Camping in Knoxville (Chattanooga, Maryville, Dandridge: work, hospital, moving to)

[heathdawn]

Hello everybody. I want to say thank you for all of the helpful information you have posted. I truly appreciate the honesty. And unfortionately I too am another Floridian coming to TN but with the great southern hospitality, how could I not?
Anyways on to me question, my family and I are coming to Chattanooga at the end of June for a marine corp get together and then we are headed to Knoxville the first week of July to narrow down a city to move in August. Are finances are tight and we were thinking we might camp out. Does anyone have any suggestions on campsites? Also do you think it will be too hot to tent camp?
Thanks for any input and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the moms.

[hiknapster]

It is not too hot to tent camp because the nights cool down much more than they do in Florida. I've done it in July in Chattanooga and it was wonderful!

As far as I know, there are not that many places that are close to Knoxville that you can tent camp.

This one is pretty close. It is near where I live. However, it is fairly close to the interstate and some big trucks that work nearby. It would probably do the trick, though.

The closest, after that, are in Lenoir or Townsend. There use to be a KOA in Kodak, but I think it closed.

Volunteer Park Family Campground in Knoxville Tennessee

[creeksitter]

There is Southlake campground on Maryville Pike - highway 33 at the blount county line. A little road noise but nothing like the interstate. TVA runs the pouland creek campground in Louisville.

[heathdawn]

Thank you both very much.

[hiknapster]

Just know that we tent camped when we researched moving to Tennessee. It was economical and fun! Happy camping!

[knoxgarden]

TVA has two campgrounds near Knoxville. One is at Melton Dam on the Clinck river. It's about 5 miles from West Knoxville. They have nice campsites right on the river. I've seen tents as well as RVs there. It's well patrolled.
TVA: Camping and Recreation Areas
North of Knoxville, there's Norris Lake, also with a TVA campground.
TVA: Camping and Recreation Areas
Campsites are $16 a night without hookups.
I've never actually stayed at these. They were part of my search to find a big pavillion for a plant swap. We did use the shelter at Melton Dam one year. That's a lovely place.

[heathdawn]

Well it is funny you posted that knoxgarden. I had just found the info for TVA. I think we are going to stay at the Douglas Dam for a few nights and then stay at the Cherokee Dam a few more. Does anyone have any suggestions are areas to show for groceries or check out land? I think we are leaning toward Dandridge, Strawberry Plains, New Market etc. Thanks again for the info.