Look Rock Campground: Your Smoky Mountain Escape in Tennessee

Look Rock Campground Introduce

For those of us in Tennessee, the call of the mountains is often irresistible, drawing us to the tranquility and natural beauty that defines our state. When it comes to finding that perfect spot to reconnect with nature, Look Rock Campground stands as a unique option within the iconic Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a destination that offers a genuine escape, providing a more traditional camping experience deeply embedded in the forest landscape. This article aims to give Tennessee residents a comprehensive insight into Look Rock Campground, helping you decide if it’s the ideal setting for your next outdoor adventure, whether you're a seasoned camper or looking for a quiet place to unwind.

Look Rock Campground isn't your typical bustling resort-style campground. Instead, it offers a more rustic yet comfortable experience, focusing on immersion in the natural environment. Reviews consistently highlight its well-maintained grounds and the serene, remote feel it provides. If your idea of camping involves being surrounded by towering trees, enjoying the quiet hum of the forest, and experiencing true peace, then Look Rock is designed with you in mind. While it might be "deep up in the forest" as one guest put it, it still provides essential amenities to ensure a pleasant stay. It’s a haven for those who appreciate the simpler pleasures of camping and want to be truly present in the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.

Nestled at Look Rock Campground Loop A, Tallassee, TN 37878, USA, Look Rock Campground boasts a truly remarkable location along the scenic Foothills Parkway West. This elevated position provides a "high country wooded landscape," offering a distinct atmosphere compared to other campgrounds in the region. The address itself indicates its deep integration into the natural surroundings, making it a prime spot for those who prioritize a secluded, nature-centric camping experience.

Accessibility to Look Rock Campground requires careful planning, particularly if you are approaching from the southeast. As one reviewer wisely noted, it's crucial to "be very careful which route the GPS takes you there if coming from the south east. You might not want to end up on the Dragon’s Tail motorcycle road with 129 turns." This refers to State Route 129, also known as "The Tail of the Dragon," a famous and challenging road with 318 curves in 11 miles. While thrilling for motorcyclists and experienced drivers, it can be demanding, especially if you are towing a trailer or an RV. From Maryville, you can travel east on Highway 321 for approximately 6 miles, then turn right onto Foothills Parkway for another 6 miles, and the campground will be on your right. It's always advisable to consult detailed maps and potentially alternative routes if you are driving a large vehicle to ensure a smooth and safe arrival. The park's location, while remote, places you in a fantastic spot for exploring the beauty of the Foothills Parkway and nearby attractions.

Services Offered:

Traditional Camping Experience: Focuses on immersion in nature with basic yet essential amenities.
Flush Toilets: Clean comfort stations are available, providing a significant convenience for campers.
Drinking Water: Potable water is accessible within the campground.
Dump Station: A facility is available for RV waste disposal.
Campsites: Offers 68 wooded campsites, including 10 with electric hookups (30/50 AMP).
Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are provided at each site for campfires.
Tent Pads: Specific areas are available for tent setup, in addition to sites accommodating larger trailers.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed on a leash (no longer than 6 feet) within the campground, although they are generally not permitted on trails or in park buildings.

Features / Highlights:

Remote and Quiet Setting: Ideal for campers seeking tranquility and a deep forest experience, away from crowded areas.
Well-Maintained Grounds: Consistently praised by visitors for its cleanliness and upkeep by the managing couple.
Look Rock Observation Tower: A short, easy 0.5-mile hike leads to this tower, offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee River Valley on clear days. This is a must-visit for any guest.
Foothills Parkway Access: The campground is directly on the scenic Foothills Parkway West, offering numerous pull-offs with stunning views and opportunities for relaxing drives.
Proximity to Hiking Trails: While hiking directly from the campground is limited, the broader Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers over 800 miles of trails for day hiking and backpacking, just a short drive away.
Wildlife Viewing: Abundant opportunities for observing local wildlife and birding.
Picnic Area: A beautiful picnic area is nearby for day use, perfect for enjoying meals outdoors.
Cades Cove Nearby: A relatively short drive to Cades Cove, a popular area known for its historic buildings and abundant wildlife, including bears and deer.
Elevation: Sits at a higher elevation (2,749 feet), contributing to its high-country wooded landscape.

