Best Campgrounds near Norris, TN

Norris, Tennessee serves as a gateway to multiple camping destinations centered around Norris Lake, a clean reservoir known for recreational opportunities. Loyston Point Campground offers lakefront sites for tents, RVs, and cabins with direct water access, while West Campground at Norris Dam State Park provides full hookup sites in a quieter setting. TVA Public Land at Fork Bend offers free primitive camping along the shoreline for those seeking a more rustic experience. The region includes both developed state park facilities and undeveloped public lands managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Access to most campgrounds remains open year-round, though some facilities like Loyston Point operate seasonally from March through October. Norris Lake campgrounds feature varying degrees of amenities, from primitive sites with no facilities to full-service campgrounds with showers, electric hookups, and dump stations. Many lakefront sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when water recreation is most popular. Campers should be prepared for potentially challenging leveling at some sites, especially those with lake views. According to one visitor at Loyston Point, "Leveling can be a challenge. Super friendly and helpful staff."

Waterfront camping represents the primary draw for visitors to the Norris area, with multiple campgrounds offering direct lake access. Norris Lake's clean water receives consistent praise in camper reviews, with many highlighting swimming and boating opportunities. Several visitors mentioned the spaciousness of sites at Loyston Point and the cleanliness of bathhouses throughout the area. For those seeking more seclusion, the wooded sites at TVA Public Land provide a more primitive experience. A camper noted that Fork Bend is ideal "if you want to get away from people" and described it as "a heavily wooded forest surrounded by Norris Lake, which is known for being the best lake around the area." Mountain biking trails near Loyston Point offer additional recreational opportunities, with trailhead parking areas frequently filled with enthusiasts regardless of season.

Best Camping Sites Near Norris, Tennessee (288)

    1. West Campground — Norris Dam State Park

    29 Reviews
    Lake City, TN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 425-4500

    "Norris Dam has two campgrounds in different sections. We stayed in the west campground which is a loop with playground and showerhouse in the middle. Nice showerhouse."

    "Norris Dam State Park is my absolute favorite place to go camping! It is so beautiful and the views on the water are breathtaking! They do interactive classes and have a museum on site."

    2. Cove Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    La Follette, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 566-9701

    $25 - $55 / night

    "Only downside is not being able to swim in Cove lake. I mean you can, but I certainly wouldn't. If you want to swim just drive 15mins to Norris lake. I would camp here again happily."

    "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)."

    3. Big Ridge State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Maynardville, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 992-5523

    $8 - $100 / night

    "Several campsites here are conveniently located along Norris Lake. If not on the lake a short 5 minute walk from other 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."

    4. Loyston Point Campground

    18 Reviews
    Andersonville, TN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 494-9369

    "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."

    "Located on the beautiful Norris Lake. Our tents were right on the water and a short swim/walk to paddle boats and kayaks! Only thing I don’t like is how close each site is. Their cabins are adorable!!"

    5. Volunteer Park Family Campground

    13 Reviews
    Heiskell, TN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 938-6600

    $30 - $65 / night

    "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."

    6. TVA Public Land- Fork Bend

    11 Reviews
    La Follette, TN
    7 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."

    "Norris lake is so beautiful. We drove a car and took our time going down the dirt road. There were no problems going in or out. There were some deep ruts but it was easy to avoid them."

    7. Clinton-Knoxville North KOA

    6 Reviews
    Norris, TN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 494-9386

    "When passing through this area going to the Smoky Mountains I made a pit stop in Clinton, TN, just a few short miles away from one of the entrances to Smoky Mountain National Park."

    "A great stop right off the highway. Super nice staff, easy in and out (make sure you pay attention to the left turn in past the gas station). Not the roomiest of sites, but fine for what we needed."

    8. Escapees Raccoon Valley RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Heiskell, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 947-9776

    $23 - $30 / night

    "Easy access to the highway."

    9. Knoxville Campground

    3 Reviews
    Norris, TN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 342-1111

    $55 - $115 / night

    10. Frozen Head State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Petros, TN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 346-3318

    "The campground is in close proximity to many of the trailheads. There is a nice bathhouse, but all the sites are rustic (non electric)."

