Norris Lake area RV camping provides access to 800 miles of shoreline along the 34,000-acre lake formed by Norris Dam in 1936. Campsites range from 850 to 1,100 feet elevation with moderate summer temperatures averaging 85°F. Campers should note that cell service becomes more limited in valleys and remote areas beyond the main highways, with coverage varying significantly by carrier.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing access: Tent sites at Southlake RV Park offer direct lake access for fishing or launching small watercraft. "We only stayed one night, but will return to take advantage of the prime lake front tent spots! On the map it shows individual sites, but it's more of a disbursed area. You can see in my pics how close you are to the water, you could easily launch a kayak, swim, fish, etc.," reports one camper.
Hiking and mountain biking: Several campgrounds provide easy access to mountain recreation. "Convenient campground close to windrock park. Staff is friendly and responsive," notes a visitor to Windrock Gap, mentioning the nearby off-road trail systems that also accommodate hikers and mountain bikers.
Swimming and beach activities: Families enjoy the water amenities at Anchor Down RV Resort. As one visitor describes, "The beach area they've constructed on the lake is INSANE! So so nice! There's a giant blow up slide leading into the lake. There's a super cute and fun dog park, arcade room, very nice pool area, food truck with anything you could want to eat."
What campers like
Peaceful settings away from tourist areas: Campers appreciate quieter locations that still provide convenience. "This is a small, quiet campground just outside the craziness of Pigeon Forge. There are no real amenities, so you need a self contained camper. It is dog friendly, clean and has many creek side sites," notes one visitor to Up the Creek RV Camp.
Level sites for easier setup: Many RVers mention the importance of well-maintained, level sites. "Level dry gravel pull through camper pads. I think all were full hook ups, some may have only been water and electric. Very clean and well maintained, quiet and no interstate noise," shares a Royal Blue RV Park guest.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise campgrounds with well-maintained amenities. "This campground is easy access from the main town of pigeon forge. Gravel sites with a concrete pad for picnic table. Many sites are narrow, but accommodating and plenty to space between sites. Full hook ups. Kind office staff. Clean, nice bathrooms/showers," reports a Creekside RV Park visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Some parks operate only during warmer months. "We call and put your name on a waiting list for the dates you need. If they have cancellations, they call the people on the list instead of releasing the dates on the website!" advises one camper about Anchor Down RV Resort, which operates from March through December.
Road noise considerations: Location relative to highways affects ambient noise. "Easy on off interstate, far enough away not much road noise. Pretty average but does have a reasonable fenced dog run," notes one visitor to Escapees Raccoon Valley RV Park. At Southlake RV Park, another camper cautions: "The tent spots towards the point are apparently very close to the hwy and morning commute traffic was pretty loud."
Wi-Fi limitations: Internet connectivity varies significantly by location. "The advertised wifi doesn't reach the campsites though so don't depend on it and when I connected at laundry to test it was like a 1/1Mbps speed. Cell Data signal isn't great here either," reports one camper at Southlake RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Check playground proximity: Campgrounds with children's facilities make family stays easier. At River Plantation RV Resort, "They have so much for the kids to do, full court basketball, tennis courts, battle ball, arcade room, and pool. Also next door to a ropes course and close to Pigeon Forge."
Consider bathroom accessibility: Locations of facilities matter for young campers. "There is no restroom even close to the playground area. Thankfully we didn't have a bathroom emergency with our toddler," shares one Anchor Down visitor regarding playground facilities.
Look for family-oriented activities: Some campgrounds organize special events for children. At Anchor Down RV Resort, "Every Saturday in October, campers decorate their site and hand out candy to the costumed campers! My kids LOVED that. We have already booked for this next October and plan to make it a tradition!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many RVers recommend reviewing site locations carefully before booking. "Half of the spots face the river (pull in). All concrete and level, large sites. Great water pressure," notes a visitor to Two Rivers Landing RV Resort.
Watch for challenging terrain: Some areas require extra caution with larger rigs. At Dumplin Valley Farm RV Park, a visitor recommends: "Sites were part gravel and easy to pull through. We were in a pull through with full hook ups. The area is so nice and if you were looking for things to do, it's close to Pigeon Forge and not terribly far from Gatlinburg."
Services and utility connections: RVers should check placement of hookups. "Sites are not well developed with power and sewer in odd places," notes a Southlake RV Park visitor, adding that monthly rentals are available for those seeking longer stays.
