Tennessee Valley Authority
Camping and Recreation Areas
TVA operates some 100 public recreation areas throughout the Tennessee Valley, including campgrounds, day-use areas, and boat launching ramps.
For the 2009 season, campgrounds open on March 13 and close November 16. TVA’s day-use areas on dam reservations remain open throughout the year and provide trails, picnic areas, overlooks, beaches, swimming areas, fishing access, and wildlife viewing.
Daily camping fees
With water and/or electric hookups: $20
With water, electric, and sewer service: $24*
Without hookups: $16
Picnic Pavilion Reservations
Flat fee of $50
Boone Reservoir
Group Pavilion
Advanced reservations for the picnic pavilion can be made by calling our toll-free number, 866-494-7186.
This pavilion has the following amenities: (1) electrical outlet with (2) plug ins, no lighting under the pavilion, (8) tables that will seat 50 people, (3) charcoal grills, handicap accessible, restrooms near by (about 100 feet), near the beach area, not near a boat ramp, paved parking lot, drinking water is furnished, and there is no other equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball poles/net, etc.
Interstate 81 to exit 59 (Fort Henry Drive, Hwy 36). Take Highway 36 South to its intersection with Highway 75. Turn left onto Highway 75, which is toward the Tri-Cities Airport. Go approximately 1 mile, cross the Holston River and turn right at the Reservoir sign.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Boone Reservoir.
Cherokee Reservoir
Cherokee Dam Campground
This is a self-service campground (800-882-5263). 42 campsites with water and electric hookups, restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, children’s play equipment, picnic tables and grills, group pavilion available by reservation, swimming beach, boat ramps above dam and below dam, lake and river fishing, paved walking trail, bird-watching.
Group Pavilion
Advanced reservations for the pavilion can be made by calling our toll-free number, 866-494-7186.
2805 North Highway 92,
Jefferson City, TN 37760
This pavilion has the following amenities: (1) electrical outlet with (2) plug ins, there is no lighting under the pavilion, (10) tables that will seat 50 people, (1) large charcoal grill, handicap accessible, restrooms near by (about 1100 feet), near the beach area & boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, and there is horseshoes and stakes, no other equipment for activities such as volleyball poles/net, etc.
From Jefferson City, Tenn., go 1.5 miles west on US 11E, then follow signs 4.5 miles north to Cherokee Dam Reservation.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Cherokee Reservoir.
Chickamauga Reservoir
Group Pavilion
Advanced reservations for the pavilion can be made by calling our toll-free number, 866-494-7186.
This pavilion has the following amenities: (1) electrical outlet with (2) plug ins, lighting under the pavilion, (8) tables that will seat 64 people, (3) charcoal grills, handicap accessible, restrooms near by (about 150 feet), within walking distance of the beach area & boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, and there is no other equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball poles/net, etc.
From I-75, take exit 4, Highway 153. Take exit 6, Amnicola Highway and follow the signs to Chickamauga Lake.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Chickamauga Reservoir.
Douglas Reservoir
Douglas Dam Headwater Campground
This is a self-service campground (800-882-5263). 65 campsites, 61 with water and electric hookup and two handicapped-accessible sites. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, picnic tables, swimming beach, boat ramp, walking trail, wildlife viewing area, bird-watching.
Trotter Bluff Small Wild Area features walking trails through 30 acres of mature hardwood forest, limestone sinkholes, spring wildflowers, and vistas of the dam and tailwaters.
1680 Boat Launch Road
Sevierville, TN 37876
Near Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg, Tenn. From Interstate 40 take exit 407. Go south on Hwy. 66 then 3.5 miles east on Hwy. 139, then 2.5 miles south on Hwy. 338, then follow signs 1 mile north to campground.
Douglas Dam Tailwater Campground
This is a self-service campground (800-882-5263). 62 campsites with water and electric hookup and two handicapped-accessible sites. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, children’s play equipment, picnic tables and grills, group pavilion available by reservation, boat ramp, river fishing with fishing pier, bait and tackle shop, wildlife viewing area, bird-watching
829 Riverview Way
Sevierville, TN 37876
Near Sevierville and Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tenn. From Interstate 40 take exit 407. Go South on Hwy. 66, then 3.5 miles east on Hwy. 139, then 0.5 miles south on Hwy. 338 to campground.
Group Pavilion
Advanced reservations for the pavilion can be made by calling our toll-free number, 866-494-7186.
