Beach Camping in Norris Lake, Tennessee: Best Beach Campsites 2026

Find over 500 beach camping spots around Norris Lake, where morning mist hangs over the water and sandy coves invite long walks. Most sites average $30 a night, with some as low as $25. Campsites here mean you’ll wake up steps from the shoreline, with fishing poles ready and wildlife slipping through the trees. Campfires are allowed, pets are welcome, and toilets are on site. Top picks? Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground draws campers back year after year (434 reviews). LAKESIDE GETAWAY ON DOUGLAS (85 reviews) and Powell River Camp & Retreat (2 reviews) put you right on the water. Bring your rod, your binoculars, and an appetite for sunrise views.

98% (598)

Top-rated campgrounds near Norris Lake

Find over 500 beach camping spots around Norris Lake, where morning mist hangs over the water and sandy coves invite long walks. Most sites average $30 a night, with some as low as $25. Campsites here mean you’ll wake up steps from the shoreline, with fishing poles ready and wildlife slipping through the trees. Campfires are allowed, pets are welcome, and toilets are on site. Top picks? Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground draws campers back year after year (434 reviews). LAKESIDE GETAWAY ON DOUGLAS (85 reviews) and Powell River Camp & Retreat (2 reviews) put you right on the water. Bring your rod, your binoculars, and an appetite for sunrise views.

98% (598)

Top-rated campgrounds near Norris Lake

1. Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

98%

(638)

23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Williamsburg, KY

Thank you for considering Clayton Geneva memorial campground for your camping trip. Please read the entire description including our rules and regulations. Also be sure to view the site map. The gravel driveway to the sites is passable with any vehicle As long as the vehicle Does not have an aftermarket lowered profile or entirely overloaded with gear. We offer camping ranging from primitive tent sites, to an actual cabin. Hikers, kayakers, canoes, Horses and riders welcome, located a couple miles from Daniel Boone National Forrest, seemingly endless trails through some of the most beautiful country. Bring your canoe and kayaks. Located 16 miles from Cumberland Falls State Park. Located 11 miles from Sheltowee Trade Adventure Park. Located 11 miles from Kentucky Splash Water Park. 11 miles from The Mint Casino!! Clayton Geneva Camp Ground began as a retreat for our family since the 70's. My grandparents, Donald Clayton Russell & Jewel Geneva (Davis) Russell, purchased this little piece of heaven to get away from the hustle and bustle of Cincinnati life. Judy was born in a little cabin just down the road. Judy & Don along with many family members have made cherished memories here over the years. We want to share its beauty with you and your family. Please consider, Clayton Geneva is a primitive campground, gravel drives and left as natural as possible. This is not a sculpted campsite or a concrete campground. The primitive area is as such, gravel, grass, sand terrain accessible by a one lane gravel drive that leads over the hill and around the cliff to the riverbank. This drive is absolutely passable however is left bumpy to keep traffic at a safe speed as pedestrians also walk the drive. It is passable by any vehicle as long as the vehicle is not overloaded beyond its ability and/or has an extremely low profile. Any area that is not an actual campsite is left to nature, not manicured, trimmed or sculpted. As you’ll find all the sites are clear please don’t expect micromanaging of wild growth of our native plants in areas around the sites as we reserve those areas for the wildlife to enjoy. Please consider all the above mentioned details, primitive campsites are not for everyone and that’s ok.

2. LAKESIDE GETAWAY ON DOUGLAS

97%

(139)

56 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Dandridge, TN

Lakeside Getaway is a seasonal peninsula on Douglas Lake of primitive camping sites in historic Dandridge, Tn just 30 min from Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area. Come enjoy your boat, jet ski, or kayaks from our 75 foot boat dock and new concrete boat ramp for launching. Our pavilion is a nice commons area with a charcoal stove and can be reserved for private parties. We rent out Kayaks to parties or individuals. Our quite cove is about 2 miles long and very secluded... Great for Kayaking! Call for more details and questions: 423-231-9399 or 423-231-4094

3. Powell River Camp & Retreat

100%

(8)

7 sites · Tents · Harrogate, TN

Riverside Camping on the Powell River in Northeast Tennessee, near the Cumberland Gap where TN, KY, and VA meet. Our campsites sit along the Powell River, offering a peaceful retreat in the early stages of development. We are dedicated to restoring and enhancing the land through ongoing projects such as clearing overgrowth, planting native species, and practicing responsible riverfront stewardship. You may see us working on-site—feel free to say hi! We offer 6 individual campsites with access to a shared riverfront. Private Booking: If you are interested in reserving the entire property for a private experience or group-camp, please contact us for availability. Toilets: There is a composting outhouse near the barn - guests have shared access. Water: There is no potable water on-site. We recommend bringing your own. Pets: Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Please clean up after them. Alcohol: Adults of legal drinking age may consume alcohol responsibly. No glass bottles are permitted. Firewood: Available for as add on/extra when booking. Location: The property is approximately five minutes from Pump Springs on Powell River Road. Parking: The gravel driveway leads into to a grass field with a designated parking area. Gate: Our entrance has a well-loved farm gate, and we are working on building a new one. Please close the gate behind you upon entering to help maintain privacy during your stay. Footwear: While the riverfront is glass-free, we recommend wearing river shoes or sandals for safety. Lifejackets are not required, please swim and float at your own risk. Fishing is permitted; however, proper licensure is required. For the safety of all guests, fishing is not allowed in the beachfront area where guests swim and walk. Please walk upstream or downstream before casting. Looking to add some excitement to your stay? Hiking, tubing, and shuttle services are available through Cumberland Gap Adventure Company. Message us if you're interested in turning your camping trip into an unforgettable outdoor experience!

4. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

100%

(21)

169 sites · Helenwood, Tennessee

Discover the rugged beauty of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

5. Daniel Boone National Forest

97%

(33)

619 sites · Whitley City, Kentucky

Waterfalls, arches, lakes, hiking—This massive national forest has all the recreation you could want

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. Anchor Down RV Resort

280 sites · Dandridge, TN

Discover the unparalleled charm of our luxury resort, uniquely situated on the stunning shores of Douglas Lake, where breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains create an idyllic backdrop for your getaway. With 170 meticulously designed sites, our campground offers an exceptional blend of comfort and natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for relaxation and adventure. Our resort features a range of luxurious amenities tailored to meet all your needs. Enjoy full hookups, spacious concrete pads, and well-maintained paved streets that enhance your camping experience. The bathhouse, equipped with private bathrooms, ensures your comfort and privacy during your stay. In addition to our top-notch facilities, the surrounding area boasts a wealth of outdoor activities, from swimming in pristine natural holes to hiking scenic trails. Explore nearby restaurants and shops that showcase the local culture, making your visit not just a stay, but a memorable experience. Make your reservation today and immerse yourself in the beauty and luxury of our resort!

7. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

88%

(7)

49 sites · Whitley City, Kentucky

These falls aren’t called “Niagara of the South” for nothin’.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

8. Big Ridge State Park

50 sites · Maynardville, Tennessee

Discover Big Ridge State Park's lush landscapes and outdoor adventures.

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

98%

(193)

621 sites · Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Forest trails link campsites with waterfalls and reminders of once-bustling Appalachian communities.

Public campgrounds in and near Norris Lake

Big Ridge Campground

50 sites · Tents, RVs · in Big Ridge State Park

88%

(7)

Cumberland Falls Campground

49 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

100%

(20)

Bandy Creek Campground

145 sites · Tents, RVs · in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Barren Fork Horse Camp

41 sites · in Daniel Boone National Forest

100%

(1)

Station Camp Horse Camp

24 sites · in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Grove Campground

16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Daniel Boone National Forest

Grove Boat-In Campground

31 sites · in Daniel Boone National Forest

White Oak Boat-In Campground

51 sites · in Daniel Boone National Forest

Holly Bay Campground

29 sites · Tents, RVs · in Daniel Boone National Forest

100%

(2)

Craigs Creek Group Campground

3 sites · in Daniel Boone National Forest

Bell Farm Horse Camp

5 sites · in Daniel Boone National Forest

83%

(6)

Look Rock Campground

68 sites · Tents, RVs · in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

C

Chad

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

This is the perfect little get away! Every time we have stopped they have been great and even flexible when our plans changed.

C

Chad

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

Great campground and awesome host. This campground is an awesome find. We loved the river side primitive camp sites. Just what we needed to Unplug and get away. If you are running the Kentucky Adventure Tour. This awesome place is right off the route! We will definitely be back! Thanks Again.

C

Charaya

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

This site was beautiful. Plenty of space, kind host, and perfect for relaxing.

T

Tyler

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Powell River Camp & Retreat

Great little gem! We always enjoy our time here plenty of space for everyone with sheltered bathroom to get away from the wet mornings

A

Alicia

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Powell River Camp & Retreat

Such an amazing spot! The hosts were so welcoming. We enjoyed a tubing trip through them and thoroughly enjoyed it. The camp site was nice and private with the peaceful sound of the river. Definitely recommend!

A

Aria

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Powell River Camp & Retreat

I’ve been camping on the Powell River regularly for 5 years and at this property for the last few months. This is one of my absolute favorite areas in Cumberland Gap. The water is so clean and breathtakingly beautiful. My son loves playing down by the river for hours—he and all his friends always leave completely content. Every time I wake up here, I feel like I’ve had some of the deepest, most nourishing sleep of my life. There’s something truly special and peaceful about this stretch of the river. Cumberland Gap Adventure Company is run by some of the best humans and I’m so grateful for all the experiences I’ve had here since they began stewarding this land. I can’t recommend this place and this company (and all they offer) enough! Be sure to check out their storefront too—they have excellent, high-quality gear.

A

Adam

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Powell River Camp & Retreat

We had a great time playing in the river! Beautiful sites with amazing back drop

B

Brittaney

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to LAKESIDE GETAWAY ON DOUGLAS

Great set up for a nice relaxing day on the water. The pavilion was perfect for our family get together. Will definitely book again.

T

Tyler

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Powell River Camp & Retreat

What amazing place on a beautiful river with big open field would be nice for events or big camping groups! Wonderful host with a wonderful place

A

Abigail

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

Amber and the crew were awesome! They helped us with anything that we needed and the campsite was beautiful! It was a little hot, but being by the river helped so much. We can’t wait to come back!

Jessica

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Powell River Camp & Retreat

Beautiful and peaceful! Even though our trip got cut short due to the weather, we absolutely loved staying here! Couldn't have asked for a better spot; on the river and secluded. We enjoyed floating the river and seeing different wildlife and just sitting by the campfire listening to the water. Hosts went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. Will definitely be back one day!

B

Ben

May 2025

Tent

3 nights at Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

Amber was a great host! Kept me updated regularly on the weather. Would love to come back to this quiet little river side place during the dry season. Had some bad storms but was kept updated by amber regularly. Even offered to move me to a different site. The site itself was nice. Right by the river. Perfect little getaway to do some fishing. Would definitely recommend this place to others.

S

Shane

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

It was overall a great experience. Wet weather put a twist on things but Amber was amazing at accommodating and making it work.

Z

Zach

April 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Powell River Camp & Retreat

We absolutely loved camping here right next to the river! We didn’t have our own tent and the host provided one for us and set everything up before we got there. They also included a few cast iron pans for cooking, a hammock and plenty of firewood. The tent was set up right next to the river with our own private fire pit.