Knoxville offers diverse camping experiences within a 40-mile radius, with elevations ranging from 850 feet in the valley to over 4,000 feet in the nearby mountains. Seasonal temperature swings create distinct camping conditions throughout the year, with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows dropping to 30°F. The region's camping options include traditional tent sites, cabin rentals, and yurt camping near Knoxville's urban perimeter.
What to do
Cades Cove driving loop: 11-mile scenic road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park accessible from Cades Cove Campground. The road closes on certain days for bicycle-only access. "What a great campground!! This is away from the craziness of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It puts you back into the outdoors as the National Parks should be. On certain days they close off the loop of Cades Cove for bicycles to be able to ride."
Hiking trails: Various difficulty levels available directly from several campgrounds. The Dark Hollow Trail at Big Ridge State Park Campground offers a moderate backcountry experience. "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. The site is tucked off the trail and has access to a stream that is directly across from the site entrance."
Wildlife viewing: Bears, deer, and more are common sights throughout the region. "This is a very unique spot in the smokies. I have never seen more black bear. It was a very safe distance we watched them about a football field away across a field pretty amazing experience."
River tubing and water activities: Many campgrounds offer direct water access. "The river is beautiful. Immediate access to the national park. The Little River is just steps off the back of our camper. My kids enjoyed the swimming hole as well although the water was freezing."
What campers like
Clean, private bathrooms: Many campgrounds feature well-maintained facilities. Greenbrier Campground offers individual bathroom units with showers. "The bath house appeared to be newer, and will trump your home facilities in many cases! Within the bath house, there are several private doors leading to your own 3 piece bath with shelving and granite counters with outlets, and a stunning double shower."
Proximity to attractions: Locations provide easy access to both natural areas and urban amenities. "The area is rural and beautiful, and the views from the site are wonderful, and the location is very convenient!"
River access: Sites positioned along water offer added recreational value. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA has multiple riverfront options. "Super clean, friendly staff, great camp sites. I love the patio sites. Great access to the river for tubing!"
Year-round camping options: Wood-burning stoves in some accommodations allow for winter stays. "The glamping tent is high quality with a wood burning stove, so camping is possible year round."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: The region experiences all four seasons distinctly. The primary camping season runs April through October for most campgrounds, though Little Arrow Outdoor Resort and others operate year-round. "We have camped here as a tent camper, and in our camper. The grounds are well appointed, landscaped, and maintained."
Road noise: Some riverside campgrounds experience traffic noise. "There is a A LOT of road noise coming from the other side of the little river at all hours of the day and night. It was not exactly relaxing and peaceful with dozens of motorcycles going by at a time."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "Sites are booked in advance through recreation.gov so make sure you book, during nice weather this place is very busy, even during the week."
Bears and wildlife safety: Food storage regulations are strictly enforced. "Remember to lock your food in your car, this is bear country and they do not encourage you to entice the bears into camp!!"
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated activities: River Plantation RV Resort offers extensive amenities for children. "Had a blast here! They have so much for the kids to do, full court basketball, tennis courts, battle ball, arcade room, and pool. Also next door to a ropes course and close to pigeon forge."
Choose sites with water access: Rivers provide natural entertainment. "Very kid friendly KOA. The scenery in the back of the park where the tent area is on a creek is nice."
Consider yurt camping near Knoxville: Families exploring yurt camping options near Knoxville will find comfortable alternatives to traditional tents. "This is a BEAUTIFUL outdoor resort with five star amenities, truly. The playground is beautiful and the kids loved it. There is a community firepit with rocking chairs around it."
Visit during firefly season: Elkmont Campground is famous for synchronous fireflies in late May/early June. "This is the viewing area for the synchronous fireflies in late May/early June (dates vary; parking passes by lottery in April) if you don't have a campsite reservation."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "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."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dump stations. "The nearest dump station is a seasonal one at the Sugarlands Visitor Center (doesn't open until late May); the one at Cades Cove is open year round."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly throughout the region. "Cell service wasn't great for me here, but then again in all the Smoky Mountains I cruised around with pretty much 1 bar or less."
Convenience camping options: Several KOAs provide reliable amenities for travelers. "We picked this stop because it was a halfway point from our trip in Georgia to home in Ohio and it was easy off and on 75. They offer a pool, dog park, laundry and game room."
