The best star host campgrounds near Knoxville, Tennessee

Deep in the Smoky Mountain foothills, Knoxville is a big city with a knack for nature. Camp here to discover the birthplace of the Tennessee River, rolling hardwood forests, and six national parks. Whether you're paddling or exploring on horseback, it's easy to find solitude just outside the urban hustle. Big adventures await in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here, forested peaks invite you to explore the Appalachian south. Spend an afternoon hiking to the summit of Mount LeConte. At night, marvel at the light show from 19 firefly species. With developed campgrounds, horse camps, and backcountry camping available, the Smokies have something for everyone. Are you traveling during the summer? Beat the famous Tennessee heat at Norris Dam State Park. Just north of Clinton, this park on the Norris Reservoir is your gateway to cruising nearly 700 miles of shoreline. From the two campgrounds with RV sites and rustic tent sites, you can reach the marina. (Pontoon rentals are a go!) For a taste of the diverse camping options near Knoxville, explore the cozy RV parks of Pigeon Forge. The amusement parks are a hit with families. In the Cherokee National Forest, you find wilderness cabins near prime whitewater rafting spots. By the way, for the best adventure weather, consider planning your trip for spring or fall. The snowy winters and muggy summers might limit your hiking time.

98% (3.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Knoxville

Deep in the Smoky Mountain foothills, Knoxville is a big city with a knack for nature. Camp here to discover the birthplace of the Tennessee River, rolling hardwood forests, and six national parks. Whether you're paddling or exploring on horseback, it's easy to find solitude just outside the urban hustle. Big adventures await in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here, forested peaks invite you to explore the Appalachian south. Spend an afternoon hiking to the summit of Mount LeConte. At night, marvel at the light show from 19 firefly species. With developed campgrounds, horse camps, and backcountry camping available, the Smokies have something for everyone. Are you traveling during the summer? Beat the famous Tennessee heat at Norris Dam State Park. Just north of Clinton, this park on the Norris Reservoir is your gateway to cruising nearly 700 miles of shoreline. From the two campgrounds with RV sites and rustic tent sites, you can reach the marina. (Pontoon rentals are a go!) For a taste of the diverse camping options near Knoxville, explore the cozy RV parks of Pigeon Forge. The amusement parks are a hit with families. In the Cherokee National Forest, you find wilderness cabins near prime whitewater rafting spots. By the way, for the best adventure weather, consider planning your trip for spring or fall. The snowy winters and muggy summers might limit your hiking time.

98% (3.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Knoxville

1. Ellis Cove

96%

(134)

32mi from Knoxville · 5 sites · RVs

With Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville only a 20 minute drive from this property, you'll have convenient access to many of the area's top attractions; Including, Dollywood, Anakeesta, Ripley's Aquarium, Ober Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Come relax and kick back by the peaceful soothing river, or chat while roasting marshmallows around our oversized campfire and grill. If relaxing isn’t your style, bring your tube to float or pack your fishing pole to take advantage of the regularly stocked Little Pigeon River. The privacy and seclusion of this relaxing riverfront Community of Tiny Homes and 6 RV sites -full hook up- which allows our guests to reconnect with nature while vacationing in luxury

2. Camp LeConte

100%

(14)

32mi from Knoxville · 36 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Welcome to Camp LeConte Adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains and only 4 miles to downtown Gatlinburg you can't get a better location than Camp LeConte. Camp LeConte is a family owned and operated campground since 2013. Ian and Linzy Nicely, and their three children, are happy to have a family business where they can share the love of nature, mountains and Gatlinburg with all their guests. Ian is a lover of all things outdoors. Mix that with Linzy's style and love of decorating and that's Camp LeConte. A glamorous camping destination where you can stay in a luxury tree house, European safari tent or a 1960's retro camper. Bring your own RV or camper and stay in one of our full -hook up sites with 20, 30 and 50 amp service, water, sewer, cable and free wifi. Maybe you are wanting your kids to pitch a real tent (just like you did when you were their age!). We offer primitive tent sites for those of you who really want to rough it!

