camp site recommendations

If you google white water rafting rv parks, you will find many in the Tenn/NC area that are right on the rivers , park and pull kayak up to the camp sites.

We just returned from two weeks in your neck of the woods. Every camp ground we stayed had lake/river access and all the grounds were very quiet and well maintained/managed.

Warriors Path State Park is few miles up the road from you.

Panther Creek is even closer to Knoxville.

Lake Barkley is a bit further down the road but still easy.

Piney Grove was probably the best. Right on the water which was rising daily because of the rains in the Tennessee River area.

All my nights were in the state and federal public parks and didn't spend more than $30 a night. Corps Of Engineers (aka COE) parks are going to be your best option considering they manage most all the Federal camp grounds associated with TVA dams. Most with power and water but you'll find some that are more rustic in nature.

Well, we went to Seven Points on J. Percy Lake, just outside of Nashville. It turned out to be great! Campsites are very large and private. Lake is within a short walk to all sites and some are right on the lake. We had our kayaks and fish were plentiful. I would highly recommend it! Visit Nashville, food and music is great. I thank all of you that posted your suggestions.---Chanacres

Thanks to all you for your suggestions! Looks like Seven Points on J. Percy Priest Lake is where we are heading next. It sounds like its a quieter campsite with large lots, trees and on a nice lake. This should fit the bill if this info is correct. I know close by is another one called Nashville Shores on the same lake, but much busier with a waterpark. If there is a better forum to share park info of places you all have visited, please, someone let me know. Thanks again, Chanacres

I am not sure of the distance, but there is a nice National Forest camp ground on Watauga Lake not too far from Hampton TN.
We train there and almost always see a few other paddlers as we pass by the point that the campground is on.

Jack L

Most of the Corps lakes I camp at are locations where kayaks can be launched and used to explore shorelines, coves, and feeder streams (they are actually reservoirs drowning river systems). But none are really close to Knoxville (I am in the Arkansas Basin).

To the east, you may be in TVA country, and they have their own way of handling recreation.

The other area I am familiar with is Michigan, which has thousands of lakes, tiny to large, with recreational access, in addition to several dozen rivers for kayaking and canoeing, quiet water or white water.

Try looking here, we love USACE campgrounds and there is always water.
http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/

I find a lot of government, Fed/State/City/County, parks on this website. I pay close attention to C.O.E. parks due to their association with lakes and rivers, plus I use the "geezer" pass. But, there are many other public campgrounds with waterfront camping.

How about a natural scenic river. Come to MI and try the Pere Marquette River. A little more than 200 miles though. All kinds of lakes here too.

I'm not sure if it's 200 miles but try Lake Moomaw in Bath County VA.