Best Tent Camping near Morristown, TN

Tent campers visiting Morristown, Tennessee can access several established campgrounds within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, particularly Cosby Campground and Big Creek Campground. Cosby offers over 100 tent sites with most designed specifically for tent camping, featuring tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. Big Creek provides a smaller, tent-only experience with just 12 campsites situated alongside a creek with access to multiple hiking trails within the national park.

Most tent sites in the Morristown area have clearly marked tent pads or designated camping areas with packed dirt or gravel surfaces. Cosby Campground provides basic amenities including flush toilets, drinking water, and dishwashing stations, but no showers or electrical hookups. Facilities remain minimal at Big Creek, where campers must park in a designated lot and carry gear approximately 100 feet to their sites. One visitor noted that "the campground is very small with only 12 campsites. Each one has a firepit, picnic table, lantern pole, and a very large tent pad." Both campgrounds operate seasonally, with Cosby typically open from mid-April through mid-October.

The tent camping experience near Morristown emphasizes natural surroundings and quiet settings. Areas around Cosby Campground offer more privacy than many other national park campgrounds, with sites spaced further apart and situated on varied terrain with trees providing separation between neighbors. A camper shared that "it was quiet and outdoorsy and definitely did not have the hubbub of Smokemont with campers coming and going all the time." Hiking trails lead directly from both campgrounds, making them excellent bases for day hikes or longer backpacking trips. Big Creek's proximity to water features allows tent campers to enjoy the sound of the creek throughout their stay. The Holston River also offers more primitive tent camping options for those arriving by boat, though these lack amenities and require strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

Best Tent Sites Near Morristown, Tennessee (56)

    1. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    70 Reviews
    Cosby, TN
    32 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."

    2. Lakeside Getaway on Douglas

    4 Reviews
    Dandridge, TN
    12 miles
    +1 (423) 231-9399

    $35 - $100 / night

    "I picked this site because it met my criteria for quick tent camping and has the awesomely easy instant book feature. More of that please!"

    "Currently there are no hookups, conveniently located off I40 and a perfect place to overnight for us. An additional 40 sites are currently being built."

    3. Fancher's Willow Branch Camp Ground

    1 Review
    Dandridge, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 397-3510

    "This place has been around for years...I have fond memories at Fanchers, growing up. Renovations & improvements over the past 10 years offer the best of both worlds."

    4. Hot Springs Campground

    29 Reviews
    Hot Springs, NC
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 622-7676

    "Situated along the beautiful French Broad River."

    "Beautiful campground with great campstore right at the entrance that sells everything. Large campsites with great privacy foliage, picnic tables, & fire rings."

    5. Holston River Bank

    4 Reviews
    Corryton, TN
    22 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. Big Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    14 Reviews
    Hartford, TN
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 436-1261

    $30 / night

    "Each one has a firepit, picnic table, lantern pole, and a very large tent pad. There are no RV's allowed. Nearby is group camping and horse camping.

    You cannot park your car right on the campsite."

    "Located at the base of the Baxter Creek Trail, which leads to Mount Sterling, this drive-in campground provides a picturesque backdrop for nature enthusiasts."

    7. 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."

    8. Camping with the Cows

    Be the first to review!
    Bean Station, TN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 403-2870

    $50 - $100 / night

    9. GlampKnox

    3 Reviews
    Kodak, TN
    28 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."

    10. Covered Bridge Campout

    Be the first to review!
    Bulls Gap, TN
    16 miles
    +1 (907) 371-3224

    $30 - $120 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Morristown, TN

1564 Reviews of 56 Morristown Campgrounds



Guide to Morristown

Morristown, Tennessee, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape in nature.

Tent campers should check out Lakeside Getaway on Douglas

  • Enjoy a serene experience at Lakeside Getaway on Douglas, where you can set up your tent by the lake and take in stunning views.
  • This campground features a picnic table and firewood for cozy evenings around the fire, making it perfect for family gatherings.
  • With easy access to paddle sports from the dock, you can spend your days exploring the beautiful waters.

Tips for tent camping near Morristown

  • Consider GlampKnox for a unique glamping experience that combines comfort with the great outdoors, featuring a tent cabin with a wood-burning stove.
  • For a more rustic experience, Fancher's Willow Branch Camp Ground offers a community atmosphere with a long-standing history and improved amenities.
  • If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, Creekside Stayz Glamping and camping in the Smokies provides a clean campsite next to a creek, ideal for relaxation and short drives to hiking trails.

Activities to enjoy while tent camping

  • At Riverside RV Park & Resort, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking along the French Broad River, with fire rings available for evening gatherings.
  • Experience the thrill of smallmouth fishing at Holston River Bank, where you can camp right on the riverbank and enjoy a float trip.
  • For those who love hiking, Paint Creek Corridor offers beautiful trails and the chance to immerse yourself in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Morristown, TN is Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 70 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 56 tent camping locations near Morristown, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.