Please call for our pet policy. Big Ridge has three covered picnic shelters, each capable of accommodating 25 - 30 people. https://tnstateparks.com/parks/rock-island. This is probably due to its somewhat out-of-the-way location and limited camping options. Seven Islands State Birding Park Tennessee State Parks The lake is also stocked each year with walleye and striped bass that provide great sport and great table fare. Everyone will love the famed mile-long tunnel through a mountain. These include guided spring wildflower hikes, fall color pontoon boat rides, and Pickin in the Park, a free bluegrass festival in October. The track has some gradual inclines, but is well kept and has lots of shade. Its a major destination for camping and hiking enthusiasts, since the park connects to the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland State Park Trail. Camping in Knoxville, TN, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2023 | Hipcamp On land, the state park has 15+ miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, and visitors can also go horseback riding. - 8744 Chapman Highway 37920 (directions) . There is a small sitting area, which is pleasant, but nit worthwhile. Located right next to the freeway, the 673-acre park might seem small, but it packs quite a punch when it comes to camping and outdoor activities. 10 reviews 11 miles Raccoon Valley Campground - SKP Park - Heiskell, Tennessee This is an Escapees Membership Rainbow Park. Instead, the park is surrounded by a network of smaller . The shelters may be reserved for a fee. Panther Creek State Park is located on Highway 11 west of Morristown and borders Cherokee Lake. Fort Dickerson Park / Augusta Quarry - City of Knoxville Picnicking can be done by a water fountain that spouts in the middle of the park - quite attractive. Rocky Fork is probably the highest altitude park in the state and more than a mile of the Appalachian Trail runs through the park. Today, travelers camping at Carr Creek State Park can revel in this fascinating history while enjoying the rolling hills, dense pine forests, and 700-acre Carr Creek Lake. Cove Lake, which is surrounded by mountains, is a beautiful place to paddle. https://tnstateparks.com/parks/harrison-bay. No need to worry if you don't own a motorhome; you can book an RV in Union County and spend some time enjoying the natural beauty of Tennessee. In recent years there are several new ones, including Seven Island State Birding Park and Cummins Falls State Park. Which places provide the best nature & parks in Knoxville for travelers on a budget? As soon as you step foot in Amicalola State Park, you'll realize why it is one of Georgia's most popular. Fishing and boating are also popular, which can be enjoyed anywhere other than the designated swimming section. Pickett CCC Memorial State Park Located within a short drive of Jamestown, Pickett Park is another opportunity for getting back to fishing basics. In addition, your Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency stocks Cane Creek which is located near the George hole in the fall of the year and again in the spring and early summer months. (I believe they moved. Also note that the Cherokee National Forest is divided into northern and southern sections by the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. These trails are safe and well covered by fellow pedestrians, just might not be the best option after dusk. The lake is also known for producing large striped bass that are also known as rockfish. Crappie fishing has also improved over recent years on the lake with some being caught in excess of three pounds. Hidden away in the southern realms of these mountains is the picturesque Chimney Rock State Park. Find A Park Tennessee State Parks Camping available to lakes 20 or so miles away. Tennessee Campgrounds and RV Parks | I-75 Exit Guide Known for its majestic waterfall, Fall Creek Falls has abundant wildlife to observe and fantastic scenery. Please call the park office for reservations. Quiet, security, and lots of grassy areas to walk pets. Its also one of the only Knoxville-area state parks with backcountry camping. Its in Knox County, or most of it is, and theres 7 miles of hiking trails. No rentals are available, but you can bring your own kayak or canoe and launch directly onto the Nolichucky River. There Picnic tables and pavilion and grills of times past! Big Ridge State Park is located near Clinton, Corryton and Knoxville. Hotels near House Mountain State Natural Area: Restaurants near House Mountain State Natural Area: I also really love coming down the more longer. https://tnstateparks.com/parks/tims-ford. Once on the trails we met a couple of young guys who warned us that the trail we were on was soon to be almost vertical, and not to take the dog on that trail. Just a 30-minute drive from Knoxville, this heavily forested park sits on over 3,600 acres in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley range. Visitors can pitch a tent or bring their RV to camp as well as stay in the recently renovated park inn. Learn more on the location's website! https://tnstateparks.com/parks/pickwick-landing. - 7222 Martingale Drive 37849 (directions) For a dose of the areas history rooted in Appalachia, explore the Lenoir Pioneer Museum or the historic Rice Grist Mill. There are small restrooms located at the parking lot. Covering 21,000 acres, this scenic destination offers picnic areas, running/biking/horseback riding trails, and is also rich in Native American history. We enjoyed visiting. Dense forest, uncrowded hiking trails, and primitive campsites all lend to this vibe. Fort Loudoun State Park. Dang, that last shot gets us. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The statue is worth the visit. The bugs alone would be enough to deter me. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Tennessee Campgrounds and RV Parks Tennessee Campgrounds and RV Parks located within 10 miles of an I-75 exit are listed below. Camping Near Knoxville,Tennessee,US. Find a Free Campsite The lake has serious bass fishing available with quality smallmouth which are caught, regularly. Go to the Smokies for better hiking & much better views. - 11808 S. Northshore Drive 37922 (directions) Park Contact Info: 24 Office Drive. House Mountain was a staple of my childhood recreation, growing up just a couple miles from it's base in Corryton. Strenuous climb. Ive hiked it several times growing up, and enjoyed eating my sandwich at the top. HOUSE MOUNTAIN CLASS I SCENIC-RECREATIONAL STATE NATURAL AREA COUNTY: Knox OWNERSHIP: State of Tennessee 7.5' QUADRANGLE: John Sevier ACREAGE: 500 - (print map), Tommy Schumpert Park To get a feel of diverse camping, you can pay a visit to the cozy RV parks of Pigeon Forge. State Parks. - 5428 Strawberry Plains Pike 37914 (directions) It is a great location if you are looking for a spot close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Previous reviews rate this trail as a non technical and rewarding ride to the top. Living in Knoxville means access to 4,500 acres of green and open spaces and a short drive to many state and national parks. If youre an outdoor enthusiast, its hard to beat East Tennessees state parks. - (print map), Solway Park - 3206 Solway Road 37932 (directions), Knox County Sportspark If you are traveling in summer, the best spot to beat the heat is Norris Dam, State Park. Extended Stay America Hotels in Knoxville, Hotels near East Tennesse Historical Society, Hotels near McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, Hotels near Knoxville Institute of Hair Design, Hotels near Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville, Hotels near Regency Beauty Institute - Knoxville, Hotels near Paul Mitchell The School Knoxville, Things to do near House Mountain State Natural Area, Game & Entertainment Centers in Knoxville, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Knoxville, Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks in Knoxville, Observatories & Planetariums in Knoxville, Public Transportation Systems in Knoxville, Union County Museum and Genealogical Library, Visit Knoxville Visitors Center: Tickets & Tours. Several overlooks within the park provide breathtaking panoramas for over 80 miles, so book an RV in Rabun County and head over to the park for some motorhome camping with a view. Bedrooms contain two double beds and a sofa sleeper in the living room. Pack a picnic lunch or head to the park after work to catch the sunset! Big Ridge State Park was one of five demonstration parks developed in the 1930's by the Tennessee Valley Authority in cooperation with the National Park Service and the Civilian Conservation Corp as an example of public recreation development along TVA's Norris Lake. Knoxville's 4,500 acres of green and open spaces provide peaceful retreats and exciting recreation centers. The park has an extensive walking path as well as a path for bicycles. 6400 Fountain City Road 37918 (directions) Parks of the East region in Tennessee - America's Parks Best Free Camping in Tennessee - Campendium Edgar Evins State Park even rents cabins for those wanting a more refined stay. It's only a mile on the blue trail, but it gets awfully steep toward the end. while visiting Market Square and enjoyed walking the pathways and looking at to do walking, play on the play ground with kids, or utilize the abundant open spaces for playin Third creek has plenty of trees and wider paths to bring you into. This wildlife refuge offers views of the Smokey Mountains and eight miles of natural trails for hikers. Located on the Cherokee Reservoir, Panther Creek State Park is paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. In the park itself, theres a paved walking and biking trail, plus a nature trail through wetlands. Park amenities: separate hiking and mountain biking trails, 18-hole disc golf course, playground, boat ramp, gift shop (inside the visitor center), campground and camp store, venues for special events. There are many other nice state parks within a few hours drive from Knoxville, including Fort Loudoun State Park, Red Clay State Park, Warriors Path State Park, David Crockett Birthplace State Park, and Harrison Bay State Park. State Parks. I would highly recommend going and seeing this sight for anyone having a chance to make an even special or visit an event that is held there. My wife and I hook up our camper and take off when we can and camp a night or two in one of the local parks. Cove Lake State Park is just up I-75 at the Caryville-LaFollette exit and not but a half mile from the interstate. Weve done many similar adventures around the world (I work in the travel industry) and really like this one. The large sandy beach and swimming area are the parks star attractions. Come and discover the best activities and places to eat, drink, camp, and stay in the scenic Tennessee Highlands! Norris Dam - Located just a short drive from Knoxville, Norris Dam State Park boasts more than 4,000 acres of public land on