322 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Rutledge, Tennessee provides access to campgrounds along Cherokee Lake and within the surrounding rural landscape, ranging from lakefront RV sites with full hookups to more secluded spots in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Camping near Rutledge spans tent sites and full-hookup RV campgrounds, with several options offering direct Cherokee Lake access for fishing and boating. Greenlee May Springs Campground, located directly in Rutledge, offers waterfront sites with RV hookups and basic amenities. Nearby Panther Creek State Park Campground in Morristown features full-hookup sites for both tent and RV camping along with extensive recreation opportunities. The region's camping areas range from lakefront locations with boat access to more secluded spots in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Most developed campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though some seasonal facilities close between late fall and early spring.
The camping experience in this region centers around Cherokee Lake, with several campgrounds offering direct water access and lakefront views. Many sites require reservations, particularly during summer months when water recreation peaks in popularity. "The lake views are amazing, however the grass on our site had not been cut," noted one camper about Greenlee May Springs, highlighting the variable maintenance across facilities. Road access to most campgrounds is well-maintained with paved routes suitable for RVs and trailers, though some areas experience occasional flooding during heavy rain periods. Temperature fluctuations can be significant, with hot, humid summers and occasionally freezing winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
Campers consistently mention fishing opportunities and water access as major highlights of the Rutledge area. Panther Creek State Park receives praise for its extensive trail system and clean facilities, with one visitor noting, "Panther Creek has great hiking trails, pool, playground fire pits and so much more!" Several reviewers highlight the family-friendly nature of these campgrounds, with playgrounds and recreational facilities available at many locations. Cherokee Dam Campground stands out for its well-maintained waterfront sites and responsive camp hosts. While campgrounds closer to the lake tend to be more developed with full hookups and amenities, they also experience higher occupancy rates, especially during summer weekends and holidays. The quieter, more secluded camping areas typically offer fewer amenities but provide better opportunities for wildlife viewing and peaceful outdoor experiences.
"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."
from $26 - $42 / night
Check Availability"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"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."
"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"Had a site back in by their cabins that was just off the lake which was great for fishing and the kids to explore!"
"My campsite was a little small but it was right on Cherokee Lake. A lot of permanent residence that are there during the season and I was there offseason so not a lot of people."
"I was need of a place to camp to breakup a long drive and this certainly did the trick!"
"There are cows across the way that would get as close to the fence as possible and just stare at us as we drove by . I would recommend this place a million times it was absolutely beautiful."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Close to the bathhouse and a quick walk to the entrance to get to the store, swim area, etc."
from $8 - $100 / night
Check Availability"I was very lucky to find this spot near the Great Smoky Mountains. It was October, cool and fine, when I backed up to the French Broad River in this immaculate campsite with super friendly hosts."
"Driving distance to locations for exploring."
"I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."
"We stayed 3 nights so we could hike the surrounding trails! Loved learning about the history of the area while checking out the old cabins."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"We can be flexible with parking situations for those of you traveling with larger rigs pulling trailers, etc."
"We planned an overnight stop at Dumplin as it was close to the interstate. It is very nice! Sites were part gravel and easy to pull through. We were in a pull through with full hook ups."
from $33 - $38 / night
Check Availability
ScoutA lot of amenities for the kids however getting camper backed in and parking is horrible
ScoutWe found the the best spot we have ever stayed. Big sandy beach down a 100 foot decline. Parked at the top where there is a fire ring and nice size flat spot for a small camper or truck set up like we had. Very secluded. Can’t believe we got this spot. So thankful. Pack it in pack it out
ScoutAt my arrival, the office mistakenly saved my debit card information under the wrong customer file and charged my card. When I brought this to their attention, I was assured that my card information would be removed from the incorrect account and that the issue had been resolved. Despite those assurances, my debit card was charged again. This second charge occurred after I had already notified the staff of the mistake and after I was specifically told that my card information would be deleted. As a result, I spent a significant portion of my vacation dealing with a problem that should never have happened in the first place. Not only did these errors create financial stress and inconvenience, but they also ruined what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation. I trusted your staff to correct the mistake after it was first reported, and unfortunately that trust was misplaced when my card was charged again. I believe it is unreasonable for me to bear the consequences of repeated errors made by the office, particularly after I had notified you of the problem and received assurances that it had been corrected. For these reasons, I respectfully requested a refund and I was denied and told that it was my banks fault for letting the transactions to occur. They won't take accountability and refuse to work with me. This was my debit card that was charged and over$400 and was on hold for a total of 8 days. My bank cancelled my card. Just one headache after another because of all of this. I feel as though they should've accommodated me seeing how their actions and failure to pay attention caused all of this.
TravelerFull Hookups, 20,30,50 amp. Water and sewer. Sights are level with concrete pads. Restrooms are very nice and clean, private toilet and shower(air conditioned). Golf cart rentals are available. Staff were nice and helpful. The only two downsides that come to mind are that there is only one spot to drop off trash(it can be a hike depending on where your sight is). The other is that the sights are quite small and very close to each other. Each sight has a fire ring but you wouldn’t want to use the one at your sight as you might catch your rig on fire. However, when we were there occupancy was low and it was easy to use the next door fire ring I wouldn’t count on that being the case all the time. Overall recommended.
GuideThis is among the cleanest RV campgrounds I've ever been in. It is a single road with lots on both sides...very easy for pull-in's, back-in's regardless of rig size. Full hookups all in great condition and clean, level concrete pads. Bathroom and shower facilities are extremely clean. The hedges that separate lots make for some really good privacy. The riverfront lots have a beautiful view of the river that are embellished by the beautiful pastures visible on the other side.
This area is truly the mouth of the the funnel that all visitors go through to get to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, so in the summer - and especially on weekends - you can still budget an hour or more getting from here to Smoky Mountains. However, there are a lot of great restaurants within 15 minutes driving distance from here.
The area behind Smoky Mountain Knife Works is mostly quiet, and plenty of space to do some walking, running and biking. And, for the bike riders, there are some side roads that quickly get you more rural for some scenic biking.
Nearby restaurants we tried: Chubby's (large-portion very good comfort food), Aubrey's (upscale restaurant, also very good food on the higher end).
We'd definitely come back here again, but you'd feel strapped down without a car.
ScoutWe recently stayed at Appalachian Ridge RV Park and were very impressed with the property. The park is well maintained and offers a great mix of premium concrete pads as well as standard gravel sites. The fire pits are substantial and perfect for relaxing evenings outdoors, and each site includes a nice picnic table.
The park is very dog-friendly, with a dedicated dog area that our pups enjoyed. The bathhouse and laundry facilities were clean, modern, and well cared for. One of the things we appreciated most was how quiet and peaceful the park was during our stay.
If you’re looking for a clean, comfortable, and dog-friendly RV park with quality amenities, Appalachian Ridge RV Park is definitely worth considering. We would happily stay here again.
ScoutI've camper here a few times over the years. It's always been a peaceful experience. Bath house has always been pretty clean. Could use an update but over all always been happy with our trips.
TravelerOvernight stop that was quieter than expected for so close to I40. Not a fan of the access road and condition- narrow and a couple potholes swallowed up my left front; too narrow a road to avoid. Close to Walmart and Tractor Supply- always a plus. We hit up Copper Ridge Tavern and Grill- good service, small menu.
GuideStoping here for one night for a road trip. People were very curious about our set up. One of the workers was our neighbor and helped more than we needed, however he was great and we were very thankful. Pulled in kinda late. Helped us start a fire and kept it going with some fun tools. We do a lot of dispersed camping in RMNP and like to take our time with things. He was great to speed up our set up so we could relax. Talked with him about an hour. The grounds kept well. No issue. Bath house was good. Only improvement would be AC(if you care about that) But not needed. Fun activities to do aswell; driving range. Basket ball. Pool. Big slide(Saturday 11-noon). Super friendly staff.
