Looking For The Best Campsites At Norris Dam State Park Or Unsure About Which Cabin To Rent?
Norris Dam State Park is a fantastic family destination and is near enough to Knoxville to make it an easy family weekend getaway or even a last minute overnight camping trip.
Known for its expansive shoreline and clear water, Norris Dam State Park has plenty of places to stay along with plenty of things to do- an excellent combination!
The park offers 19 historic CCC cabins, 10 modern cabins, 2 campgrounds (East and West), and 3 backcountry campsites. Whew! Lots of choices!
The rustic CCC cabins are some of my favorites in the park if you aren’t looking to camp. If you are tent camping, there is a Primitive, tent-only loop at the East Campground with large campsites but I generally think the West Campground is a little nicer.
To help with your decision making, we’ve listed our favorite campsites (as well as the ones to avoid) in both the East Campground and West Campground and explain the different cabin types offered.
In addition to lodging found in the park, you’ll also find plenty of lakeside vacation rentals nearby and we include some of those too.
Here we go!
Important! Unfortunately, the East and West Campgrounds are currently closed for renovation with an intended reopening sometime in 2026. Cabins are open as well as the backcountry sites. See website for updates.
Also be sure to check out – How To Spend The Perfect Day At Norris Dam State Park.
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Cabin Rentals At Norris Dam State Park
Norris Dam State Park has two types of cabins to choose from- Rustic CCC cabins and more modern “standard” cabins.
Rustic CCC Cabins
Located on the east side of the park, the 19 cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s are the definition of quaint, although with modern comforts such as hot water, heat, and AC. Linens are also provided.
Most are two person max cabins consisting of one large room with a double bed, dining table, sofa, and tiny kitchen area (sink, dishes, oven, microwave, and fridge/ freezer).
All of the cabins have one small bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet. The cabins also have a fire ring, grill, and picnic table outside and many also have a small screened-in porch.
Eight of the 19 cabins can sleep 4 people, but note that all cabins at Norris Dam State Park have just one bathroom. These 2 bedrooms are just slightly larger than the 2 person cabins and have a second double bed in the one room.
Also note when reserving that three of the 4 person cabins have a very unique design leftover from the 1930’s- The second bedroom can only be accessed from the screened in porch so you have to go through the porch to get to the bathroom in the main room. Interesting!
If you are looking for a 2 person cabin, I would definitely go for the cabin labeled #8 which is set way far away from the other cabins. Otherwise, I would go for any of the ones on the outer loop first as they are a little more private than the inner loop ones.
CCC cabins cost $100-$200 a night depending on size and time of year. There is a 2 night minimum stay requirement and 3 nights during busy times of year, such as Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day.
Tip: Cabins #10, #12 and #15 allow pets for an extra $20 a night.
Reserve the CCC cabins online.
Standard Cabins
On the west side of the park, near the park headquarters, you will find 10 newer and larger cabins as compared to the historic CCC cabins.
All of the standard cabins have 3 bedrooms (with a double bed in each room) and one bathroom plus a full kitchen, and a large living/ dining room.
These more modern cabins also have an outdoor grill, fire ring, and a picnic table. Besides central heat and air, you will also find gas fireplaces in the winter and linens are provided.
Standard cabins cost $120-$240 per night, depending on the season. There is a 2 night minimum stay requirement and 3 nights during busy times of year, such as Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day.
Reserve the standard cabins online.
Camping At Norris State Park
Important! The East and West Campgrounds are currently closed for renovation with an intended reopening sometime in 2026.
Norris Dam State Park has 2 campgrounds- East Campground and West Campground with sites for both RV’s and tents. Both campgrounds offer hot showers and water and electric hookups.
I’m primarily a tent camper, so I like the primitive tent sites found in the East Campground, but overall I find the West Campground to be a bit nicer.
East Campground
The East Campground is the most easily accessible from the dam and consists of 2 loops- one for RVs and a primitive loop for tent campers only.
I like that East Campground is close to several of my favorite hiking trails including the Lake View Trail. See my Perfect Day at Norris Dam State Park for details.
The RV loop has 25 sites (all with water and electricity) that are incredibly close together and it can be loud. Plus, they are located right underneath large transmission lines.
The bathhouse in the East Campground is nice enough, though a little dated, but has clean and free hot water showers, always a huge plus in my book. Surprisingly, no dishwashing station though.
Primitive Sites
If you are tent camping, I would definitely pick the Primitive Loop in the East Campground as the 10 campsites here were much more private and had lots of shade.
(It is called primitive because there is no water nor electricity at the sites- you have to walk up to the RV loop.)