This pavilion has the following amenities: (1) electrical outlet with (2) plug ins, no lighting under the pavilion but there is lighting on the outside of pavilion, (10) tables that will seat 60 people and there is stadium seating outside the pavilion that will seat (200), (1) large covered charcoal grill and (1) large uncovered grill, handicap accessible, restrooms near by (about 300 feet), not near the beach area or boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, and there is no other equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball poles/net, etc.
From Interstate 40 take exit 407. Go South on Hwy. 66, then 3.5 miles east on Hwy. 139, then 0.5 miles south on Hwy. 338 to the pavilion.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Douglas Reservoir.
Fontana Reservoir
Group Pavilion
Advanced reservations for the pavilion can be made by calling our toll-free number, 866-494-7186.
This pavilion has the following amenities: (1) electrical outlet with (2) plug ins, handrails under the pavilion have lights, (6) tables that will seat 36 people, (1) double charcoal grill and (1) small grill, handicap accessible, restrooms near by (about 150 yards), not near the beach area, boat ramp is about 1 mile away, paved parking lot, water is furnished, and there is no other equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball poles/net, etc.
From Bryson City, North Carolina, take Highway 19/74 South to Highway 28 East, follow signs to Fontana Dam.
From Knoxville, Tennessee, take Highway 129 South from Knoxville to Maryville. Just past Maryville, Highway 129 turns left off of the four-lane highway. Caution – part of this road is a twisty mountain road! Just past the TN/NC state line, turn left on Highway 28 for 9 miles. Turn left and follow the signs to the dam.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Fontana Reservoir.
Foster Falls
Foster Falls Campground
Campground has onsite manager (423-942-5759). 26 campsites, with handicap-accessible site. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, picnic tables and grills, group pavilion available by reservation, hiking trail, natural area, bird-watching.
Foster Falls Small Wild Area centers on a 60-foot waterfall, visible from sandstone overlooks and surrounded by 178 acres of lush flora, including mountain laurel, azalea, and hemlock. A new handicap-accessible trail to an overlook has been added.
498 Foster Road
Sequatchie, TN 37374
From Tracy City, Tenn., go 5 miles east on Highway 150/US 41 to the pavilion.
Group Pavilion
Advanced reservations for the pavilion can be made by calling our toll-free number, 866-494-7186.
This pavilion has the following amenities: (1) electrical outlet with (2) plug ins, no lighting under the pavilion, (6) tables that will seat 75 people, (1) large charcoal grill and (2) small grills, handicap accessible, restrooms near by (about 25 yards), not near the beach area or boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, there is a ball field but no other activities such as horseshoes, volleyball poles/net, etc.
From Tracy City, Tenn., go 5 miles east on Highway 150/US 41 to the pavilion.
Guntersville Reservoir
Group Pavilion
Advanced reservations for the pavilion can be made by calling our toll-free number, 866-494-7186.
This pavilion has the following amenities: (1) electrical outlet with (2) plug ins, lighting under the pavilion, (17) tables that will seat 158 people, (3) charcoal grills, handicap accessible, no restrooms, not near the beach area, near the boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, and there is no other equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball poles/net, etc.
From Guntersville: Go north on Highway 431 approximately fifteen miles and turn left at the Guntersville Dam sign after crossing the Houston Bridge. Go approximately two miles and the pavilion will be located on the left.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Guntersville Reservoir.
Hiwassee Reservoir
Group Pavilion
Advanced reservations for the pavilion can be made by calling our toll-free number, 866-494-7186.
This pavilion has the following amenities: no electrical outlets, no lighting under the pavilion, (6) tables that will seat 40 people, (3) charcoal grills, handicap accessible, restrooms near by (about 50 yards), not near the beach area or boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, and there is no other equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball poles/net, etc.
Take SR 294 NW from Highway 64. Stay on 294 past Hiwassee Dam School. Turn right onto Hiwassee Dam Access Road after crossing the bridge (Historic Marker can be seen at this intersection). Stay on the access road across the dam then turn right into the Hiwassee Dam overlook area.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Hiwassee Reservoir.
Melton Hill Reservoir
Melton Hill Dam Campground
This is a self-service campground (800-882-5263). There are 57 campsites, 33 with water and electric hookups; 8 with water, electric, and sewer service; 3 accessible sites with water, electric, and sewer service; and 13 without hookups, 9 of which are tent sites. This campground also has restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, multipurpose court, picnic tables with grills, group pavilion available by reservation, swimming beach, boat ramp above and below the dam, lake fishing, bird-watching.
