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Camping near Oak Ridge, TN

17 campgrounds with availability this weekend

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    Campers looking to stay near Oak Ridge, Tennessee, can choose from several camping areas within driving distance. Cades Cove Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its wildlife, where you might spot bears and turkeys while setting up camp. Greenbrier Campground sits in a quieter area, with good trail access and spots near the water for swimming or fishing. Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground has reliable facilities and sits among nice scenery that changes with the seasons. The camping at Frozen Head State Park stays pretty quiet and connects to a good network of hiking trails. Local rules vary between sites, with some areas having strict fire rules and others requiring permits ahead of time. You'll need to book ahead for most campgrounds around Oak Ridge, particularly from May through October when they fill up fast. Some of the more out-of-the-way spots need vehicles with decent clearance, especially after rain. Animals frequently visit campsites in this region, so hanging food or using bear canisters is necessary. The Oak Ridge area works well for both families wanting basic comforts and people looking for more basic camping.

    Best Campgrounds near Oak Ridge (342)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

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

      4.2(31)6mi from Oak RidgeRVs

      "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."

      from $18 - $31 / night

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      2. Frozen Head State Park Campground

      4.8(32)16mi from Oak Ridge37 sitesTents, Glamping

      "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)."

      Campground full this weekend

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      3. Soaring Eagle Campground

      3.5(11)8mi from Oak RidgeRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      4. Windrock Campground

      4.7(7)7mi from Oak RidgeRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $18 - $300 / night

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      5. Yarberry Campground

      4.5(15)15mi from Oak RidgeRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      6. Windrock Ridge Campground

      4.0(6)7mi from Oak Ridge1 siteTents

      "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"

      from $20 - $49 / night

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      7. West Campground — Norris Dam State Park

      4.2(29)21mi from Oak Ridge79 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

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      8. Windrock Gap Campground & RV Park

      3.7(3)7mi from Oak RidgeRVs, Tents, Cabins

      from $20 - $70 / night

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      9. Volunteer Park Family Campground

      3.7(13)18mi from Oak RidgeRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $30 - $65 / night

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      10. Cove Lake State Park Campground

      4.4(25)24mi from Oak RidgeTents

      "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)."

      "Our site is nice and right on the lake but it’s a little odd the way the sites are. Our neighbors site is next to us but there table and fire pit are behind our rig."

      Check Availability
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    Recent Camping Photos near Oak Ridge, TN

    495 Photos of 342 Oak Ridge Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Oak Ridge, TN

    1741 Reviews of 342 Oak Ridge Campgrounds

    • M
      Nov. 3, 2026

      Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge

      Showers give you maybe 20 seconds of warm ish water. The. Pretty much tap temps. Amazingly it’s still completely fogs up the bathhouse mirrors due to the inadequate exhaust. That may. Be due to the temp, exhaust, and venting strings are easily manipulated by one of the million children in the “Resort”. It’s not a resort in any way. It’s a campground that has really nice pads. Marginal hookups. Lots and lots and lots of bears. Big BIG bears. I’m a bear hunter. There isn’t one I’ve seen that isn’t a legit Pope and Young. The toilets are clean. The floor and showers are gross. The lazy river is cold. Hot tube warm. If you are a camper spending $250 a night and a resort fee per person, you still don’t get given a towel to use the pool. Front desk actually said the towels were NOT for campers but for “ hotel resort” guest. So why am I paying the fee? We stayed here because it was a Margaretaville property. There are many other nicer and cheaper options in town. It’s expensive. The bar car does not exist. There is wood delivery. But it’s a bundle of twigs for $10. It is dry. The food is Sysco crap and the inside bars are just part of the kids arcade or cafeteria. Live music was super strange. The guy literally was standing in the doorway to the cafeteria bar. Don’t waste your money here. If you do anyway, plan on bears digging thru your stuff every night. Kids? Dogs? And Bears……not good.

    • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 31, 2026

      Twin Creek RV Resort

      Great Creekside Site and Friendly Staff

      We took US-321 into the back side of Gatlinburg to avoid the downtown craziness. RV Life GPS guided us directly to Twin Creek RV Resort, while Waze suggested a few shortcuts that we wisely passed on. The campground (CG) entrance was a little tight and downhill, but we had no trouble getting to the office for check-in. One of the very friendly and helpful staff members escorted us to back-in site 14, where backing in was easy. We wanted to lower our toy hauler patio to enjoy the creek running behind the sites, and the staff kindly allowed us to park our F-450 in site 38 across the road to give us more room. Our site had a nice patio area with a long bench, picnic table, and nearby fire pit. CG Wi-Fi was so-so at 6.17 Mbps download. Verizon had 2 bars and T-Mobile had 3 bars, while our T-Mobile Home Internet delivered a respectable 106 Mbps download. There was considerable road noise from US-321, especially during daylight hours, although evenings were noticeably quieter. The fenced dog park was small, but there was plenty of room around the CG to walk our pup. Overall, we enjoyed our creekside site, the helpful staff, and the convenient location away from the busiest part of Gatlinburg.

    • BThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 29, 2026

      Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

      Beautiful spot in the smoky mountains. State park style amenities, no showers. No hookups. Very busy very open campground. Nice that some trails are walking distance from campground. I would not camp here again as I prefer more separation and privacy. No cell service. STARLINK is usable but obstructed with tree canopy

    • MThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 28, 2026

      Kings Holly Haven RV Park

      Overland invasion

      Drove 5 hrs from our last campground to here for event Campground was very well maintained and liked the site. Wasn’t overly crazy about the event not a lot of vendors mainly jeeps went to a few local shops in town had a great lunch at the cookie dough monster.

    • Adrian C.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 23, 2026

      North River Campground

      Peaceful, low cost small campground with some creekside sites

      This is one of several USFS campgrounds that are within a few miles of each other. The cost is only $8/night, first come first served. The sites are fairly large with about half of them on a wide, clear creek. There is no running water, but there are bear proof trash cans and vault toilets that were fairly clean, but didn't smell great. 

      There is free potable water and an RV dump station about a mile away at the North River Game Checking Station on River Road near the Spivey Cove campground..

      The campsite was clean with picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern post. The fire ring was almost full of ashes and it appears that campers have to clean them out themselves. 

      The Green Cove Angler store is a couple miles away and has ice, firewood and other camper things.

      Unfortunately, while we were there, it was bear hunting season and another camper had multiple barking and baying dogs that went on and on for hours.

    • N
      Oct. 17, 2026

      Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

      Busy but Nice

      This worked well for us while we were visiting Dollywood in our trailer, but we wouldn't stay here if we had been in a different type of site. Cons: Unless you have a site up against the river or on patriot park, you are packed in VERY TIGHT with other people, sometimes with your sliders only a foot or two away from your neighbor's sliders. We were in a site that was "on patriot park", but the few first sites of that type are really just behind the trolley parking lot and pick up with a path behind you (including ours). People are on the other side of the fence walking about two feet behind you all day and pretty late in to the night. Pros: There are lot of trees and campground is very pretty. Super close to Dollywood and other Pigeon Forge points of interest.

    • jThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 14, 2026

      Two Rivers Landing RV Resort

      Premium Campground

      This is a really nice place, my only issue is that I think $110 with Good Sam is too expensive. I needed a place to stay, so I did. They have laundry and restrooms but I didn't use them.

    Guide to Oak Ridge

    The Oak Ridge area offers several camping options within a 30-mile radius, situated in the Tennessee Valley region where average summer temperatures reach 85°F and winter lows typically hover around 28°F. Most campgrounds stay open year-round, though water facilities at some locations close during winter months when overnight temperatures can drop below freezing.

    What to do

    Water recreation access: Melton Hill Dam Campground provides direct access to the reservoir where visitors can fish and swim. "Nice walking trail, large RV sites, nice water area," notes Scott H. who stayed during an eclipse viewing.

    Mountain biking opportunities: Windrock Campground connects to extensive trail systems for off-road enthusiasts. "Miles and miles of trails. General store, beautiful overlooks," says Nick C., who found it ideal for off-road experiences.

    Hiking with waterfall views: Frozen Head State Park offers trails with varying difficulty levels leading to scenic waterfalls. "If you are able, make sure to hike to the Lookout Tower! This is a great park and campground if you want to experience the beauty of East Tennessee without the crowds of the Smoky Mountains," shares Jessica L.

    What campers like

    Lakefront camping spots: At Yarberry Campground, campers appreciate the water access. "The day use area is nice, with a roped off swimming area, kayak rentals, picnic tables, a basketball court, etc. there's also a boat launch for boats," mentions Lori H.

    Clean facilities: Many visitors to Frozen Head State Park Campground comment on the well-maintained bathrooms. "Bathhouse is beautiful with cedar stalls. Lots to do with the hiking. Waterfalls were beautiful and everyone we talked to was super helpful and nice," writes Brittni F.

    Secluded tent sites: For those seeking more primitive camping sites near Oak Ridge, Tennessee, certain areas offer greater privacy. "We stayed at campsite 8 (primitive section) we loved the site, it was huge, and we had a great time," shares Liz A. about her experience at Frozen Head State Park.

