339 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds around Bean Station, Tennessee primarily cluster along Cherokee Lake and nearby waterways, providing both developed facilities and primitive options for campers. Panther Creek State Park Campground offers 50 full-hookup sites with access to 60 miles of hiking trails, while TVA-managed areas like Cherokee Dam Campground and Greenlee May Springs provide lakefront camping with varying levels of amenities. The area features multiple accommodation types including traditional tent and RV sites, plus specialized glamping options such as the bell tents at Lakefront Glamping Resort and yurts at Glamping on the Clinch River.
Most campgrounds in the region operate year-round, though several like Cherokee Dam Campground maintain seasonal schedules, typically closing from November through mid-March. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when lakefront spots fill quickly. The terrain throughout the area consists of rolling hills with campgrounds often built on slopes. As one camper noted, "Be prepared to level your rig because East TN have very little level ground." The region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall particularly pleasant for camping.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting Bean Station and surrounding areas. Cherokee Lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and paddling directly from several campgrounds. Trails for hiking and mountain biking are abundant, especially at Panther Creek State Park, which receives consistently positive reviews for its recreational amenities. A visitor commented, "Panther Creek has great hiking trails, pool, playground fire pits and so much more! The campground tends to be quiet and relaxed and has full hookups on some of the sites." Campground facilities vary widely across the region, with some offering full amenities including showers, laundry, and sanitary dump stations, while others provide more basic services. Wildlife viewing opportunities are common, with visitors frequently reporting deer sightings near their campsites.
"Panther Creek SP Panther Creek State Park was an unexpected find outside of Knoxville, TN , in Morristown. I’ve driven by the sign but no need to camp so close to home."
"Nuzzled into the East Tennessee hills. Very pretty. Nice State Park. Would stay here again."
"Anchors Down is just outside Severville Tennessee and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Located on Douglas Lake with the Smokie Mountains in the back ground."
"This campground is one of the best you will find in Tennessee. "
from $49 - $139 / night
Check Availability"Open May-September, this property is located on Cherokee Lake. There are four glamping tents (two with king beds and two with queen beds) and the newest addition is a Micro A-Frame with a king bed."
"Open May-September, this property is located on Cherokee Lake. There are four glamping tents (two with king beds and two with queen beds) and the newest addition is a Micro A-Frame with a king bed."
from $149 - $299 / night
Check Availability"Sites along the lake. Clean campground. They need to clean up around edge of sites along the lake to make it easier access."
"There are some really great lakefront sites here, and the tent spots are great, note- they are walk in sites, and you can get in the water from these sites."
"I was right next to the bathroom so there was no odor and hardly any foot traffic going back and forth. The views of the lake at night were pretty."
"Had a site back in by their cabins that was just off the lake which was great for fishing and the kids to explore!"
"Located in the Cumberland Gap where TN, VA and Ky touch borders. Very beautiful mountains with hiking trails ftom short distances to overnight primitive camping trials."
"This is near the borders of KY, VA, and TN in Cumberland Gap park. Convenient to the park, the AT, and the nearby town for supplies, restaurants, and grocery."
from $18 - $39 / night
Check Availability"Glamping on the Clinch River offers a relaxing getaway surrounded by rivers and waterfalls in northern Tennessee. Check them out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!"
from $30 - $150 / night
Check Availability"Several Lake front spots. Shower and bathroom buildings on site. Several pavilions. Dumpsters, Lots of walking trails. As well as a boat ramp."
ScoutWe’ve been coming at this campground for 13 years and it is always an enjoyable experience. The past owners, Barry and Chong, have turned over the day to day management to their son and daughter-in-law. They are so pleasant and accommodating. It is a small campground but drive thru spaces are big enough for big rigs. They keep the campground in immaculate condition…. Would give it 6 stars out of 5!
ScoutI was looking for a campground to stay between nights when I work in Knoxville and have a 2 hour travel back home. This place was great. The bathhouse was clean and campsite was clean as well. I was right next to the bathroom so there was no odor and hardly any foot traffic going back and forth. The views of the lake at night were pretty. The only downfall I found was the campsite was a little hard to find in the dark but other than that, no complaints at all.
