work. No camp store or potable water available. Bathrooms are not kept stocked.

  • Rich H.
    Aug. 20, 2020

    Gateway RV Campground - Tennessee

    Very clean with amenities

    Highs- Very friendly ( in the South we say “neighborly”) folks in the office, playground for the little ones, crystal clear swimming pool as well as kiddie pool, basketball court, laundry facility, clean bath and showers, vending machines and camp store with just about anything you would need including handmade soap in case you forgot yours. Newly cemented sites that require little to no leveling, firewood, fire starters, parts for your rig, full hookups with cable, fire ring and grill, quiet and peaceful but just 1 mile from the parkway. Lows- No trash can at your site. Don’t let a little thing like no trash can at your driveway keep you from enjoying this RV Park. Highly recommended. Just go already!

  • Mandi M.
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Beautiful and Basic

    A no-frills campground inside GSMNP. Cosby is a small town about a 45 minute easy drive from Gatlinburg. Heavily wooded, lends itself nicely to hammock camping. Campsites are clean and bath houses are interspersed nicely throughout the campground. Bath houses are very basic: flush toilet (paper provided) and stainless steel sinks- no soap or dryers and are very clean. Campground is quiet and one can listen to the sounds of the creek from your tent.

    No cell service.

    Several hiking trails are accessible within the campground.

    No store, though several small stores/gas stations outside the campground sell approved firewood and ice. One or two small sandwich shops are open in the small town.

    Parking for tent camping really is limited to one car per campsite. Small parking spaces.

    Many sites are on an incline and accessed by stairs. Tent pads, picnic tables and fire rings are mostly level. There are grates attached to the fire rings that can be laid back if not in use.

    We enjoyed our stay here very much, though check the weather forecast: it rained at the campground while we were out and had no idea it had rained. :)


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.