The best safari tent rentals 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% (120)

Top-rated campgrounds

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% (120)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Camp LeConte

100%

(11)

36 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Gatlinburg, TN

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!

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. Firefly season glamping

88%

(4)

1 site · Lodging · Sevierville, TN

This ain’t the Ritz, but as far as glamping goes, this is as fancy as it gets. You will have a full bathroom with hot water, a rainfall shower head, and a normal toilet. Our plumbing is just like that of a regular house. The tent has split unit air conditioning /heat. Relax by the fire table, take in the stars, take a ride down to the lake access, enjoy boat ramp access, and the romance of a night under canvas in a comfy bed. It doesn’t get more Insta-gram than this! Escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with our glamping tent.Nestled in a serene natural setting, our tent offer the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. Come Enjoy firefly season!! BEFORE YOU BOOK: 1. Guest Must be 21+ Years to Rent 2. During winter, the tent can be cold as it is not insulated. However, we provide portable heaters and heated blankets to keep you warm. 3. When you go glamping, it's important to remember to bring bug spray. Glamping is a luxurious form of camping, but that doesn't mean you won't encounter bugs. So, it's always better to be prepared and have bug spray on hand to make your experience more enjoyable. 4. The glamping site is located alongside the road. 5. There are some twigs falling on the roof of the glamping from a tree above, which can be a startling noise.

Stories from the community

A

Alexi

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp LeConte

Soooo cute! :] definitely hope to be back next time we visit the area. Everything was absolutely clean. great indoor showers, bathroom, and even laundry right by the campsite. Electric fireplace to keep warm. We even received our key to lock the door to our glamp tent. Play area for kids, pool, and a little shop. So many of those things and more that we did not expect. It was much better than advertised. Thank you for all the attention to detail! We had a great comfy trip!

A

Anel

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Firefly season glamping

We had a fantastic stay here. The amenities were perfect, especially the shower. The area was also very quiet. Would definitely come back!

M

Maxx

March 2025

1 night at Firefly season glamping

This little set up was great! Surrounding area was quiet and the amenities were awesome!

Other options in and near Norris Lake

Star Gazer Stays Glamping Village

3 sites · Sevierville, TN

The Stargazer Stays Glamping Village is located along a nature reserve, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Village is the perfect setting for those looking to escape the chaos of city living and reconnect with the great outdoors. Our Copernicus Luxury tent brings you closer to nature with all the comforts of home! Our village is the epitome of 'done for you' glamping. All you need to bring are your clothes, light toiletries and food. This spacious glamping tent can accommodate up to 5 guests with 2 separate sleeping spaces. Guests can choose between a sleeping area outfitted with a queen sized bed, or a second sleeping area equipped with a single bed and one bunk bed. The Copernicus Glamping Tent features an extra level of privacy with wooden walls separating the living spaces. All of our tents are equipped with a mini split HVAC system to ensure your temperature controlled comfort. An open living, dining and kitchen area provides you and your guests with the perfect space for meals and entertainment. The Kitchen is minimally stocked with dishes, silverware, glasses and mugs and feature a microwave and a Keurig (coffee pods included). Prefer to have someone else brew your coffee? Join us at The Heavenly Roast coffee shop with the included $10 gift card and let us pour you a cup of freshly brewed cup of Joe! The attached veranda creates a comfortable space to socialize in nature, with ample outdoor seating. Each tent also features a deluxe park grill. You and your guests can also enjoy the community fire pit, hot tub and lawn games! We've even included popcorn and a s'mores kit. We feature an online store stocked with camping essentials and souvenirs that are delivered to your tent. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a girl's weekend, or even a family vacation in the Smokies the Luxury Copernicus tent will meet your needs.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best safari tents 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.