4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
GlampKnox showcases some of Tennessee's most distinctive glamping accommodations, perched on a hilltop with panoramic sunrise views just a short drive from both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and downtown Knoxville. The site features a high-quality safari tent with a covered porch, rocking chairs, and twin beds with comfortable mattresses and linens. "The glamping tent is very high quality, with a covered porch, two comfy beds, and a wood burning stove, so camping is possible year round," notes one visitor. The canvas structure includes a wood-burning stove for climate control in all seasons, battery-powered lanterns for ambient lighting, and a fire pit positioned directly in front of the tent. Other glamping options near Knoxville include Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend and Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA, both offering premium canvas accommodations with modern conveniences.
The property at GlampKnox extends beyond just sleeping accommodations, with a one-mile hiking trail winding through the grounds and restroom facilities with an outdoor shower just a short walk from the tent site. Guests have access to hammock trees surrounding the main glamping area and can observe horses on the working farm property. A recent visitor highlighted, "The area is close to The Great Smoky Mountains, and also Downtown Knoxville. A perfect spot for a nice glamping getaway." The scenic grounds also feature an event barn that hosts weddings and gatherings, adding to the picturesque setting. Most glamping facilities in the Knoxville region operate year-round, with wood-burning stoves in canvas accommodations ensuring comfort during winter months and proximity to Norris Lake and the French Broad River providing water recreation opportunities during warmer seasons.
"The only bad part was the non quiet hours- so It was loud at night. But the campsites are far apart, easy walking distance to bathrooms."
"There are no hook ups for electric and sewer here, nor are their showers."
Available this weekend
from $30 / night
"We were impressed with the paved parking space, picnic table, fire pit and level tent pad. It looks like these are very new. Proximity to cades cove loop was great."
"The one lane, one way, circular drive around Cades Cover is scenic but can get very crowded and cars will stop for any wildlife, go early..."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"Dog park, laundry."
"Really friendly staff. Nicely stocked store. Clean and large laundry room with TV. We loved the lazy river in the pool. Our site was concrete and level but as with most KOAs not cheap."
"Nice paved sites with fire pits. We did wish the sites had a curb or some sort at the back of the paved area as it’s a drop off beyond the site. Clean restrooms."
"Another close and convenient campsite to Knoxville, TN! Several campsites here are conveniently located along Norris Lake. If not on the lake a short 5 minute walk from other sites."
Available this weekend
"When we first started going here it was a small family owned business and it has certainly changed since KOA took over but I think they’re all positive, just less of the charm."
"Amazingly clean campgrounds 10 minutes from the entrance of the National Park and 20 minutes from the Visitor's Center."
"Our oldest rented a bell tent, and when I say they are the cutest camping spot, I am not exaggerating. The bell tents sit on the river and away from all the RV sites."
"We stayed 3 nights in the Baby Bear bell tent with our small children and it was perfect. We ended up arriving later than expected and the hosts were wonderful. Very nice and helpful our whole stay."
from $35 - $258 / night
"Glamping, cabins, airstreams…something for everyone! There are so many options for activities here to keep the whole family happy.
The bathrooms are really nice."
"The bathhouses are the nicest I have ever seen. The sites were level and had full hook-ups. They are renovating the pool and it looks like it will be amazing."
from $60 - $185 / night
"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."
"Loyston Point is a really nice campground right on Norri Lake. There is not a bad site in the whole campground. Most sites have a lake view and the ones that don't are heavily wooded and spacious."
"This spot is new, and the set up is awesome. Perched on top of a hill, the site has great sunrise views."
"This spot is new, and the set up is awesome. Perched on top of a hill, the site has great sunrise views."
from $75 - $175 / night
"I would give it 5 stars if it had sewer connection on site. We stayed here 4 nights, and we loved it. The campground is not crowded, there is plenty of space between sites."
"Bath house we went to is clean and warm. All hosts are very nice and friendly. The lake views are beautiful and the fishing of the deck is so much fun!"
