The best great views campgrounds in Norris Lake

A 34,000-acre reservoir on the Powell and Clinch rivers, Norris Lake is 30 miles northwest of Knoxville. Campgrounds and marinas surround the lake, so access to watersports and fantastic bass fishing is a breeze for campers, while surrounding state parks spotlight East Tennessee’s mountain-and-river terrain and its Appalachian culture. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed several of these state parks during the Great Depression, and CCC-built facilities are still in use today. Glamping options include farm sites, canvas tents, and tiny homes—and birdwatching and hiking are popular no matter where you stay nearby.

99% (1.4K) • 108 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Norris Lake

A 34,000-acre reservoir on the Powell and Clinch rivers, Norris Lake is 30 miles northwest of Knoxville. Campgrounds and marinas surround the lake, so access to watersports and fantastic bass fishing is a breeze for campers, while surrounding state parks spotlight East Tennessee’s mountain-and-river terrain and its Appalachian culture. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed several of these state parks during the Great Depression, and CCC-built facilities are still in use today. Glamping options include farm sites, canvas tents, and tiny homes—and birdwatching and hiking are popular no matter where you stay nearby.

99% (1.4K) • 108 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Norris Lake

1. Ellis Cove

96%

(136)

5 sites · RVs · Pittman Center, TN

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. Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

98%

(639)

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. Rock Bottom Horse Camp

99%

(81)

19 sites · Tents, RVs · Ewing, VA

Rock Bottom Horse Camp welcomes all campers—no horse required! Our peaceful farm sits right alongside Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, offering stunning mountain views and easy access to the outdoors. The White Rocks trailhead is close enough to walk to and is a favorite for both hikers and horseback riders, leading to some of the most beautiful overlooks in the region. Guests enjoy sweeping views of White Rocks right from the campground, along with the convenience of being just minutes from Highway 58—perfect for a scenic getaway or a comfortable overnight stop while traveling. For those bringing horses, our equine-friendly setup makes it easy to trailer in, enjoy a long ride on the park’s trails, and settle in for a relaxing night at camp.

4. 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

5. Over The Hill Farm

98%

(44)

3 sites · RVs · Maryville, TN

Magestic 21 acre farm with mountain views. Single campsite far off the road with outdoor dining table, fire ring, water, sewer, and 50 amp electrical service. Near to all that Maryville has to offer. Maryville College is 10 minutes away. About 20 minutes from Townsend (the peaceful side of the Smokies). 55 minutes from Pigeon Forge and the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Knoxville airport is 25 min away.

6. 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!

7. Hiker's Rest at Hickory Hollow

99%

(46)

11 sites · Tents, Lodging · Cosby, TN

As a two time hiker of the Appalachian Trail, my wife Julie and I have a dream of helping fellow hikers and those that wish to experience the outdoors in various ways. The area is close to many points on the trail as well as access to water sports. Julie is a great resource if you are interested in a short day hike or long-distance hiking.

8. GlampVentures | river + hike +kayak

100%

(57)

5 sites · Lodging · White Pine, TN

🌄🌿 Your Ultimate Mountain Escape Awaits! 🚣‍♀️🐟🥾 Welcome to our secluded slice of mountain paradise, tucked away at the end of the road on the breathtaking Nolichucky River, right near the majestic Smoky Mountains. 🏞️✨ 🏕️ Your Adventure Haven: Choose from four unique off-grid accommodations, each thoughtfully furnished for your comfort and relaxation during your next thrilling escapade! All built by us with the help of family and using lumber milled by us from our property.🌳🏕️ 🚣‍♀️ Set your sights on an abundance of on-site activities, including kayaking, fishing, hiking, and bird/wildlife watching. Nature's playground awaits you right at your doorstep! 🛶🎣🚶‍♀️ 🌟 Unleash Your Inner Explorer: Venture beyond our property to a world of wonder! Experience the thrill of a Drive Thru Safari Park, enjoy tastings at a charming vineyard, embark on an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip, get lost in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains or never leave the property and unplug!! 🐆🍷🚣‍♂️🏔️ 🎢 Adventure Around Every Corner: The excitement doesn't end there! Discover the magic of Dollywood, explore nearby State Parks, and uncover even more hidden gems in the vicinity. 🎡🌳 Your mountain getaway dreams are about to come true! Book now and let the adventure begin! 🌄🏕️

9. Gray Hills

100%

(12)

8 sites · Tents, RVs · Gray, KY

**NOTICE - Please note that we will be wrapping up the season early and closing from November 1 through February 28, with a tentative re-opening date of March 1. During this time, we’ll be working on exciting updates and improvements—stay tuned!** 150 acres of raw, peaceful beauty tucked in the Appalachian foothills—just 20 minutes off I-75 near Corbin in southeast Kentucky, but a world away. Gray Hills is a primitive escape for families, friends, and solo wanderers alike—designed to quiet the chaos, steady the soul, and focus on what truly counts. Our sites are surrounded by rolling hills, quiet woods, and big skies. Choose your experience: Pondside – Camp by the water where frogs sing at dusk and mist rises at dawn. Ideal for fishing, relaxing, or spotting wildlife. Bring your own kayak or rent one on site (availability varies). Hilltop – Secluded, breezy, and wide-open, with stunning sunrise and sunset views. Feels like the edge of the world. All sites are primitive—no hookups, no concrete, just fire pits, natural trails, and the kind of peace that gets into your soul. Our dirt roads are a little bumpy to keep speeds safe. The campsites, trails, and key spots are kept cleared—the rest stays wild for the deer, turkey, and everything else that lives here (yes, bugs too—bring your repellent!). A nearby train also runs on its own schedule—it’s part of the holler charm. If you love it rugged, real, and peaceful, join us at Gray Hills where you can breathe deep and stay wild! Need help finding your ideal campsite? Let us guide you! Best sites for fishing - 1, 2, 3 Best site for kayak launch - 2 Best sites for most seclusion - 4, 6, 7, 8 Best sites for RVs/campers - 3, 5 Best sites for campervans - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Best for large groups - 3, 6, 7 Best sites for stargazing - 5, 6, 7, 8 Best sites for sunsets - 2, 6 Best sites for sunrises - 7, 8 Best sites for hammock camping - 2, 3, 4, 8 Shaded sites - 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 Sunny sites - 5 (no shade), 6 (some shade), 7 (no shade) Best sites to Breathe Deep and Stay Wild - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Leah

