Camping spots near Greeneville, Tennessee range from primitive sites along woodland creeks to full-service RV parks with modern amenities. The area sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows around 25°F. Nolichucky River access points provide fishing opportunities and cooling relief during humid summer months when humidity often exceeds 70%.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The 2-acre stocked fishing pond at Share the Farm offers a peaceful spot for anglers. According to one camper, it's a "quiet campground with a private pond for fishing."
Mineral hot springs: Across the state line in North Carolina, Hot Springs Campground provides access to natural hot mineral tubs. A visitor noted, "The tents sites along the river were great... Loved the spa. Amazing views open air hot tubs."
Historic exploration: The replica farm at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground brings pioneer history to life. One visitor mentioned, "There's a sweet man who gives tours of the replica farm of David Crocket.. in character and costume."
Hiking options: Old Forge Recreation Area connects to several forest trails. A camper described it as having "Good trails along the rolling hills and creeks" and being "not far from the Appalachian Trail, the TN/NC border, and highway 26."
What campers like
River proximity: Many campers value waterfront sites, especially at Horse Creek Recreation Area where campsites line the creek. One reviewer described it as "a wonderfully peaceful place. The creek flowing through the middle of the grounds is a wonderful scenic point and provides with sound cover."
Pool access: Baileyton KOA Holiday features a salt-water swimming pool that families appreciate. A visitor pointed out, "Pool is salt-water so no chlorine smell. Playground is away from most camp sites and has a tire swing and small set up."
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention clean bathrooms across several campgrounds. At Baileyton KOA Holiday, one reviewer called it "Hands down the best KOA we've camped" and another noted the "bathroom & shower" were "clean."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer generously sized sites. At Davy Crockett, a reviewer mentioned "many of the campsites were generously sized, many of them with lots of trees shade" and that their site was "right next to the river."
What you should know
Site accessibility varies: At Horse Creek Recreation Area, there are important access limitations. One camper warned: "To be clear, there is only one site that you can drive to. (Site 14) When it says the sites are 'walk-in', it does not mean you can drive near your site and walk over into it. It means you have to park in a parking lot and haul your stuff up to 200 or 300 yards away along a trail over bridge."
Seasonal operations: Some campgrounds in the area close during winter months. Old Forge Recreation Area operates from April to October, while Cosby Campground runs "mid April - mid October."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Cosby Campground, one camper noted, "Most sites are walk up, so you don't need a reservation, and there are probably 100+ sites, so even during the busiest of times you can find a good site."
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Old Forge Recreation Area offers a more rustic experience. A visitor described it as "very simple rustic site with very little facilities" and noted "no water so bring treatment methods."
Tips for camping with families
Family activities: Weekend programming makes Baileyton KOA Holiday particularly family-friendly. A reviewer mentioned, "Enjoy the pool and weekend activities for the kids. You won't want to miss out on the outdoor movie nights either!"
Historical programs: Lazy Llama Campground offers a unique animal experience on their working llama farm. A visitor mentioned it's "Hidden in the backroads of TN this small, cozy campground is on a llama farm."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground, a visitor wrote, "Playground is great and was perfect for our girl scout trip."
Swimming spots: Natural swimming areas offer relief from summer heat. At Horse Creek Recreation Area, there's "a swim hole but, cold water" according to one camper.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. At Around Pond RV Park, a visitor noted sites are "not particularly level" though the campground has "cute pond with swans and ducks."
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer convenient pull-through sites. At Around Pond RV Park, one RVer mentioned their experience: "Pulled up to the staging area near the office and didn't even have to get out of the truck. Guy came up on a golf cart and confirmed my name. Took us right to our spot which was a full hook up pull through. Site was gravel and completely level."
Hookup options: Utility connections vary between campgrounds. Hot Springs Campground offers "dirt site by the River all hook ups" and at Baileyton KOA Holiday, a camper noted, "We stayed in a pull through site and it was not very level (we had planned to not even unhook from the truck but had too bc of this)."
Big rig accessibility: Some campgrounds can accommodate larger vehicles. At Kinser Park, there are sites with "electric hookups, fifty-amp hookups" and "sewer hookups" making it suitable for larger RVs with full utility needs.
