KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Now that spring has sprung (at least officially), the Tennessee Valley Authority’s seasonal campgrounds are ready and waiting for visitors to return to the outdoors as the 2018 camping season has opened and runs through Nov. 15.
TVA provides more than 80 public recreation areas, including campgrounds, day-use areas and boat ramps across the Tennessee Valley. Recreation Resource Management LLC, will again be managing the six TVA campgrounds on our dam reservations:
- Cherokee Dam– Cherokee Reservoir in Jefferson City,
- Douglas DamHeadwater – Douglas Reservoir near Sevierville,
- Douglas DamTailwater – Douglas Reservoir near Sevierville,
- Melton Hill Dam – Melton Hill Reservoir near Lenoir City,
- Pickwick Dam– Pickwick Reservoir near Savannah,
- Watauga Dam – Watauga Reservoir near Elizabethton,
Improvements made at these campgrounds in 2017 include a new online reservation system, renovated restrooms, and new camp stores at Douglas Headwater and Pickwick campgrounds.
The six TVA campgrounds hosted over 75,000 overnight stays in 2017 at a total of 355 campsites, most capable of accommodating tents, pop-up trailers and recreational vehicles. Each campground provides restrooms, potable water, showers, grills, picnic tables, RV dump stations, and nearby boating and fishing access. Most campsites have electrical service, except for a few tent-only campsites.
The rates for an RV site range from $14 to $29 and a tent site ranges from $12 to $18. Additional services, such as electricity, water, sewer or premium waterfront campsites, are available depending on the site.
Full details of all camping fees and policies can be found in the camping section of TVA’s website or on RRM’s website.
Camping with campfires is a traditional way of enjoying the outdoors. However, imported firewood can introduce insects that kill trees. To prevent the spread of these destructive pests, TVA recommends buying firewood that is cut locally, preferably within the same county where it will be burned.