If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Oliver Springs, look no further. Finding a place to camp in Tennessee with your tent has never been easier. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Rock Creek Campground is located near the Emory River in the Obed Wild and Scenic River.
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.
The Obed River winds through the Cumberland Plateau offering a variety of recreational activities for everyone.
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.
$15 / night
Tucked 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
$20 - $49 / night
Trails 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!
$30 / night
Norris 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.
We 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.
$75 - $175 / night
Traveler
Review from the perspective of a motorcycle traveler tent camping. Tent sites are along a stream on Racoon side. Got surprised by a bear while gathering firewood nearby. Clean and well maintained although it was a sleepless night because of a group of drunk locals.
Legend
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!
Guide
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.
Legend
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!
Legend
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
Traveler
Went on a stag tent camping trip. Decent facility for state park. Sites are small wouldn’t recommend large rigs.
Traveler
Great experience tent camping in the overflow lot, all the amenities were amazing and the area was beautiful! This is a must visit location.
Traveler
Right off the highway. Tent sites around back. You can swim in the river. Typical campsite.
Guide
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
Guide
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.
Guide
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.
Guide
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.
Traveler
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.
TravelerTypical 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
Ranger
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.
LegendBusy 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.
TravelerVery 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.
GuideWe 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.
Guide
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.
Legend
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.
GuideSpent 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.
Scout
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.
Scout
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.
Guide
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.
LegendNice 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.
TravelerElkmont is set in an absolutely stunning setting. The tent site were large and very clean with the sound of rapids coming from the nearby river. There were multiple bathrooms available which were clean and well maintained. It is centrally located for multiple stunning hikes i.e. Laurel Falls, Charlie’s Bunion and Clingmans Dome. It is also a short drive from Gatlinburg.
Ranger
We reserved a site with full- hookups and our friends reserved a tent site. Our site was fine, but there wasn’t what I would describe as a tent site. Our friends ended up just camping behind our camper in the flattest area they could find. All of the sites are pretty close and out in the open.
When we stayed some of the activities/amenities weren’t available (there had been a fire or something at the kitchen). We had a pretty decent time, though. We rented kayaks and paddle boards and explored the lake and they had a huge inflatable slide that our kids spent hours on. The ramp to the swim beach was ridiculously slimy but kids all enjoyed swimming in the lake and jumping off the dive platform. The camp had a movie in the evening (Jaws) and gave out popcorn. There were basketball courts and beanbag toss. Lots of people were out on their fishing boats.
So potentially plenty of activities for the kids, but the campground sites could be a bit nicer for the price. Any staff we interacted with were super pleasant.
Tent camping near Oliver Springs, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Oliver Springs, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Oliver Springs, 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 Oliver Springs, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Oliver Springs, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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