Norris Lake. Reelfoot Lake Located in the Northwest corner of the State, Reelfoot Lake was formed by a series of earthquakes along the New Madrid Fault in the winter of 1811-12. - (print map), I.C. Also note that the Cherokee National Forest is divided into northern and . All the ones in this guide are within a 1.5-hour drive from downtown, and most are closer than one hour! The entrance is wide with a basic sign explaining the cave. The heavily forested, 3,687-acre park lies on the southern shore of TVA's Norris Lake in Union County, Tennessee. This state park is one of many in the region, and when you book an RV in Putnam County, youll be able to explore this park and more. It covers 829 acres of stunning, nature-filled, mountain wilderness in the Chattahoochee Nation Forest, with a lot of potential for outdoor adventure. Families can enjoy camping, birding, hiking, camping and the full-service marina also has boat rentals. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. Youth Sports; Adult Sports; Community Partners; . The small park is a peaceful retreat ideal for fishing, hiking, and camping. It doesnt take long to forget that you are that close to the city. - 10058 S. Northshore 379220 (directions) 1. Chattahoochee National Forest welcomes over 2.9 million visitors annually and relies heavily on its volunteers to maintain the 81-year-old property. Many people come to Panther Creek specifically to camp. Bring your fishing gear, because the Nolichucky is great for catching bass, bluegill, and catfish! Lake Powhatan -Located 2 hours from Knoxville near Asheville, NC Lake Powhatan is a beautiful campground bordering the 6,000-acre Bent Creek Experimental Forest. The park is easily accessible from towns such as London, Corbin, and Williamsburg, so it is no wonder that so many people choose to rent an RV in Whitley County. The park lake there was a former strip mine and there is camping, hiking, and picnic shelters. House Mountain State Natural Area (Knoxville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. This wildlife refuge offers views of the Smokey Mountains and eight miles of natural trails for hikers. Rangers lead guided hikes and full moon paddles, show movies in the park, and host other community events including campfires and arts and crafts. Best of all, between the Smokies, all the theme parks in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and the University of Tennessee, state parks near Knoxville typically don't get too crowded. This is a nice park right along the river. - 10901 S. Northshore Drive 37922 (directions) - (print map), The Cove at Concord Park Tennessee State Parks 57 State Parks Filter by Available Dates Select Dates Filter by Reservation Type All Reservation Types Camping Cabins Lodge Rooms Shelters Tours Access Permits Programs Golf Filter by Region All Regions West Middle East Central Reservations: 1-888-TN PARKS Daily 8am to 6pm Central Searching for the perfect spot. David Crockett Birthplace State Park also offers hiking and paddling. - 7752 Martin Mill Pike 37920 (directions) Although Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the crown jewel of East Tennessee, there are several awesome state parks near Knoxville worth exploring, too! Near Pickwick Landing is, also, Shiloh National Military Park known as one of the best-preserved Civil War sites in the nation. Don't bother with the west overlook unless it's winter, because you won't be able to see anything. Knoxville is only about a 35-minute drive to the south and offers many different restaurants and shopping. While it may seem unfair that two parks on Center Hill Lake make the list, Rock Island is known for excellent walleye fishing as the park is home to the spawning habitat for the fish in the early spring. RV Parks in knoxville, Tennessee | knoxville, Tennessee Campgrounds Tips to grow your RV rental business. It features a lake created by TVA prior to building Norris Dam and supplied power to that project. The 300-mile trail spans from Cumberland Gap to the Tennessee River Gorge near Chattanooga. Fourteen sit on the ridge. Required fields are marked *. These are a few of our favorite places to visit: Posted in: Buying a Home in Knoxville, Knoxville TN Real Estate Tagged: national parks tennessee, parks in east tennessee, smokey mountain national park, state parks knoxville tn, state parks tennessee, [] Knoxvilles proximity to areas such as Big South Fork National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park allow for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, breathtaking views, unique wildlife, and many other fun activities. 1145 Dry Gap Pike 37918 (directions) We heard that the other trail up, the West Overlook Trail, is shorted but is very steep the whole way up. The areas earliest settlers are said to have established a community here as early as the 1770s. Visitors can explore eight miles of trails, fish or paddle the river, or of course, go birding. North Carolinas western region is famous for its stunning mountains, many of which form part of the Appalachian Mountain Range. 4. The park simply has everything to offer from fishing for multiple species of fish, to hiking, biking, swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, birding, rock climbing, a canopy challenge course, environmental education programs, golf, and camping in both rustic style and RV spots. The park has several access points. Best of all, Frozen Head is generally much less busy than most other state parks near Knoxville.