2009 Grubb Road
Lenoir City, TN 37771
Melton Hill Dam Reservation Trail descends 0.9 miles from the dam overlook to the lakeshore through a hardwood forest filled with wildflowers and diverse wildlife.
Group Pavilion
Advanced reservations for the pavilion can be made by calling our toll-free number, 866-494-7186.
These pavilions have the following amenities: (1) electrical outlet with (2) plug ins at all 3 pavilions, no lighting under the pavilions but the street lights light up all 3 pavilions well, (6) tables that will seat 48 people at all 3 pavilions, (1) large charcoal grill at each pavilion, pavilion # 2 is the only handicap accessible, restrooms near by (about 300 feet) at pavilions #1 and 2 and about (50 feet) at pavilion # 3, # 3 is the only pavilion near the beach area and boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished at pavilion #1 and 2 (about 20 feet away), no water provided at pavilion #3, pavilion #1 has horseshoe stakes, pavilion # 3 has a basketball goal, and there is no other equipment for activities at the pavilions.
From Interstate 40 take exit 364, go 2 miles north on Highway 95, then follow signs east to Melton Hill Dam Reservation.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Melton Hill Reservoir.
Nickajack Reservoir
Group Pavilion
Advanced reservations for the pavilion can be made by calling our toll-free number, 866-494-7186.
This pavilion & gazebo has the following amenities: (1) electrical outlet with (2) plug ins at each, lighting under the pavilion and gazebo, tables that will seat 50 people, (3) charcoal grills, handicap accessible, restrooms near by (about 300 feet), near the beach area and boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, and there is no other equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball poles/net, etc.
From I-24 West, exit 158. Follow signs to Nickajack Dam Reservation / Shellmound Campground. The pavilion is adjacent to Shellmound Campground.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Nickajack Reservoir.
Normandy Reservoir
Barton Springs Campground
Campground has onsite manager (931-857-9222). 67 campsites, 40 with water and electric hookups. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, picnic tables, group pavilion available by reservation, swimming beach, boat ramp above the dam, fishing pier.
From Normandy, Tennessee, go 3 miles east on Normandy Road to campground.
Group Pavilion
Advanced reservations for the picnic pavilion can be made by calling our toll-free number, 866-494-7186.
158 Barton Springs Road
Normandy, TN 37360
This pavilion has the following amenities: (1) electrical outlet with (2) plug ins, lighting under the pavilion, table that will seat 50 people, (1) large charcoal grill, handicap accessible, restrooms near by (about 300 feet), near the beach area and boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, and there is no other equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball poles/net, etc.
From Normandy, Tennessee, go 3 miles east on Normandy Road to the pavilion.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Normandy Reservoir.
Norris Reservoir
Loyston Point Campground
Campground has onsite manager (865-494-9369). 64 campsites, 39 with electric hookups. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, picnic tables, swimming beach, boat ramp, and hiking trail
Hemlock Bluff National Recreation Trail, named for the prominence of hemlocks in the hardwood forest that the trail traverses, is a seven-mile loop along the steep ridges and bluffs of Norris Reservoir.
730 Loyston Point Road
Andersonville, TN 37705
Near Norris, Tennessee. From junction of US 441 and Highway 61, go 2 miles east on Highway 61, then 3.5 miles north on Park Road, then 0.5 miles east on Boy Scout Road, then follow signs for 2.5 miles on Loyston Point Road.
Group Pavilion
Advanced reservations for the pavilion can be made by calling our toll-free number, 866-494-7186.
This pavilion has the following amenities: (1) electrical outlet with (2) plug ins, lighting under the pavilion, ( 6) tables that will seat 50 people, (1) large charcoal grill, handicap accessible, restrooms are about 1/2 mile away, not near the beach area or boat ramp, paved parking lot, no water is furnished, and there is no other equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball poles/net, etc.
From I-75, take exit 122. Take 61 East then 441 West to Norris Dam.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Norris Reservoir.
Pickwick Reservoir
Pickwick Dam Tailwater Campground
This is a self-service campground (800-882-5263). 95 campsites, 66 with water and electric hookups. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, picnic tables and grills, boat ramp below dam, tailwater bank fishing, bird-watching.
1845 Wharf Road,
Savannah, TN 38372
Near Counce, Tennessee. From junction of Hwy. 57 and Hwy. 128, go 1.5 miles north on Hwy. 128 across dam, then west below dam.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Pickwick Reservoir.
