Campground

Look Rock Campground

Campground

Look Rock Campground sits at 2,600 feet along the scenic Foothills Parkway West, offering 68 seasonal sites suited to both tent and RV camping. The mix includes five tent-only sites, ten with electric and water hookups, four RV-only, and standard dry sites. Amenities are basics: seasonal flush toilets, potable water spigots, food storage lockers, and fire rings—the essentials for mountain camping done right. Weather changes fast at elevation; pack layers and rain gear year-round.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
6 months in advance; sites fill quickly for peak season (June–August)
Reservation Tips
Book 6 months in advance through recreation.gov—peak season (June–August) fills instantly. Shoulder season (May, September–October) offers better availability with milder temps. Set calendar reminder 6 months before your target date to secure a site at opening availability.
Season Dates
May 9 to October 24 (closed seasonally)

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
6 months in advance; sites fill quickly for peak season (June–August)
Reservation Tips
Book 6 months in advance through recreation.gov—peak season (June–August) fills instantly. Shoulder season (May, September–October) offers better availability with milder temps. Set calendar reminder 6 months before your target date to secure a site at opening availability.
Season Dates
May 9 to October 24 (closed seasonally)
Fills Up Speed
Books instantly for summer; shoulder season (May, Sept–Oct) more available
Per Night Cost
$30 per night (standard non-electric), $36 per night (electric/water hookups)
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful Pass accepted (park entry is free)

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
68
Site Types
Tent-only, Electric/water hookup RV, RV dry camping, Standard dry camping
Site Type Breakdown
5 tent-only, 10 electric/water hookups, 4 RV-only, 49 standard dry camping
RV Max Length
13–48 feet depending on site
Group Sites Available
0
Hookups
10 sites with electric and water hookups; 58 sites dry camping only
Site Features
Fire ring (metal), picnic table, tent pad (designated sites), seasonal food storage locker, bear-proof storage (as applicable)
Ground Type
Tent pads (designated tent sites), gravel or compacted earth at other sites
Site Privacy
Varies by site; some offer forest separation, others placed closer together. 68 sites spread across developed area.

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Flush toilets (seasonal)
Showers Available
No shower facilities in campground
Potable Water
Potable water available seasonally via campground spigots
Dump Station
Yes (seasonal)
Trash Service
Trash and recycling collection (seasonal)
Camp Store
No camp store on-site; no ice or firewood for sale
Firewood Availability
No firewood sold on-site. Collect dead and downed wood in park for campfires, or bring USDA heat-treated, certified firewood. No untreated or transported wood.
Cell Service
No cell phone reception; download offline maps before arrival
Nearby Facilities
Walland, TN (~10 miles) for fuel, supplies, restaurants. Townsend, TN (~15 miles) for additional services, dining, and laundry facilities.

Access

Road Type
Paved
Road Conditions
Paved roads, well-maintained. All vehicles welcome—no high-clearance vehicle required.
Vehicle Restrictions
Max 2 motor vehicles or 1 vehicle with trailer per site. Keep wheels on pavement. All tents must be pitched on pad where provided.
Clearance Needed
Standard
Distance From Entrance
Located on Foothills Parkway West between Walland and Chilhowee Lake; approximately 45–60 minutes from main park entrance (Sugarlands Valley)
Nearest Gas Services
Walland, TN (~10 miles) for fuel, supplies, and services
Elevation
2,600 feet
Accessibility
Not ADA-accessible. Developed campground with paved internal roads and paved path to restrooms, but path includes incline. No accessible campsites available.
ADA Accessible Sites
No ADA-accessible sites. Paved path to restrooms has incline.

