Morristown, Tennessee camping options span elevations of 1,000 to 1,350 feet with diverse terrain along Cherokee Lake and near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Camping facilities range from full-service RV parks to primitive sites, with several properties offering glamping and yurt accommodations for those seeking comfort with natural surroundings.
What to do
Water recreation on Douglas Lake: Lakeside Getaway on Douglas offers excellent water access with "a sitting area and dock with paddle sport launches," according to Richard T. The property is "super easy booking, great host communication" and is "brand new lakefront campground with tent and RV sites," notes Carolin C.
Historic exploration at Elkmont: Visit the Daisy Town ghost town near Elkmont Campground. Jean C. explains: "One of the more intriguing areas to explore at Elkmont is the Daisy Town ghost town... 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."
Biking at Cades Cove: Cades Cove Campground offers special biking days. Jeremy H. shares: "On certain days they close off the loop of Cades Cove for bicycles to be able to ride. At the store near the campground they rent bikes for a reasonable rate. We took the entire family on the loop bike ride."
River tubing experiences: The Triple Creek Campground provides creek-side relaxation. Patti C. notes: "lots of places for the kids to float down on intertubes. the owners and staff are so kind, they make you feel at home." The campground's three converging creeks create a relaxing water soundtrack for your stay.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: The bathroom amenities at Greenbrier Campground receive consistent praise. Emily G. simply states "Amazing bathrooms. When you're camping in a tent, that's is a big plus." Elizabeth B. elaborates: "The bath houses were awesome with individual rooms equipped with toilet, sink and shower."
Unique yurt camping options: For yurt camping near Morristown, Tennessee, Glamping on the Clinch River LLC provides electric hookups, fire rings, and bathroom facilities. Jake C. describes it as "a relaxing getaway surrounded by rivers and waterfalls in northern Tennessee."
Waterfront sites: Campers value the waterfront locations. At Triple Creek Campground, Paula W. shares: "The campsites back next to a beautiful creek that is pure serenity. The owners are great people. Clean and quite." Patti C. adds: "As u can guess from the name there are 3 creeks that all converge into one at the point. Since it is a rolling creek it makes such beautifully tranquil noise."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Cades Cove offers excellent wildlife observation. Ashley Y. reports: "I have never seen more black bear. It was a very safe distance we watched them about a football field away across a field pretty amazing experience."
What you should know
Seasonal availability varies: Many campgrounds operate on seasonal schedules. Elkmont Campground is open from "April 29 to October 31," while Cades Cove runs from "March 11 to October 31." Some facilities like Newport-Smoky Mountains KOA operate "All year."
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds have highway noise despite natural settings. Beth L. notes that at Newport-Smoky Mountains KOA: "Highway traffic noise (semis, engine braking) is LOUD...might be ok in a camper but not in a tent."
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds require advance booking. For Cades Cove, Ashley Y. advises: "Make your reservations far in advance this is a destination!" Campgrounds like Triple Creek and Greenbrier also require reservations.
Bear safety protocols: The national park campgrounds enforce strict food storage rules. Kim L. observes: "Very strict rules regarding food storage and park has managed to control bears and raccoons." All food and scented items must be secured in vehicles or provided storage lockers.
Tips for camping with families
Campground activities: Triple Creek Campground offers multiple recreational options. Tony M. explains: "There was a big field where kids could play, with a play set and many other things to keep them busy. There was also a stage that wasn't used because of Covid but I'm guessing is usually used throughout the summer."
Kid-friendly swimming areas: Greenbrier Campground features natural water play areas. Erin H. notes: "During warmer months, children can play and swim in the clear and smooth stoned river. There's also an historic swimming hole on location." Elizabeth B. confirms: "The swimming hole was a blessing durning the hot days!"
Playground facilities: Tana-See Campground is particularly well-equipped for families. According to Tristie D.: "Tons of things to do. Five playgrounds, putt golf cart, great clean pool, catch and release pond, the most friendly ducks and geese throughout the park."
Laundry availability: For extended family stays, laundry facilities are available at some campgrounds. Elizabeth B. mentions at Greenbrier: "The laundry room was fine." This amenity allows families to pack lighter for longer trips.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions and surfaces: At Newport-Smoky Mountains KOA, Pat M. notes: "no concrete pads and site was small and all gravel so not level," indicating RVers should bring leveling blocks. Laura H. adds it has "standard RV Sites and Cabin Sites."
Dump station locations: Kim L. shares important information about Elkmont: "Dump station on site." For Cades Cove, campers note that the "nearest 'town' is Townsend, TN, with limited resources," so planning for tank management is essential.
RV-friendly locations: The Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA offers amenities specifically for RVers. Matt K. notes the campground is "Super close to Dollywood" while Michael M. appreciates the "Very clean and spacious bathroom/showers, staff great and perfect distance to tourist and Nature destinations."
Utility hookup availability: For RVers needing full hookups, Greenbrier Campground provides complete services. Erin H. explains these sites "come equipped with water, sewer and electric hook ups, and even a cable hookup!"
