Spring is going to be here before we know it, and you know what that means: camping weather! Spring is the perfect time to take the RV out and enjoy the picturesque scenery and Smoky Mountain lake views of Jefferson County, in East Tennessee. Here is everything you need to know about RV camping in Jefferson County, TN, from campgrounds to can’t-miss activities!

WHY RV CAMPING IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, TN?

Jefferson County is known as the Lakeside of the Smokies as we are nestled between two beautiful lakes in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Cherokee Lake is to the north, and Douglas Lake borders to the south.  These lakes offer many fun outdoor activities throughout the year including swimming, paddleboarding, boating, and fishing. Rent a boat or jet ski from one of the many marinas to enjoy a day out on the water where you will make memories for a lifetime. 

If you’re wanting to see what East Tennessee fishing is all about, both Douglas and Cherokee Lakes have been named top 100 bass lakes by Bassmaster and are home to some of the Southeast’s best fishing year-round.  Find tips on seasonal fishing tactics or spend a day with a local fishing guide who can show you all the one on one tips from a professional angler!

If you’re looking for great things to do off the water, there are a number of other outdoor activities that you and your family can enjoy as well. Jefferson County, TN, is home to three golf courses, and whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you can play the game while enjoying the cool spring air and gorgeous mountain views. If you like hiking, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just a short drive away. The national park offers 50 hikes and a total of over 800 miles of trails for you to explore. If hiking isn’t really your thing but you still want to experience the breathtaking spring scenery in the mountains, don’t worry! There are many driving trails that will take you through the mountains and around the foothills of East Tennessee.  No matter how you like to experience the great outdoors, there’s no better way to do it than by camping in Jefferson County!

In addition to recreational activities, come park your RV at one of our many lakeside campgrounds and check out some of the great springtime events going on in Jefferson County!  There are several Bass fishing tournaments taking place on both Douglas and Cherokee Lakes throughout the year that feature world class professional anglers from acround the world!  There are also several local festivals and craft expos that showcase our heritage and our unique towns. Use our events section to see what events may be in our area during your stay.

RV CAMPGROUNDS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, TN

When you are looking for a place to stay in Jefferson County during your East Tennessee vacation, check out our lakeside campgrounds and RV resorts. They are the perfect place for your spring vacation retreat, allowing you to enjoy nature away from the hustle and bustle of your busy life.

Anchor Down RV Resort is a premier RV Resort located on Douglas Lake in Dandridge, TN. This RV campground has over 160 campsites with sweeping lake and mountain views. Each campsite comes with a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, picnic table, water, electric, sewer, and cable hookups. The campground’s bathhouse has private bathrooms and laundry facilities. There is also a playground, sandy beach with a designated swimming area, and boat ramp all available for your use. The resort’s swimming pool features water slides and splash pad area! Anchor Down is convenient to area attractions including Historic Dandridge, Dollywood, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Cherokee Dam Campground is a TVA campground in Jefferson City, TN. This campground is located on the shores of Cherokee Lake and offers beautiful lake and mountain views from each campsite. This campground has 44 campsites, and all but five of them have both electrical and water hookups to meet your RV camping needs. Each campsite also has a picnic table and a fire pit with a grill attachment. The campground bathhouse offers full running water amenities.  Cherokee Dam Park is located just next to the campground and has a pavilion that is perfect for picnics. A sandy beach and lake swimming area, miles of walking trails, and a public boat ramp can all be found here as well.

Point Resort Marina and Campground is conveniently located in Historic Dandridge, TN, just 30 minutes from Dollywood, Gatlinburg, and Knoxville.  This resort has so much to offer families who are looking for a great Smoky Mountain lake vacation.  They have a full-service marina that has boat and water-craft rentals, as well as a full-service restaurant; and you won’t want to miss visiting their Lakeside Café that features live music throughout the summer!  Each campsite has full hookups and is on city sewer and water. They also have bathrooms and showers for guests.  The Point Resort is just a short walk from Historic Downtown Dandridge, Tennessee’s second oldest town, which has unique shopping, dining and historic sites.

Swann’s Marina and Campground is located just 1 mile off exit 424 of Interstate 40 through Tennessee. From pontoon and jon boat rentals to fisherman and lakeside cabins, Swann’s Marina has it all. The Millstone Restaurant, a restaurant located onsite, boasts wholesome, regional food that is “prepared and served with passion and integrity”. If you’re looking for a peaceful and scenic getaway, Swann’s Marina in Dandridge is a perfect match for you.

Fancher’s Campground & Cabins is located right on the shores of Douglas Lake in Dandridge, TN. This makes it a great spot for fishing and all sorts of other lakeside fun. This campground has a kid-friendly swimming pool with sun veranda for soaking up the spring sunshine. You will also have access to the recreation room, which houses both billiards and ping pong. If you choose to bring your boat with you, there is access to a boat ramp and marina. The campground bathhouse has showers, flush toilets, and laundry facilities for your convenience. The RV campsites have all the standard utility hookups. A fishing pond is located at the campground as well, which is the perfect place for teaching your little ones how to fish.

BRING THE RV TO JEFFERSON COUNTY

Spring is getting close, and with the new season comes warmer weather perfect for RV camping! It’s time to start planning your family’s spring break vacation in East Tennessee. You and your family will have a blast camping in a place where you can enjoy both lakeside and mountain fun. The Lakeside of the Smokies offers the best of both worlds, making it the obvious choice for your spring vacation. Start making your East Tennessee vacation plans today and visit Jefferson County, TN!

Please note: Please call the RV park and/or campground of your choice to confirm any potential updates due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jefferson County is working hard to reduce the risk and spread of the virus, and businesses in our area have been highly encouraged to follow the guidelines set forth by the Tennessee Pledge for reopening, as well as the guidelines set by the TN Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you choose to travel to our area, we hope you do so responsibly!