340 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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
Check Availability"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)."
"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."
"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
Check Availability"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."
"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
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
ScoutIf you’re looking for chill sights with minimal needs and no electric this place has been lovely. Creek access with some sites. Not all for direct creek. Lake access to entire campground tho! Will be back for us !!!
GuideThe Smoker Holler campground has convenient access off of hwy 321 in Wears Valley. Close to the Smoky Mountain national park. It's a decent place for an overnight stop but not a destination campground. The good points: The sites are level and we'll graveled. There are full hookups. The restroom/shower facilities are well kept. The not so good: not a lot of shaded sites so summer is hot. Sites are very close together and the campground is small o there is not a lot of area to walk dogs. (The qualifier is that I walk my dogs 4-6 miles most days) There is a field adjacent to the campground that is fine for potty walks but not big enough for exercise. We were just passing through on a covered bridge tour so we only stayed one night and it was ok.
GuideNicely laid out but little shade. Nice bathhouse.
TravelerCrowded with small sites. Saturated grassy and muddy area all around our site. Way over priced! Staff was polite and helpful with replacing 50amp breaker at the shore connection.
TravelerThis site has become a tradition to visit for a week once a year. I love this location.
TravelerThis top of the mountain campground is amazing. There was barely anyone here and just a short/walk drive down the road are tons of overlooks and a short hike to a watch tower. I definitely recommend this place.
ScoutThey have a pool, a lake with boat ramp and dock, and picnic tables at all spots. There are a few rows of permanent spots but didn't seem ran down. The office workers were nice and easy to communicate with.
GuideWe had a decent tent camping experience here. They have all the amenities. The showers were great, but I saw a rat in the pool. The tent camping was a bit creepy, with very dim lights, and the picnic tables were quite dirty.
ScoutCabins and Campgrounds are very clean
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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