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186 campgrounds and RV Parks near Dandridge, TN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
186 campgrounds
11835 campsites
75 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near Dandridge, TN
Dandridge Point RV Resort On The Lake
Dandridge, TN (0 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
Anchor Down RV Resort
Dandridge, TN (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(175 sites)
+12
Griffin Island Campground Rentals
Sevierville, TN (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(15 sites)
Mountain Lake Ranch Christian Retreat
Dandridge, TN (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(35 sites)
Douglas Headwater Campground
Sevierville, TN (8 miles away)
Mountain Cove Marina
Sevierville, TN (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+5
Douglas Tailwater Campground
Kodak, TN (8 miles away)
Dumplin Valley RV
Tennessee (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(60 sites)
Tana-See Campground
Newport, TN (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(105 sites)
+9
Newport / I-40 / Smoky Mountains KOA Journey
Newport, TN (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(99 sites)
+10
Two Rivers Landing RV Resort
Sevierville, TN (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(55 sites)
+6
Cherokee Dam Campground
Jefferson City, TN (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(42 sites)
+6
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Tables Toilets Grills Internet Showers Laundry Firewood General store Playground
Campgrounds near Dandridge, Tennessee
Dandridge sits on the south shore of Douglas Lake in Jefferson County, Tennessee, roughly 40 minutes east of Knoxville and about 30 minutes north of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. The area is known for lakefront RV resorts with views of the Great Smoky Mountains, making it a practical base for both water-based trips and Smokies day drives.
Most RV inventory clusters along Douglas Lake, a TVA reservoir with fluctuating water levels that peak in summer and draw down through fall and winter. Options range from full-hookup resorts with concrete pads and paved streets to simpler lakeside parks and TVA-run public campgrounds near Douglas Dam. Dandridge Point RV Resort On The Lake, Griffin Island Campground Rentals, and Anchor Down RV Resort focus on lakefront RV stays, while Mountain Lake Ranch Christian Retreat and Douglas Headwater Campground add family-oriented and public-agency alternatives.
Highway access is straightforward via I-40 and I-81, which converge just north of town. That location keeps drive times short to Sevierville outlet shopping, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance at Gatlinburg, and Cherokee National Forest to the east.
Things to do around Dandridge
Douglas Lake is the main draw. Visitors use the lake for boating, waterskiing, kayaking, and largemouth and crappie fishing, with public boat ramps scattered around the shoreline near several of the campgrounds. Anchor Down RV Resort and Dandridge Point RV Resort On The Lake sit directly on the water for easy launch access, and Griffin Island Campground Rentals offers a similar lake-focused setup.
Off the water, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is roughly a 45-minute drive south, giving access to Cades Cove, Newfound Gap, and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Pigeon Forge and Sevierville add family attractions including Dollywood, dinner shows, and outlet shopping. Historic downtown Dandridge, one of Tennessee's oldest towns, offers a walkable core with local restaurants and small museums.
Camping spots and RV parks near Dandridge, TN
Seasonal patterns and what to plan for
- spring
March - May
68° / 46°F 110 mmWet, stormy; TVA campgrounds reopen mid-March
- summer
June - August
86° / 63°F 105 mmPeak season; lakefront sites book weeks ahead
- fall
September - November
70° / 48°F 85 mmCool nights; Smokies leaf color peaks in October
- winter
December - February
48° / 30°F 105 mmLake drawdown; many private parks closed
Peak RV season on Douglas Lake runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when the reservoir is at summer pool and lakefront sites book heavily. The TVA Douglas Headwater season typically opens in mid-March and closes in mid-November, and several private parks follow a similar March-through-November pattern, so mid-summer weekends fill fastest and reservations weeks or months out are common at the lakefront resorts.
Spring brings rising lake levels and frequent thunderstorms, along with wildflower season in the nearby Smokies. Rainfall is spread through the year, with the wettest months typically falling in late winter and spring, so travelers should expect muddy shorelines and occasional storms. Late April through early June is a sweet spot for milder temperatures and lower humidity before the summer crowd arrives.
