Best Campgrounds near Oliver Springs, TN

Camping opportunities in the Oliver Springs area of Tennessee include a range of developed campgrounds and natural settings for outdoor recreation. Windrock Park offers multiple camping facilities, including Windrock Campground, Windrock Ridge Campground, and Windrock Gap Campground & RV Park. These facilities accommodate tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals. Halfmoon Camp Ground, located nearby, provides both wooded tent sites and open RV areas with power and water connections. The region spans from the foothills around Oliver Springs to nearby recreational areas like Melton Hill Reservoir.

Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though some state park facilities like Frozen Head State Park (about 15 miles away) have seasonal limitations, typically closing from November through mid-March. Access roads to most established campgrounds are maintained for standard vehicles, though some tent sites may require walking short distances from parking areas. "Most sites are level with concrete tables, fire rings and grills. Bathrooms are clean and adequate," noted one visitor about Melton Hill Dam Campground. Off-road enthusiasts should note that Windrock Park contains extensive trail systems, making it popular for those bringing ATVs and other off-road vehicles.

The campground experience varies significantly across the region. RV sites at Windrock Gap are described as having "power and water, but are very close together," while tent campers can find more spacious, shaded sites at Windrock Ridge where "site 26 is good for rooftop tent camping" with "shade in afternoon and plenty of room for additional vehicles." Many campgrounds in the area cater specifically to off-road enthusiasts with trailer parking and vehicle wash stations. Campers seeking water-based recreation can find sites at Melton Hill Reservoir, which features waterfront camping with swimming areas. Bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews across campgrounds, with some visitors noting they "could use work" while others praise cleanliness and maintenance. Proximity to off-road trails remains a major draw for most visitors to the area's campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Oliver Springs, Tennessee (283)

    1. Frozen Head State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Petros, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 346-3318

    "The campground is in close proximity to many of the trailheads. There is a nice bathhouse, but all the sites are rustic (non electric)."

    "It may be the loveliest campground in Tennessee.

    There’s only 20 spots, and they all seem to be shady and have trees between neighbors."

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

    29 Reviews
    Lenoir City, TN
    11 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."

    3. Windrock Campground

    7 Reviews
    Oliver Springs, TN
    2 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. West Campground — Norris Dam State Park

    29 Reviews
    Lake City, TN
    19 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."

    5. Cove Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    La Follette, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 566-9701

    $25 - $55 / night

    "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."

    6. Soaring Eagle Campground

    10 Reviews
    Kingston, TN
    12 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."

    7. Windrock Ridge Campground

    4 Reviews
    Oliver Springs, TN
    1 mile
    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"

    8. Windrock Gap Campground & RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Oliver Springs, TN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 435-6009

    $20 - $70 / night

    9. Halfmoon Camp Ground

    2 Reviews
    Oliver Springs, TN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 435-2385

    $25 - $40 / night

    "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."

    10. Yarberry Campground

    15 Reviews
    Lenoir City, TN
    20 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."

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Recent Reviews near Oliver Springs, TN

1577 Reviews of 283 Oliver Springs Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Yarberry Campground

    Beautiful views

    Even the non-lake site spots have lake views. Lots of nice amenities, but still rustic. My site was a little tough to back into, but worth it.

  • B
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    beautiful and peaceful

    It was perfect weekend getaway, the camp ground wasn’t full, bathrooms clean, the camp ground was clean. The sites along the water were amazing, and the sites were level.

  • Mary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Frozen Head State Park Campground

    Forever a Special Place

    I have been camping at Frozen Head since I was a child. In fact, I went to my first day of Kindergarten from the campsite. The campground is wooded and perfect for that woodsy camp feel. There are so many hiking trails around I absolutely loved the little library they had. This last trip, we stayed in the primitive site and loved being next to a little creek. There is no wifi and no cell phone reception.

  • Mary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Anderson County Park

    Amazing Site!

    This is one of my new absolute favorite sites yet! While a majority of the campground is long-term, the sites along water are not. This specific spot was huge and next to a wooded area and nature walk and, in my opinion, the best site in the whole campground! The bathhouse was small, but functional and clean. The campground host was exceptionally friendly. No wifi. I have US Cellular and had limited service. Enough to maybe look something up and receive texts.

  • Jessi B.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Soaring Eagle Campground

    Huge disappointment

    !Infested with termites! They price gouge. The lots are basically right on top of each other(some spots are not big enough for slide outs). The check-in lady is very condescending and will rob you blind while wearing the biggest smile. There's cornhole, a basketball hoop, and a volleyball net, but they are all falling apart or are inaccessible. No fire rings at your site. There's a huge hive of ground nesting bees by the picnic tables that are set up next to the pool. The pool area is also the only area in which you can access a fire ring. The lake is beautiful and is accessible to boats. Low riding cars beware of double speed bump and sinking concrete. There is no bathroom for the pool area. The maintenance man seems a bit unfriendly. They do not honor their online rates. 😒 We also had to move from a spot that we were already paying for bc she reserved it out from under us. I-40 echoes through the campsite. We were constantly woken up by j braking semis and emergency service vehicles. We will definitely not be visiting again.

