KNOXVILLE, TN— The arrival of spring brings the reopening of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s seasonal campgrounds on March 15, and the return of staff to visitor centers on April 6.
TVA has more than 80 public recreation areas, including campgrounds, day-use areas and boat ramps throughout the Tennessee Valley. In 2023, visitors stayed a total of 45,000 nights at six TVA-developed campgrounds.
- Cherokee Dam — Cherokee Dam Reservation in Jefferson City, Tenn.
- Douglas Dam Headwater — Douglas Dam Reservation near Sevierville, Tenn.
- Melton Hill Dam — Melton Hill Dam Reservation near Lenoir City, Tenn.
- Pickwick Dam — Pickwick Dam Reservation near Savannah, Tenn.
- Watauga Dam — Watauga Dam Reservation near Elizabethton, Tenn.
Full details of all camping fees and policies can be found on TVA’s camping website or on the Vista Recreation website at camprrm.com. Camping may require reservations and fees for overnight stays. Most campsites are capable of accommodating tents, pop-up trailers and recreational vehicles. Each campground provides restrooms, potable water, showers, grills, picnic tables, RV dump stations and access to nearby boating and fishing.
TVA has eight dams with visitor centers featuring displays that highlight more than 90 years of TVA history, provide information about the site you are visiting, and showcase how TVA serves the people of the Valley today. The following four centers open April 6, and are staffed with friendly TVA retirees to answer questions and provide a firsthand experience of the TVA story.
- Norris Dam — located off Interstate 75, Exit 122 north of Knoxville. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The visitor center overlooks the powerhouse, Norris Reservoir and a marina. Open April 1 – Nov. 19.
- Kentucky Dam — located off U.S. Highway 62 east coming from Paducah, KY., or west from Clarksville, Tenn., operates 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center provides information about TVA’s longest dam and the reservoir — which stretches for 184 miles across Kentucky and Tennessee and is the largest in the eastern U.S. Open April 1 – October 29.
- Fontana Dam — located off N.C. Highway 28 near the Tennessee border. Operating hours are posted on the website. The center is also a stop on the Appalachian Trail with a shelter, showers, and public restrooms. Open April – October 29.
- Raccoon Mountain — projected to reopen in June. Located off Raccoon Mountain Road near U.S. Highway 64/72 west of Chattanooga and will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The center’s overlook offers a spectacular view of a narrow gorge on the river. The Laurel Point recreation area is open year-round.
- Information can be found on TVA’s camping website.
Media Release/Adam May/ TVA news
