Best Tent Camping near Oak Ridge, TN
Looking for tent camping near Oak Ridge? Finding a place to camp in Tennessee with your tent has never been easier. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Oak Ridge campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Oak Ridge, Tennessee (44)
1. Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River
12 Reviews•70 Photos•90 SavesLancing, TennesseeOverview
Rock Creek Campground is located near the Emory River in the Obed Wild and Scenic River.
Recreation
Whitewater paddling is available seasonally in the Obed WSR. Rock climbing is another challenging activity, as is boulder climbing. The Obed WSR sports several unique trails for hikers, most notably the Point Trail and a portion of the Cumberland Trail. Those who like to fish will enjoy the Obed WSR, as a variety of bass, bluegill, catfish and other fish populate the river. Birdwatching is also a fun activity, particularly during the migratory seasons.
Natural Features
The Obed River winds through the Cumberland Plateau offering a variety of recreational activities for everyone.
Nearby Attractions
Just a few miles from the park is Frozen Head State Park which encompasses more than 24,000 acres of forest with mountainous terrain at an elevation from 1,340 feet to over 3,000 feet. Catoosa Wildlife Management Area is an 82,000 acre preserve with a focus on hunting and fishing but offering a wealth of other recreational activities as well. Lone Mountain State Forest is 3,600 acres and has 15 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$15 / night
2. TVA Public Land- Fork Bend
11 Reviews•65 Photos•365 SavesLa Follette, Tennessee- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
4. Windrock Ridge Campground
4 Reviews•18 Photos•18 SavesOliver Springs, TennesseeTucked in at the Base of Windrock Mountain
Welcome to the Windrock Ridge Campground, located in Oliver Springs, TN. Our beautiful campground is located at the foot of Windrock Mountain, where 4-wheeling and ATV riding is in our backyard. We have had a variety of names, but no matter what you call us, we’d love to have you stay with us! Enjoy EASY, FAST access directly from our campground to the “Mountain”, without hauling your ATV. We have a variety of accommodations that are sure to fit your needs.
Our primal campground has a stream, rolling hills, lots of flat landings and beautiful views. This is perfect for your next camping trip here in Eastern Tennessee! Whether you’re coming to hike, ride or just get away and enjoy the outdoors, we’d love for you to see what we have to offer during your next trip to Oliver Springs and Windrock Mountain. We are at the base of main Trail 2, which is easily accessed from the entrance of our campground.
Ginseng farming is NOT allowed on this property
- Most of the roads require AWD or Off Road vehicle
- Reservable
- Tents
$20 - $49 / night
5. Lilly Pad Campground
5 Reviews•67 Photos•46 SavesLancing, TennesseeTrails from the brewery lead to the Lilly Pad Campground. There are several acres of primitive sites in a wooded setting along the outskirts of the Obed Wild and Scenic River. The national park is within walking distance and hosts some of the most beautiful scenery, amazing rock climbing, and challenging kayaking in East Tennessee. The campground is open all day every day. It is 5.00 per person, per night. Water and porta-potties available. Firewood is provided for fires at designated sites only. Reservations are not required. We cannot accommodate RVs or large pull behinds. Tear drops and small pop ups are fine. Thank you!
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$30 / night
7. Backcountry Site 1 — Norris Dam State Park
1 Review•2 Photos•1 SaveLake City, TennesseeNorris Dam State Park has three backcountry campsites.
There are two new backcountry sites on one of the trails at Norris Dam State Park. Backcountry Site 1 is overlooking Norris Lake and is big enough for two small tents. Capacity is four people.
Backcountry Site 2 is along Lakeview Trail, and is big enough for one tent and capacity is four people also. Both sites have fire rings with a grill attachment and a level area. No water or electric is available. The trail to get to these two sites begins at the TVA / Camp Kinchen parking area. Round trip to either site is roughly 11.5 miles.
Backcountry Site 3 is located on top of Andrews Ridge with beautiful views of Norris Lake during the winter. There is a stone fire ring. No water or electric is available. The site will accommodate up to three tents and six people.
Please practice Leave No Trace and pack everything in and everything out. Reservations may be made online, but please check in at the park office prior to setting out.
- Reservable
- Tents
8. Camp Birdsong
2 Reviews•11 Photos•14 SavesMaryville, TennesseeYour Camp site is nestled in a shady spot looking out into untamed woodlands.
This is neigborhood camping at its best!