Fall offers cooler nights, thinner crowds, and Smoky Mountain leaf color that typically peaks mid to late October. Winter is quiet: lake levels drop for flood-storage drawdown, several private campgrounds close, and only a subset of parks remain open year-round for cold-weather RV stays.
Top Hosts near Dandridge, TN
Bary6 trips - Joined Feb 2021
5.0
Wonderful host couple Everything was set up when we got there they had towels and coffee provided great RV definitely will book with this couple again
Mary B. - Jun 2026
5.0
Bary and Athena were very pleasant to work with. The RV was spectacular with unexpected amenities. They were very punctual and courteous and highly recommend.
Edward W. - Jun 2022
Wendi6 trips - Joined Aug 2022
5.0
Very helpful and flexible! Thank you so much!
Dustin S. - Jun 2026
5.0
The rv worked perfect for us. Plenty of room and everything worked great. The hosts were great with communication and really helped get us out of a last minute bind with our travel arrangements. Rv was was put together, clean and clean sheets and towels as well. Look forward to renting from again in the future
Michael C. - Jun 2024
How to book near Dandridge
Private RV resorts around Dandridge, including Anchor Down RV Resort, Dandridge Point RV Resort On The Lake, and Griffin Island Campground Rentals, take direct online reservations through their own websites and phone lines. Summer holiday weekends and October leaf-season weekends sell out earliest, so booking two to six months ahead is common for lakefront pads.
Douglas Headwater Campground is a TVA facility now managed by Vista Recreation under a concessionaire agreement, with an online reservation system handled through the Go Camp Tennessee / Vista Recreation portal rather than Recreation.gov. Mountain Lake Ranch Christian Retreat handles group and family bookings directly. For any lakeside stay, confirm rig length limits, hookup type, and whether the site is on the water before finalizing.
What to expect on site
Lakefront RV resorts in the Dandridge area tend to offer full hookups, concrete or gravel pads, Wi-Fi, and shared amenities such as boat ramps, docks, and swimming areas. Anchor Down offers full hookups, concrete pads, bathhouses with private bathrooms and paved streets, which is representative of the higher-amenity tier on the lake.
Douglas Headwater is a self-serve TVA campground with 65 sites, most with water and electric hookups, plus a bathhouse with heated showers, a dump station, boat ramp, walking trail, and swimming beach, and fewer resort-style extras. Cell coverage is generally solid near town and along the main lake arms, weaker in coves and toward the Smokies. Many sites are open lakefront with limited tree canopy, and summer afternoons are hot and humid. Black bears are possible closer to the national park boundary, so standard food-storage practices apply.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Dandridge, TN
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Dandridge, TN?
Good news: an RV rental in Dandridge typically runs less than a Smoky Mountain cabin stay. On RVezy, travel trailers near Dandridge usually start around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes range from $175 to $275 per night, and larger Class A motorhomes can run $250 to $400 per night. Booking midweek or in the shoulder months (late April or early November) is the easiest way to score a cheap RV rental in Dandridge without sacrificing lake views. Pro tip: bundling 5+ nights often unlocks weekly discounts hosts set on their listings, and many Douglas Lake hosts include camping chairs, hoses, and starter kits at no extra charge.
visitjeffersoncountytn.com/category/campgrounds-rv-parks/Do I need a special license to rent an RV in Dandridge?
Great news for first-time renters: Tennessee does not require a special license, endorsement, or Commercial Driver License (CDL) for any RV you'll find on RVezy. A standard Class D driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Dandridge, whether you choose a campervan, Class C motorhome, or a 35-foot travel trailer. You'll need to be 25 or older, and RVezy verifies your ID through the platform during booking. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Bring your home-country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) and you're set. Most renters are surprised at how quickly the approval process moves, often within a few hours.
tn.gov/safety/driver-services/commercial-driver-license.htmlIs protection included with my Dandridge RV rental?
Yes, every RV rental in Dandridge booked through RVezy automatically includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can head to Douglas Lake or up into the Smokies with real peace of mind. During checkout you can choose from different protection plan levels based on how much coverage and how low a deductible you want. The plan is built specifically for peer-to-peer RV rentals and covers the situations renters worry about most, like a curb scrape backing into a tight site at Anchor Down RV Resort. One booking, one click, and you're covered.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat's the cancellation policy if my Dandridge trip plans change?
