Looking for the best campgrounds near Oak Ridge, TN? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Tennessee camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Oak Ridge. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
$18 - $31 / night
Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures. Popular activities here include hiking, biking, touring the 11-mile Cades Cove loop road and observing wildlife. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cades Cove never disappoints.
The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Loop Road, follow the signage at the turnoff for directions to the trailhead. Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over falls more than makes up for its lack of height. The long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque. The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek. The waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram or Abraham whose village once stood several miles downstream. A nearby horse stable provides one-hour horseback rides as well as hay rides and carriage rides from March through October, offering recreational activities for the entire family. Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance.
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821. By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271.
The park holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park, a few of which are easily accessible from the Cades Cove loop road. Townsend, located about nine miles away, offers full service grocery stores and fuel.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (865) 448-4103 for general information.
If you plan to arrive at a date later than your arrival date you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to avoid a cancellation to your reservation. If you wish to cancel your reservation the day of your arrival you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to receive a refund. Rules and reservation policies can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
$30 / night
Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers.
The Little River runs through the campground offering visitors the option to camp waterfront. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the Little River and countless other streams and rivers that snake through the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Elkmont Campground. The nearby and popular Laurel Falls Trail leads to a spectacular 80-ft. waterfall. Hiking and fishing are not the only reasons for visiting the Smokies: Picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities. With around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies are the most biologically-diverse area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park.
Generations of campers have returned to Elkmont year after year, drawn by the sounds of the river, the tranquility of the forest, and the variety of recreational activities in the Elkmont area. Little River and Jakes Creek run through the campground, offering easy access for fishing or cool summertime splashing. Trailheads for Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and Elkmont Nature Trail are located adjacent to the campground. Historic remnants of Little River Lumber Company's logging camp and old buildings from the Elkmont resort community offer campers a glimpse of life at Elkmont nearly a century ago.
Gatlinburg, one of the Smokies' most famous tourist towns, is located about nine miles from Elkmont and offers organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more.
$30 / night
The west side has 50 sites with water and electric hook-up. The west side also has three paved sites suitable for persons with disabilities. If reserved, proper identification will be required upon check-in.
To get to the West Campground
From I-75 take Exit 128 (Rocky Top) and turn left onto US-441 S (Hwy. 61) for 2.8 miles until you see the stone entrance sign for Norris Dam State Park and turn left. Follow the signs to the campground, which will have you take your first left at the yellow gates. Follow the road for one mile to the west campground. ***Please use caution, the road leading to the campground is steep with dangerous curves.
$25 - $55 / night
This KOA campground in Pigeon Forge is perfectly located to take everything the Great Smokies has to offer. Spend the day taking in the local area attractions such as Dollywood theme park, Dolly Parton's Stampede, Wonderworks, or the Old Mill just to name a few. Pigeon forge is bursting with over 70 attractions the whole family will love. Gear up for an adventure of hiking, fishing, biking or driving in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The options here are endless! For a home away from home, try our fully furnished Deluxe Cabins or Camping Cabins. Park your RV at our Pull-Thru RV Site with KOA Patio®, all with free cable and Wi-Fi. Pitching a Tent? We have beautiful waterfront sites conveniently situated with picnic tables and fire rings. Whatever accommodation you choose, you can rest assured you will enjoy your stay in this beautiful location. Explore our abundant entertainment options such as the NEW Gravity Rail, pan for fossils and gems at our Gem Mine, play at the NEW Playground, rent bikes or play in the zero-entry pool complete with a Rain Tree. There's even a safe place for Fido to play within the Kamp K9® Dog Park. As your day winds down, settle in to watch a movie at the Outdoor Cinema, sit around the Community Fire Pit or relax in the Hot Tub.
We are a family campground & RV park located just outside of Knoxville, TN. Our campground is open year-round. Among the tranquil woods, you will enjoy all of our campground amenities, such as a swimming pool, playground, and clubhouse.
We are just a short drive away from Knoxville, TN and other area attractions. When you camp at Volunteer Park Family Campground, your family is our family. Our Knoxville campground is kept clean, and the showers, pool, and laundry are regularly attended to. Our campsites are shady and quiet and can accommodate everything from tents, pop-ups to large “Big Rig” RVs. So come on over and enjoy the natural beauty of our home in East Tennessee!
Book a campsite today!
