Nothing disrupts the peace and tranquility of your family camping trip quite like the cries of “I’m bored!”. Thankfully, these fantastic campgrounds near Knoxville TN are so jammed packed with family-fun that boredom will be the last thing on your kids’ minds.
In addition to traditional camp favorites like hiking and fishing, the campgrounds below offer a variety of bonus activities, like swimming, storybook trails, playgrounds, ranger-led activities, and much more!
Dig in to the list below to find your perfect kid-friendly camping trip today!
Campgrounds Near Knoxville TN
All of the campgrounds below are just 1.5 hours’ driving distance from Knoxville or less. Their convenient locations mean that you can stay for the weekend or even just for the night, without feeling overwhelmed from a long drive.
Below you’ll find all the details about driving distance, ammenities, nearby activities, and more!
1. Big Ridge State Park
Address: 1015 Big Ridge Park Rd, Maynardville, TN
Distance: 30 minutes from downtown Knoxville
Campground Amenities at a Glance
- playground
- sandy swim beach
- hiking
- fishing
- kayaking and rowboat rentals
- sports fields
- cabin rentals
- electric available
- camp store on-site
The scenic Big Ridge State Park Campground sits on Norris Lake. Many lake-side campsites and hiking trails are available. This is one of the few parks that offer sports fields including tennis, volleyball, and more.
The ranger-led programs for kids are fantastic and include a variety of activities including crafts, animal encounters, and more.
2. David Crockett Birthplace State Park
Address: 1245 Davy Crockett Park Rd, Limestone, TN
Distance: 1 hour and 20 minutes from downtown Knoxville
Campground Amenities at a Glance
- playground
- swimming pool
- storybook trail
- hiking
- fishing
- kayaking
- historic buildings
- hot showers
- laundromat
- electric available
- camp store on-site
- ranger-led programs
David Crockett Birthplace State Park and Campground is a living history wonderland. The park is home to Davy Crockett’s historic birthplace homestead.
In addition to all the amenities listed above, the park hosts exciting living history reenactments and festivals throughout the year.
The campground is located along the gorgeous Nolichucky River and waterfront campsites are available.
3. Fall Creek Falls
Address: 2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, TN
Distance: 1 hour and 40 minutes from downtown Knoxville
Campground Amenities at a Glance
- playground
- swimming pool
- hiking
- fishing
- kayaking
- canopy challenge course
- free rock climbing (ranger-led)
- nature center/museum
- ranger-led programs
- golf course
- camp store on-site
- hot showers
Fall Creek Falls State Park and Campground sits along Fall Creek Lake. The park’s claim to fame is the stunning 256-foot waterfall it’s named after.
The park’s self-guided canopy challenge course, for visitors age 4 and up, features a series of ziplines and rope bridges. The course is supervised by staff members on the ground.
In addition to their everyday programming, this park hosts tons of festivals throughout the year, including July 4th and Halloween events.
4. Frozen Head State Park
Address: 964 Flat Fork Rd, Wartburg, TN
Distance: 1 hour from downtown Knoxville
Campground Amenities at a Glance
- playground
- hiking
- fishing
- creek wading
- hot showers
- historical homestead
- ranger-led educational programs
The ranger-led programs at Frozen Head State Park and Campground just can’t be beat. They offer arts and crafts, guided hikes, campfire stories, animal encounters, and more!
The hikes here also have a lot to offer including a fire tower and various waterfalls. Tours are also available at the Stonecipher-Kelly House. The home was built in 1814 and is the oldest standing home in Morgan County.
5. Hiwassee Ocoee State park
Address: 404 Spring Creek Rd, Delano, TN
Distance: 1 hours and 15 minutes from downtown Knoxville
Campground Amenities at a Glance
- playground
- river swimming
- kayaking
- tubing
- hiking
- fishing
- hot showers
- ranger-led programs
Hiwassee Ocoee is a fantastic campground for kids of all ages. It features several easy hiking trails, fishing, and swimming. There are also a variety of ranger-led educational programs that let kids get up close with animals like owls and snakes!
Many people head out in the river with kayaks and tubes, which you can launch at the campground’s boat ramp. Since no motorized boats are allowed, the section of the river by the boat ramp is also a popular swimming spot.
If your kids like trains, there is also a Tennessee Valley Railroad train stop at the entrance to the park.
6. Indian Boundary Campground and Recreation Area
Address: Cherohala Skyway, Forest Service Rd, Vonore, TN
Distance: 1 hour and 35 minutes from downtown Knoxville
Campground Amenities at a Glance
- sandy swim beach (with mountain views)
- kayaking
- hiking
- fishing
- hot showers
- camp store on-site
- electricity available
Indian Boundry’s most notable feature is the gorgeous swim beach, which is surrounded by mountains. What a view! The expansive camp store is also an added bonus. In addition to basic supplies, the store has a variety of food, including fun treats like ice cream.
This campground is part of Cherokee National Forest and does NOT offer any ranger-led educational programs.
This is one of the hottest campgrounds around so if you want to get in, you must book in advance!
7. Norris Dam State Park
Address: 125 Village Green Cir, Rocky Top, TN
Distance: 26 minutes from downtown Knoxville
Campground Amenities at a Glance
- swimming pool
- historic buildings and grist mill
- hiking
- fishing
- kayaking
- rental cabins
- Lenoir Museum
- ranger-led educational programs
Norris Dam State Park Campground offers stunning views of the Norris Reservoir.
Some of the best features of this park are the historic buildings, the museum, and the living history programs.
8. Panther Creek State Park
Address: 2010 Panther Creek Park Rd, Morristown
Distance: 45 minutes from downtown Knoxville
Campground Amenities at a Glance
- kayaking
- playground
- disc golf
- swimming pool
- hiking
- fishing
- ranger-led programs
- hot showers
- electric available
- WiFi
- laundromat
- camp store on-site
Panther Creek State Park and Campground is located along the shores of the stunning Cherokee Lake.
It offers a variety of ranger-led programs throughout the year, including many on the topic of wilderness survival.
9. Pickett CCC Memorial State Park
Address: 4605 Pickett Park Hwy, Jamestown, TN
Distance: 1 hour and 40 minutes from downtown Knoxville
Campground Amenities at a Glance
- playground
- sandy swim beach
- kayaking
- fishing
- hiking
- CCC museum
- hot showers
- electric available
In addition to all the fun features listed above, Pickett Memorial State Park is a certified dark sky viewing location, which means it’s an excellent spot for stargazing!
Due to a high level of bear activity at this location, this campground does have trash cans. You have to dispose of your trash at the entrance to the park.
10. Townsend / Great Smokies KOA
Address: 8533 TN-73, Townsend, TN
Distance: 45 minutes from downtown Knoxville
Campground Amenities at a Glance
- playground
- swimming pool
- river swimming
- rental cabins
- riverfront campsites
- planned festivals and events
- electricity available
The Townsend / Great Smokies KOA is a private campground that offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities.
In addition to what is offered onsite, you will also be a short drive from Cades Cove, the Townsend Wye, Little River Railroad Museum, The Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center, and so much more!
More East TN Family Fun
Erica has lived in East TN for over 10 years. She enjoys exploring this gorgeous region with her husband and 3 lively children. As a former teacher turned homeschool mom, she loves finding fun and affordable activities the entire family will love, especially if they cultivate a love for learning!