  • Allissa F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    One night stay

    Right on Little River. The view and sound was so enjoyable. The restroom is a couple minute walk away, very convenient. Zero signal for Att (for signal, take a right out of the campground heading toward Gatlinburg. There’ll be a Pulloff with a view on the left, pull in and use your phone if needed).

  • Gary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Douglas Tailwater Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    Great Location

    Nice campground near river and dam. Had three pup tents for overnight motorcycle stay. Bridge nearby is a bit noisy if that bothers you. Decent rest rooms. Camp host was very friendly! Half hour to Gatlinburg and Dolly Wood.

  • Gary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    Way overpriced for tent camping

    Three of us on motorcycles with pup tents were going to be charged for three tent sites at $141 each per night . We laughed and left. Hotels were charging less than that. Being a KOA member didn’t make a difference.

  • 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.


Guide to Oliver Springs

The Oliver Springs camping area extends from the Cumberland Mountains foothills into the Tennessee Valley, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences mild winters and warm summers with average July temperatures of 85°F. Camping spots near Oliver Springs, Tennessee offer varied terrain from wooded forest areas to open fields and lakefront settings.

What to do

Hiking trails: Frozen Head State Park features multiple trail options for all skill levels. "There is excellent and serious hiking and backpacking here... Like most of this area it's very wooded, green, and lovely with streams, waterfalls, etc. Park rangers were particularly helpful choosing hikes," notes Dan N. at Frozen Head State Park Campground.

Off-road adventures: The extensive trail system at Windrock Park draws enthusiasts year-round. "Miles and miles of trails. General store, beautiful overlooks," reports Nick C. from Windrock Campground. The park includes facilities for ATVs with trailer parking and vehicle wash stations.

Water activities: Melton Hill Dam offers swimming and boating opportunities on the reservoir. "Great camp sites close to a dam lost of ishhing sopts, ok bath house. Swiming area," mentions Constance at Melton Hill Dam Campground. Several campgrounds provide direct water access for fishing, kayaking, and swimming.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained facilities at Frozen Head State Park. "The campground is rustic but taken care of and I'm told it was renovated recently," reports Dan N. "Bathhouse is beautiful with cedar stalls. Lots to do with the hiking," notes Brittni F.

Spacious tent areas: Windrock Ridge Campground offers roomy tent sites with natural settings. "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," explains Brian from Windrock Ridge Campground.

Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to nearby towns, many camping spots maintain a peaceful environment. "Quiet, not too big and lots of surrounding attractions for hiking and fishing," says Jay D. about Frozen Head State Park. "We stayed at campsite 8 (primitive section) we loved the site, it was huge, and we had a great time," adds Liz A.

What you should know

Seasonal operation: While Windrock Park operates year-round, some campgrounds in the area have seasonal limitations. "The gates get locked so make sure you arrive early. We got locked out and couldn't contact anyone," warns Melanie G. about arriving late at Frozen Head State Park.

Highway proximity: Some campgrounds near Oliver Springs are situated close to major roadways. "We were right off I-75 north of Knoxville and beats staying in a motel on a road trip," writes Kim B. about Cove Lake State Park Campground. This accessibility is convenient but may introduce traffic noise at certain sites.

Cell service variability: Mobile reception varies across the region. "Have 3 bars signal with Verizon and good speed" at Windrock Ridge Campground, notes Brian. Other more remote camping areas may have limited or no service, so download maps in advance.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "My daughter (9 yrs) brought her bike and was able to ride all around the camp site & have a blast," shares Liz A. about Frozen Head State Park. Cove Lake State Park includes "a playground with a wooden pirate ship for kids, and a really nice pool," according to Lori H.

Wildlife awareness: "Be advised, the last two years there's been baby copperhead snakes that hang around outside the bath house at night," cautions Laura D. about Halfmoon Camp Ground. Keep flashlights handy and teach children to watch where they step.

Multi-day itineraries: Plan for varied activities spanning multiple locations. "We had a great time. The water was almost all dried up but there was still enough left behind out camp site to lay & play in," notes Liz A. about combining water play with biking and hiking at Frozen Head State Park.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before booking. "The sites were pretty big too which a fantastic amount of room to throw ball and play!" reports Becca O. about Cove Lake State Park. However, at Windrock Gap Campground, "RV sites have power and water, but are very close together," according to Steve V.

Leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the area feature sloped terrain. "The parking area is an asphalt slab and many have a slant to them and will require leveling," advises Sara M. about Soaring Eagle Campground. Bring leveling blocks and stabilizers, especially for larger rigs.

Full hookup availability: While several campgrounds offer full hookups, others have more limited options. "Windrock Gap is clean, accessible (43' fifth wheel), very well maintained," reports Tamara W. For those needing sewer connections, verify availability when making reservations as some campgrounds only offer water and electric.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Oliver Springs, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Oliver Springs, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 283 campgrounds and RV parks near Oliver Springs, TN and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Oliver Springs, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oliver Springs, TN is Frozen Head State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 32 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Oliver Springs, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Oliver Springs, TN.