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Best Campgrounds near Oak Ridge, TN

1,624 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Oak Ridge, Tennessee (316)

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

    29 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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Recent Camping Photos near Oak Ridge, TN

500 Photos of 316 Oak Ridge Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Oak Ridge, TN

1624 Reviews of 316 Oak Ridge Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge

    Beautiful grounds if you feel like splurging

    It is an absolutely beautiful campground with an awesome club house and a ton to do. The pool and lazy river are heated. Honestly though you really need to want to splurge to justify staying here because you are still camping if that makes sense.

    Also the trolley “system” is super confusing and the front desk knows nothing about it lol

    Our site is great. It is right across the road from the playground without having to pay for a family site.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    East Campground - Norris Dam State Park

    Nice park but road is not that friendly

    Google maps and the website will tell you to take the 441 to get here but I recommend going down to the 61 and coming up that way as the road is quite a bit wider and not so steep and windy. The last mile or so into the campground is a pretty narrow road that when we were here was in bad shape with potholes. Note that some of the campsites have only 30 amp and some of the campsites have only 50 amp so when making a reservation don’t assume that a 50 amp campsite will also have 30 amp. They all did appear to 20 amp. There is a dump station available and a fairly nice bathroom and showers. Most of the spaces are fairly level and fairly easy to get into. 1-3 were quite short. Recommend popping down to the Clinch River Brewery for a beverage and possibly dinner. Also the Appalachian museum in Norris was pretty fascinating.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cades Cove Campground

    Quite, beautiful, weekend traffic

    This is one of the quietest campgrounds I’ve stayed at. Sites are nestled in the woods in a cove in the Smokies. No cell service. No internet. No cable tv. Just peace and quiet! This is a national park campgrounds, so no water, electric or hookups. There is a dump station and modern bathrooms. Cold water showers. There is a camp store with basics. There is a lot of traffic especially on weekends with visitors driving the scenic Cades Cove Loop Road.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Little River Campground & RV Resort

    Labor Day weekend

    Overall a positive experience. We stayed in the tent camping area. Absolutely beautiful site with a wonderful river view, but be aware that the direct river bank is considered common area including day use so it had a lot of traffic while we were there. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Being a holiday weekend it was very crowded and very noisy, including a few neighbors without regards to quiet hours. Overall the facilities including bath house are were very nice though I believe the large crowds caused issues with the crew being able to keep up with keeping them clean. The location is very convenient to Townsend and we rode bikes out to explore and get food in the evening. We would definitely go back just probably not on a holiday weekend.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mountaineer Campground

    Pleasant Stay

    Lovely campground on the river and close to amenities. Biking, hiking, tubing, swimming. My favorite experience here has been the pavilion prayer and fellowship on Sunday mornings hosted by Charm ministry volunteers. Very casual with lots of singing and great conversation in a very positive and welcoming atmosphere. The bathrooms and showers were kept very clean as well as the laundry and pool area. The camp hosts were very helpful and work hard to keep the above clean. The campground offers a 50% discount on a 28-day stay which I took advantage of. They allowed me to stay an extra 28 days due to my dog passing away so I could wait for his remains. They were very understanding, thoughtful and gracious during this sad time for me and I am very grateful to the management and hosts for the time, space and respect they extended to me July & August.

  • Kc K.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    Amazing site! See note on hook-ups

    This campground is great. The hosts/camp store workers are so nice. This site is big and has easy walk-in access to water for swimming or fishing. **Only weird thing is the hookups are on the opposite side of the site. Take a 50 ft water hose and a 30 amp extension - ours was 50 ft but I think a 30 ft would work. **

  • Kc K.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Big Ridge State Park Campground

    Big level site

    Site 43. Big site. fairly flat. Just have levelers on one side. Close to the bathhouse and a quick walk to the entrance to get to the store, swim area, etc. Roads are a little narrow in the campground, made it a little hard to back trailer in- the front of the truck was the issue hitting rocks on the side of the road.

  • Melissa C.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Dudley Creek RV Resort

    Great place with nice hosts

    Beautiful campground very close to Gatlinburg. We love the black bear theme, the pool, and the playground. Some sites are right on the creek.

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 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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