We are located in the beautiful foothills of the Smoky mountains close to many attractions and scenic drives.
Quiet area-lots of birdsong.
Good paved roads leading directly to the house and you can park at the site.
10x16 platform for your larger tent or 2 smaller ones. (yard on slope so you'll want to use the platform)
Grill on deck for charcoal/wood cooking or camp fire.
Hot water shower, toilet and sink
Coffee maker, Grill & Utensils available. Coolers available for use (ice at Dollar General 1/2 mile away)
Motorcycles welcome
Pets welcome as long you take care to clean up after them.
Perfectly situated to some of the best scenic and fun roads East Tennessee has to offer for motorcyclists and anyone who loves curvy roads.
5 miles to Foothills Parkway
20 fun miles to the Tail of the dragon (Moutain pass road leading to the NC border)
30 min to Smoky Mountain Nat'l Park for hiking/horseback riding/fishing
Gatlingburg/ Pigeon Forge/Dollywood approx 1 hour
5 miles away - 15 miles of paved Greenway trail for walking and bicycle riding.
35 min to great hiking trails
7 min to town of Maryville -Restaurants, movies, shopping etc
30 min to Knoxviille
20 min to Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson
10 min to Public golf course
20 miles to Fishing with tour info avail.
1/2 mile to a Dollar General-for any supplies you may need
Waterfalls all within daytrips
Expert route planning (we know all the fun roads -named and un-named)
We don't drink alcohol at all. We don't mind a little beer or wine, but we ask that you do not drink to inebriation. MJ is illegal in Tennessee, so we ask that you don't smoke here. Cigarette smoking ok. This is a quiet neighborhood so we ask that you keep you conversation to normal levels after 10pm.
Firearms - No recreational firearm use is allowed on the property.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
$40 - $49 / night
9. GlampKnox
3 Reviews•40 Photos•32 SavesKodak, Tennessee- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$75 - $175 / night
10. Chuck Swan State Forest
4 Reviews•18 Photos•34 SavesMaynardville, TennesseeWe have 2 primitive campsites at the entrance of the state forest as the forest itself is for DAY USE ONLY. We have 6 picnic areas, 4 of which have lake views and one having a spring and the other one having a 100 foot firetower adjacent to it.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Alcohol
Recent Tent Reviews near Oak Ridge, Tennessee
1295 Reviews of 44 Oak Ridge Campgrounds
Lori H.
Legend
Soaring Eagle Campground
Primitive tent sites
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. If you visit in spring, the lake water may not have risen yet, so summer would be better if you want to enjoy lake front camping! We took our rooftop tent and had a perfect corner spot next to the creek. Plenty of room on each site for tent camping. The bath house is pretty far away too. Overall, we love this campground, and the tent sites are the best, can’t wait to camp here this summer!
Tonya B.
Guide
Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
I love it here
Polite campers in rvs watched over my tent camp site while I enjoyed a couple of the trails. All in all a wonderful place to stay. Plus you're right by the river.
- Lori H.Legend
Cherokee Dam Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Pristine camping
Cherokee Dam campground is literally one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the area! The grounds are so well-kept, and the lake is just breathtaking. The campground is near town, so you can grab some bbq or hit the local hardware store for anything you need. The campground also had a camp store for essentials. They even delivered firewood to our site.
The people running the campground were just amazing. So nice and helpful. Most of the sites have lake views. We were in site #36, and we were in our camper. Lots of space, no shade at all in this one. Most of the sites had some shade though. Picnic tables and fire rings at all.
I’ve noticed the TVA campgrounds don’t have many showers, so I was glad to have that in our camper, just be aware, you might have to wait for one if you are tent camping. The tent sites were awesome, right on the water, and a short walk from the parking lot. If you have a rooftop tent, you won’t be able to park at your site, so you’ll be sleeping in the parking lot, but you could make it work.
There’s a swimming area, boat launch, and walking trails. This is a great spot to have a great time on the lake!
Steve V.Legend
Halfmoon Camp Ground
Mountain Views
Halfmoon Campground is located near Windrock Off-Road Park and has RV sites, tent sites, and cabins. RV sites have power (up to 50amp) and water, and have decent separation between sites. The RV sites are in a grassy field so minimal shade. The majority of the Tent sites are dry camping (no power or water), however, there are 3 tent sites near the bathhouse that do have power and water. The tents site are in the woods so plenty of shade. The cabins have parking that can accommodate multiple vehicles. Clean and functional bathhouse. Dump station near the bathhouse. Fire wood and ice is available near the bathhouse and has a self pay setup. The campground also includes a vehicle wash station and trailer parking area if you trailered in your off-road vehicles. The nearest grocery store is about 15 minutes away. Beautiful views of the mountains from the RV area.