Cherokee Lake is a primary recreational hub for camping sites near Rutledge, Tennessee, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,400 feet across the surrounding terrain. The region experiences significant temperature variations with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in the area remain operational from March through November, though seasonal availability varies by location.
Hiking at Panther Creek: Extensive trail networks surround many campgrounds, with Panther Creek State Park offering 60+ miles of trails for various skill levels. "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+," notes one visitor to Panther Creek State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Cherokee Lake provides ample fishing access with multiple shoreline spots accessible from campgrounds. One camper at Cherokee Dam Campground explains, "The campground had just reopened from being shutdown due to Covid, so the place was extremely clean. The camp hosts were so awesome... There is a playground and a swimming area, lots of picnic spots, kayak rentals, etc."
Historical exploration: Some campgrounds offer unique historical features worth exploring. The campground at Elkmont Campground provides access to interesting historical sites. As one camper noted, "This camp site is great for hikers! We visited this site while participating in the Dirty Bird Dirt Circuit! We camped while running the race through the trails of the park."
Private wooded sites: Many visitors appreciate secluded camping spots with natural surroundings. At Rocky Meadows Farm, one camper shared: "For those who want peace and quiet, it doesn't get much better than this! It's secluded but clean, and lots of fireflies and a great view! My girls loved exploring and catching fireflies."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses are frequently mentioned as a positive feature. A visitor to Big Ridge State Park Campground remarked, "The two showerhouses are next to pavilions. All well maintained. The upper pavilion has a very cool fire pit area. And can accommodate a small gathering."
Waterfront access: Direct access to water is highly valued by many campers. "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," explains a visitor to Cherokee Dam Campground, adding "There's a swimming area, boat launch, and walking trails."
Maintenance varies by season: The condition of campsites can fluctuate throughout the year. A visitor to Greenlee May Springs Campground noted, "My campsite was a little small but it was right on Cherokee Lake. A lot of permanent residence that are there during the season and I was there offseason so not a lot of people."
Wildlife considerations: The area has active wildlife, including bears in some locations. As one camper at Big Ridge State Park Campground mentions, "This is a great place to camp. Clean and friendly, quiet and relaxing. There is truly something for everyone here."
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "It is so hard to get a reservation here, so we decided to take what we could get so we could try it out! Staff is very nice, park is clean and I'm sure in the summer it is bustling," reports a visitor to Anchor Down RV Resort.
Look for multi-activity campgrounds: Sites with various recreational options keep children engaged. At Panther Creek State Park, a camper shared: "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."
Consider proximity to bathrooms: Families often prefer sites near facilities. "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. It also had two fire pits one up by the tent area and one down by the picnic table," notes a visitor to Panther Creek State Park.
Check for seasonal activities: Some family-friendly features operate on limited schedules. As one camper at Big Ridge State Park observed, "Lots of hiking trails, easy access to Cherokee lake. Playground is good for kids. Pool closes before Labor day."
Site leveling considerations: Many RV sites in the region require leveling equipment. At Dumplin Valley Farm RV Park, a visitor noted: "Sites were part gravel and easy to pull through. We were in a pull through with full hook ups. The area is so nice and if you were looking for things to do, it's close to Pigeon Forge and not terribly far from Gatlinburg."
Campground access challenges: Some roads leading to campgrounds have limitations. "There is a railroad tunnel on the route our GPS took us, so if you are pulling a camper, you will be able to take a side road and go around the tunnel," explained a camper at Cherokee Dam Campground.
Hook-up availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Anchor Down RV Resort shared, "Beautiful views from all campsites, level concrete pads for easy set up. Each site has plenty of room on both sides. The staff is friendly."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Rutledge, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Rutledge, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 322 campgrounds and RV parks near Rutledge, TN and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Rutledge, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rutledge, TN is Panther Creek State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rutledge, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Rutledge, TN.
What parks are near Rutledge, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 parks near Rutledge, TN that allow camping, notably Cumberland Gap National Historic Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Keep Exploring