    "It may be the loveliest campground in Tennessee. There’s only 20 spots, and they all seem to be shady and have trees between neighbors."

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Recent Reviews near Norris, TN

1618 Reviews of 288 Norris Campgrounds


  • Kc K.
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Cherokee Dam Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    Peaceful and beautiful

    Small quiet campground. Site is on the water, but with the hill and trees it isn't easily accessible. Quick walk over to the boat ramp and swim area. This site as a little snug I snug to back into with a tree on my each side and a downhill drive. But overall it is great.

  • Zach L.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Appalachian Springs Outdoor Resort

    October in the Smokey Mountains

    This is an amazing campsite spot. Minutes outside Pigeon Forge you're close to sites, shops, and anything you need. A short drive to the park and Blue Ridge Parkway. The spaces are easily accessible with options for any setup. Incredibly affordable so great value. The best campsite bathrooms I've ever seen, seriously immaculate bathrooms. Digital processes for registration and check in made it very easy to book. Staff was super helpful and very responsive to texts if you need anything.

  • magickelf969@aol.com
    Oct. 19, 2025

    True West Campground & Stables

    Not safe for animals

    Stalls/barn is filthy. The owners had their own horses removed from their custody by animal control for neglect. The horses were skin and bones even though they sell feed in their store.

  • SunnyLake
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Lakeside RV Resort & Marina

    Great Place with Great People

    Under new ownership, this little campground is wonderful.  Easy access and close to the activities on Douglas Lake or a quick drive into Sevierville, Pigeon Forge - Dollywood, and the Great Smoky Mountains.  The views from the lake are amazing and the campground hosts are so helpful and available.  Clean and fun!  Love it here!

  • Geo M.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Black House Mountain Campground

    Good little camp ground

    This is a small isolated little camp ground. Very well maintain. Wifi is great. Small cabins and rv spaces.

  • Laur H.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Clabough's Campground

    Good for families

    Our stay was good. It was our first time camping in Pigeon Forge, we usually stay closer to Nashville in state parks. The campsites are extremely close together - everyone is packed in like sardines. We knew it would be tight from when we looked at the map when booking but whew - if you don’t know your neighbors, you will! This seems par for the course in the area. The location here compared to attractions in PF was so convenient it made it worth it.

    We really appreciated the amenities - the bath house was super clean and the laundry room was nice. We loved that the campground picks up trash daily. There was an issue with the sewer in the area where we were and the campground was quick to resolve it. We also appreciated having campground staff escort us to our site so we did not have to wander with a map.

    The playground is big and nice, and my nephew loved the bouncy pillow. The pool and lazy river looked really neat but we didn’t have swim gear with us since it’s fall, although we saw some people swimming so maybe it is heated?

    On the other hand - The staff does not answer any email inquiries, apparently. The cancellation policy is really awfully strict. We didn’t necessarily feel super welcomed at check in.

    There seem to be a LOT of long-term/permanent residents here. That always makes me uncomfortable since I feel like I’m in other peoples space, but no one was unfriendly. It did seem like the rules (which I read carefully prior to arrival) are selectively applied.

    Overall it was a good trip and we wouldn’t be opposed to staying here again, but this definitely isn’t our preferred type of campground.

  • Sarah and Philip H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Knoxville Campground

    Great Pass through Campground not for staying long term

    Location was great to get to lots of things but campsites are very tight and no room for an actual camping feel.

  • S
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Yarberry Campground

    Beautiful views

    Even the non-lake site spots have lake views. Lots of nice amenities, but still rustic. My site was a little tough to back into, but worth it.

  • Mary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Frozen Head State Park Campground

    Forever a Special Place

    I have been camping at Frozen Head since I was a child. In fact, I went to my first day of Kindergarten from the campsite. The campground is wooded and perfect for that woodsy camp feel. There are so many hiking trails around I absolutely loved the little library they had. This last trip, we stayed in the primitive site and loved being next to a little creek. There is no wifi and no cell phone reception.