Link to my YouTube review: Campground Review: https://youtu.be/ZOEj0QoXqfM
- BBlair F.
Traveler
West Campground — Norris Dam State Park
Interesting spot
Went on a stag tent camping trip. Decent facility for state park. Sites are small wouldn’t recommend large rigs.
Sean7Traveler
Indian Boundary
Great Choice for Anyone
Great experience tent camping in the overflow lot, all the amenities were amazing and the area was beautiful! This is a must visit location.
- kkevin M.Traveler
Riverstone Campground
Good basic campground
Right off the highway. Tent sites around back. You can swim in the river. Typical campsite.
- Sean7Traveler
Starr Mountain Area
WARNING: DIFFICULT HIKE
Very intense hike up the mountain but the views are worth it! Hammock camping is ideal here, unsure of tent camping possibilities. Come prepared to hike hard and to experience unexpected weather if it occurs
- SSarah V.Guide
Cades Cove Campground
Love this smokies campground
Great smokies campground. Nice walking trail and beautiful scenic loop to drive. Along the drive there are historic buildings and cemeteries. Tent sites were too close together. Not enough privacy
Charles D.Guide
Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground
Pigeon Forge Gatlinburg KOA
Nice Camp ground, they moved tent camping up close to road, they used to be next to Pigeon River but now those are premium RV spots. It's closest camping to Dollywood. Storm blew through and flattened our tent, KOA refunded the cost of the last night as we were unable to stay.
Robyn T.Guide
Fontana Village Resort and Campground
Prime spot for easy living
Loudest noise is the dam above grounds. The hum is soothing and constant. Water flows downriver at different depths before you eyes. The lights on dam at night, mesmerizing. Simple and low key campground. Mostly made of tent camping. Bathhouse is small but clean.
- BBrianGuide
Windrock Ridge Campground
Nice place!
Nice place with clean camping spots and clean bath house. Have 3 bars signal with Verizon and good speed. Site 26 is good for rooftop tent camping. Shade in afternoon and plenty of room for additional vehicles. Fire ring has a movable grate that is good to cook on.
- Cristy M.Guide
Townsend-Great Smokies KOA
Right outside of Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Amazingly clean campgrounds 10 minutes from the entrance of the National Park and 20 minutes from the Visitor's Center.
You have a choice of "rustic" tent sites, tent sites with water/electric/cable hook-ups, RV, or Cabins. All sites are pet-friendly including cabins. All camp sites include fire pit and picnic table.
Lots of amenities are included in your stay. 2 bathroom areas, 1 shower area, pool, wi-fi, etc.
There's a general store in front of the campgrounds with gas station and small cafe attached. The general store will even deliver your purchased firewood to your site.
This Koa is near a lot recreational places and some restaurants. Also near towns like Gatlinburg, Pidgeon Forge and Knoxville.
A nice vacation spot.
- Evan G.Traveler
Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground
Nice KOA property
Typical KOA, everything was well maintained lots were nice sized, and they had lots of fun activities for the kiddos.
Lots of different stays available here, pull through lots, tent sites, and cabins
Paul R.Traveler
Volunteer Park Family Campground
A quick stay
The tent sites can be decent or real bad. T9 and T14 were horrible sites at the bottom of a hill where all rainwater runs through. T7 and T8 are ok sites. They are fairly flat.
Annie C.LegendElkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Elkmont campground Smokey Mountain National Park
Busy but nice campground. Over 200 campsites, with small RV and tents mixed in. The best sites are either the walk in tent sites or the creek side sites. No showers, but nice clean bathrooms with cold running water. Great location to be in the middle of the park.
- Jason J.
Ranger
Cove Lake State Park Campground
A bit crowded
A couple of the tent sites are waterfront and ideal for a tenter like me. The rest seem a little packed together, though some offer a little bit of seclusion. Decent facilities and easy access to Devil’s Backbone section of Cumberland trail.
- Laurie B.Traveler
Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground
Kid friendly
Very kid friendly KOA. Was always very busy with comers and goers due to the area being touristy. Tent camping not the best idea if you want quiet. The scenery in the back of the park where the tent area is is on a creek (nice huh), not when you listen to trucks unloading all night every night at the grocery store across the creek.