TravelerBeautiful spot in the smoky mountains. State park style amenities, no showers. No hookups. Very busy very open campground. Nice that some trails are walking distance from campground. I would not camp here again as I prefer more separation and privacy. No cell service. STARLINK is usable but obstructed with tree canopy
Traveler✨ I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about our stay at Glamping on the Clinch River!❤️ It was truly one of the most relaxing, beautiful experiences, and waking up to such a breathtaking piece of God’s creation was something special that I will never forget. The views are absolutely stunning, the peacefulness is unmatched, and it’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the beauty God has blessed us with.🙏🏻🤍 But what makes this place even more special is the incredible family behind it. Bonnie and Rusty are truly two of the sweetest, most generous, and kindhearted people you could ever meet! Their hospitality goes above and beyond, and you can feel the love they put into making sure every guest has the most wonderful experience. From preparing breakfast for their guests to the thoughtful little touches like making s’mores around the outdoor campfire, they make you feel so welcomed and cared for.❤️🔥 The tipi itself was absolutely beautiful, exceptionally clean, and decorated so thoughtfully to create the perfect glamping experience. Every detail made our stay feel cozy, comfortable, and magical while still allowing us to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.🏕️✨ Places like this are a reminder that sometimes the best experiences aren’t about fancy hotels or extravagant vacations. They’re about beautiful surroundings, genuine kindness, peaceful moments, and the wonderful people who make you feel right at home. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway surrounded by God’s beautiful creation and hosted by people with truly golden hearts, you NEED to experience Glamping on the Clinch River! I would recommend it a thousand times over, and we are so grateful we had the opportunity to stay here. Bonnie and Rusty, thank you for sharing your beautiful place with others and for making our experience so incredibly special. You two are such a blessing!❤️🙏🏻 We will absolutely cherish these memories and hope to be back again soon!🌿🤍✨
TravelerThis worked well for us while we were visiting Dollywood in our trailer, but we wouldn't stay here if we had been in a different type of site. Cons: Unless you have a site up against the river or on patriot park, you are packed in VERY TIGHT with other people, sometimes with your sliders only a foot or two away from your neighbor's sliders. We were in a site that was "on patriot park", but the few first sites of that type are really just behind the trolley parking lot and pick up with a path behind you (including ours). People are on the other side of the fence walking about two feet behind you all day and pretty late in to the night. Pros: There are lot of trees and campground is very pretty. Super close to Dollywood and other Pigeon Forge points of interest.
GuideWe really enjoyed our stay at Gateway RV Campground! After spending plenty of time on the road, it’s always nice to find somewhere you can park up, relax, and feel at home.
The campground has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere and was a great place to unwind.
One of the real bonuses is the trolley that stops right outside the campground office. What a fantastic convenience! It makes getting out and exploring the local area so much easier without having to pack everything up and take the RV. Such a simple touch, but one that makes a big difference when you’re traveling.
We’ve stayed at plenty of RV parks during our travels, and it’s often the little things that make a place stand out.
All in all, a very enjoyable stay, and we’d happily return if we’re passing through the area again. Definitely worth a stop!
ScoutDog park, laundry. Showers,come by pick up trash, have lawn chairs, outdoor sports item to rent, have over flow area to park extra vehicles, lot size ample for extra large trailers or tents cabins to rent popular places to eat or shop in walking distances had arts and craft show going that was going to be there a month kept clean water walk with duck's
ScoutWe’ve been coming at this campground for 13 years and it is always an enjoyable experience. The past owners, Barry and Chong, have turned over the day to day management to their son and daughter-in-law. They are so pleasant and accommodating. It is a small campground but drive thru spaces are big enough for big rigs. They keep the campground in immaculate condition…. Would give it 6 stars out of 5!
Guide6 back in campsites, right off a paved road, sites are 20 yards from river, fishing, peaceful, cooler than in town. Outhouse is clean and has TP. Not much traffic on the road, not many campers. There are several campgrounds in the same general area on the river. All are nice, we had our pick and chose Davis. No power, water, or dump but there's a store just down the road that has fishing gear, ice, firewood, drinks, and vices. Good spot in a cool location.
GuideGreat campsites, little closer together than what I like but still nice and shaded all paved. Have three dump stations that are very nice. Will definitely come back. Better have reservations, cause it does stay full.
GuideWe’re heading down to Florida and this was along our route. Our site was right next to the lake. Quiet and very peaceful until 7am lol! People get going right away lol!
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.
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."
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."
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!!"
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Knoxville, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Knoxville, TN is Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.7-star rating from 128 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Knoxville, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 71 glamping camping locations near Knoxville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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