Guide to Norris

Norris, Tennessee camping spots range from waterfront sites to wooded retreats in the Cumberland Mountain region at elevations between 1,000 and 1,200 feet. Weather patterns create distinct camping seasons, with spring and fall offering mild 50-70°F days ideal for hiking, while summer highs often reach 85-90°F, driving campers to lakeside activities. Winter camping remains accessible at select year-round facilities, though temperatures can drop below freezing overnight.

What to do

Mountain biking on Loyston trails: Located near Loyston Point Campground, these trails attract riders throughout all seasons. According to a camper, "Our tents were right on the water and a short swim/walk to paddle boats and kayaks!" The trail network connects directly to camping areas with convenient parking.

Historical exploration: Visit the grist mill at Big Ridge State Park Campground for a glimpse into Appalachian heritage. One visitor noted, "Something for everyone. Clean lake, nice facilities, hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty, gift shop, and a grist mill to check out." The park preserves structures from early settlement periods.

Fishing opportunities: Catfish are abundant in Norris Lake waters accessible from TVA lands. A recent visitor reported, "We caught and ate several catfish. The campground was well kept, it has a beautiful lake that was very clean." Many campsites offer direct shoreline access for bank fishing.

What campers like

Clean water access: Norris Lake receives consistent praise for water clarity at TVA Public Land- Fork Bend. A camper described it as "perfect primitive waterfront campsite" and noted "There was a tiny beach about 100 yards east of my site for wading -- manageable rock ledges and muddy banks everywhere else."

Quiet, wooded sites: The secluded nature of many campgrounds provides privacy despite proximity to urban areas. At Frozen Head State Park Campground, campers appreciate the "woodsy camp feel" and one noted, "The campground is wooded and perfect for that woodsy camp feel. There are so many hiking trails around."

Bathroom facilities: Several campgrounds maintain clean restrooms with hot showers. A camper at West Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms are clean but typical state park bath houses." Another visitor to Cove Lake State Park Campground stated, "The restroom/showers were just up a little hill from this site and were very clean, heated and with plenty of hot water."

What you should know

Seasonal operations: While some campgrounds remain open year-round, others have limited availability. A visitor to Frozen Head State Park noted, "The gates get locked so make sure you arrive early. We got locked out and couldn't contact anyone." Most lake-focused campgrounds operate March through October.

Site leveling challenges: Many lakefront sites require careful setup due to terrain. A camper stated, "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."

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Fork Bend, visitors report, "Cell service with Verizon very poor only 1 bar ok to make phone call but unable to send pics or text." Frozen Head campers noted "no wifi and no cell phone reception."

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas with varying facilities. At Frozen Head State Park, a visitor mentioned, "There is a nearby swimming area, but it was occupied by geese families and there was quite a lot of goose poop." Check current conditions before planning water activities.

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. A visitor to Volunteer Park Family Campground noted, "The pool seems to be clean and the playground was fun for the little ones." Sites near playgrounds may experience more noise during daylight hours.

Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse animal populations. One camper at Fork Bend observed, "Lots of snakes hiding under rocks on the beach." Another noted chipmunks, birds, and squirrels that are "used to being around people."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Many campgrounds have specific areas better suited for RVs. At Big Ridge, "The campground has two levels and three sections. There are two new, clean showerhouses and one old showerhouse. At the front of the campground are ADA sites."

Approach routes: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. A visitor to West Campground warned, "Keep in mind, a trailer much longer that 16' will have trouble getting in." Roads to primitive sites often require higher clearance vehicles.

Hookup variations: Electrical amperage differs between campgrounds. At Cove Lake, a camper noted, "We had a pull through site with water and 30a electric but a delightful setting on the lake. Note a few late night train whistles and nearby highway traffic noise."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Norris, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Norris, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 288 campgrounds and RV parks near Norris, TN and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Norris, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Norris, TN is West Campground — Norris Dam State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Norris, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Norris, TN.

What parks are near Norris, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 parks near Norris, TN that allow camping, notably Cumberland Gap National Historic Park and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.