About Norris Dam State Park Campground
Norris Dam State Park is on Norris Lake in rolling East Tennessee, about 30 minutes north of Knoxville and well outside the Smokies, so it is a Knoxville-side alternative rather than a park base. Tennessee State Parks lists its East and West campgrounds as closed for renovation, with an intended reopening in 2026, and the trailhead at the Canteen Camp Store is closed during campground construction.
What the state says
The park's camping page describes two campgrounds with tent and RV sites and water and electric hookups, a bathhouse with hot showers, 10 primitive tent-only sites at the east campground, and two backcountry sites that require a hike. Campsites 4 to 25 in the east campground are in full or partial sun under TVA power lines. Because both campgrounds are under renovation, confirm the reopening date before you plan around them.
Booking
Reserve through Tennessee State Parks at 1-888-867-2757 or online. The park office is at 125 Village Green Circle, Rocky Top, TN 37769, and its phone is 865-425-4500.
Getting there
From I-75, take exit 128 (Rocky Top) and turn onto US-441 south (Highway 61) for about 3.7 miles, passing the west park entrance and Norris Dam Marina; after crossing the dam, take the second left at the stone entrance sign. From Gatlinburg, the drive is roughly an hour and a half.
What to do nearby
The park is known for Norris Lake boating and fishing, hiking and mountain biking, horseback riding and a historic district built by TVA in the 1930s. The Museum of Appalachia in Norris is close by.
Know before you go
Pets are allowed in park campgrounds under state-park rules; check the website. The national park's parking tag does not apply here.