Each primitive campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. The bathhouse is a little ways away up by the RV loop, but we didn’t find it to be too much trouble to walk the 2 minutes it took to get there.
The ground is a little gravelly though so be sure to pack a tarp and maybe an extra large blanket to put under your tent.
We stayed in campsite P6 and thought it was fine. It was a large site and had some decent trees for hanging a hammock. It was just a little rocky.
If I could pick between any of them, I would choose P8 as it had more grass cover and was on the edge of the loop so you only had neighbors on one side.
If you had a group with you, I would choose sites P2, P3, and P4 as they were grouped together and a little ways away from the other campsites.
And I would beware of site P0 and P1 as they were right underneath the large power lies running through the campground. Good stargazing but you could hear the hum of electricity.
Reserve campsites online. Price ranges from $25- $60 per night for sites with water and electricity to $15-$50 for primitive sites. Prices depend on the season with summer being more expensive.
West Campground At Norris Dam State Park
Important! The East and West Campgrounds are currently closed for renovation with an intended reopening sometime in 2026.
The West Campground has 50 decently spaced apart sites, all with water and electricity hookups. The sites on the outer loop are more private than the ones on the inner loop, especially as the fire rings and tent sites were a bit below the parking pad.
The bathhouse is much like the one in the East Campground, clean but dated, with showers and toilets.
If you are camping with kids, the playground here is large and looks pretty new.
This campground seemed a little quieter in general than the RV loop of the East Campground, maybe because it had more of a mix of tents and RVs. Plus, it had a lot more shade.
*Pro Tip– If you have a really big RV, you will find the road up to the West Campground a little difficult as it is narrow and has a lot of switchbacks. I did see some pretty good sized rigs up there though so it can be done, just be ready for it.
My favorite sites in the West Campground are #5, #7, #9, #11, and #28 as they have the most amount of room.
#13, #15, and #17 were a little too close together as were the higher numbered campsites (#30-#49) on the outer loop. All of the inner loop sites are pretty close together so unless being right next to the bathroom is a priority, I would choose a site on the outer loop.
Reserve campsites online. Price ranges from $25- $60 per night depending on season.
*Pro Tip– Although the West Campground is generally nicer than the East Campground, one thing going for the East Campground is that Clinch River Brewing is only about a 5 minute drive from it.
The food is fantastic, the beer is cold, and it is a lifesaver when you get caught in a downpour while trying to cook your hot dogs over the campfire!
Backcountry Campsites
Backcountry site #3 is located at the end of the 1.95 mile long Andrews Ridge Trail. The area has room for 3 tents, each with a fire ring but nothing else.
Bring your own water too as there isn’t anything nearby. The Andrews Ridge Trail isn’t too difficult (easy to moderate) so this might make a perfect first backcountry camping trip for the kiddos.
Check in at the park office to pay for the backcountry site before you head out. Prices range from $10 during peak season.
Backcountry sites #1 and #2 require a longer more difficult hike- 6.5 miles one way on the Lake View Trail.
Nearby Lakefront Vacation Rentals
If you want to stay near Norris Dam State Park but not necessarily in it, there are lots of vacation rentals nearby. Consider a lakefront vacation rental complete with boat dock and amazing views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
These properties are absolutely beautiful and some are large enough to easily accommodate two families. Have a family reunion and invite everyone!
Waterfront Property. Stunning Newer Build on Big Creek- Private Cove and Dock. 4 bedroom/3 bath; sleeps 12 with a bunk room sleeping 6. An amazing deck with super cozy fireplace. Looks brand new.
“The BEST experience on the lake” Hands down! NOTHING compares. 4 bedroom/4 bath; sleeps 12. This house has an amazing outdoor kitchen. Also a pool table.
Waterfront, 2025 Tram, Private Covered Dock, Sleeps 14+, 3.5 Bath, Wifi, Majestic Lake View. 3 bedroom/3.5 bath; sleeps 14 with a bunk room suite. Terrific views from the house. Ping pong table.
One of the Best Houses On The Lake- Spectacular NEW CONSTRUCTION 2 Story Dock 2 boat slips and 2 wave runner slips 4 bedroom/3 bath; sleeps 18 with 2 bunk rooms sleeping 6 each. Outdoor deck with fireplace and amazing views from inside as well. This one is a bit further from the state park- about 45 minutes away.
Whether camping or staying in a cabin at Norris Dam State Park, you’ll enjoy one of the cleanest and clear lakes in East Tennessee along with plenty of hiking trails, mountain biking, and historic excursions. See our How To Spend A Perfect Day At Norris Dam State Park for all the things to do here. Happy Trails! – Amanda
