The best cave campgrounds in Norris Lake

For campers who want cave adventures around Norris Lake, you have over 340 options to choose from—each offering access to underground passages and rugged shoreline. Average nightly rates sit at $30, but you can snag a spot for as little as $15. Expect showers, campfires, and pet-friendly policies at most sites. Wildlife-watching, fishing, and horseback-riding are big draws here. Top picks include Patrick's Point River Camp (473 reviews), Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground (434 reviews), and Harmony hollow (285 reviews). You’ll find campsites tucked near limestone bluffs and hidden cave entrances, ideal for exploring below ground or relaxing lakeside after a day’s adventure.

97% (1.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

For campers who want cave adventures around Norris Lake, you have over 340 options to choose from—each offering access to underground passages and rugged shoreline. Average nightly rates sit at $30, but you can snag a spot for as little as $15. Expect showers, campfires, and pet-friendly policies at most sites. Wildlife-watching, fishing, and horseback-riding are big draws here. Top picks include Patrick's Point River Camp (473 reviews), Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground (434 reviews), and Harmony hollow (285 reviews). You’ll find campsites tucked near limestone bluffs and hidden cave entrances, ideal for exploring below ground or relaxing lakeside after a day’s adventure.

97% (1.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Harmony hollow

95%

(375)

6 sites · Tents, RVs · Sevierville, TN

Learn more about this land: Hi and thanks so much for checking out the Harmony Farm . Things available you can enjoy here onsite are a small (seasonal) splash pool , a small take one leave one library , fresh organic vegetables (free) when in season , fresh eggs when available , trails with scenic views , abundant wildlife and natural springs , an outdoor macrame swing , two person hammock , forageable firewood , morels , a hot outdoor showers and EXTRA LARGE sites, . We are conveniently located minutes from Pigeon Forge TN. Home of and only 5 miles from Dollywood and 13 minutes from a super Walmart Incase you forget something . Only a short 30 minute drive gets you to the Great Smoky Mountains national park. I will be happy to share the scenic route . Greenbrier Tn. one of the first settlements here in the National park is only a scenic 30 minute scenic drive from the farm which will takes you through the arts and crafts community while avoiding the hectic hustle and bustle of town . While visiting Greenbrier you can find a picnic area near the river and an outdoor pavilion with a large grill for your special events located there . Several trail heads are located there in the Greenbrier community including Brushy Mountain trail Old settlers trail (several old settlements can easily be found here) Porters Gap trail. There are too many local attractions to list within 15 to 25 minute drive , from horseback riding . tubing, rafting , smoky mountain gravity park to shopping outlet malls . READ !! Be sure to check mypigeonforge.com , pigeonforge.com or gatlinburg.com to find all the local special events calenders as there is at times ALOT of heavy traffic you may not be prepared for . You're welcome . Discounted rides at local riding stables upon request depending on availability . We are accepting tents, hammocks, trucks, with campers, camper vans and pop up campers welcomed also .Small tear drop types ok . We do have sites set up for you or you may prefer to pack your gear out to create your own site in a more secluded areas of the farm . There are many private areas along the creek side for your primitive camp on our 80 acre horse farm. Hike to the back of the farm to watch a sunset over the horse field or down by the stream . Lots of wildlife and scenery at the farm . You will find the laundromat and food venues just minutes away. you can still feel off grid with just a short stroll by the stream that babbles along throughout the 80 acres you will be able to make your playground while visiting the Harmony Farm. Come stay with us as we grow our hip community. Thanks so much for your support.

2. Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

98%

(634)

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.

3. Patrick's Point River Camp

99%

(656)

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

Looking for a quiet peaceful camp on 212 acres in the Appalachians Mountains along side the Upper Cumberland River under a canopy of shade trees? We offer WIFI, hot showers, restrooms, kayaks, shuttle service, hiking trail, horse trail, wildlife stands, electric, water, easy access to the river, 130’ x 100’ covered pavilion, tent camping, cabins, RV sites, and much more. Whether you are looking for a unique swimming hole location, a place to go fishing, kayak access, hiking trails or just a quiet place to enjoy your morning cup of coffee, we promise you will not be disappointed. You may wish to lay in a hammock along the river or under our covered 100 x 130 pavilion. We also have a beautiful creek to explore, very secluded and off the beaten path with lots of wildlife to enjoy. In addition to our relaxing atmosphere, this camp will also give you and your loved ones an incredible view to enjoy throughout your stay. Only 15.0mi via KY-90W by vehicle or 14mi by kayak to Cumberland Falls State Park with many hiking trails. One of the oldest original homesteads in the area, for nearly 150 years this gem has been in the family. We have shared it with many people over the years and would love to share it with you! These beloved woods are the remaining part of the once vast, Patrick homestead-started soon after the Revolutionary War. Our family ties and our roots grow very deeply along this river and these woods-we've been born and raised here and continue to strive to be good stewards of these lands. Pristine woods, trails, river access, and more! Located in the heart of the Appalachian and on the bank of the Upper Cumberland River. A truly tranquil place to enjoy exclusively, or to use as a basecamp for the unlimited adventures possible in this scenic area. Welcome and enjoy!

