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Best Campgrounds near Petros, TN

847 Reviews

Campgrounds in the region surrounding Petros, Tennessee provide a mix of tent and RV camping with varying levels of amenities. Frozen Head State Park Campground, rated 4.7 out of 5 stars, serves as a primary destination with 20 non-electric sites suitable for tent camping and small RVs. Windrock Campground in nearby Oliver Springs offers more developed options with cabins, yurts, and full hookup RV sites. The area features several campground options within a 30-mile radius, including Rock Creek Campground in the Obed Wild and Scenic River area and multiple TVA-managed camping areas.

Road access varies significantly between campgrounds, with some requiring careful navigation on narrow roads. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with Frozen Head State Park typically open from March 15 to November 1. One visitor noted, "The gates get locked so make sure you arrive early. We got locked out and couldn't contact anyone." Cell service can be limited or non-existent at most camping areas, with some visitors reporting getting service only at visitor centers or higher elevations. The mountainous terrain creates microclimates that can affect camping conditions, particularly in spring and fall when temperature fluctuations are common.

Campers consistently praise the natural setting and maintenance of facilities in the area's campgrounds. The region's mixed-use camping areas provide access to numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and streams. A visitor commented that Frozen Head State Park is "a truly beautiful well kept secret of TN. Beautiful grounds and wonderful waterfalls!" Several reviews mention the quality of bathhouses at the more developed campgrounds, which are frequently described as exceptionally clean. Wildlife sightings are common, with several reviews mentioning the need to watch for snakes, particularly copperheads. The camping landscape around Petros offers a balance of accessibility and wilderness, making it popular with both families seeking developed sites and adventurers looking for more primitive experiences.

Map showing campgrounds near Petros, TennesseeExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Petros, Tennessee (185)

    1. Frozen Head State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Petros, TN
    4 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)."

    "They were cleaned regularly, and there was even a sink with a sprayer around back that made cleaning our camp dishes a breeze.

    They have a book barn!!!"

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

    29 Reviews
    Lenoir City, TN
    17 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. Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

    12 Reviews
    Lancing, TN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 346-6294

    $15 / night

    "Site 1 is open so a small pull behind can fit in parking area. Tents only on sites. Lots of shade. Toilet is vaulted, no water. Easy access to Obed River and trails."

    "Bearproof trashcans are located throughout the campground. A section of the Cumberland Trail begins at the campground. The Emory River runs right alongside the campground with easy access."

    4. Windrock Campground

    7 Reviews
    Oliver Springs, TN
    8 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."

    5. Cove Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    La Follette, TN
    19 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. West Campground — Norris Dam State Park

    29 Reviews
    Lake City, TN
    21 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."

    7. Windrock Ridge Campground

    4 Reviews
    Oliver Springs, TN
    7 miles
    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
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 435-6009

    $20 - $70 / night

    9. Soaring Eagle Campground

    10 Reviews
    Kingston, TN
    16 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."

    10. Burnt Mill Bridge Loop

    2 Reviews
    Petros, TN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 569-9778

    "But there’s several campsites around the area, and you can choose one that’s easier to access if you’d like. We went down near the river, and camped and did some fishing."

    "The trail goes mostly along the water. You will see stunning Rock formations and some smaller waterfalls. There are several campsites along the way. We put our tents near the water."

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Recent Camping Photos near Petros, TN

304 Photos of 185 Petros Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Petros, TN

847 Reviews of 185 Petros Campgrounds

  • Mary D.
    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.
    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.

  • Kody Bear A.
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Redbird Boat Ramp

    It's nice and private

    Nothing special there is a boat ramp. Plenty of space for a couple RVs. No amenities. The sky was beautiful. Would go again. About ten miles off 75. We were there in Sept 2025

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    East Campground - Norris Dam State Park

    Nice park but road is not that friendly

    Google maps and the website will tell you to take the 441 to get here but I recommend going down to the 61 and coming up that way as the road is quite a bit wider and not so steep and windy. The last mile or so into the campground is a pretty narrow road that when we were here was in bad shape with potholes. Note that some of the campsites have only 30 amp and some of the campsites have only 50 amp so when making a reservation don’t assume that a 50 amp campsite will also have 30 amp. They all did appear to 20 amp. There is a dump station available and a fairly nice bathroom and showers. Most of the spaces are fairly level and fairly easy to get into. 1-3 were quite short. Recommend popping down to the Clinch River Brewery for a beverage and possibly dinner. Also the Appalachian museum in Norris was pretty fascinating.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Little River Campground & RV Resort

