Tennessee Valley Authority
Camping and Recreation Areas
TVA operates more than 80 public recreation areas throughout the TVA region,
including campgrounds, day-use areas and boat launching ramps. TVA’s 10 seasonal
campgrounds on reservoirs throughout the Tennessee River Valley opened for
the 2012 recreation season on Friday, March 16.
TVA’s day-use recreation areas located on dam reservations remain open year-round. Day-use recreation areas are used for hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking, wildlife viewing and swimming.
TVA Campground Season Is Here
TVA’s 10 seasonal campgrounds opened on March 16, 2012. Eight will remain open until November 15, 2012. These are: Douglas Dam Headwater Campground, Cherokee Dam Campground, Foster Falls Campground, Melton Hill Dam Campground, Barton Springs Campground, Watauga Dam Campground, Mallard Creek Campground, and Wilson Dam Rockpile Campground. In response to stakeholder input, two sites will remain open through December 10, 2012: Douglas Dam Tailwater Campground and Pickwick Dam Tailwater Campground.
Four campgrounds with long-term stay sites (Barton Springs, Cherokee Dam, Mallard Creek, and Melton Hill) had an opening day lottery on March 16 for the 2012 season. The lottery process was implemented to provide all members of the general public with an equal opportunity to obtain one of the limited number of long-term sites available on TVA‘s campgrounds. These sites are occupied for the full recreation season by the persons selected in the drawing.
Reservations cannot be made at TVA campgrounds. Commercial use of TVA management campgrounds, day use areas, and pavilions is prohibited.
See developed recreation area rules, including campsite registration.
Camp Right Tips for Eco-friendly Camping
This is a perfect time for you to think about ways to cut down on energy, gas, and water use while you camp. It isn’t just good for the planet; it’s also good for your pocketbook. Wasting electricity and water is not wise use of resources and could lead to increased camping rates.
You can replace your regular light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs, check the weather-stripping on your doors and windows, replace leaky equipment (eg, hose, couplers, etc.) and plan your drives to conserve gas, running errands all in one trip instead of many individual trips to the store, gas station, and bait shop.
If you are going to be away from your camper for over 8 hours, please turn off your AC unit, lights, water heaters, fans, and turn off your water supply. This conserves resources, reduces the wear and tear on your expensive equipment, and eliminates the risk of plumbing failure that could cause expensive damage to your camping unit.
Remember, outdoor appliances (eg, refrigerators and freezers) and electrical pest control devices are prohibited at TVA campgrounds. Washing campers, vehicles, or boats is also prohibited.
People who camp at TVA Campgrounds know the value of nature. Please take pride as you lead the charge toward keeping costs low and following energy and water-saving actions to make TVA Campgrounds greener than ever.
NEW Firewood Recommendations for TVA Campgrounds
Camping with campfires is a traditional way of enjoying the outdoors. However, moving firewood from county to county can spread pest infestations that kill trees. To prevent the spread of these destructive pests, TVA recommends buying firewood that was cut locally, preferably within the same county where it will be burned.
Daily camping fees
With water and/or electric hookups: $22
With water, electric and sewer
service: $26 **
Without hookups: $17
Picnic Pavilions
TVA offers group picnic pavilions at some of its recreation sites. Pavilions use is free of charge and is available on a first-come basis each day. Pavilions can no longer be reserved in advance, although TVA is honoring existing reservations through the end of 2012.
Boone Reservoir
Group Pavilion
This pavilion has the following amenities: one electrical outlet with two plug-ins, no lighting under the pavilion, eight tables that will seat 50 people, three charcoal grills, handicap accessible, restrooms nearby (about 100 feet), near the beach area, not near a boat ramp, paved parking lot, drinking water is furnished, and there is no equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, etc.
Interstate 81 to exit 59 (Fort Henry Drive, Highway 36). Take Highway 36 south to its intersection with Highway 75. Turn left onto Highway 75, toward the Tri-Cities Airport. Go approximately one mile, cross the Holston River and turn right at the Reservoir sign.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Boone Reservoir.
Cherokee Reservoir
Cherokee Dam Campground
This is a self-service campground. (800) 882-5263.
