Best Campgrounds near Knoxville, TN

Camping near Knoxville, TN, offers a great mix of beautiful nature and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One camper mentioned, “We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful.”
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for bears and elk. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground shared, “Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground.”
• Swimming and Tubing: Enjoy the nearby rivers for swimming or tubing. A review from 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 stunning landscapes. One camper at Elkmont Campground said, “The campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome.”
• Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at Anchor Down RV Resort mentioned, “Bathrooms/showers are kept clean.”
• Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Greenbrier Campground offer playgrounds and activities for kids. One family said, “There were bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, and a lazy river with a swimming hole!”

What you should know:

• Limited Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Cades Cove Campground noted, “Most sites are close; site privacy is tightly packed.”
• No Showers: Many campgrounds, like Cosby Campground, do not offer shower facilities. A visitor mentioned, “The bathrooms were adequate—sinks and toilets and cleaned daily (no showers).”
• Bear Awareness: Campers should be cautious about wildlife. A review from Bandy Creek Campground warned, “There are lots of copperheads at this park. Watch your step!”

Tips for camping with families:

• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. A camper 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 visitor at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, “Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone! Doing so just irritates the bears.”
• Bring Entertainment: Since some campgrounds have limited cell service, bring books or games. A camper at Cataloochee Campground noted, “There isn’t cell service, so be sure to plan your next move before you head in for the evening.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Anchor Down RV Resort said, “Super clean, bathrooms/showers, and plenty of room for your dog to have an equally good time.”
• Book Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Elkmont Campground shared, “It looks so good so far. Thank you so much for sharing.”
• Use Dump Stations: Make sure to utilize dump stations available at campgrounds like Bandy Creek Campground for convenience. A review mentioned, “There is a swimming pool, volleyball court, and playground right by A loop which is primitive camping.”

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