Tellico Reservoir
Group Pavilion
Advanced reservations for the pavilion can be made by calling our toll-free number, 866-494-7186.
This pavilion has the following amenities: (1) electrical outlet with (2) plug ins, no lighting under the pavilion, (8) tables that will seat 48 people, (2) charcoal grills, handicap accessible, restrooms near by (about 40 feet), near the beach area and boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, and there is no other equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball poles/net, etc.
From Lenoir City, Tennessee, take Highway 321 South, over Fort Loudoun Dam to Highway 444 (Tellico Parkway). Follow signs to pavilion.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Tellico Reservoir.
Watauga Reservoir
Watauga Dam Tailwater Campground
This is a self-service campground (423-542-3533). Recreation opportunities: 29 camp sites with electric hookups. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, public phone, picnic tables and grills, canoe access, boat ramps above and below dam, lake and river fishing, hiking trail, walking trail, wildlife viewing area, bird-watching.
The Appalachian Trail crosses Watauga Dam.
744 Wilbur Dam Road
Elizabethton, TN 37643
From Elizabethton, Tenn., take US 19E north 0.1 miles to Hwy. 91, then take Hwy. 91 3 miles to Siam Road. Turn right onto Siam Road and follow signs to Watauga Dam Reservation.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Watauga Reservoir.
Watts Bar Reservoir
Group Pavilion
Advanced reservations for the pavilion can be made by calling our toll-free number, 866-494-7186.
This pavilion has the following amenities: (1) electrical outlet with (2) plug ins, lighting under the pavilion, (11) tables that will seat 100 people, (3) charcoal grills, handicap accessible, restrooms near by (about 150 feet), near the beach area and boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, there is a basketball goal but no other equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball poles/net, etc.
From Spring City, Tennessee, take Highway 29 South to Highway 68 East. Follow signs to the dam.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Watts Bar Reservoir.
Wheeler Reservoir
Mallard Creek Campground
Campground has onsite manager (256-637-6623). 56 campsites with water and electric hookups. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, children’s play equipment, picnic tables, group pavilion available by reservation, swimming beach, boat ramp, lake fishing, bird-watching.
From Decatur, Ala., go 11.5 miles west on US 72A/Hwy. 20, then 3.5 miles north on Spring Creek Road.
Group Pavilion
Advanced reservations for the pavilion can be made by calling our toll-free number, 866-494-7186.
This pavilion has the following amenities: (4) electrical outlets with (2) plug ins, lighting under the pavilion, tables that will seat 50-75 people, (1) large charcoal grill and (2) small grills, (1) fireplace at each end of the pavilion, handicap accessible, restrooms near by (about 20 feet), not near the beach area or boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished, there is a tennis court, volleyball poles (no net), a small playground, and there is a large field in front of pavilion that can be used as a ball field or hitting golf balls.
From Florence, Alabama, take US 72 East approximately 10 miles to Highway 101 South. About 2 miles South, cross Wheeler Dam and take the first road to the left after you cross the dam. The pavilion is on the left overlooking the dam.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Wheeler Reservoir.
Wilson Reservoir
Wilson Dam-Lower Rockpile Campground
This is a self-service campground (800-882-5263). 23 campsites. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, picnic tables and grills, group pavilion available by reservation, boat ramps above and below the dam, lake and river fishing, hiking trail (10 miles), walking trail, natural area, wildlife viewing area, bird-watching, bicycling.
Old First Quarters Small Wild Area, comprising 25 acres, was set aside to preserve natural and cultural features, including a rich array of spring wildflowers, woodland birds, and structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Reservation Road
Muscle Shoals, AL 35633
Near Muscle Shoals, Ala. From south side of Wilson Dam, go 0.5 miles west on Highway 133 (TVA Reservation Road), then 0.5 miles north (follow signs).
Group Pavilion
Advanced reservations for the pavilion can be made by calling our toll-free number, 866-494-7186.
This pavilion has the following amenities: no electrical outlets, no lighting under the pavilion, (3) tables that will seat 18 people, (1) large charcoal grill, not handicap accessible, restrooms near by (at each end of the pavilion), not near the beach area or boat ramp, paved parking lot, water is furnished in the restrooms, and there is no other equipment for activities such as horseshoes, volleyball poles/net, etc.
From US 72 in Florence, Alabama, take Highway 133 South and cross Wilson Dam. About 2 miles after you cross the dam, turn right into the CCC pavilion area.
Read more information on recreation facilities at Wilson Reservoir.