Forty-two campsites with water and electric hookups, restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, children’s play equipment, picnic tables and grills, group pavilion, swimming beach, boat ramps above dam and below dam, lake and river fishing, paved walking trail, bird-watching
Group Pavilion
2805 North Highway 92
Jefferson City, TN 37760
This pavilion has the following amenities: one electrical outlet with two plug-ins, there is no lighting under the pavilion, 10 tables that will seat 50 people, one large charcoal grill, handicap accessible, restrooms nearby (about 1100 feet), near the beach area and boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, there are horseshoes and stakes, no other equipment for activities such as volleyball, badminton, etc.
From Jefferson City, Tenn., go 1.5 miles west on US 11E, then follow signs 4.5 miles north to Cherokee Dam Reservation.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Cherokee Reservoir.
Chickamauga Reservoir
Group Pavilion
This pavilion has the following amenities: one electrical outlet with two plug-ins, lighting under the pavilion, eight tables that will seat 64 people, three charcoal grills, handicap accessible, restrooms near by (about 150 feet), within walking distance of the beach area and boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, and there is no equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, etc.
From I-75, take exit 4, Highway 153. Take exit 6, Amnicola Highway and follow the signs to Chickamauga Lake.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Chickamauga Reservoir.
Douglas Reservoir
Douglas Dam Headwater Campground
This is a self-service campground (800) 882-5263. Sixty-five campsites, 61 with water and electric hookup and two handicapped-accessible sites. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, picnic tables, swimming beach, boat ramp, walking trail, wildlife viewing area, bird-watching.
Trotter Bluff Small Wild Area features walking trails through 30 acres of mature hardwood forest, limestone sinkholes, spring wildflowers and vistas of the dam and tailwaters.
1680 Boat Launch Road
Sevierville, TN 37876
Near Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg, Tenn. From Interstate 40 take exit 407. Go south on Highway 66 then 3.5 miles east on Highway 139, then 2.5 miles south on Highway 338, then follow signs 1 mile north to campground.
Douglas Dam Tailwater Campground
This is a self-service campground (800) 882-5263. Sixty-two campsites with water and electric hookup and two handicapped-accessible sites. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, children’s play equipment, picnic tables and grills, group pavilion, boat ramp, river fishing with fishing pier, bait and tackle shop, wildlife viewing area, bird-watching
829 Riverview Way
Sevierville, TN 37876
Near Sevierville and Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tenn. From Interstate 40 take exit 407. Go south on Highway 66, then 3.5 miles east on Highway 139, then 0.5 miles south on Highway 338 to campground.
Group Pavilion
This pavilion has the following amenities: one electrical outlet with two plug-ins, no lighting under the pavilion but there is lighting on the outside of pavilion, 10 tables that will seat 60 people and there is stadium seating outside the pavilion that will seat 200, one large covered charcoal grill and one large uncovered grill, handicapped-accessible, restrooms nearby (about 300 feet), not near the beach area or boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, and there is no equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, etc.
From Interstate 40 take exit 407. Go south on Highway 66, then 3.5 miles east on Highway 139, then 0.5 miles south on Highway 338 to the pavilion.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Douglas Reservoir.
Fontana Reservoir
Group Pavilion
This pavilion has the following amenities: one electrical outlet with two plug-ins, handrails under the pavilion have lights, six tables that will seat 36 people, one double charcoal grill and one small grill, handicapped-accessible, restrooms nearby (about 150 yards), not near the beach area, boat ramp is about one mile away, paved parking lot, water is furnished, and there is no equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, etc.
From Bryson City, N.C., take Highway 19/74 south to Highway 28 East, follow signs to Fontana Dam.
From Knoxville, Tenn., take Highway 129 south from Knoxville to Maryville. Just past Maryville, Highway 129 turns left off the four-lane highway. Caution: Part of this road is a twisty mountain road! Just past the Tennessee/North Carolina state line, turn left on Highway 28 for nine miles. Turn left and follow the signs to the dam.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Fontana Reservoir.
Foster Falls
Foster Falls Campground
Campground has onsite manager. (423) 942-5759. Twenty-six campsites, with handicapped-accessible site. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, picnic tables and grills, group pavilion, hiking trail, natural area, bird-watching.
Foster Falls Small Wild Area centers on a 60-foot waterfall, visible from sandstone overlooks and surrounded by 178 acres of lush flora, including mountain laurel, azalea and hemlock. A new handicapped-accessible trail to an overlook has been added.
498 Foster Road
Sequatchie, TN 37374
From Tracy City, Tenn., go 5 miles east on Highway 150/US 41 to the pavilion.
