Best Campgrounds near Oliver Springs, TN

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Oliver Springs. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Oliver Springs, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Oliver Springs, Tennessee (269)

    1. Frozen Head State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    125 Photos
    187 Saves
    Petros, Tennessee
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

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

    28 Reviews
    104 Photos
    122 Saves
    Lenoir City, Tennessee
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $18 - $31 / night

    3. West Campground — Norris Dam State Park

    29 Reviews
    111 Photos
    9 Saves
    Lake City, Tennessee

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    4. Cades Cove Campground

    95 Reviews
    543 Photos
    618 Saves
    Townsend, Tennessee

    Overview

    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.

    Recreation

    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.

    Natural Features

    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.

    Nearby Attractions

    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.

    Contact Info

    This location has limited staffing. Please call (865) 448-4103 for general information.

    Charges & Cancellations

    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

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $30 / night

    5. Cove Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    49 Photos
    97 Saves
    La Follette, Tennessee
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 - $55 / night

    6. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    122 Reviews
    479 Photos
    1059 Saves
    Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Overview

    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.

    Recreation

    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.

    Natural Features

    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.

    Nearby Attractions

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $30 / night

    7. Bandy Creek Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    41 Reviews
    137 Photos
    90 Saves
    Rugby, Tennessee

    Overview

    Bandy Creek is a spacious and modern campground, situated in The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area--a vast and scenic expanse of land that offers visitors countless recreational activities.

    Recreation

    Numerous trails snake through the Recreation Area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors. A swimming pool, along with on-site volleyball court, playgrounds and ball fields, make Bandy Creek an ideal spot for families. The main river of the Big South Fork is also a short drive away, offering fishing opportunities.

    Natural Features

    The Big South Fork is located in north central Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky in some of the most rugged terrain of the Cumberland Plateau. The park encompasses approximately 125,000 acres including rocky gorges and forested plateaus. Numerous pristine streams unite with the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Over thousands of years, ceaselessly moving water has carved the sandstone of the plateau into impressive cliffs, arches and chimneys, which are found throughout the park.

    Nearby Attractions

    Located just under 20 miles from Bandy Creek is the Blue Heron Mine, also known as Mine 18, a historic abandoned mining town that has been rebuilt as an outdoor museum. Visitors can hear audio presentations from actual people who lived in the community in the 1950s.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 - $140 / night

    8. Yarberry Campground

    14 Reviews
    63 Photos
    197 Saves
    Lenoir City, Tennessee
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    9. Loyston Point Campground

    18 Reviews
    50 Photos
    173 Saves
    Andersonville, Tennessee

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    10. Big Ridge State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    113 Photos
    111 Saves
    Maynardville, Tennessee
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $8 - $100 / night

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Recent Reviews near Oliver Springs, TN

1560 Reviews of 269 Oliver Springs Campgrounds



Guide to Oliver Springs

Camping near Oliver Springs, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails in the area. Campers at Bandy Creek Campground rave about the nearby trails, with one reviewer saying, "The roads and some trails are fun on our bikes."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the rivers and lakes. Campers at Greenbrier Campground noted, "The river ran close enough to our site that we didn't feel like we needed a premium spot."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Frozen Head State Park Campground said, "The restrooms are heated and immaculate."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often enjoy the peaceful surroundings. A visitor at Elkmont Campground shared, "It was perfectly quiet at night which was great."
  • Friendly Staff: Good service can make a difference. A camper at Anchor Down RV Resort mentioned, "Awesome and seamless check-in process, perfectly level concrete pads."

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have closely spaced sites. A family camping at Cades Cove Campground noted, "Most sites are close together."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground said, "There is little cell service between the Campground and downtown Gatlinburg."
  • Bear Awareness: Campers should be cautious about wildlife, especially bears. A reviewer at Cades Cove Campground warned, "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-friendly activities. A parent at Gee Creek Campground shared, "The kids loved the playground, and the fairytale story walk."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring food and snacks, as some campgrounds may have limited stores. A camper at Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "There is a small on-site store."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A reviewer at Gee Creek Campground advised, "The loops where the tent sites are can be quite busy."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Oliver Springs, Tennessee, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

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 269 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 4.7-star rating from 31 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.

  • What parks are near Oliver Springs, TN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 parks near Oliver Springs, TN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.