Backpacking/Camping in Knoxville, TN

This wilderness area is home to some of the most ancient old-growth virgin forests in the nation. Take in the beauty and majesty over the course of this 12-mile loop hike.

About an hour outside Knoxville sits a 1,435-acre state park. Here, you’ll find fishing, 30 miles of hiking trails with spectacular views, and 50 campsites for those who’d like to call it home for a few days.

Nestled in the Cherokee National Forest, minutes from Tellico Plains, Tennessee, is the Indian Boundary Recreation Area and Campground, 96 acres of swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and camping.

An hour and a half drive west of Knoxville sits Cumberland Mountain State Park, a crescent-shaped, 1,720-acre green space situated on the largest timber plateau in the United States.

The dense mountain forest of Frozen Head State Park spans some 24,000 acres of vast timber plateau—an idyllic place to set up camp for a night or longer.

Once the gateway to the west for 18th and 19th century Americans, the famous Gap is now a small and relatively unknown National Monument nestled in the corner of three states. Miles of mountain laurel-lined ridgeline, a giant sand cave and several grand overlooks await the next generation of pioneers.

Big South Fork NRRA offers some of Tennessee's most wild and rugged territory. Just over an hour from downtown Knoxville, this nationally significant area is an unforgettable place and a must see destination!

Elkmont Campground is the largest campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's also the closest campground to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and there are plenty of activities to be found here for you and the family.

Del and Marte's Lilly Pad is the campground of choice for Obed climbers and their dogs.