Group Pavilion
This pavilion has the following amenities: one electrical outlet with two plug-ins, no lighting under the pavilion, six tables that will seat 75 people, one large charcoal grill and two small grills, handicapped-accessible, restrooms nearby (about 25 yards), not near the beach area or boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, there is a ball field but no other activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, etc.
From Tracy City, Tenn., go 5 miles east on Highway 150/US 41 to the pavilion.
Guntersville Reservoir
Group Pavilion
This pavilion has the following amenities: one electrical outlet with two plug-ins, lighting under the pavilion, 17 tables that will seat 158 people, three charcoal grills, handicapped-accessible, no restrooms, not near the beach area, near the boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, and there is no equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, etc.
From Guntersville: Go north on Highway 431 approximately 15 miles and turn left at the Guntersville Dam sign after crossing the Houston Bridge. Go approximately two miles and the pavilion will be located on the left.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Guntersville Reservoir.
Hiwassee Reservoir
Group Pavilion
This pavilion has the following amenities: no electrical outlets, no lighting under the pavilion, six tables that will seat 40 people, three charcoal grills, handicapped-accessible, restrooms nearby (about 50 yards), not near the beach area or boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, and there is no equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, etc.
Take SR 294 northwest from Highway 64. Stay on 294 past Hiwassee Dam School. Turn right onto Hiwassee Dam Access Road after crossing the bridge (historic marker can be seen at this intersection). Stay on the access road across the dam, then turn right into the Hiwassee Dam overlook area.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Hiwassee Reservoir.
Melton Hill Reservoir
Melton Hill Dam Campground
Melton Hill is the site of TVA's new sustainable recreation area. Read more.
This is a self-service campground. (800) 882-5263. There are 57 campsites, 33 with water and electric hookups; eight with water, electric and sewer service; three accessible sites with water, electric and sewer service; and 13 without hookups, nine of which are tent sites. This campground also has restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, multipurpose court, picnic tables with grills, group pavilion, swimming beach, boat ramps above and below the dam, lake fishing, bird-watching.
2009 Grubb Road
Lenoir City, TN 37771
Melton Hill Dam Reservation Trail descends 0.9 miles from the dam overlook to the lakeshore through a hardwood forest filled with wildflowers and diverse wildlife.
Group Pavilion
These pavilions have the following amenities: one electrical outlet with two plug-ins at all three pavilions, no lighting under the pavilions but the streetlights light up all three pavilions well, six tables that will seat 48 people at all three pavilions, one large charcoal grill at each pavilion, pavilion #2 is the only handicapped-accessible, restrooms nearby (about 300 feet at pavilions #1 and #2 and about 50 feet at pavilion #3), #3 is the only pavilion near the beach area and boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished at pavilions #1 and #2 (about 20 feet away), no water provided at pavilion #3, pavilion #1 has horseshoe stakes, pavilion #3 has a basketball goal, and there is no other equipment for activities at the pavilions.
From Interstate 40 take exit 364, go two miles north on Highway 95, then follow signs east to Melton Hill Dam Reservation.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Melton Hill Reservoir.
Nickajack Reservoir
Group Pavilion
This pavilion and gazebo has the following amenities: one electrical outlet with two plug-ins at each, lighting under the pavilion and gazebo, tables that will seat 50 people, three charcoal grills, handicapped-accessible, restrooms nearby (about 300 feet), near the beach area and boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, and there is no equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, etc.
From I-24 west, exit 158. Follow signs to Nickajack Dam Reservation/Shellmound Campground. The pavilion is adjacent to Shellmound Campground.
The day-use area at Maple View is currently closed for renovations to the bathhouse, parking area and pavilion and will not reopen until mid-season (2010).
Read more information on recreation facilities at Nickajack Reservoir.
Normandy Reservoir
Barton Springs Campground
Campground has onsite manager. (931) 857-9222. Sixty-seven campsites, 40 with water and electric hookups. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, picnic tables, group pavilion, swimming beach, boat ramp above the dam, fishing pier.
From Normandy, Tenn., go three miles east on Normandy Road to campground.