$30 - $65 / night
If you want to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the Southeastern United States, plan a stay with at Loyston Point. TVA offers hundreds of campsites among its six dam reservoir campgrounds, available from mid-March to mid-November. All six campgrounds are now managed by Recreation Resource Management (RRM) under a concessionaire agreement with TVA. This has allowed an expansion of services that includes new campground stores, wireless access, an online reservation system and more.
$18 - $31 / night
Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures. Popular activities here include hiking, biking, touring the 11-mile Cades Cove loop road and observing wildlife. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cades Cove never disappoints.
The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Loop Road, follow the signage at the turnoff for directions to the trailhead. Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over falls more than makes up for its lack of height. The long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque. The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek. The waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram or Abraham whose village once stood several miles downstream. A nearby horse stable provides one-hour horseback rides as well as hay rides and carriage rides from March through October, offering recreational activities for the entire family. Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance.
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821. By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271.
The park holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park, a few of which are easily accessible from the Cades Cove loop road. Townsend, located about nine miles away, offers full service grocery stores and fuel.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (865) 448-4103 for general information.
If you plan to arrive at a date later than your arrival date you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to avoid a cancellation to your reservation. If you wish to cancel your reservation the day of your arrival you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to receive a refund. Rules and reservation policies can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
$30 / night
Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers.
The Little River runs through the campground offering visitors the option to camp waterfront. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the Little River and countless other streams and rivers that snake through the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Elkmont Campground. The nearby and popular Laurel Falls Trail leads to a spectacular 80-ft. waterfall. Hiking and fishing are not the only reasons for visiting the Smokies: Picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities. With around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies are the most biologically-diverse area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park.
Generations of campers have returned to Elkmont year after year, drawn by the sounds of the river, the tranquility of the forest, and the variety of recreational activities in the Elkmont area. Little River and Jakes Creek run through the campground, offering easy access for fishing or cool summertime splashing. Trailheads for Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and Elkmont Nature Trail are located adjacent to the campground. Historic remnants of Little River Lumber Company's logging camp and old buildings from the Elkmont resort community offer campers a glimpse of life at Elkmont nearly a century ago.
Gatlinburg, one of the Smokies' most famous tourist towns, is located about nine miles from Elkmont and offers organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more.
$30 / night
The west side has 50 sites with water and electric hook-up. The west side also has three paved sites suitable for persons with disabilities. If reserved, proper identification will be required upon check-in.
To get to the West Campground
From I-75 take Exit 128 (Rocky Top) and turn left onto US-441 S (Hwy. 61) for 2.8 miles until you see the stone entrance sign for Norris Dam State Park and turn left. Follow the signs to the campground, which will have you take your first left at the yellow gates. Follow the road for one mile to the west campground. ***Please use caution, the road leading to the campground is steep with dangerous curves.
$25 - $55 / night
Scout
First time at Windrock Campground. very nice property and has spots for all types of outfits and campers. I’m in a truck camper with a rooftop tent. 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 roads until late evening. otherwise pretty swanky place to camp. There are open sky spots around the bathhouse if you need solar or satellite. Those are all flat.
Traveler
We loved Bandycreek campground for it{s scenic beauty….we were there in late October. They leaves were brilliant! The campground was pristine as well as the shower house and bathrooms. So many trails to walk…just make sure you know how long they really are and if they truly are a loop before you head out and take water! The campground was quiet, there was a bustle of activity every morning of park staff cleaning the shower house, emptying the bear boxes and doing general maintenance cleaning up downed branches etc. All staff were met were very friendly. The visitors center was close with staff who were very helpful in answering questions about the area. Our only concern about the place was that it is difficult to navigate if you have a large rv. Ours is a 43 foot fifth wheel. We had a lot of difficulty backing into our site with all the little obstacles but with the assistance of a fellow camper we finally got in. Also the drive into the campsite is treacherous if you are coming from Oneida. It is harrowing to say the least and I would not recommend it if you have a large rv. Hairpin turns and switchbacks, low hanging rocks, and narrow road. We came in the back way which consisted of driving on a well maintained gravel road with barely enough room for two vehicles to pass. So be warned and do your research before you drive in…plan your route! I feel like we barely survived! Ha. But it was worth it and we did survive!