3. Earthstar Village

97%

(31)

34mi from Knoxville · 3 sites · Tents

Please book at least 24 hours in advance. Amazing View ! Pet friendly! Primitive camping! Just nature and an open spot on the side of a mountain in the woods. Each site has a fire ring, water for the fire and camping potty. It is as close to wilderness as you can get without being in the wilderness. Enjoy the stars at night with no streetlights to distract you from the constellations and the song of crickets, whippoorwills and owls. Located on a mountain this accessible camping spot is just 30 minutes away from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Also close by are rafting outfits and hiking locations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Beautiful easily accessed secluded primitive sites, up on a mountain with 45 acres of Appalachian forest land. The road up is about a half mile of gravel road that is in good enough condition for the clearance of most cars if you have questions about it please ask! Front wheel or all wheel drive is recommended. *Pet friendly and implore you to be responsible with your pets. Even though they aren't visible, there are neighbors, keep them with you at the campsite-not roaming the neighborhood. *Trash- pack it in, pack it out.  *Bathroom-This is a primitive site. A camp potty in a privacy tent is provided. Total nature, total privacy. You will be far enough from the nearest homestead to feel completely alone in nature with a panoramic view. There are people close enough that if you dropped/lost your phone and broke your leg some one would eventually hear you. The best of both worlds! Earthstar Village is a place artists, those seeking spiritual solace or just wanting to get away from any hustle and bustle. Retreat to a mountain forest environment in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Vast views for contemplation, trees and woods for wildlife and nature. Room to hike and explore , tune into yourself and capture inspiration.

4. Magical Creekside Escape

99%

(61)

37mi from Knoxville · 1 site · RV

Bring your RV to this magical retreat and escape from the hustle and bustle. This site backs up to an enchanting creek and a cobblestone yard with plenty of shade and space to relax in the stillness of nature. We are located in an RV park which offers 3 bath houses, laundry facility, 2 swimming pools, lakeside fishing, arcade, basketball/pickle ball court, playground, and mini golf. Nearby you will find biking, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, snow sports, whitewater, and wildlife watching. We are also a short drive from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge’s most famous attractions. This is an RV site only. You bring your own RV and set it up yourself on our site. Park does not allow tent camping. There is a paved parking pad with full hookups as well as a concrete patio with dining table and chairs. Our site offers potable water, picnic table, wifi, and a space for campfires (burn ban permitting). We are also pet friendly! Guests love staying with us: "We love this place. We stayed for 8 days in September and came back for a little weekend getaway in November. Love the creek feature of the property. Quiet, clean, and secure community. It's close to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Cosby, Clingmans Dome, etc. We will definitely stay again."

5. Crow's Landing RV Site Gatlinburg

100%

(83)

37mi from Knoxville · 1 site · RV

We love the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg area enough that we purchased a permanent site to bring our RV to on a regular basis to visit for extended periods of time. We hope you also enjoy our little piece of heaven. Please respect the site, and let us know how we can make your stay even better next time. Learn more about this land: Spacious and clean RV site with full hookups (water, sewer, and 50/30/20amp power) located in the Outdoor Resorts at Gatlinburg. Visitors have access to 2 swimming pools (seasonally), 2 mountain streams, a lake, basketball courts, tennis, mini golf, horseshoe pits, shuffle board court, game room, and activities center. Bath house is close to the site, should you need to use the facilities. Coin-operated laundry facilities are also available at the campground. The HOA does charge a one-time $10 pet fee upon check-in at the office, and is separate from anything I collect.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Jon

3 weeks ago

30 ft travel trailer

With kids

4 nights at Camp LeConte

Clean property, very convenient trolly stop, full hook ups, great amenities.

K

Krysten

November 2025

25 ft pop-up camper

With pets

3 nights at Crow's Landing RV Site Gatlinburg

Great spot. Very quiet place. Driveway has a little speed bump and the road is a bit narrow but we backed in just fine. Short walk to the shower house/bathroom. Didn’t use any other facility. Would recommend!

A

Ashwani

November 2025

With kids

1 night at Camp LeConte

Nice campsite, clean, drivable, the tree house experience was amazing

Stephanie

November 2025

24 ft pop-up camper

3 nights at Crow's Landing RV Site Gatlinburg

We had a great weekend at crows landing. Great location and amenities. The bathrooms and laundry facilities were clean. We enjoyed evening walks around the campground.

c

chrystal

November 2025

31 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Ellis Cove

This spot was exactly the breath of fresh air I needed. The sites were beautifully maintained, the views were stunning, and the hosts were wonderfully communicative. I ended up extending my stay—twice! I even caught the northern lights during the solar flares, which made the whole experience feel magical. Sitting beside the creek was the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the day—it added a gentle rhythm to the whole trip. The location is peaceful yet close enough to town to be convenient. Highly recommend.