You can book your Dandridge RV trip with confidence. RVezy (not the host) sets the cancellation policy, and there's a money-back grace period right after you book so you're not locked in the moment you click reserve. After that window, cancellation terms scale based on how close you are to your trip start date. Because the policy is standardized across the platform, you won't see different terms on different listings. For the current details, check the RVezy Help Center before you book, and reach out to support if life throws a curveball.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Dandridge RV rental?
Absolutely, Dandridge is a fantastic spot for a pet-friendly RV rental, and many local hosts welcome dogs at no extra charge or for a small cleaning fee. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to instantly see motorhomes and travel trailers that allow pets. Once you're here, your pup will love the off-leash swim spots along Douglas Lake's TVA shoreline, the paved walking trails at Panther Creek State Park (about 20 minutes north), and the dog-friendly patios in downtown Dandridge, one of Tennessee's oldest towns. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm pet rules and ask about nearby vet clinics, most are happy to share their go-to recommendations.
tnstateparks.com/parks/panther-creekCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Dandridge?
Yes, RV delivery in Dandridge is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-time renters and families. Many local hosts will tow the RV directly to Anchor Down RV Resort, Douglas Dam Headwater Campground, Inspiration Point Campground, or your private property, then level it, hook up power and water, and walk you through every system before they leave. Delivery fees typically range from $2 to $5 per mile from the host's location, with some offering free delivery within 15 miles of Dandridge. To find delivery-ready listings, use the Delivery filter when searching, and message the host with your campsite number so they can confirm site access for larger rigs.
tva.com/environment/recreation/campgrounds/douglas-dam-headwater-campgroundHow far can I drive from Dandridge on an RV trip?
Dandridge sits in a sweet spot for an RV road trip from Dandridge, with the Great Smoky Mountains, Cumberland Plateau, and Blue Ridge all within easy reach. Gatlinburg is about 35 miles south (45 minutes), Pigeon Forge and Dollywood are roughly 30 miles, Knoxville is 40 miles west on I-40, Asheville, NC is 75 miles east, and Chattanooga is around 150 miles southwest. Most RVezy hosts in Dandridge offer 100 to 150 free miles per night, and many offer RV rental with unlimited mileage for an upgrade fee. Pro tip: if you're planning a one-way trip or crossing into North Carolina, message the host first; cross-state travel within the U.S. is generally welcome, but trips into Mexico aren't permitted.
tn.gov/tdot.htmlWhere are the best campgrounds near Dandridge for an RV trip?
You're spoiled for choice with RV camping in Dandridge. Anchor Down RV Resort on Roundhouse Road offers 170 luxury concrete-pad sites with private bath houses and stunning Smoky Mountain views over Douglas Lake. Douglas Dam Headwater Campground (run by the Tennessee Valley Authority) on TN-139 has full hookups and is open year-round. Douglas Dam Tailwater Campground sits below the dam with great fishing access. Fancher's Campground on East Hwy 25/70 is a family favorite, and Inspiration Point Campground on Muddy Creek puts you right on the lake near Exit 415 of I-40. Book popular weekends two to four months ahead. Pro tip: TVA campgrounds reserve on Recreation.gov, while private resorts book directly.
tva.com/environment/recreation/campgroundsWhen is the best time of year for a Dandridge RV trip?
Dandridge has a long camping season, and locals will tell you late April through early June and mid-September through October are the absolute sweet spots. Spring brings highs in the 70s, wildflowers bloom in the Smokies, and Douglas Lake fills back up after winter drawdown. Summer (June through August) is warm and humid with highs near 87°F, perfect for swimming and boating but busy at campgrounds. Fall delivers cooler 60s to 70s and world-famous Smoky Mountain leaf color, usually peaking mid-to-late October. Winters are mild (highs in the mid 40s), so a winter motorhome rental in Dandridge with a heated underbelly is totally doable. Pro tip: book October dates by July, leaf-peeper weekends fill fast.
weather.gov/mrx/I've never driven an RV. Can I really do this in Dandridge?