TVA intends to seek a long term agreement with a commercial operator for the operation of Barton Springs Recreation Area for up to a 30-year term beginning in the early spring of 2013. TVA would request proposals in the late summer of 2012 from potential applicants interested in operating the facility under a long term agreement. As part of this process, TVA will complete an environmental review including potential impacts to recreation participation and use patterns on Normandy Reservoir. Written comments on TVA’s management plans for Barton Springs Recreation Area may be mailed, emailed or faxed to Russell Smith at:
TVA Property & Natural Resources
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, Tennessee 37902-1401
Fax: 865-632-4223
Email: rdsmith@tva.gov
Group Pavilion
158 Barton Springs Road
Normandy, TN 37360
This pavilion has the following amenities: one electrical outlet with two plug-ins, lighting under the pavilion, table that will seat 50 people, one large charcoal grill, handicapped-accessible, restrooms nearby (about 300 feet), near the beach area and boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, and there is no equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, etc.
From Normandy, Tenn., go three miles east on Normandy Road to the pavilion.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Normandy Reservoir.
Cedar Point Campground
Cedar Point Campground, Day Use Area, and Boat Ramp has been closed since 2009; however, will be operated by Recreation Resource Management, Inc. (RRM) in 2012. For more information about the operational schedule and rates for the Day Use Area, Boat Ramp, and Campground, including reservations, please visit the RRM website http://camprrm.com/ or call 352-406-0774.
TVA intends to seek a long term agreement with a commercial operator for the operation of Cedar Point Recreation Area for up to a 30-year term beginning in the early spring of 2013. TVA would request proposals in the late summer of 2012 from potential applicants interested in operating the facility under a long term agreement. As part of this process, TVA will complete an environmental review including potential impacts to recreation participation and use patterns on Normandy Reservoir. Written comments on TVA’s management plans for Cedar Point Recreation Area may be mailed, emailed or faxed to Russell Smith at:
TVA Property & Natural Resources
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, Tennessee 37902-1401
Fax: 865-632-4223
Email: rdsmith@tva.gov
Norris Reservoir
Hemlock Bluff National Recreation Trail, named for the prominence of hemlocks in the hardwood forest that the trail traverses, is a seven-mile loop along the steep ridges and bluffs of Norris Reservoir.
730 Loyston Point Road
Andersonville, TN 37705
Near Norris, Tenn. From junction of US 441 and Highway 61, go two miles east on Highway 61, then 3.5 miles north on Park Road, then 0.5 miles east on Boy Scout Road, then follow signs for 2.5 miles on Loyston Point Road.
Group Pavilion
This pavilion has the following amenities: one electrical outlet with two plug-ins, lighting under the pavilion, six tables that will seat 50 people, one large charcoal grill, handicapped-accessible, restrooms are about one-half mile away, not near the beach area or boat ramp, paved parking lot, no water is furnished, and there is no equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, etc.
From I-75, take exit 122. Take 61 east, then 441 west to Norris Dam.
Loyston Point Campground
Loyston Point Campground and day use area, and boat ramp will be operated by Recreation Resource Management, Inc. (RRM) in 2012. More information about the operational schedule and rates for the day use area and campground, including reservations, please visit the RRM website http://camprrm.com/ or call 865-494-9369. The Loyston Point boat ramp will be operated separately by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and will not have a parking or launch fee for 2012.
TVA intends to seek a long term agreement with a commercial operator for the operation of Loyston Point Recreation Area Campground and day use area for up to a 30-year term beginning in the early spring of 2013. TVA would request proposals in the late summer of 2012 from potential applicants interested in operating the facility under a long term agreement. As part of this process, TVA will complete an environmental review including potential impacts to recreation participation and use patterns on Norris Reservoir. Written comments on TVA’s management plans for Loyston Point Recreation Area may be mailed, emailed or faxed to Russell Smith at:
TVA Property & Natural Resources
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, Tennessee 37902-1401
Fax: 865-632-4223
Email: rdsmith@tva.gov
Read more information on recreation facilities at Norris Reservoir.
Pickwick Reservoir
Pickwick Dam Tailwater Campground
This is a self-service campground. (800) 882-5263. Ninety-five campsites, 66 with water and electric hookups. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, picnic tables and grills, boat ramp below dam, tailwater bank fishing, bird-watching.
1845 Wharf Road,
Savannah, TN 38372
Near Counce, Tenn. From junction of Highway 57 and Highway 128, go 1.5 miles north on Highway 128 across dam, then west below dam.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Pickwick Reservoir.
Tellico Reservoir
Group Pavilion
This pavilion has the following amenities: one electrical outlet with two plug-ins, no lighting under the pavilion, eight tables that will seat 48 people, two charcoal grills, handicapped-accessible, restrooms nearby (about 40 feet), near the beach area and boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, and there is no equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, etc.