B

Bruce

November 2025

35 ft Class A

1 night at Crow's Landing RV Site Gatlinburg

Sort of a tight park, but the price is right and there are lots of amenities. The site we had (113) was in a low spot but we were able to level up in our motorhome Tiffin Allegro Open Road TGA (35ft long) with no problems.

E

Evangeline

November 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Ellis Cove

Beautiful location. The river is very picturesque and would have been perfect for playing in if the weather had been warmer. We had no trouble finding the place and the hook ups all worked well.

A

Amanda

October 2025

35 ft Class C

With pets

2 nights at Ellis Cove

Just a really peaceful spot to stay. We are low maintenance and don’t really need any attention and this suits us perfectly. Our dogs love the wide open space and splashing in the river.

H

Heather

October 2025

20 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Ellis Cove

Beautiful and peaceful site! We loved staying here, it was close to everything but gave us the quiet we wanted.

J

Jimmy

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

6 nights at Ellis Cove

We stayed at campsite #9 and absolutely loved it. We had an open view of the field and the surrounding hills. There is a pine tree that blocks the deck of the neighboring tiny house so it felt more secluded. We took our yellow lab and he loved playing in the creek and retrieving in the field. The campground is well kept and secluded. The only negatives are minor but worth mentioning. While it’s nice being secluded, if you want to go to the store or a restaurant it’s a 30 minute drive one way. Also, the sewer connection was too high for my hose to drain without help. Again, those are minor inconveniences and definitely not a knock on the campground. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a spacious, secluded place to camp.

J

Jason

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Ellis Cove

It was a great site and location, nice and quiet with great views.

L

Logan

October 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Ellis Cove

The views from this property are absolutely breathtaking! The gentle, rain-rolling river added such a peaceful touch to the stay. It’s close enough to town if you want to explore, yet quiet and relaxing when you’re ready to unwind. The community fire pit was the perfect spot to share stories and connect with other guests. If you haven’t camped here yet, you need to! Andrew was incredibly accommodating—just as amazing as the property itself! Will be staying here again!

L

Leslie

October 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Camp LeConte

We had full hook-ups but used the shower and bathrooms (nice, clean with lots of hot water). Close to town -- realized over all that this area is too Disneyish for us, but overall a solid place to stay. The little glamping units looked totally adorable and fun!

P

Pat

October 2025

35 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Crow's Landing RV Site Gatlinburg

Things to do for kids in summer, There seems to be mostly retired people here. The upkeep of the park is very nice. Close to Gatlinburg but not to close. Electric, water and cable are to the back of the site. Fire ring has a grill attachment. All in all a nice site.

W

W.

October 2025

37 ft travel trailer

With kids

3 nights at Ellis Cove

Beautiful, quiet, and tucked back into a less crowded area of the Smokies, very convenient to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

C

Catherine

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Earthstar Village

Ivey was VERY kind and very communicative! The site was very remote and felt like our own private campsite! Would definitely suggested staying at one of her sites!

D

D Scott

October 2025

20 ft travel trailer

5 nights at Ellis Cove

Nice peaceful spot. Pretty creek. Full hookups. Very private. I was the only camper.

R

Russel

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Earthstar Village

Friendly host, well-kept campsite. I would go back!

S

Sami

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Earthstar Village

Ivey and her site are absolutely top notch! She is such a kind, genuine soul. We are very novice campers with poor time management skills and Ivey was so forgiving and sweet. She truly just wants people to get outdoors and to experience nature, and she has the most amazing land to do so. We did her plot up on the mountain and it was gorgeous. Super secluded, you have a lovely view of neighboring mountains and just the serene nature all around. Ivey provides you with a camping toilet, toilet paper, a barrel of water, fire pit, firewood, shovel, hacksaw, and there were acorns on the ground so she was courteous enough to give us a broom to move them out of the way! Will be coming back, love Ivey and her gorgeous land! Would highly highly recommend!!

DeAnna

September 2025

28 ft travel trailer

5 nights at Ellis Cove

A beautiful location away from the hustle & bustle of Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg but only a 15-20 min drive away. Full hook ups & Starlink made it feel like all the comforts of home. Spot # 9 has the best view but it is also mere feet from one of the tiny house porches....our trailer was small enough to angle away a bit so as not to look directly at their back porch. There is a large common area fire pit with grill grates but we didn't have a chance to use it. The real star of this spot is the river located on the property. It was a beautiful rocky river with plenty of places to float the day away....the neighbor across the river even offered up his tubes.