Yes, and Dandridge is one of the best places in the country to learn. If it's your first time renting an RV, every RVezy host provides a hands-on walkthrough at pickup covering driving, leveling, hookups, slide-outs, and the dump process, so you're never handed keys and pushed out the door. The roads around Dandridge are forgiving: I-40 runs right past town with wide lanes, and the rural routes around Douglas Lake have low traffic and gentle grades. Many hosts also offer delivery so you don't have to drive at all until you're ready. Pro tip: avoid Newfound Gap Road through the Smokies on your first day; stick to the Foothills Parkway for an easier scenic intro.
nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/foothills-parkway.htmWhat happens if something goes wrong with my RV near Dandridge?
Don't sweat it, every RVezy booking in Dandridge includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection package. Whether you've got a flat near Douglas Dam, a dead battery at Anchor Down, or trouble with a slide-out on the way back from Gatlinburg, one call dispatches help. RVezy's customer support team is also available before, during, and after your trip, and you can message your host directly through the app, most local Dandridge hosts respond within an hour and know exactly which mobile RV tech to recommend. The closest major service centers and tire shops are in Sevierville and Knoxville, both under 40 minutes away.
tn.gov/safety/tn-highway-patrol.htmlCan I take my Dandridge RV rental into North Carolina or Kentucky?
Yes! Cross-state travel within the U.S. is generally welcome on RVezy rentals from Dandridge, and it opens up some incredible routes. Asheville, NC is just 75 miles east on I-40 through the gorgeous Pigeon River Gorge, the Blue Ridge Parkway is two hours away, and Kentucky's Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is about 90 miles north. Just send the host a quick message before booking to confirm your itinerary so they can adjust mileage if needed. One important note: travel into Mexico isn't permitted on any RVezy rental due to insurance limitations, but the entire eastern U.S. is wide open. Pro tip: the Foothills Parkway between Walland and Wears Valley is RV-friendly and stunning.
blueridgeparkway.org/How much will fuel cost for my Dandridge RV trip?
Fuel is usually the second-biggest expense after the rental itself, but it's manageable in East Tennessee. Tennessee consistently has some of the lowest gas prices in the country, often 30 to 50 cents below the national average. Expect Class C motorhomes to get 8 to 10 miles per gallon (mpg), Class A gas rigs around 6 to 8 mpg, campervans 14 to 18 mpg, and your tow vehicle pulling a travel trailer 9 to 12 mpg. For a typical 200-mile loop from Dandridge to the Smokies and back, budget $60 to $120 in fuel for most RVs. Pro tip: the Pilot and Love's truck stops at I-40 Exit 417 (just north of Dandridge) have RV-friendly pumps and dump stations.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Dandridge?
Earlier is better, especially if you want a lakefront site. For Anchor Down RV Resort, plan six to twelve months out for summer and October weekends since those book up fast. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) campgrounds like Douglas Dam Headwater and Tailwater take reservations on Recreation.gov up to six months ahead, and weekend sites for May through October typically fill within days of opening. Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds (Cades Cove, Elkmont, Smokemont) also open six months in advance on Recreation.gov. For weekday stays or last-minute trips, smaller private parks often have openings. Pro tip: set a Recreation.gov alert for cancellations, they pop up almost daily in peak season.
recreation.gov/What are the local driving conditions like around Dandridge?
Driving around Dandridge is genuinely easy for an RV. I-40 runs east-west through town with wide lanes and gentle grades, and most lake roads have light traffic. The main thing to know: Newfound Gap Road (US-441) through the Smokies has tight curves and a 12 percent grade, so most renters skip it in larger rigs and take the Foothills Parkway instead. Summer afternoons can bring quick thunderstorms, and Douglas Lake fog occasionally settles in valleys at dawn, so plan morning departures with headlights on. Gatlinburg's downtown strip has low-clearance overhangs; park at the city's RV-friendly lots on the edge of town and ride the trolley in. Pro tip: avoid Sunday-afternoon I-40 westbound traffic returning from the mountains.
smartway.tn.gov/trafficWhat amenities will I find at Dandridge area campgrounds?