ScoutThis could possibly be the best camp I've ever stayed at. I personally visited around early May & it was quiet, very clean & everything worked. Showers and bathrooms were quite clean also. Great place to stay.
TravelerI absolutely love coming to LCH! The owners are amazingly sweet, the other campers are always kind, and the space is absolutely beautiful. Whether you’re floating in the creek, enjoying a meal at the cabana, or even having to “adult” by working remotely you’ll find this the perfect spot to settle in for a few days. The added benefit of on site laundry and a great outdoor shower just top off an already great space.
TravelerWow! I wanted some peaceful time beside a creek and my wish was granted. First off communication leaves nothing to question, friendly and responsive from the get go. You are greeted as soon as you come down the easy to spot and welcoming entrance. I travel in a Class B Campervan and was directed to a well shaded spot where my side doors opened directly to the creek, ahhhh. (Site #2) The Hosts Rob and Kim have understand the need for a spot to bring a big rig and most of the sites here will accommodate big rigs.A level spot is assured and each site is by the creek, the sound of moving water is included free of charge. Pets are very welcome here and my dog loved being here. Some very nice bonuses here are a bench swing and firepit in the sites, access to a very cute enclosed dining cabana made from rough hewn wood harvested from this land and built by Rob, access to a grill and of course laundry facilities and a shower (fees apply).I went down the trail where the very clean tent sites are and they are also so cute and include a mat and nice table as well as a firepit.I have already told several friends about this spot and I actually chose to extend my stay
RangerI generally enjoyed my stay here because the location is near so many places that define east Tennessee. The campground itself was unremarkable but has full hookups. Never spoke to anyone in person. There is a basic gas station next door which was nice. Less than 10 minutes to great hikes, ziplines/rapids, and a local distillery. If you are an avid hiker, Buzzards Roost is a must.
TravelerI've stayed here multiple times always a good time. Its TVA protected and next to a water treatment plant. Mossy creek flows into Cherokee Lake which greatly improves the fishing year round.
ScoutCampground is not big which is a plus. Couple miles off the highway so not a lot of traffic noise. Camp store is fully stocked. However the food at the snack shack not so good. Playground and pool are very small compared to other KOA properties. A lot of full time campers which is not a bad thing but leaves very little room for folks just passing through.
RangerGreat experience booking and staying at this private spot on the water. The hosts were incredibly helpful and friendly, and the site itself was very pleasant. Perfect for my first time Boondocking!
Camping sites near Bean Station, Tennessee cluster along the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at elevations between 1,000-1,200 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with nighttime temperatures often dropping 15-20 degrees below daytime highs, even in summer. Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking for holiday weekends, with Memorial Day through Labor Day representing peak season.
Hiking near camp: At Panther Creek State Park Campground, visitors access numerous trail systems directly from their sites. "The campground has 50 full-hookup sites. A pavilion, shower house. The Park has tennis courts, a swimming pool, 60 miles of trails and a boat ramp for Cherokee Lake," notes reviewer Jim L.
Mountain biking opportunities: The trail system at Panther Creek State Park offers technical terrain for cycling enthusiasts. "Very nice bathrooms. The sites aren't the most private we've ever stayed at, but the mountain biking was so much fun we didn't care! Hiking and biking was an A+," reports Penny M.
Water activities: Lakefront Glamping Resort provides equipment for lake exploration. "We chose the SUP n Stay package (middle price option); included in our reservation was the rental of either a SUP or kayak. The Stay package includes accommodations plus a floating lake mat," explains reviewer Lee D.
Quieter campgrounds: Cosby Campground offers a less crowded alternative to other Bean Station area camping options. "Cosby Campground is amazing! Most sites are walk up, so you don't need a reservation, and there are probably 100+ sites, so even during the busiest of times you can find a good site," explains Lori H.
Diverse recreation options: Facilities at many Bean Station area campgrounds extend beyond basic camping. "Panther Creek State Park has a great campground for families to spend time at. For a lesser known state park, they have a lot of amenities. Playgrounds, hiking, horseback trails, mountain bike trails, tennis courts, disc golf, baseball field, volleyball, lake access, swimming pool," reports Dusty W.
