Sitting along the French Broad River just downstream from Douglas Dam, this TVA-operated campground in Kodak, Tennessee gives campers direct sightlines to the dam structure and open river views from many of the sites. The layout is uneven, though. Some sites function more like pull-throughs on a gravel lot, while others sit on short side roads that require backing out rather than looping through. Reviewers who have done their homework before arrival, including watching drive-through videos online, report significantly better results when selecting specific sites.
River-view sites consistently draw the most praise. Campers have caught the morning water release from Douglas Dam directly from their sites, and the area hosts a notable mix of wildlife, including Canadian geese, otters, and nesting bald eagles. A bridge near the dam generates some vehicle noise, which is worth factoring into site selection if you're a light sleeper. Cell coverage is limited: one reviewer noted T-Mobile running at roughly 30 to 40 percent signal strength, and DirecTV service was described as nearly nonexistent.
"Clean showers and restrooms, a nice paved walking path," notes Susan E., who stayed in October and found the campground immaculate with attentive hosts. Full hookups are available, including electric, water, and sewer connections, along with a dump station and WiFi. Tent campers should note that only a handful of tent-specific sites exist; site 59 has been flagged as the most level and workable of the three.
The campground runs from early April through October and accepts reservations. It sits close enough to the Smokies to work as a base for day trips, and places to camp around Sevierville fill up fast during peak season. Nearby options include TVA Douglas Dam Headwater Campground and Mountain Cove Marina and RV Resort for campers who want to compare the area before committing. This campground works best for RV travelers who prioritize water access and dam views over loop-style site layouts.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDouglas Tailwater Campground is located in Tennessee near Sevierville
Public CampgroundDirections
From jct US 411 & Hwy 66: Go 7 mi N on Hwy 66, then 3-1/2 mi E on Hwy 139, then 1/2 mi S on Hwy 338, follow signs.
Address
829 Riverview Way
Kodak, TN 37764
Coordinates
35.95772688 N
83.54877797 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/20/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/25/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/10/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/20/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/25/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/10/26
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)
- Group
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
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 25 min from Knoxville, TN
- 29 min from Morristown, TN
- 1 hr 11 min from Kingsport, TN
- 1 hr 48 min from Asheville, NC
