Norris Dam Camping
Notification Alert

Campgrounds Closed for Renovations

Norris Dam State Park

The East and West Campgrounds are currently closed for renovation with an intended reopening in 2026. 

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Trailhead Temporarily Closed Due to Construction

Norris Dam State Park

Due to construction associated with the campground renovation on the west side of the park, the trailhead at the Canteen Camp Store is currently inaccessible.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and please contact the park office if you have any questions.

  • view of camping area with a picnic table with containers on top, a tent and a lounge chair surrounded by trees
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    Reservations

    1-888-867-2757
    1-888-TN-PARKS
    Downloads
    Norris Dam Campground Map (3.53 MB)
    Reserve a Campsite

    Camping at Norris Dam

    Norris Dam State Park is located in the rolling hills of East Tennessee along the shores of Norris Lake, about 30 minutes north of Knoxville. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking throughout the park, with easy access to the lake for water-based recreation. 

    Camping options include two campgrounds with sites for tents and RVs offering water and electric hookups, and tent-only primitive camping. The park also offers two backcountry sites that require a hike in.

    • Empty campsite with bare trees and a dirt clearing.
    • Empty campground with picnic tables, trees, and a dirt road on a clear day.
    • Gravel path leading to a pavilion surrounded by bare trees.
    • Gravel path in wooded park, picnic table, and empty fire pit.
    • Green field with picnic table, mist over distant hills, sunny sky.

    Norris Dam East Campground

    Tent & RV

    The east campground is located just outside the historic district of Norris Dam State Park that was established in the late 1930s by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). It offers campsites with water and electric hook-ups and a bathhouse with hot showers. Please note that campsites 4-25 are in full or partial sun and located under TVA power lines. 

    Primitive tent-only campsites: The east campground also offers 10 primitive tent-only campsites, in a mostly shaded forested area, with no water and electric hook-ups.

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    Directions: From I-75 take Exit 128 (Rocky Top) and turn left onto US-441 S (Hwy. 61) for 3.7 miles, passing the west park entrance and Norris Dam Marina. After crossing Norris Dam, take the second left at the stone entrance sign for Norris Dam State Park.  Follow the narrow road and turn right after Shelter #2 and follow the signs to the east campground. 

    • Camper parked among lush green trees in a sunny campsite.
    • Minivan parked in a wooded campsite with tents in the background.
    • A sunny park with trees, a path, and a playground in the background.
    • Picnic table in a sunlit forest clearing, surrounded by lush green trees.
    • Camper trailer parked in a wooded campsite under green trees.
    • Green park with picnic tables, trees, and a pathway on a sunny day.
    • Park with picnic table, surrounded by trees and clear blue sky.
    • Sunny park scene with picnic table, grill, trees, and grassy area.
    • RV and vintage car parked in a lush, green campsite under sunny skies.
    • Sunny park path surrounded by green trees.

    Norris Dam West Side Campground

    Tent & RV

    The west side has sites with water and electric hook-up. The west side also has three paved sites suitable for persons with disabilities. If reserved, proper identification will be required upon check-in. 

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    Directions: From I-75 take Exit 128 (Rocky Top) and turn left onto US-441 S (Hwy. 61) for 2.8 miles until you see the stone entrance sign for Norris Dam State Park and turn left.  Follow the signs to the campground, which will have you take your first left at the yellow gates.  Follow the road for one mile to the west campground.  Please use caution, the road leading to the campground is steep with dangerous curves. 

    • Backcountry Site 1 sign in a forest clearing with fallen leaves, trees, and sunlight.
    • Forest campsite with a fire pit and view of a lake.

    Backcountry Campsite 1

    Backcountry Camping

    Backcountry Site 1 is overlooking Norris Lake and is big enough for two small tents. Capacity is four people. The site has a fire ring with a grill attachment and is a level area. No water or electric is available. The trail to get to the site begins at the TVA / Camp Kinchen parking area. Round trip to the site is roughly 11.5 miles.

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    • Backcountry Site 2 signpost in a wooded area.
    • Woodland campsite with fire pit and picnic bench. Dry leaves scattered on the ground.

    Backcountry Campsite 2

    Backcountry Camping

    Backcountry Site 2 is along Lakeview Trail, and is big enough for one tent and capacity is four people also. The site has a fire ring with a grill attachment and is a level area. No water or electric is available. The trail to get to the site begins at the TVA / Camp Kinchen parking area. Round trip to either site is roughly 11.5 miles.

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    • A green duotone image features a swallowtail butterfly resting on thistle.

    Backcountry Campsite 3

    Backcountry Camping

    Backcountry Site 3 is located on top of Andrews Ridge with beautiful views of Norris Lake during the winter. There is a stone fire ring. No water or electric is available.  The site will accommodate up to three tents and six people.

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    All rates subject to change. Taxes and fees are added upon reservation.    

    Firewood Policy 

    Tennessee State Parks asks that ALL campfires be made with heat-treated wood or downed wood collected inside the park, near the campsite. Please refrain from bringing untreated wood into the park.  

    • Protect Tennessee Forests 

      To learn more about the pests that threaten Tennessee and what you can do to help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive pests, click the link below.

      Learn More

    • Don’t Move Firewood 

      To learn more about Don’t Move Firewood, click the link below.

      Learn More

    • Find Firewood Vendors 

      Find firewood vendors near you, when you are at the park, or on the way.

    Accessibility at Norris Dam

    Visit the park’s accessibility page to see detailed accessibility information.

    Plan Your Trip

    Discover More at Norris Dam

    The Canteen

    The park’s camp store is your best spot for finding gear, snacks and accessories to make your camping experience exceptional. The camp store is your go-to destination for a cold drink, a can of chili, or those matches you forgot to pack.

    Address:
    Andrews Ridge Rd, Rocky Top TN, 37769

    Hours: This Gift Shop has seasonal hours. Please call for more information.

    Explore the Park

    Inspiration

    Get Inspired

    Junior Ranger Camp 2026 (SOLD OUT)

    Norris Dam State Park
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