Knoxville, Tennessee, is a small but thriving East Tennessee city that is rich in culture and excitement. Best known as the home of The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers a modern urban vibe while being just a short drive away from the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Because of its proximity to both the urban and the rural, the Knoxville area is a great place for campers who enjoy a bit of both worlds.
Big Ridge State Park
Big Ridge State Park is in Maynardville, Tennessee, about 24 miles north of Knoxville. Visitors can engage activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, bicycling, swimming and guided nature tours. If you arrive on the third Friday in August, you can also enjoy the free annual Bluegrass Music Festival. In October, take a guided Halloween night hikes and hear ghost stories. There are 50 campsites at Big Ridge that accommodate tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (RVs). If you have a permit, you can also camp overnight in one of three designated backcountry campsites.
Volunteer Park Family Campground
Located 12 miles north of downtown Knoxville, Volunteer Park offers RV and tent camping. Facilities include Wi-Fi, an exercise room, a grocery store, a heated swimming pool, nature trails and a children's playground. Visitors are in a prime location to enjoy Knoxville's urban attractions and nightlife and East Tennessee's mountains.
Ripplin' Waters Campground
Ripplin' Waters Campground is in Sevierville, Tennessee, 25 miles southeast of Knoxville. It offers travelers fishing, swimming, auto rental and church services. This is an RV camping site, but those without RVs can rent a cabin, if they bring their own linens and leave the pets at home.
River Plantation RV Park
Another Sevierville RV campground, River Plantation offers full RV hookups and cabins for non-RV travelers. Other amenities include Wi-Fi, cable television, on-site golf cart rentals, an arcade, two swimming pools and a hot tub.
Norris Dam State Park
Norris Dam State Park is 26 miles north of Knoxville in Lake City, Tennessee. This state park offers 75 first-come, first-served campsites and one primitive camping area that is available by reservation. You can take part in activities such as fishing, hiking, boating and swimming. You can also check out the Lenoir Museum to view an 18th century rice grist mill, Appalachian artifacts and other exhibits.
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