Penny M.GuideWest Campground — Norris Dam State Park
Lots to see!
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 close to the showers/bath house. So much hiking and a cool view of the dam is all within walking distance. Nice bath rooms and showers too.
- Andrew W.Guide
Whispering River RV Resort
Big rig friendly - Level gravel Lots
Kind of close but nice and clean with cabins on the river and primitive tent sites as well. Extended stay with some permanent sites. Also have plenty of room for RV storage. Verizon service shotty with poor WIFI. Suppose to be installing Wi-Fi extenders shortly.
- Steve V.Legend
Windrock Gap Campground & RV Park
Convenient to Windrock Off-road Park
Just a short distance from Windrock. RV sites have power and water, but are very close together, in my opinion. There are also a few tent sites and cabins. Parking for off-road vehicle trailers. Firewood and ice available at the office. Nearest grocery is about 15-20 minutes away.
- Joshua W.Guide
Townsend-Great Smokies KOA
Carnage on the little river
Spent 3 nights at this KOA. Clean, Friendly and beautiful scenery without being off the grid. Tent campsite 125 is the best. Looks over the river and you can watch tubers fail for hours on end.
- LLisa W.
Scout
Gateway RV Campground - Tennessee
Horrible
Red haired lady in the office, started complaining about my fiancé and myself. Saying are campsite is dirty. Never was, trash is in garbage bags which are taken to dumpster at night. Don’t stay here. Rude an will over charge you for a tent site with no electricity and no water.
- kkristine F.Traveler
Cheoah Point Campground
beautiful lake
The location is really beautiful. the tent sites are nice, especially the ones on the point. The rv sites are a bit small with no shade. Bathrooms were ok...not super clean and no soap, toilet paper etc. Wish there was better water access without having to leave the campground.
- Katie W.Scout
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park Campground
Pickett State Park Campground
This is a great campground that offers a lot of amenities, including a bath house, fire rings, picnic tables and offers both RV and tent camping. The people in the campground were respectful and there were trailheads leading directly from the campground to the wilderness. Pickett is a great place to visit because it’s an international dark sky, there are beautiful natural bridges and lots of recreation opportunities.
- Cynthia S.Guide
Mountaineer Campground
Nice place
Quiet little campground. Has camper and tent sites. Has a pool. River access. I really liked that they have a family restroom that is separate from the regular men’s and women’s bathroom. They will even come around and pick up your trash if you have it set out by the pavement by 10am. Sites are a little small but I’ve seen smaller.
- Annie C.Legend
Cades Cove Campground
Cade's Cove Campground-Smoky Mountain National Park
Nice big (150+sites) campground. Flush toilets and water, no showers. There's a nice little camp store where you can rent bikes. I would not come here in the summer, way too busy, but since it is an open year round campground, come in the off season. Great jumping off spot for hiking! The standard picnic tables and fire rings, level tent sites.
Guide to Oak Ridge
Tent camping near Oak Ridge, Tennessee offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. With options ranging from primitive sites to campgrounds with amenities, there's something for everyone.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River features picnic tables, fire rings, and easy access to trails and the Obed River, making it a great spot for outdoor adventures.
- Poland Creek offers well-shaded sites and a recreational facility, perfect for families looking to enjoy a day by the water.
- Windrock Ridge Campground provides wooded tent sites with fire rings and tables, ideal for those seeking a more rustic experience.
Tips for tent camping near Oak Ridge
- When visiting Burnt Mill Bridge Loop, be prepared for rough terrain and bring plenty of water, as this area is known for its stunning scenery but lacks amenities.
- At TVA Public Land- Fork Bend, keep an eye out for broken glass and other debris; a little cleanup can make your stay more enjoyable.
- Lilly Pad Campground is a great choice for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, as it features a brewery on-site and often hosts events.
Tent campers should check out unique experiences
- GlampKnox offers a glamping experience with cozy tents, a wood-burning stove, and beautiful views, perfect for those who want a bit of luxury in nature.
- For a more secluded experience, Backcountry Site 1 — Norris Dam State Park provides primitive camping with good spacing between sites, ideal for a peaceful getaway.
- Camp Birdsong features a platform for tents and a mini kitchen, making it a convenient spot for cooking while enjoying the sounds of nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Oak Ridge, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Oak Ridge, TN is Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River with a 4-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Oak Ridge, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 44 tent camping locations near Oak Ridge, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring