Best Campgrounds near Shawanee, TN

The Cumberland Gap region near Shawanee, Tennessee provides a range of camping experiences across multiple state parks and natural areas. Wilderness Road Campground at Cumberland Gap National Historic Park stands out with both tent and RV sites nestled in forested terrain. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can find options from basic tent camping at Chuck Swan State Forest to full-hookup RV sites at Mountain Pass Campground in Harrogate. Indian Mountain State Park and Big Ridge State Park campgrounds offer year-round operations with a mix of tent sites and RV accommodations.

Access varies seasonally, with some campgrounds like Loyston Point operating only from March through October. "Bathhouses were super clean and maintained. Lots of hiking in the area and Cumberland Gap only 3.5 miles trek from camp," noted one visitor about Wilderness Road Campground. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide electric hookups, with some offering water and sewer connections for RVs. Terrain tends to be hilly and wooded, with several campgrounds mentioning the challenge of finding level sites. Cell service is generally available but varies by provider and specific campground location. Travelers should note that highway noise can be an issue at some campgrounds located near major roads.

Campers consistently highlight the quality of facilities at Cumberland Gap area campgrounds, particularly the clean bathhouses and shower facilities. While some sites offer limited amenities with just basic tent camping, others provide more developed experiences with utilities and campground hosts. A visitor at Wilderness Road noted, "The sites are well-laid out and there are multiple bathhouses, all very well-maintained and very clean." Most campgrounds connect to hiking trails, with many offering direct access to Cumberland Gap trails and natural features. Privacy between sites varies significantly across campgrounds, with some providing well-spaced, shaded sites while others have more open layouts. Wildlife viewing opportunities and scenic vistas are commonly mentioned in reviews, making the area popular despite occasional issues with highway noise at certain campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Shawanee, Tennessee (157)

    1. Wilderness Road Campground

    16 Reviews
    Shawanee, TN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 248-2817

    $18 - $39 / night

    "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."

    2. Mountain Pass Campground

    5 Reviews
    Shawanee, TN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 992-5925

    3. Pine Mountain State Resort Park

    7 Reviews
    Pineville, KY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 337-3066

    "The trails are very challenging , but the view is totally worth it. Very primitive , rocky trail. Walking sticks would be a bonus and carry water a snacks with you to keep your energy up."

    "Pine Mountain State Resort Park offers some really cool trails and is Kentucky first state park. Pretty rustic and clean cabins."

    4. Indian Mountain State Park Campground — Indian Mountain State Park

    22 Reviews
    Jellico, TN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 566-5870

    $33 - $37 / night

    "Large walking path and places for your dog to exercise. Loved watching the ducks swim near our campsite"

    "Full hookups and close to I-75. Well kept with clean bath house. Paddle boats and walking trails."

    5. Big Ridge State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Maynardville, TN
    28 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."

    "Close to the bathhouse and a quick walk to the entrance to get to the store, swim area, etc."

    6. Chuck Swan State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Maynardville, TN
    19 miles
    Website

    "The coordinates on here will lead you to the middle of the road, however, if you keep driving, right before you hit the state park, you will see a campground to your left that is free free free."

    "Lots to explore here, beaches, hi clearance roads(Jeep roads), caves, old cemeteries, rocks to jump off into the lake,and an old fire tower you can climb for what I would expect is a great view."

    7. Panther Creek State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Talbott, TN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 587-7046

    $26 - $42 / night

    "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."

    "The hiking trails ranged from difficult to short and easy. The ’Trout’ hiking trail was very nice. One of the longer hikes was the Knob trail and it was very nice as well."

    8. Loyston Point Campground

    18 Reviews
    Andersonville, TN
    28 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."

    9. Cedar Grove Marina & Campground

    1 Review
    Maynardville, TN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 278-3131

    10. Glamping on the Clinch River LLC

    1 Review
    Bean Station, TN
    18 miles
    +1 (228) 627-6103

    $30 - $150 / night

    "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!"

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Recent Reviews near Shawanee, TN

702 Reviews of 157 Shawanee Campgrounds


  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground

    So perfect

    This place has clean bathrooms, wifi, secluded spots on the river to fish. Enough space for group camping too. Pick the spot the stump of banks end for the best river side spot. Book on Hipcamp! The host is amazing and delivers anything you need. Firewood, fishing bait, even fresh chicken eggs from the farm. Also does dog grooming! And you can book extra to spend time with the fluffy cows! Close to Cumberland falls!

  • Kc K.
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Cherokee Dam Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    Peaceful and beautiful

    Small quiet campground. Site is on the water, but with the hill and trees it isn't easily accessible. Quick walk over to the boat ramp and swim area. This site as a little snug I snug to back into with a tree on my each side and a downhill drive. But overall it is great.

  • Jessica V.
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Rustling Pines Campground LLC

    Love this place!

    The site was beautiful and I absolutely loved the personal care. They called to make sure I had everything in order and drove us down to the campsite.

  • SunnyLake
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Lakeside RV Resort & Marina

    Great Place with Great People

    Under new ownership, this little campground is wonderful.  Easy access and close to the activities on Douglas Lake or a quick drive into Sevierville, Pigeon Forge - Dollywood, and the Great Smoky Mountains.  The views from the lake are amazing and the campground hosts are so helpful and available.  Clean and fun!  Love it here!