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
All food and equipment for food prep/storage must be sealed in vehicle or solid camping unit at all times when not in use. Food storage lockers provided seasonally.
Fire Restrictions
Campfires permitted only in fire rings provided at each site. Heat-treated, USDA-certified firewood only. Dead and downed wood collection permitted.
Generator Hours
Prohibited 8 pm–8 am
Quiet Hours
10 pm–6 am
Max Stay Limit
14 consecutive days
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Day hiking (Look Rock Tower trailhead nearby), scenic Foothills Parkway drive with overlooks, wildlife viewing, picnicking
Trailheads Nearby
Hike to Look Rock Tower accessible from campground. Foothills Parkway scenic drive with multiple overlooks and access points nearby.
Wildlife Viewing
Black bears present—maintain 100-yard distance. Other wildlife (deer, elk, wild turkeys, birds) common at 25-yard distance minimum. Early morning/dusk best viewing.
Shade Coverage
Moderate to dense pine and hardwood canopy depending on site location
Scenic Views
Mountain vistas of surrounding Smoky Mountains ridges; elevation offers scenic perspective of Foothills Parkway corridor
Noise Level
Generally quiet mountain setting; occasional scenic drive traffic audible but minimal road noise
Best Time To Visit
May–June (spring wildflowers, mild temps, fewer crowds) or September–October (cool nighttime temps, fall color, lower bug pressure)
Vibe Check
Developed mountain forest campground with seasonal-only access. Mix of tent and RV sites at moderate density. Foothills Parkway corridor nearby; traffic minimal and scenic. Quiet setting suits solitude seekers. No showers or RV resort amenities—suited to self-sufficient campers comfortable with basics (fire rings, toilets, water). Not for comfort-focused or spontaneous visitors.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You value quiet mountain forest setting, self-sufficient in outdoor living, comfortable with seasonal facilities, seeking Foothills Parkway access and day hikes. ❌ SKIP IF: You need showers, want year-round access, expect RV resort amenities, or have low tolerance for weather extremes and facility limitations.
Tips Advice
  • Pack layers and rain gear; mountain weather changes fast even in summer
  • All food sealed in vehicle or camping unit 24/7—no exceptions in bear country
  • Bring heat-treated firewood or gather dead/downed wood; no untreated firewood allowed
  • Generator use prohibited 8 pm–8 am; plan battery-powered activities for quiet hours
  • Download offline maps before arrival—no cell service on-site
  • Stake tents securely; wind picks up on ridges, especially during storms
  • Confirm toilet and water availability when booking (seasonal closures)
  • Respect quiet hours 10 pm–6 am; sounds carry in campground setting

More details

Park Area
Foothills Parkway West
Sites Tent Only
5
Sites RV Only
4
Family Friendly Notes
Mountain setting and elevation appeal to families. No playground on-site. Hiking and wildlife viewing (at safe distances) suit older children. Limited facilities (no showers, seasonal water) best for families self-sufficient in outdoor hygiene. Young toddlers may struggle with weather unpredictability and lack of amenities.
Nearby Attractions
Cades Cove Overlook, Foothills Parkway scenic loop, Chilhowee Lake area, Walland (nearest town)
Terrain Type
Mountainous, rolling terrain at moderate elevation (2,600 ft) with forest canopy
Temperature Ranges
Summer: highs 75–85°F, nighttime lows 55–65°F. Winter: highs 45–55°F, lows 25–35°F (campground closed). Rapid weather changes common year-round.
Snow Season
Heavy snow likely November–March; campground closed October 25–May 8 due to winter weather and road conditions
Monsoon Season
Summer thunderstorms common July–August; seek shelter in vehicle or camping unit during afternoon storms
Wind Exposure
Protected by surrounding forest canopy; moderate wind exposure possible at higher ridge elevation during storms
Bug Season
Mosquitoes peak July–September; bring insect repellent. Spring and fall lighter. Black flies possible April–May.
Setup Strategy
Sites are paved or gravel pull-up areas. Most are back-in; some pull-through. Internal roads paved and well-maintained—any vehicle can navigate. Level or slight slopes; RVs may need chocks. Large rigs (40+ ft) should confirm site width/length on recreation.gov before arrival; turnarounds tight. Tent pads designated where provided; setup straightforward. Park only in marked spaces; keep wheels on pavement per regulations.
Bath Laundry Recon
No showers or laundry on-site. Nearest facilities: Townsend or Walland (~10–15 miles away). Cold creek bathing possible but water frigid year-round. Plan day trips to town for hot showers and laundry, or accept creek baths and sponge-offs at camp.
Review Summary
Campers praise the quiet mountain setting and Foothills Parkway access for scenic driving and hiking. Common concerns: lack of showers and seasonal facility closures (water/toilets). Families appreciate wildlife viewing; RV campers note tight turnarounds for large rigs. Overall, suits self-sufficient campers seeking solitude, not RV resort amenities.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I book a site right now?

Yes, up to 6 months in advance through recreation.gov. Peak season (June–August) fills instantly. Try shoulder season (May, September–October) for better availability and milder weather.

Can my 40-foot RV fit here?

Maybe. RV site lengths range 13–48 feet depending on campsite. Check the specific site details on recreation.gov before booking to confirm your rig fits. Call (865)436-1200 if unsure.

Are there showers?

No shower facilities on-site. Nearest showers are in Walland or Townsend (~10–15 miles away). Plan day trips or accept creek bathing.

Is this bear country?

Yes. Keep 100 yards from bears, 25 yards from other wildlife. All food must be sealed in vehicle or camping unit 24/7—never left at your site. Food storage lockers provided seasonally.

Will I have water and toilet access?

Yes, but seasonally (May–October only). Flush toilets and potable water available May 9–October 24. Confirm availability when booking; winter closure dates are firm.

Is there cell service?

No cell reception on-site. Download offline maps and communication apps before arrival. Visit Walland or Townsend for phone service.

What are the fire rules?

Campfires in fire rings only. Heat-treated, USDA-certified firewood only—no untreated wood. Dead and downed wood collection allowed. No firewood sold on-site.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.