You'll find everything from luxury resorts to rustic lakeside sites near Dandridge. Anchor Down RV Resort offers full hookups (50-amp electric, water, sewer), concrete pads, paved streets, private bath houses, a pool, and a boat ramp. TVA's Douglas Dam Headwater and Tailwater campgrounds provide electric and water hookups, dump stations, flush toilets, hot showers, and boat launches. Most private parks include Wi-Fi, laundry, and a camp store. The nearest major dump and freshwater fill stations are at Douglas Dam Headwater and at the Pilot Travel Center at I-40 Exit 417. Note: Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds have NO hookups, so fill water and dump before heading in. Pro tip: bring a 25-foot sewer hose, some Douglas Lake sites are spread out.
tva.com/environment/recreation/campgrounds/douglas-dam-tailwater-campgroundWhat's included inside a typical Dandridge RV rental?
RVs on RVezy in Dandridge come fully equipped so you can essentially show up with groceries and clothes. Expect a full kitchen (fridge, freezer, stove, microwave, sink, cookware, plates, utensils), a bathroom with toilet and shower, comfortable sleeping for 2 to 8 depending on size, climate control with air conditioning and propane furnace, and seatbelts for all designated travel seats. Most rentals include a TV, and many have generators, outdoor speakers, and Wi-Fi hotspots, ideal for Douglas Lake's spotty cell coverage. Linens, towels, and camp chairs are often included or available as add-ons. Each listing has a full amenities checklist, and you can message the host to confirm specifics like a queen vs. king bed before booking.
rvezy.com/What add-ons can I get with my Dandridge RV rental?
Hosts in Dandridge offer a great mix of add-ons to make your trip turn-key. Popular options include linen and towel packages ($25 to $75), kitchen kits, camp chair and table sets, propane refills, generators, bike racks, kayaks and paddleboards (perfect for Douglas Lake), Wi-Fi hotspots, and pet packages. Delivery and setup is the most popular add-on, often $2 to $5 per mile. Mileage policies vary by listing, but expect 100 to 150 free miles per night with overage fees of $0.30 to $0.50 per mile. Pickup and dropoff are usually at the host's home in or near Dandridge between 1 and 5 p.m. Pro tip: book a paddleboard add-on and launch right at Anchor Down's private beach.
tn.gov/twra/boating.htmlHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment on RVezy is simple and secure: you pay through the platform with a credit or debit card, never directly to the host, so your booking is fully tracked and protected. A security deposit is pre-authorized on your card before pickup (not actually charged) and is released after your trip ends if there's no damage or excess cleaning needed. To avoid any deposit issues, do the pre- and post-trip walkthrough with your Dandridge host, dump the tanks before return (or pay the dump fee), and refill propane and fuel to the starting level. Easy.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksAny insider tips for an unforgettable Dandridge RV trip?
Here's the local secret: Dandridge is the second-oldest town in Tennessee (founded 1783) and the only U.S. town named after Martha Dandridge Washington, so the historic downtown is worth an afternoon stroll for old stone storefronts and the Dandridge Dike (the only earthen dike in the U.S. that protects a town, built when TVA created Douglas Lake in 1943). For the best sunset of your trip, drive to Point 19 on Douglas Lake about 30 minutes before sundown, the Smoky Mountains glow pink across the water. Grab a fried catfish dinner at Tinsley-Bible Drug Co. (a working soda fountain since 1911) and you'll see why families return to RV camping Dandridge year after year.
dandridgetn.gov/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Charlotte, NCChattanooga, TNKnoxville, TNGreenville, SCDallas, GAShelbyville, KYLexington, KYBlairsville, GADunean, SCFarragut, TNFlowery Branch, GABuford, GALoganville, GAMarietta, GAHuntersville, NCFairmount, GAHiram, GAMountain Park, GASoddy-Daisy, TNTravelers Rest, SCPine Ridge, SCYork, SCElkin, NCHolly Springs, GA