KNOXVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Valley Authority closed six campgrounds for winter on Saturday, November 15, and they will reopen on December 1 for the 2026 camping season. Campers made over 97,000 visits to TVA-developed campgrounds this year. TVA and Tennessee Valley Hospitality partner to provide the public with access to these six campgrounds.
“Whether vacationers are seeking access to Tennessee River and its tributaries, outdoor adventure, relaxing escape, or a base location to tour the region; the unique partnership between TVA and Tennessee Valley Hospitality offers locations where campers can create lifelong memories,” said Jason McNutt, TVA land contract specialist.
The six TVA campgrounds are:
- 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.
- Pickwick Dam – Pickwick Dam Reservation near Savannah, Tenn.
Reservations open for the 2026 camping season on December 1 at gocamptennessee.com.
Visitor centers at TVA dams have already or will close soon for the season. The TVA dam visitor centers have had a busy year, welcoming over 92,000 guests through their doors. The Fontana and Kentucky Dam visitor centers closed on Oct. 26, and the Norris Dam Visitor Center will close Nov. 23.
TVA’s day-use recreation areas on dam reservations remain open year-round. These recreation areas are used for hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking, wildlife viewing and swimming. Visitor opportunities are accessible year-round at the Racoon Mountain, Melton Hill and Douglas reservations in Tennessee, and Wilson and Guntersville reservations in Alabama.
Media Release/Adam May/TVA News
