Fishing, boating, and lakeside hiking draw campers to Douglas Dam Headwater Campground, a Tennessee Valley Authority facility on the banks of Douglas Lake outside Sevierville. The large boat ramp sees steady use throughout the season, and several sites sit close enough to the water that campers can watch boats launch from camp. A roughly one-mile nature trail runs across the road from the campground, threading through forest cover that feels noticeably more rural than the commercial corridors nearby.
Site quality varies. Reviewers consistently describe the grounds as clean and well-maintained, with generously sized spaces, though leveling can be uneven on some lots. Site 7 draws mentions for its adjacent hillside, which younger campers tend to use freely. Several sites have open sightlines toward the lake, and east-facing positions catch morning light directly over the water. Whistle P. notes waking up to "the BEST sunrises over the lake" as a consistent highlight of the stay.
Full hookups with electric, water, and sewer connections make this a workable base for RV campers exploring the Smoky Mountains corridor, and the campground runs from mid-April through late October. Reservations are available, which matters during summer weekends when the proximity to Pigeon Forge drives demand. The bathrooms are generally kept clean, though at least one reviewer flags aging fixtures in the stalls as overdue for replacement. The shower count is limited, though wait times have been manageable for most visitors.
Road access carries a rough-access warning, so drivers with low-clearance vehicles should take note before arrival. The campground sits within a few miles of Mountain Cove Marina and RV Resort and Lakeside RV Resort & Marina, giving anglers and boaters a cluster of water-access options in the same stretch. Campers who want a quieter, less commercial base for visiting the Smokies while keeping full hookups and lake access will find this TVA site a practical fit.
Description
Douglas Dam Campground contains a total of 60 campsites, of which 54 are equipped with electric and water, 2 are ADA accessible, and 4 are primitive tent sites. The campground also features 3 bath houses, a boat ramp, a swimming beach, and a picnic area. The trail, Trotter Bluff, is located near the entrance to the campground. It is an easy 1-mile trek through a forest full of chestnut trees and wildlife. You can also spot some artifacts lefover from the construction of the Dam.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDouglas Dam Headwater Campground is located in Tennessee near Sevierville
Directions
From jct US 411 & Hwy 66: Go 7 mi N on Hwy 66, then 3-1/2 mi E on Hwy 139, then 2-1/2 mi S on Hwy 338, then follow signs 1 mi N.
Address
1680 Boat Launch Road
Sevierville, TN 37876
Coordinates
35.95783795 N
83.53599882 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/6/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/6/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/6/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/6/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/6/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/6/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 26 min from Knoxville, TN
- 29 min from Morristown, TN
- 1 hr 11 min from Kingsport, TN
- 1 hr 48 min from Asheville, NC
