Best Campgrounds near Lake City, TN

Lake City is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Lake City is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Lake City, TN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake City, Tennessee (274)

    1. West Campground — Norris Dam State Park

    29 Reviews
    Lake City, TN
    3 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."

    2. Cove Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    La Follette, TN
    7 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."

    3. Loyston Point Campground

    18 Reviews
    Andersonville, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 494-9369

    "The staff is warm and helpful, it’s incredibly clean, and the surroundings really allow you to feel the love of East Tennessee’s beauty."

    "Stayed at a premium lakeshore site on Norris Lake. Advertised as a pull through, but that must be for travel trailers, as I have an RV."

    4. Big Ridge State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Maynardville, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 992-5523

    $8 - $100 / night

    "I’ve stayed at this site a couple times now and I love the location. The site is a short and easy hike (under 2 miles) from the parking lot via the Lake Trail to the Dark Hollow Trail."

    "Short drive to marinas. Boat ramps on the grounds. Campsite has views of the lake. Plenty of hiking trails near the campground."

    5. TVA Public Land- Fork Bend

    11 Reviews
    La Follette, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 632-2101

    "I recently learned that TVA land is free to camp on, so I sought out some close to me and found Fork Bend. If you want to get away from people, this place is for you."

    "Locals do roll through on their ATVs/off roading vehicles, but no one ever fired any weapon systems while I was there."

    6. Volunteer Park Family Campground

    13 Reviews
    Heiskell, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 938-6600

    $30 - $65 / night

    "Bathrooms and Showers with hot water. 20 minutes outside Knoxville and extremely quiet."

    "The campsite is nestled in trees and conveniently located to the Knoxville area. They have a small store for small forgotten items as well as a place to fill propane."

    7. Frozen Head State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    Petros, TN
    21 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."

    8. Clinton-Knoxville North KOA

    6 Reviews
    Norris, TN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 494-9386

    "When passing through this area going to the Smoky Mountains I made a pit stop in Clinton, TN, just a few short miles away from one of the entrances to Smoky Mountain National Park."

    "A great stop right off the highway. Super nice staff, easy in and out (make sure you pay attention to the left turn in past the gas station). Not the roomiest of sites, but fine for what we needed."

    9. Escapees Raccoon Valley RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Heiskell, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 947-9776

    $23 - $30 / night

    "Easy access to the highway."

    10. Windrock Campground

    7 Reviews
    Oliver Springs, TN
    14 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."

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Recent Reviews near Lake City, TN

1404 Reviews of 274 Lake City Campgrounds



Guide to Lake City

Camping near Lake City, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful." This trail is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Smokies.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground shared, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds are near rivers or lakes. One camper 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:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review from Elkmont Campground states, "The campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A visitor at Anchor Down RV Resort said, "Bathrooms/showers are super clean, and plenty of room for your dog to have an equally good time."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. One family at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed the "bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, and a lazy river."

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have closely spaced sites. A camper at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "Most sites are close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
  • Bear Awareness: Be cautious about food storage. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground warned, "Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone! Doing so just irritates the bears."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A camper at Frozen Head State Park Campground noted, "No Verizon service at the campground but 1 bar at the visitor center."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. A parent at Greenbrier Campground said, "The campground had great amenities, really awesome service from the staff, and was a quiet mountain getaway."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and activities. A camper at Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "We were at spot 116, which was on a hill but wasn’t bad enough to bother us sleeping in the tent."
  • Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that offer some privacy. A camper at Bandy Creek Campground suggested, "Considering the walk-in sites are no more private than any other, I think my highest recommendation would be the B sites."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Anchor Down RV Resort said, "The sites are perfectly level concrete pads with easy-to-use amenities."
  • Use Amenities: Take advantage of campground amenities like laundry and stores. A camper at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground noted, "Clean and large laundry room with TV."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially in peak season. A visitor at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground mentioned, "It was completely sold out."

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lake City, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake City, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 274 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake City, TN and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lake City, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake City, TN is West Campground — Norris Dam State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake City, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Lake City, TN.

What parks are near Lake City, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 parks near Lake City, TN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.