2 weeks ago

21 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Ellis Cove

If you're okay with it being a little outside of town, this is a great place. Very quiet, clean and a very pretty open view. A gorgeous creek flowing and a very well built bridge to get into the campground. Lots of deer. All around we were impressed. Would be nice to have wifi but it definitely wasn't a deal breaker for us. Though trash needs to be picked up a little more often. Would definitely recommend to others.

MarkJulie

2 weeks ago

22 ft campervan

2 nights at Ellis Cove

Great location. Easy access. Very clean and well kept sites. Would def stay again!

D

Diego

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

Very secluded and right next to the river. Cabin was good size for 2.

H

Heather

3 weeks ago

29 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Over The Hill Farm

Helpful hosts, loaned us a 50 amp adapter. Narrow gravel road up a hill with steep drop on one side. Might need 4x4 if hauling heavy unit in wet weather. Very nice to have full hookups, close to Bronco Off-Rodeo.

C

CJ

December 2025

19 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

Very nice and welcoming! Very secluded but they have a lot to offer. We took a morning walk down to the river and our pup loved it!

Vic

December 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Rock Bottom Horse Camp

this site was incredible. it was easy to find, the views were unbeatable and the amenities were a life saver. the hot shower was fast but appreciated, the dump station is convenient and there is a lot of nature to explore if you have the time. i will definitely be back!

C

Chad

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

Great campsite for overlanders. Great family owned campground and they will deliver firewood directly to your campsite. We have stayed here a few times now! We love it.

C

Chad

November 2025

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.

E

Elise

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

I had a great time camping here. Amber’s communication was wonderful and the property was beautiful. The river and bird sounds were very relaxing!

L

Lauren

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Rock Bottom Horse Camp

My girlfriend and I absolutely loved staying here, so peaceful and quiet and we had the best host! Definitely one of the most beautiful places to go camp with you family! I highly recommend going here.

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.

A

Autumn

November 2025

26 ft Class C

With kids

Weekend Trip to Over The Hill Farm

We just needed a place to stay for the night while passing through Tennessee. I always search out the more private places and this one was perfect. Nice size level lot for a rv. Enjoyed watching the cows that evening and the landscape is beautiful. Will definitely stay here again when passing through

w

wdaugherty01@gmail.com

November 2025

10 ft campervan

2 nights at Over The Hill Farm

We had a great time hanging out and relaxing on the property. The campsite was nice and level and had beautiful views. We planned to camp 2 nights, but the weather said otherwise. We would have been perfectly happy camping multiple nights. The electrical hookup, water, and string lights were a game changer. We felt spoiled. I normally camp off grid, so the amenities were extra nice. The property isn't far from the general population, but it feels secluded. We look forward to returning. *Just something to note. The owners live on the property and use the gravel drive next to the campsite. They also have a dog on the property that barked some at night. We've camped at heavily traveled campsites and have camped around coyote's that howled all night. This wasn't that big of an issue. We had a great experience.

R

Ray

November 2025

22 ft pop-up camper

1 night at Over The Hill Farm

Serenity Hills was a great location, very secluded, with beautiful views. The site was situated nicely with cool little extras. Rebekah was very accommodating and easy to work with.

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.

J

Jeffery

November 2025

21 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Patrick's Point River Camp

The owner Patrick, was very polite, and informative. Made us feel welcomed the minute we arrived. Checked on us periodically to see if we needed anything. The location is beautiful, well kept,and spacious. Can't say anything negative about my stay at all..

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.

j

jenna

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hiker's Rest at Hickory Hollow

Loved camping on Jonathan and Julie's land. Super welcoming and helpful. Down to earth and their property is really beautiful. Close to great hikes and trails

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.

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!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best great views camping in Norris Lake guide

Where to go

Anderson County

Campgrounds are scattered along the shoreline beside Norris Dam, which sits at the southwestern edge of the lake in Anderson County. Small towns with camping, glamping, and RV sites include Rocky Top, Norris, and Andersonville.

Norris Dam State Park

The 19 cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps at Norris Dam State Park merge Depression-era history with modern amenities. The sprawling lakefront park also has two campgrounds, both with tent and RV campsites. A marina and a Southern Appalachia museum are bonus highlights.

Big Ridge State Park

Lakeside campsites accommodate tents and RVs at Big Ridge State Park, another Depression-era park constructed by the TVA and the CCC. Watersports are popular here, but hikers have plenty of options too, with 15 miles of trails exploring the forests, hollows, and ridges. Campgrounds are also scattered across the towns of Maynardville and New Tazewell.

Knoxville

Tennessee’s capital and the home of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a convenient launchpad for campers looking to mix urban adventuring with paddling and fishing at Norris Lake. In Knoxville, ride the elevator to the observation area atop the soaring Sunsphere, then check out the quarry and the nature center inside the Urban Wilderness, a network of parks and multi-use trails scattered across the city. Campgrounds surround the downtown area.