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Best Campgrounds near Oak Ridge, TN

1,596 Reviews

Tent sites and RV parks surround Oak Ridge, Tennessee, with several good options within an hour's drive. Cades Cove Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has good wildlife watching and mountain views. Greenbrier Campground sits close to the Little Pigeon River, making it handy for swimming and fishing. Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground has larger sites where campers can hike nearby trails and fish in the park's waters. Frozen Head State Park Campground draws hikers with its wooded setting and trail network. Gee Creek Campground in Cherokee National Forest keeps things basic, with fewer amenities but more quiet. Spring and fall bring the best camping weather around Oak Ridge, as summers get hot and sticky while winters can be cold with occasional snow. Most campground roads stay in good shape year-round, though some walk-in sites require carrying gear from parking areas. Check ahead for any seasonal road closures, especially after heavy rain or winter weather. Following Leave No Trace practices helps keep these camping areas in good condition for future visitors.

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Best Camping Sites Near Oak Ridge, Tennessee (308)

    1. Melton Hill Dam Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    28 Reviews
    Lenoir City, TN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 361-0436

    $18 - $31 / night

    "We really enjoyed Milton Hill dam, very friendly people , well stocked store, easy access to swimming and fishing and full hook up sites if you want them."

    "We made a last minute trip to Melton Hill that was very conveniently located just outside of Knoxville. The campsite offers several options for camping along the water or in the woods."

    2. Frozen Head State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    Petros, TN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 346-3318

    "We come here when in Oak Ridge for business thanks to recommendations from locals. There is excellent and serious hiking and backpacking here."

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

    3. Windrock Campground

    7 Reviews
    Oliver Springs, TN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 435-3939

    $18 - $300 / night

    "Off roading, shooting range, mountain bike trails, atv rentals. Very close to town if needed. The serenity and peace we feel staying there makes us never want to leave."

    "Great sites, cute cabins great location."

    4. Soaring Eagle Campground

    9 Reviews
    Kingston, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 376-9017

    "We were in a pop-up camper and had a lakefront site, which was awesome, except for the highway noise."

    "The primitive tent sites are amazing, I didn’t give it 5 stars only because you can hear a little bit of road noise, as the campground is near the interstate."

    5. Yarberry Campground

    14 Reviews
    Lenoir City, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 986-3993

    "Yarberry Campground is a gated lakefront campground and day use area located on Tellico Lake, not far from the Fort Loudon Dam."

    "We rented a pontoon boat for four hours and had a great time exploring the lake. Highly recommend this campground if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the larger campgrounds."

    6. West Campground — Norris Dam State Park

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

    "We stayed at the main area but not much space or privacy so we put up a tent out side our door, but then moved to the tent camping site area the second night which was more secluded and private, but still"

    "There is a lake, so naturally that means there is boating, jet skiing, canoeing and of course fishing."

    7. The Crosseyed Cricket

    6 Reviews
    Lenoir City, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 986-5435

    "It's a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, especially in beautiful locations like The Crosseyed Cricket Campground in Tennessee."

    8. Windrock Ridge Campground

    4 Reviews
    Oliver Springs, TN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 435-1251

    $20 - $49 / night

    "This has got to be the largest off road park in the country. We camped at windrock ridge and could not believe the views. Highly recommend a visit."

    "The wooded tent sites where perfect not all are level so ask to drive through and preview avails before booking. fire ring, table provided. the only down side is that there is heavy SxS traffic on camp"

    9. Windrock Gap Campground & RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Oliver Springs, TN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 435-6009

    $20 - $70 / night

    10. Volunteer Park Family Campground

    13 Reviews
    Heiskell, TN
    18 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."

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485 Photos of 308 Oak Ridge Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Oak Ridge, TN

1596 Reviews of 308 Oak Ridge Campgrounds

Guide to Oak Ridge

Camping near Oak Ridge, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Cades Cove Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The sites were pretty close to each other but the store was convenient and awesome proximity when we biked the loop."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Greenbrier Campground, you can spot various wildlife. A camper shared, "We had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing and Swimming: The river near Anchor Down RV Resort is perfect for fishing and swimming. One reviewer said, "We rented a golf cart and pontoon boat... Amazing!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Frozen Head State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "The restrooms are heated and immaculate."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the activities available at Greenbrier Campground. One family said, "The sites are well spaced and the tent pad is nice and even."
  • Quiet Environment: Campers often mention the peacefulness at Bandy Creek Campground. A reviewer remarked, "We were there in March and it was very quiet."

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Many campgrounds, like Cades Cove Campground, have sites that are close together. One camper pointed out, "Most sites are close; site spacing is tight."
  • Limited Cell Service: Expect limited cell service at places like Gee Creek Campground. A visitor mentioned, "No Verizon service at the campground but 1 bar at the visitor center."
  • Bear Awareness: Campers should be cautious about wildlife, especially bears. A reviewer at Cades Cove Campground noted, "Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just irritates the bears."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family activities, like Greenbrier Campground. One parent said, "The kids loved the playground, and the fairytale story walk."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring food and snacks, as some campgrounds, like Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground, have limited stores. A camper advised, "It’s several miles, and mountains, to get to stores."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on the kids, especially in busy campgrounds. A visitor at Gee Creek Campground mentioned, "The loops where the tent sites are can be quite busy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Anchor Down RV Resort said, "Tight for our 45 ft bus. Never again!!"
  • Amenities Matter: Look for campgrounds with good amenities, like Frozen Head State Park Campground. One camper noted, "The bathhouses are kept clean."
  • Book Early: Popular spots can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "It was packed during our visit."

Camping around Oak Ridge, TN, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Oak Ridge, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Oak Ridge, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 308 campgrounds and RV parks near Oak Ridge, TN and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Oak Ridge, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oak Ridge, TN is Melton Hill Dam Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) with a 4.2-star rating from 28 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Oak Ridge, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Oak Ridge, TN.

What parks are near Oak Ridge, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 parks near Oak Ridge, TN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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