From Lenoir City, Tenn., take Highway 321 south, over Fort Loudoun Dam to Highway 444 (Tellico Parkway). Follow signs to pavilion.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Tellico Reservoir.
Watauga Reservoir
Watauga Dam Tailwater Campground
This is a self-service campground. (423) 542-3533. Recreation opportunities: 29 camp sites with electric hookups. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, public phone, picnic tables and grills, canoe access, boat ramps above and below dam, lake and river fishing, hiking trail, walking trail, wildlife viewing area, bird-watching.
The Appalachian Trail crosses Watauga Dam.
744 Wilbur Dam Road
Elizabethton, TN 37643
From Elizabethton, Tenn., take US 19E north 0.1 miles to Highway 91, then take Highway 91 three miles to Siam Road. Turn right onto Siam Road and follow signs to Watauga Dam Reservation.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Watauga Reservoir.
Watts Bar Reservoir
Group Pavilion
This pavilion has the following amenities: one electrical outlet with two plug-ins, lighting under the pavilion, 11 tables that will seat 100 people, three charcoal grills, handicapped-accessible, restrooms nearby (about 150 feet), near the beach area and boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, there is a basketball goal but no other equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, etc.
From Spring City, Tenn., take Highway 29 south to Highway 68 East. Follow signs to the dam.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Watts Bar Reservoir.
Wheeler Reservoir
Mallard Creek Campground
Campground has onsite manager. (256) 637-6623. 56 campsites with water and electric hookups. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, children’s play equipment, picnic tables, group pavilion, swimming beach, boat ramp, lake fishing, bird-watching.
From Decatur, Ala., go 11.5 miles west on US 72A/Highway 20, then 3.5 miles north on Spring Creek Road.
TVA intends to seek a long term agreement with a commercial operator for the operation of Mallard Creek Recreation Area for up to a 30-year term beginning in the early spring of 2013. TVA would request proposals in the late summer of 2012 from potential applicants interested in operating the facility under a long term agreement. As part of this process, TVA will complete an environmental review including potential impacts to recreation participation and use patterns on Wheeler Reservoir. Written comments on TVA’s management plans for Mallard Creek Recreation Area may be mailed, emailed or faxed to Russell Smith at:
TVA Property & Natural Resources
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, Tennessee 37902-1401
Fax: 865-632-4223
Email: rdsmith@tva.gov
Group Pavilion
This pavilion has the following amenities: four electrical outlets with two plug-ins, lighting under the pavilion, tables that will seat 50-75 people, one large charcoal grill and two small grills, one fireplace at each end of the pavilion, handicapped-accessible, restrooms nearby (about 20 feet), not near the beach area or boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, there is a tennis court, volleyball poles (no net), a small playground, and there is a large field in front of pavilion that can be used as a ball field or hitting golf balls.
From Florence, Ala., take US 72 east approximately 10 miles to Highway 101 South. About 2 miles south, cross Wheeler Dam and take the first road to the left after you cross the dam. The pavilion is on the left overlooking the dam.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Wheeler Reservoir.
Wilson Reservoir
Wilson Dam-Lower Rockpile Campground
This is a self-service campground. (800) 882-5263. Twenty-three campsites. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, picnic tables and grills, group pavilion, boat ramps above and below the dam, lake and river fishing, hiking trail (10 miles), walking trail, natural area, wildlife viewing area, bird-watching, bicycling.
Old First Quarters Small Wild Area, comprising 25 acres, was set aside to preserve natural and cultural features, including a rich array of spring wildflowers, woodland birds and structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Reservation Road
Muscle Shoals, AL 35633
Near Muscle Shoals, Ala. From south side of Wilson Dam, go 0.5 miles west on Highway 133 (TVA Reservation Road), then 0.5 miles north (follow signs).
Group Pavilion
This pavilion has the following amenities: no electrical outlets, no lighting under the pavilion, three tables that will seat 18 people, one large charcoal grill, not handicapped accessible, restrooms nearby (at each end of the pavilion), not near the beach area or boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished in the restrooms, and there is no equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, etc.
From US 72 in Florence, Ala., take Highway 133 south and cross Wilson Dam. About 2 miles after you cross the dam, turn right into the CCC pavilion area.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Wilson Reservoir.