    What you should know

    Seasonal water levels: At some locations, water levels change dramatically through the seasons. "This was just an overnight passing-through stay. Water was way down this time," notes one camper at Yarberry Campground.

    Highway noise considerations: Several camping areas near Oak Ridge sit close to major roads. At Soaring Eagle Campground, one visitor mentioned, "We were very close to I-40 and the road noise was extremely loud...all day and all night." Sites further from highways tend to be quieter.

    Varying site layouts: West Campground at Norris Dam has particular site configurations to consider. "We stayed at site #2 which was nice but had soft ground from prior rain. There were a lot of headlights on us from traffic entering the campground, even up til MIDNIGHT on Saturday," reports Greg L.

    Tips for camping with families

    Swimming areas: West Campground offers designated swimming spots suitable for children. "Swimming, fishing, hiking, and mtb," lists Mickey L. as available activities.

    Playground access: Some camping locations around Oak Ridge offer better play facilities than others. "Nice swimming/beach area but lacking playground for kids is why I give it 3 stars," notes Tyler about Yarberry Campground.

    Water recreation rentals: Families can take advantage of equipment rentals at certain sites. At Yarberry Campground, "They also rent all of those things, as well as paddle boats. They rent bikes too. The store has firewood, essentials, floats, ice cream, etc.," according to a reviewer.

    Tips from RVers

    Site leveling requirements: At Melton Hill Dam Campground, RVers should prepare for uneven terrain. "The parking area is an asphalt slab and many have a slant to them and will require leveling," reports Sara M.

    Spacing between sites: RV campers note that some campgrounds offer more room than others. At Volunteer Park Family Campground, "The sites were level, the park was clean, and the owners were nice," reports Crystal H., though others mention "narrow RV spaces" with spots that are "narrow in between the trees and other spots."

    Full hookup availability: Many campgrounds near Oak Ridge offer complete services. "We had water, electric, sewer, and cable," notes a reviewer at Volunteer Park, though availability varies by specific site and campground.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the best campgrounds near Oak Ridge, Tennessee?

    The best campgrounds near Oak Ridge offer diverse experiences for all types of campers. Frozen Head State Park Campground is highly recommended by locals for its well-maintained, recently renovated sites nestled in lush woodland. Though rustic, the facilities are well-kept and perfect for those seeking a natural experience. Clinton-Knoxville North KOA provides a convenient base when exploring the area, offering charm and community activities just a short drive from Oak Ridge. Other excellent options include Windrock Campground near Oliver Springs and Volunteer Park Family Campground in Heiskell, both offering full amenities for comfortable stays while exploring the Oak Ridge area.

    What hiking trails are available near Oak Ridge campgrounds?

    Oak Ridge area campgrounds offer access to diverse hiking experiences. Citico Creek Area provides excellent day hikes directly from your campsite with trails alongside the creek, though be prepared for primitive conditions. At Starr Mountain Area, you'll find challenging but rewarding unmarked trails leading to spectacular summit views—enter via Gee Creek Road for a half-mile climb to the top. For more established hiking, Elkmont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers numerous well-maintained trails. Frozen Head State Park features serious hiking and backpacking options through densely wooded terrain. Most trails in the region showcase the area's lush forests, mountain vistas, and abundant streams.

    Can I rent an RV in Oak Ridge, Tennessee?

    Yes, you can rent an RV near Oak Ridge, Tennessee. While there aren't dedicated rental agencies in Oak Ridge itself, several options exist in nearby Knoxville and the surrounding areas. Peer-to-peer rental platforms like RVshare and Outdoorsy offer numerous private RV rentals in the region. Once you've secured your RV, The Ridges at Royal Blue and Windrock Gap Campground & RV Park offer RV-friendly sites near Oak Ridge. For a higher-end experience, consider driving to Sevierville where you'll find the luxurious Anchor Down RV Resort. Most rental companies provide orientation sessions for first-time RVers and offer roadside assistance services for peace of mind during your camping adventure.

    Are there lakeside campsites near Oak Ridge?

    Yes, there are excellent lakeside camping options near Oak Ridge. Melton Hill Dam Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) offers lakeside sites with full hookups, easy water access for swimming and fishing, and a well-stocked store. For a more upscale experience, Anchor Down RV Resort on Douglas Lake provides stunning water views with the Smoky Mountains as a backdrop. Additional options include Yarberry Campground on Fort Loudoun Lake and Soaring Eagle Campground, both offering waterfront sites within a short drive from Oak Ridge. These lakeside campgrounds typically provide boat launches, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities.

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