About Panther Creek State Park Campground
Panther Creek State Park is on the shores of Cherokee Reservoir in the Holston River Valley, near Morristown, Tennessee, about an hour northeast of Knoxville. It is not in the Smokies, but it works as a quieter, lakeside alternative when the park's own campgrounds are full, and the drive to Gatlinburg is roughly an hour and a quarter.
The campground
The campground page lists 50 campsites for tents and RVs with water and 20-, 30- and 50-amp electric hookups, grills, picnic tables and fire rings. Eight sites also have sewer hookups. Two bathhouses have restrooms and hot showers, and Wi-Fi is available in the campground, although the park says it cannot guarantee continuous service. A group camp holds up to 100 people. Campfires must use heat-treated wood or downed wood collected inside the park.
Booking
Reserve through Tennessee State Parks at 1-888-867-2757 or online. Taxes and fees are added at reservation. The park office is at 2010 Panther Creek Park Road, Morristown, TN 37814, phone 423-587-7046. A seasonal camp store (mid-April to mid-October, Thursday to Sunday afternoons) sells supplies.
What to do
Panther Creek has hiking, biking and horse trails, swimming, a disc-golf course, a boat ramp, fishing and a playground. The lake is Cherokee Reservoir, a TVA lake.
Getting there
The park is on Panther Creek Park Road, west of Morristown, which has groceries, fuel and restaurants.
Know before you go
Treat the national park as a long day trip from here. The national park's parking tag does not apply at the state park, but it is required in the national park.
Good to know
- How many sites does Panther Creek State Park Campground have?
- 50 sites.