Norris Dam State Park

The RV dump station at Norris Dam State Park is currently closed and under repairs. Campers are encouraged to utilize the east campground RV dump station during their stay. Park visitors may also take advantage of other TN State Parks with RV dumping stations and fees will be waived with proof of camping receipt.

The Norris Dam State Park pool will not reopen as of Summer, 2022. Unfortunately, the pool is 45 years old, visitation is down 29 percent. Due to these factors, Tennessee State Parks can no longer justify to Tennessee taxpayers the costs associated with keeping this pool in operation. However, we are excited to have the opportunity to invest in a more fiscally responsible outdoor recreation option Norris Dam State Park that would provide year-round benefits.

Camping

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Campgrounds

Nightly rates vary based on date and availability. Applicable taxes and fees applied at checkout. The $5 reservation fee per site is non-refundable.

The park has two campgrounds. A dump station is located at each campground. All sites have a table, grill, and fire pit. A bathhouse is centrally located in each campground and is open year-round. A laundromat is located next to the park office, open seasonally. Firewood is available at the park office/visitor center. The maximum stay during in-season is 14 nights, and during the off-season is 28 nights. 

Note: Each campsite can only allow for 1 RV per site or 2 tents per site. Any additional tents will require an additional site.

EAST SIDE

The east campground is located just outside the historic district of Norris Dam State Park that was established in the late 1930s by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). It offers 25 campsites with water and electric hook-ups and a bathhouse with hot showers. Please note that campsites 4-25 are in full or partial sun and located under TVA powerlines. The east campground also offers 10 primitive tent-only campsites, in a mostly shaded forested area, with no water and electric hook-ups.

To get to the East Campground

  • From I-75 take Exit 128 (Rocky Top) and turn left onto US-441 S (Hwy. 61) for 3.7 miles, passing the west park entrance and Norris Dam Marina. After crossing Norris Dam, take the second left at the stone entrance sign for Norris Dam State Park.  Follow the narrow road and turn right after Shelter #2 and follow the signs to the east campground.

WEST SIDE

The west side has 50 sites with water and electric hook-up. The west side also has three paved sites suitable for persons with disabilities. If reserved, proper identification will be required upon check-in. 

To get to the West Campground

  • From I-75 take Exit 128 (Rocky Top) and turn left onto US-441 S (Hwy. 61) for 2.8 miles until you see the stone entrance sign for Norris Dam State Park and turn left.  Follow the signs to the campground, which will have you take your first left at the yellow gates.  Follow the road for one mile to the west campground.  ***Please use caution, the road leading to the campground is steep with dangerous curves.

Backcountry Camping

Nightly rates vary based on date and availability. Applicable taxes and fees applied at checkout. The $5 reservation fee per site is non-refundable.

Norris Dam State Park has three backcountry campsites.

There are two new backcountry sites on one of the trails at Norris Dam State Park.  Backcountry Site 1 is overlooking Norris Lake and is big enough for two small tents. Capacity is four people.  Backcountry Site 2 is along Lakeview Trail, and is big enough for one tent and capacity is four people also.  Both sites have fire rings with a grill attachment and a level area.  No water or electric is available.  The trail to get to these two sites begins at the TVA / Camp Kinchen parking area. Round trip to either site is roughly 11.5 miles.

Backcountry Site 3 is located on top of Andrews Ridge with beautiful views of Norris Lake during the winter. There is a stone fire ring. No water or electric is available.  The site will accommodate up to three tents and six people.

Please practice Leave No Trace and pack everything in and everything out. Reservations may be made online, but please check in at the park office prior to setting out.

Policies & Disclaimers

Firewood Policy

Tennessee State Parks asks that ALL campfires be made with heat-treated wood or downed wood collected inside the park, near the campsite. Please refrain from bringing untreated wood into the park. Certified heat-treated wood is available to purchase from concessioners in many of the campgrounds as well as from vendors in the communities around the park. Certified heat-treated firewood is clearly marked with a state or federal seal.

To learn more about what you can do to help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive pests, visit www.protecttnforests.org.
To learn more about Don’t Move Firewood, visit www.dontmovefirewood.org.
To find wood vendors visit www.firewoodscout.org/s/Tennessee.