  • Sarah and Philip H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Knoxville Campground

    Great Pass through Campground not for staying long term

    Location was great to get to lots of things but campsites are very tight and no room for an actual camping feel.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Around Pond RV Park

    Nice stop

    nice stop off interstate, about 1 mile easy pull thru, during week stop, was quiet, peaceful, little traffic noise through nite. pond area, chickens, ducks, swans.

  • Mary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    The Farm RV Resort

    New Fresh Clean

    Great job in design and setup. Camp store needs to be updates with essentials

  • Gary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Douglas Tailwater Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    Great Location

    Nice campground near river and dam. Had three pup tents for overnight motorcycle stay. Bridge nearby is a bit noisy if that bothers you. Decent rest rooms. Camp host was very friendly! Half hour to Gatlinburg and Dolly Wood.


Guide to Shawanee

Shawanee, Tennessee camping spots sit within the Cumberland Gap region at approximately 1,300 feet elevation where Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia meet. The area features a mix of highland forests and lowland river valleys with moderate summer temperatures averaging 85°F and cooler spring and fall camping seasons. Several campgrounds remain open year-round while others operate seasonally from March through October.

What to do

Hiking at Big Ridge State Park: The park offers multiple trail difficulties across 15+ miles of paths. "Pretty park. Sites are wooded and not too close together. Most sites need leveling blocks. There are lots of hiking trails and a great visitor center," notes elizabeth L. about Wilderness Road Campground.

Water activities on Norris Lake: Several campgrounds provide direct water access for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. "Located on the beautiful Norris Lake. Our tents were right on the water and a short swim/walk to paddle boats and kayaks!" shares Crissy T. about Loyston Point Campground.

Historical sites exploration: Visit the Cumberland Gap visitor center and nearby historical landmarks. "Located in the Cumberland Gap where TN, VA and Ky touch borders. Very beautiful mountains with hiking trails from short distances to overnight primitive camping trials," explains Linda S. who stayed at Wilderness Road Campground.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain their bathhouses regularly. "The bathhouses were super clean and maintained... Lots of hiking in the area," Kenny P. mentions about Wilderness Road Campground.

Spacious, level sites: Some campgrounds feature concrete pads for easier setup. "Sites are close together but very level. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Beautiful waterfront sites," reports Shawn L. about Indian Mountain State Park Campground.

Privacy between sites: Select campgrounds offer more secluded settings. "I had a very cute camp spot up in the woods away from the road it was number 50... It also had two fire pits one up by the tent area and one down by the picnic table," writes Jennifer M. about Panther Creek State Park Campground.

What you should know

Seasonal operations: Check opening dates before traveling. "Love the park. Only a few campers this time of the year. Only 1 bathhouse open," reports Shawn L. who camped at Wilderness Road State Park in winter.

Site leveling needs: Many campsites require leveling equipment. "We only stayed 2 nights, so my review is limited. The only downside is the horrifically unleveled sites," notes Michelle S. about Loyston Point.

Primitive options available: For those seeking solitude, Chuck Swan State Forest offers basic sites. "If you like primitive camping out in the middle of nowhere with a view, this is a place for you! Chuck Swan State Forest is just that, a Forest, nothing more. There are two camping areas that are FREE," explains Shelly S.

Wildlife presence: Bears and other wildlife frequent the area. "They have signs up that warn bears are very active in the campground right now so I have not walked around much, but it is beautiful here," mentions Overland 1. about Wilderness Road.

Tips for camping with families

Choose developed campgrounds: Families tend to prefer sites with amenities. "This campground is very clean and well maintained. With my lifetime interagency pass, my site with electric cost $12," notes Overland 1. at Wilderness Road.

Water recreation access: Kids enjoy lakefront campgrounds. "Great place for kids to hang out, play in the water, and pull the boat right up to our camp site. The bathrooms were always very clean and had nice hot water showers," explains Andrew B. about Loyston Point.

Road safety within campgrounds: Parents appreciate enforced speed limits. "The roads were great for the kids to ride bike and they enforced the slow speed limit for cars which was awesome," shares Ben S. about Mountain Pass Campground.

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: Review site details before booking. "It can get lively throughout the day, but most people are respectful and keep the noise down at night," mentions Dusty W. about Panther Creek.

Utility options: Many campgrounds offer full hookups. "This campsite was a lot closer to town than expected. The campsites themselves were very clean and well kept. Beautiful views," notes Shy-Anne W. about Indian Mountain State Park.

Access road challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. "Site 43. Big site. fairly flat. Just have levelers on one side. Roads are a little narrow in the campground, made it a little hard to back trailer in - the front of the truck was the issue hitting rocks on the side of the road," explains Kc K. about Big Ridge State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Shawanee, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Shawanee, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 157 campgrounds and RV parks near Shawanee, TN and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Shawanee, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shawanee, TN is Wilderness Road Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Shawanee, TN.

What parks are near Shawanee, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 34 parks near Shawanee, TN that allow camping, notably Cumberland Gap National Historic Park and Laurel River Lake.