Public campgrounds in and near Norris Lake

75%

(4)

Panther Creek Campground

50 sites · Tents, RVs · in Panther Creek State Park

100%

(0)

Flat Fork Campground

8 sites · in Frozen Head State Park

Trails are clearly marked. We did wonder if we were on the correct trail to Bird Mountain campsite, but once we got up the Castle Rock, there was a sign pointing out the way!

100%

(2)

Big Cove Campground

22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Frozen Head State Park

Barren Fork Horse Camp

41 sites · in Daniel Boone National Forest

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

Stories from the community

A

Aly

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

This was perfect. You can walk to the water and fish, the portapotty is close to all the camp sites and she gets them cleaned weekly. We drove our truck to the site and the person next to us had an SUV and we had zero trouble getting to site. Banks end looked like the best site since it has the whole end to itself and closest to the water. Sites are well separated and a good space for group camping! Lots of add ons offered by the host from eggs to fishing bait and she delivers your firewood. Close to Cumberland falls and was just an hour and a half drive from Knoxville for a weekend get away!

A

Abbie

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Harmony hollow

Beautiful views, amazing location,! It couldn't have been simpler.

Courtney

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Harmony hollow

Harmony Hollow was a cute and comfortable weekend getaway. The campground is close to the parkway but set back so it feels like you're in a remote area. You can hear the traffic noise, but the road isn't really visible from the campsites. Harmony Hollow campground is essentially a big field with 3-4 campsites around the outside and a big open space in the middle. You will definitely see your neighbors unless you hike out to set up a primitive site on the property, but if you do then you will likely be visited by the horses. The bathhouse with toilet, shower and sink was a nice amenity. There was no toilet paper supplied but thankfully we brought our own. The shower is not well lit so bring a lantern if you want to shower after dark. The firewood shed was not stocked, but it is the end of the season so perhaps not much demand.

Adam

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the campground. Everything was as described and expected. The host was awesome and very attentive. There was a Chili Cook-Off and Halloween party going on while we were there and it was so much fun. I would highly recommend this location to anyone. We will definitely be coming back many times in the future.

T

Terresa

October 2025

16 ft car

With kids

6 nights at Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

I spent a week on Amber's beautiful land. It is a very peaceful location and Amber was a wonderful host. The river itself is beautiful to look at but shallow and very silty so not great for kids wanting to swim or play in the water. I would absolutely come back.

C

Cassandra

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

The host was beyond amazing ~ and her place was nothing short of that. Sycamore Cove is a beautiful retreat on the Cumberland River, but still very easily accessible without 4-wheel drive long as you have a lick of sense. I highly recommend staying here, and I highly recommend the experiences that are offered, as well as those farm fresh eggs...she has a genuine love for her animals and takes such good care of them ~ I will definitely be back, and in the meantime, I will be singing her praises 🏕 5 out of 5 stars 🌟

Richard

October 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

Very beautiful property the host was very easy to get a hold of and quick to reply. I would definitely recommend to anybody who is looking for a camp spot in the area! thanks again!

M

Morgan

October 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

Great views, no one else was camping (in tents) when we were there. Directions to get to property were clear. The path was grown up towards the end and some maintenance would be nice. Bathrooms were clean. Overral very happy with our stay!

T

The Rooted

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Harmony hollow

This was a beautiful spot. This was our second stay here and we will likely be back.

A

Ann

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Harmony hollow

Welcoming, simple and Peaceful! Loved the shower and other amenities

Christina

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Harmony hollow

We really only slept here! But it was very pretty and quiet despite proximity to the road. It was super accessible from Gatlinburg/PF. The toilet/shower was great! We did worry we were bothering the people in the little cabin each time we started the pump. We noticed upon our arrival the firewood area wasn’t stocked, but some time over that first night wood appeared. The two little solar-powered lights in our site did not work, and none of the tiki torches would light. Something splashed around in the creek a couple times, but no crazy wildlife encounters.

K

Kayla

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

Sycamore Cove is a spectacular site; right on the river, private, peaceful, it’s a little a slice of paradise. Although primitive there are facilities close by, and they deliver your firewood right to your campsite. Highly recommend staying here !

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.

Karrie

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

Amber's property was a breath of fresh air! Taking a break with my cat Sparkie at her campsite was just what we needed along our travels. My own personal camp site was delightful and fully equipped with picnic tables, a relaxing swing chair, and a perfect little hideout between the trees. It was such a nice surprise that she offers a fully equipped bathroom and hot shower. Also she recommended I take a walk by the river even though my campsite was not by the river which made for a lovely evening stroll. Amber is warm and welcoming and her property is peaceful and beautiful. Thank you for your Hospitality Amber!

Chris

September 2025

37 ft travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

We had a great time. Lots to do in the area. We went kayaking, hiking, biking, and even went to the casino one night.

G

Grant

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

Amber and Mike provided an above and beyond experience! Thank you again for all the help and a great trip!

C

Crystal

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

I loved the quietness of the area so relaxing and not many sites so you aren't packed in... the bath house was super clean and comfy too... we got to feed the chickens scraps the owner talked With us and was super nice... I brought my kids and although not much to do for kids they made the best of it and had fun... someone left a kite by our tent when we arrived back. Hoping to return next time when camping in the area..

B

Billy

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

Beautiful place The host is awesome I give it 5 🌟 Highly recommended Thanks for the hospitality