KNOXVILLE, TN – Springtime has arrived and five of TVA’s six campgrounds have reopened.
“Thousands of families make memories together at TVA campgrounds each year,” said Jonathan McNutt, TVA land management contract specialist. “TVA campgrounds are surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and campers made over 97,000 visits last year.”
The following TVA-developed campgrounds are open. The properties are managed by Tennessee Valley Hospitality. Reservations may be required for overnight stays and the process begins at TVA.com/camping.
- 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.
- Watauga Dam — Watauga Dam Reservation near Elizabethton, Tenn.
Ice and extreme cold from Winter Storm Fern in January caused damage at Pickwick Dam Campground that has delayed the reopening at that site.
TVA has more than 80 public recreation areas throughout the Tennessee Valley, including campgrounds, day-use areas and boat ramps.
TVA also has four dams – the Kentucky, Norris and Fontana Dams – with staffed visitor centers that will reopen on April 4 and will remain open into the fall. The Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage visitor center is staffed year-round.
Each location offers a unique experience about the history and mechanics of each dam, as well as TVA’s greater mission of service to the people of the Valley. Centers have photos, videos and relics for families to enjoy.
Teachers who want to take their class on a field trip to a visitor center can arrange those with a new easy-to-use online form. It can be found at TVA.com/visit.
More than 95,000 people stopped in a visitor center in 2025. TVA retirees who continue serving the Valley through Bicentennial Volunteers, Incorporated are at staffed visitor centers to welcome and share TVA history with visitors.
Media Release/Adam May/TVA Media Relations
