I have now been to Norris Hot Springs two years in a row on the last weekend in September. I love the small number of camping spaces and the rules that all campers actually follow (no loose dogs, no generators). The camp bathroom/showers are super helpful and it is awesome to just walk across the parking lot to the spring.
The food is amazing and the staff are all super friendly. Both years I've been, it has snowed either a dusting or an inch-ish. The camp spots do not become a muddy mess and the drive is still easy to navigate on foot or by small vehicle.
We might make an annual trip here if we can budget in the time off. It is the perfect spot to setup camp and then go explore the area.
The Maple Grove Campground has some beautiful views of Oneida Narrows Reservoir and great access to the shoreline. There are no beaches, but there is a dock that allows swimmers to get away from the mushy shore. The campground is right on Oneida Narrows Rd so it is a little dusty. Most drivers are courteous, some were not.
The camp hosts kept the vault toilets pretty clean and well stocked with toilet paper. The fire pits and grills were well maintained. There was random ash near each of them due to improper cleanup.
