Flowers blooming and warmer temperatures signal the opening of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s seasonal campgrounds – March 15 through November 15. In addition, TVA is reopening its visitor centers and has installed new solar electric vehicle charging stations at four staffed visitor centers to support recreation, EV adoption and carbon reduction.
TVA Campgrounds
Whether you are planning a long weekend or a summer getaway, TVA has more than 80 public recreation areas, including campgrounds and boat ramps across the Tennessee Valley. Most TVA locations are free. Over the last three years, TVA reports increased campground usage. This trend continues with the six TVA campgrounds hosting over 130,000 overnight stays in 2022 at a total of 348 campsites.
The following TVA-developed campgrounds are managed by Vista Recreation and may require reservations and fees for overnight stays:
• Cherokee Dam- Cherokee Dam Reservation in Jefferson City, Tenn.
• Douglas Dam Headwater- Douglas Dam Reservation near Sevierville, Tenn.
• Douglas Dam Tailwater- Douglas Dam Reservation near Sevierville, Tenn.
• Melton Hill Dam- Melton Hill Dam Reservation near Lenoir City, Tenn.
• Pickwick Dam- Pickwick Dam Reservation near Savannah, Tenn.
• Watauga Dam- Watauga Dam Reservation near Elizabethton, Tenn.
Most campsites are 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. In addition to campsites with electrical service, there are a few tent-only campsites with a more primitive set-up. Full details of all camping fees and policies can be found on TVA’s camping website or on Vista Recreation’s website at https://camprrm.com.