Scout
My fiancee and I stayed here for 3 months. It was fine at first. The camp host told us that it was only open til Nov 15th like TVA campgrounds. He actually made it sound like it was a TVA campground. The big rule here that nobody talks about is "live here, but look like you don't live here". Everything went fine until Hurricane Helene hit. It destroyed our campsite. We started the clean up the day after the storm and nothing was said until it still wasn't clean 3 days after the storm .We were working as fast and hard as we could , but it wasn't fast enough for them because they were afraid TVA would find out they all live here year round. He said the camp had changed hands and the new owners were going to be looking over the park and deciding who could stay past the close date of November 15th. We were told to clean it up as fast as we could. I assured him we were working as fast as possible. About this time we got a call and found out my mother had fallen ill and had to leave camp for a few days to go stay with her. We returned to an eviction notice giving us 48 hours to vacate. This was impossible si I contacted the camp host and told him I needed more time and that my mother had been diagnosed with cancer. He seemed to understand and said he'd give us til the 1st to be gone . This gave us an additional 2 weeks or do we thought. A few days later the camp host pulled up obviously drunk and was screaming about the rent needing to be paid. Considering we'd rented a truck, secured a new site, and rented a 2nd storage for everything so we could meet his deadline I we didn't have the money and couldn't pay the rent for the month we were being evicted. I explained that we would pay but since I didn't know what date we were leaving I wouldn't pay him the month in advance like he demands of everyone else who stays here. He got very upset and started texting daily in a very rude manner demanding rent. I read reviews on the place and there were 3 or 4 where people stared that they had to leave and were refused refunds fit the days they dud not stay. Knowing this we were unwilling to pay until we knew how many days we'd be there He said that they would tack on $45 a day if I didn't pay it by the 7th. I tried to explain we would pay when we left but he became verbally abusive and did so on 2 other occasions well before the 1st of the month we'd agreed on. The 2nd time he cussed my fiancee and threw gravel and dust in the air and all over her car while yelling " you tried to f#$k me over just remember that" as though he was coming back with "his boys" to physically put us out by force. We'd been working our asses off attempting to leave the entire time but I guess it wasn't good enough. These people show favorites and treat people differently based on who they want to have there year round. We left and would advise anyone to look elsewhere for a spot to park your RV and camp. There is a right and a wrong way to treat people and our site being a little messed up after a hurricane was enough to make this camp host act very threatening and treat us in a pretty awful way in a very difficult time in our lives. Not the nicest folks we've ever met for sure.
Guide
We stayed here on a KAT section 2 trip. Super friendly and helpful staff. They had campsites, covered wagons, and cabins. The had a small camp store and sold firewood
GuideWe stayed there while running the KAT section 2. Great staff. Lots of room for horses. They had campsites, covered wagons and cabin space.
Guide
There are three dispersed camp sites along this road. We stayed at the first and largest of the three. This first site has room for two groups. It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing.
Guide
Beautiful lake and clean bathhouse. Sites are close together, not really tent friendly
Scout
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Scout
I rode all the way over here from Greeneville to check out the area in order to bring a group of friends camping next weekend.
BUT the entire campground is closed. When I pulled up to the iron gate and saw the sign, it read "CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC DUE TO VANDALISM AND UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITY"
ScoutI drove over an hour to get here to find that it is “closed to public for vandalism”. I was very upset by this but obviously nothing I could do. Just wish I knew how to check before driving all the way. But the drive! Woah! So beautiful, I wish there was a way I could find out when it opens back up because I was very much looking forward to camping here.
Traveler
Great place great people and great management. Clean environment. And clean club house and showers and bathrooms. Has laundry room and fire rings at camp sites
Guide
We stayed 3 nights in one of the creekside sites. Very nice. Staff was very friendly. Water, electric, and sewer all worked. Great location outside the chaos of Pigeon Forge. Townsend and Cades Cove were easy drives.
Ranger
Highly recommended this place. New facility clean bathroom with offers solid doors for privacy. Right in the middle of the attractions. Loved this place.
Ranger
This place is a great place for camping had nice paved trails clean campground. The bathroom was clean. The shower was hot. Lots of friendly campers.
Traveler
Ample space, gorgeous views of the lake, and super friendly staff. We stayed in space 19. It is sized for a smaller rig which was perfect for us. We got to watch fish jump and a crane fishing in the morning. Only caught small fish, but the kids had a blast swimming. The lake is shallow with a slow grade which was perfect for our young children. Everyone was friendly and respectful. The bathrooms were clean and it was a nice bonus to have a no-charge shower available for tent camping.