Unique accommodation options: Glamping on the Clinch River provides yurts near waterways for those seeking alternatives to traditional camping sites near Bean Station, Tennessee. "Glamping on the Clinch River offers a relaxing getaway surrounded by rivers and waterfalls in northern Tennessee," notes reviewer Jake C.
Seasonal closures: Many water facilities close before fall arrives. "Lots of hiking trails, easy access to Cherokee lake. Playground is good for kids. Pool closes before Labor day," warns Nicole H. about Panther Creek.
Insect awareness: Summer brings increased bug activity. "Though if you come in the summer look out for ticks. Panther Creek is notorious for ticks. I pulled 6 off of me in one day," advises Dusty W.
Variable trail difficulty: Trail ratings may not accurately reflect difficulty for all visitors. "Lots of hiking trails...but 'easy' trail wasn't really easy," cautions Diane H. about trails at Cosby Campground.
Weather considerations: The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations. Prepare for rain as afternoon thunderstorms occur regularly during summer months, especially July through August.
Look for dedicated family areas: Cherokee Dam Campground provides designated areas suitable for children. "Stayed a week. Quiet campground. Sites along the lake. Clean campground," shares Donna about the TVA-managed property.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule early morning or dusk walks for best wildlife spotting. "Lots of wildlife here, even a rescued barred owl to view near the gift shop," mentions Dusty W. about Panther Creek State Park.
Site selection tips: Choose sites away from main roads for increased safety. "I had a very cute camp spot up in the woods away from the road it was number 50 it was so cute and quieter than the rest of the spots," recommends Jennifer M. at Panther Creek.
Pack for temperature swings: Bean Station area camping experiences temperature variations of 15-20 degrees between day and night, requiring both warm weather and cool weather clothing.
Leveling equipment essential: Heron Point Marina and Campground shares terrain challenges with most Bean Station area sites. "Be prepared to level your rig because East TN have very little level ground. The facilities are so so... nothing special and not sure how clean they are kept," notes JR M.
Call for availability: High-demand Bean Station area camping spots often maintain waiting lists. "It is so hard to get a reservation here, so we decided to take what we could get so we could try it out! A tip to get reservations! Call and put your name on a waiting list for the dates you need. If they have cancellations, they call the people on the list instead of releasing the dates on the website!" advises Beth H.
Upper site preference: Select higher elevation sites where available. "The campground is small, a little tight in the sides and limited on full service sites. It's a gradual uphill drive through the camp, you curve to the left and then back down the hill. The sites in the upper curve are bigger then the ones on the hill," explains Shelly S.
Off-season benefits: Many Bean Station area campgrounds offer better availability and rates from October through April when temperatures remain mild enough for comfortable camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Bean Station, TN?
Bean Station offers excellent access to notable campgrounds in the surrounding area. Cherokee Dam Campground provides waterfront camping with boat-in access and is big-rig friendly. For a unique experience, Glamping on the Clinch River LLC offers a relaxing getaway surrounded by rivers and waterfalls. Both provide convenient options for exploring Bean Station while enjoying Tennessee's natural beauty.
What amenities are available at Bean Station campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Bean Station offer diverse amenities to enhance your stay. Panther Creek State Park Campground provides recreational activities and clean facilities in a well-maintained setting. Just a short drive away, Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground features pull-through spaces for larger RVs, beautiful views of the Nolichucky River, a swimming pool, hiking trails, river walks, and modern bath houses. Many campgrounds in the area also offer water hookups and toilet facilities.
When is the best season for camping in Bean Station, Tennessee?
Spring and fall offer the most pleasant camping conditions in Bean Station, Tennessee. Late April through June brings comfortable temperatures and blooming landscapes, while September through mid-November showcases stunning fall foliage without summer crowds. Cosby Campground is particularly beautiful in autumn with accessible hiking trails. Summer camping at Anchor Down RV Resort provides lake recreation opportunities, though temperatures can be hot and humid. Winter camping is possible but less popular due to colder temperatures and limited services.
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