    Labor Day weekend

    Overall a positive experience. We stayed in the tent camping area. Absolutely beautiful site with a wonderful river view, but be aware that the direct river bank is considered common area including day use so it had a lot of traffic while we were there. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Being a holiday weekend it was very crowded and very noisy, including a few neighbors without regards to quiet hours. Overall the facilities including bath house are were very nice though I believe the large crowds caused issues with the crew being able to keep up with keeping them clean. The location is very convenient to Townsend and we rode bikes out to explore and get food in the evening. We would definitely go back just probably not on a holiday weekend.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mountaineer Campground

    Pleasant Stay

    Lovely campground on the river and close to amenities. Biking, hiking, tubing, swimming. My favorite experience here has been the pavilion prayer and fellowship on Sunday mornings hosted by Charm ministry volunteers. Very casual with lots of singing and great conversation in a very positive and welcoming atmosphere. The bathrooms and showers were kept very clean as well as the laundry and pool area. The camp hosts were very helpful and work hard to keep the above clean. The campground offers a 50% discount on a 28-day stay which I took advantage of. They allowed me to stay an extra 28 days due to my dog passing away so I could wait for his remains. They were very understanding, thoughtful and gracious during this sad time for me and I am very grateful to the management and hosts for the time, space and respect they extended to me July & August.

  • Kc K.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    Amazing site! See note on hook-ups

    This campground is great. The hosts/camp store workers are so nice. This site is big and has easy walk-in access to water for swimming or fishing. **Only weird thing is the hookups are on the opposite side of the site. Take a 50 ft water hose and a 30 amp extension - ours was 50 ft but I think a 30 ft would work. **

Guide to Petros

Camping near Petros, 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 several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Good hikes nearby," making it a great spot for those who love to hit the trails.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Cades Cove Campground, visitors often spot wildlife. One reviewer shared, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Water Activities: Anchor Down RV Resort offers various water activities. A guest noted, "There is so much to do with the water activities and on site."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Elkmont Campground. One review stated, "The bathrooms were adequate—sinks and toilets and cleaned daily."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Bandy Creek Campground is noted for its family-friendly vibe. A reviewer said, "Great amenities, Great sites, Great Park!! No complaints!!"
  • Beautiful Scenery: Many campers rave about the stunning views at Frozen Head State Park Campground. One visitor remarked, "This is a beautiful place!"

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: At Elkmont Campground, some sites lack privacy. A camper noted, "All of the campsites are extremely close together."
  • Limited Amenities: Gee Creek Campground has no electric hookups. One visitor mentioned, "Power would make this so much better!"
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground can get busy. A reviewer said, "It was completely sold out."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Gee Creek Campground. One parent shared, "The kids loved the playground, and the fairytale story walk."
  • Plan for Activities: Choose a campground that offers various activities. At Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground, a camper noted, "They also had a bunch of activities, parks, and a restaurant inside the camp site."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "We really recommend."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Anchor Down RV Resort said, "It was perfectly quiet at night which was great."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Cumberland Falls State Resort Park offer full hookups, which can be a big plus for RVers. One reviewer mentioned, "The campground is small and the sites are small."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots like Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground can be busy, especially on weekends. A visitor noted, "If you want to be in that area at that time it's pricey but hard to beat."

Camping near Petros, Tennessee, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Petros, TN from Gatlinburg for camping trips?

Petros, TN is approximately 80 miles from Gatlinburg, which typically takes around 1.5-2 hours to drive depending on route and traffic. If you're planning a trip to this area, Frozen Head State Park Campground in Petros offers a peaceful alternative to the crowded Gatlinburg area. With shady sites, clean facilities, and proximity to numerous trailheads, it's an excellent base camp. You can enjoy the tranquility of Frozen Head while still making day trips to Gatlinburg's attractions.

What's the driving distance from Petros, TN to Pigeon Forge attractions?

Petros, TN is approximately 75 miles from Pigeon Forge attractions, with a driving time of about 1.5 hours via I-40 and US-441. For campers looking to stay closer to Pigeon Forge while avoiding the immediate tourist areas, Big Ridge State Park Campground offers a great intermediate location about halfway between. For those preferring to stay near Petros, Melton Hill Dam Campground provides easy access to Knoxville and is a good staging point for day trips to Pigeon Forge attractions.

What camping is available near Petros, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Petros, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 185 campgrounds and RV parks near Petros, TN and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Petros, TN?

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

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Petros, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Petros, TN.

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