Traveler
We have stayed at the Campground for 15 years! Love Beth who helps with Reservations. I really like the fact it is a very small campground, sitting back a long way off the main road. Sites are spread out. Shower house easy access from all sites. Very few, if any kids when we go. Having all the amenities of Fontana Village Resort is icing on the cake. I've already made Reservations for 2025.
Scout
Visiting in 2 weeks
Traveler
We should have heeded warnings in other reviews and avoided this place. Managers are lazy and rude, do not respond to messages calls or texts. Moved our booked spot without speaking to us and told us it was an upgrade, it was not in a spot we desired due to having a toddler near the busiest part of the park. They had someone else parked in our spot so we had no choice. We had to figure this all out ourselves because when we got there no one was around and they simply left a map at the door with a different site number on it. The WiFi password was never sent and management did not email it until the next morning. The bathrooms were newly renovated but no shower curtains and were dirty. The pool was closed both days and locked, no notice given to campers. Email said pool was to be open. There are nice common areas that look very inviting, but whenever you go near them, a camera loudly broadcast that you were being recorded, and this continues all around the building with multiple cameras it just makes you feel very strange and unwelcome … When we finally reached a manager she was rude and told us that it seems we simply aren’t happy and that we could vacate immediately with a refund. We declined, as it was 8pm and we had a toddler asleep and a fully set up camp. This was truly the worst experience and expensive for the type of park that it is. Anywhere else this would maybe be a $40 at night stay however it was $90 a night here. From the photos, we thought this park was out in a quiet part of the country, but it is not and is on the edge of a city with a lot of traffic and an intersection with a Walgreens for a view..
Traveler
The campground was one of the most scenic I've been to. Some of the lakefront spots had their own access to the lake and plenty of trees. The camp host was amazing!
Traveler
That's a great recommendation! Elkmont Campground sounds like a wonderful place to experience the Great Smoky Mountains. The variety of accommodation options makes it accessible to campers of all preferences. Therefore SRSLY Low Carb helps me stick to a diet and it reflects well on my body. I love active recreation. However, I always take care of my diet because I have health problems. Have a nice trip and take care of your health.
TravelerWe had an amazing time, the campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome. Hoping to come back soon.
Traveler
If you're looking for peace and quiet, then this is the place to be. Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground. Note... Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just erritates the bears.
ScoutI prefer playing cricket for physical exercise rather than virtual games like Nulls Brawl. It's a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, especially in beautiful locations like The Crosseyed Cricket Campground in Tennessee.
Traveler
We were there on a Saturday night in August and it was completely sold out. It's a very busy campground with close together spaces but that's to be expected at that time and place. The staff was awesome and it's a great facility, shockingly with that many people it was absolutely silent at night. If you want to be in that area at that time it's pricey but hard to beat; however, I have no desire to be in that busy of a campground. There is a good chance we would like to see it in the off season.
Legend
It has everything. Everything. Multiple restaurants, wide sites, level, concrete, full hookups, 2 pools. One is a lazy river and the other has a big slide. Happy hour, stores, games, bowling, activities, and the staff are amazing. Everyone has been so polite and kind. Can’t say enough good things. We made it a three night stay of what was supposed to be just one. Totally worth it. Super close to the national park as well at Gatlinburg and pigeon forge.
Scout
I highly DO NOT RECOMMEND this place. They completely do not respect their guests. I booked a half a year in advance and asked the question if they have a separate bed for each and they assured me they do. Unfortunately, my child ended up sleeping on the table. I tried to ask for an additional mattress or a partial/full refund but they didn’t want to hear me. They offered me to go to the store and buy one for myself. A complete disrespect I drove for six hours to be as disappointed as I had never been in life. Please, beware that coming here you’re going to sleep either on the floor or on the table and the staff doesn’t care about you or do not respect you. People, please do not come here.
Legend
Three visits, and this is a destination for our family. There is so much to do with the water activities and on site, that you could get away without a car.
We had site 157 this time, and close to all of the amenities. We rented a golf cart ($50 a day) and pontoon boat (about $250 for 4 hours plus gas….40 for us). They have a little food truck if you want. All sites paved and many have hand made fire places. Looking south towards sevierville over the lake into the mountains. Amazing!
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.
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 302 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 Croatan National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
