Panther Creek Camping
Warning Alert
Temporary Road Closure
NOTICE: The park road leading to the Smallman Shelter and overlook will be closed to vehicles from March 1, 2026, through May 15, 2026, while extensive renovations to the Lake Observation Platform are performed. The road to and around the first picnic area island will remain open to visitors and vehicular traffic. Foot travel beyond the closed area is permitted but visitors will not be permitted in the immediate area of the construction site.
Major Improvements at the Park
A capital improvement project to construct a day-use recreation lodge and new playground will begin at the park on Monday, April 13, 2026. The swimming pool parking lot, playground, playground restrooms, beach volleyball and basketball courts will be closed to the public during construction, which is scheduled to be completed by mid-year 2027.
The tennis courts and disc-golf course will remain open but parking for these amenities will be limited to the lots adjacent to the visitor center and Spoone shelter. This project will significantly enhance the quantity and quality of recreational opportunities provided by the park. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to complete this exciting new project for the benefit of our visitors.
Playground Closed For Renovation
The park playground will be permanently closed to the public beginning Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The existing playground will be removed, and a new playground will be constructed at the park. The new playground is scheduled to be completed by mid-year 2027 and will be a tremendous improvement over the existing playground.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve the park for our visitors. If you have any questions, please contact the park office.
Camping at Panther Creek
Panther Creek State Park is located along the shores of Cherokee Reservoir in the historic Holston River Valley of East Tennessee, about an hour northeast of Knoxville. The park offers a scenic lakeside setting with forested hills and open water views. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding, disc golf, fishing, hiking, and biking throughout the park.
Camping options include a campground with sites for tents and RVs offering water and electric hookups and WiFi availability, as well as a group camping area.
Panther Creek Campground
Panther Creek has 50 campsites with water and 20, 30, 50-amp electrical hookups, grills, picnic tables, and fire rings. Eight of the campsites have sewer hookups. There are two bathhouses with hot showers and restrooms. A laundromat is open year-round, and there is a dump station for self-contained trailer rigs.
Group Campground
Accommodating up to 100 persons, the group camp is a large, private open field with a fire ring and benches, a hammock station, a picnic table, and a trash can. The group camp is located off Cameron Road, adjacent to the main park area, with Panther Creek running alongside it.
There are no restrooms, electricity, or water.
This is an excellent location for large scout or church camping trips. For more information or to make a reservation, please call the park office.
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.
Wi-Fi Policy
Panther Creek State Park offers Wi-Fi in the campground for your enjoyment. The signal strength may vary depending on the demand, your location and your computer. Our Wi-Fi is not intended for heavy use such as downloading movies, streaming videos, or inappropriate content. Should you abuse the system, your access will be blocked. Wi-Fi signal outages may occur from time to time due to weather or other technical difficulties. Park staff cannot guarantee the continuity of free Wi-Fi service, nor can they troubleshoot issues with individual computers and devices connecting to the service.
Discover More at Panther Creek
Explore the Campground
Inspiration
-
Best Tennessee State Parks to Watch the Sunrise and Sunset
Best Tennessee State Parks to Watch the Sunrise and Sunset - Read ArticleLooking for sunrise or sunset views? Tennessee State Parks deliver stunning scenes across lakes, forests, and gorges. Discover top spots to watch the sun show off. -
Tennessee State Parks Uses New Technology to mark trails, make parks more accessible
Tennessee State Parks Uses New Technology to mark trails, make parks more accessible - Read ArticleNovember 17, 2025 | NASHVILLE – Tennessee State Parks today announced the installation of signs at several parks across the state giving visitors detailed information developed from the use of new technology on the conditions expected on park trails. The new park signage is another example of how Tennessee has the most accessible state park system in the nation. -
First Day Hikes at Tennessee State Parks Align with New Year’s Resolutions
First Day Hikes at Tennessee State Parks Align with New Year’s Resolutions - Read ArticleDecember 26, 2023 | NASHVILLE – Tennesseans can launch their New Year’s resolutions for healthy lifestyles with one of the free guided hikes on New Year’s Day at Tennessee State Parks throughout the state. -
No events are scheduled at this time, but there's always more to explore.