Contact Information:

Address: Look Rock Campground Loop A, Tallassee, TN 37878, USA

Phone: For campground inquiries, you can call (865) 448-4103. For general park information, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park contact number is (865) 436-1261. It is also advisable to check Recreation.gov for the most current reservation and contact details.

In conclusion, Look Rock Campground offers Tennessee locals a distinctive and authentic camping experience deeply rooted in the natural splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains. While some modern amenities like showers are not available, its appeal lies in its serene, forested setting and its proximity to some of the most stunning vistas and recreational opportunities in the region. The fact that it's "well maintained" and run by a "nice elderly couple" speaks to the care and personal touch that visitors can expect. For those in Tennessee seeking a peaceful escape, a place to truly unwind amidst nature, and an opportunity to explore the less-trafficked yet equally magnificent parts of the national park, Look Rock Campground is an excellent choice. Its remote feel, combined with essential facilities and access to incredible natural features like the Look Rock Observation Tower and the Foothills Parkway, makes it a compelling destination for a genuine outdoor adventure right in our backyard.

Whether you’re looking to pitch a tent under the stars, bring your RV for a quiet retreat, or embark on scenic drives and hikes, Look Rock Campground caters to those who cherish simplicity and natural beauty. Just remember to plan your route carefully, especially if you're bringing a larger vehicle, to avoid challenging roads. This campground is a testament to the diverse and enriching experiences available within our very own Tennessee landscape, offering a refreshing break from the everyday.

You can see a tour of Look Rock Campground and its sites in this video: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNncuO1-Pc4)

Look Rock Campground Photos

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Look Rock Campground Location

Look Rock Campground

Tennessee Blount County Tallassee Look Rock Campground Loop A

Look Rock Campground Loop A, Tallassee, TN 37878, USA

Look Rock Campground Reviews

This campground is well maintained. Nice elderly couple running it. It’s for you if you like to be deep up in the forest. Very quiet, in a really remote part of the area. however you do hear some road traffic passing by.Be very careful which route the GPS takes you there if coming from the south east. You might not want to end up on the Dragon’s Tail motorcycle road with 129 turns 🫣
Jun 28, 2025 · Leonie Darsow
Location really sucks compared to most. It’s up against a neighborhood. So no seclusion or woodsy feel. The campsite was overgrown. There was some annoying siren going off like half the day. There are like 100 better locations.
Jun 01, 2025 · Jeffrey Joseph
The campground is newly renovated. Sites are paved, fairly level and provide good privacy. We stayed in a site with water and electric but not all site have these. Only downside is that the CG is fairly far from popular hiking trails. We had to rise at 5AM to get to trailheads before they were completely full.
May 05, 2024 · Cycling Chemist
My 1 star rating is not because I stayed there. It's because I rented my camper to an older couple that wanted to vacation with their kids and grandchildren. Before departing with my 10k pound camper. I went on their website and pulled their physical address. I inputted into my truck. My GPS took me up a Happy Hollow Rd with 3 huge switchbacks and an elevation of 10 to 12%. After arriving at the physical address. No campground. So I called the office for directions and she said are you delivering a camper? Yes. We don't allow that here. We only rent slots to owners that will remain with the unit. She said in case of fire etc... When I continued to question this. Granted I am blocking traffic because she won't give me directions. She said we have had sex traffickers use rental services and we won't to keep this a kid friendly campground. I did my best to validate my guest. But she still said no entry. So I made a wrong turn. Then I tried to turn around on a back road. Got stuck. I couldn't turn around. Then I had to drive my camper down a dangerous & muddy road to get back to main road. I felt like if she would have given me directions and then told me when I arrived. I wouldn't have had these problems. So beware. This campground doesn't allow RV Share or Outdoorsy RV rentals & don't put your camper up Happy Hollow. It's not safe, and could cause damage to your transmission.
May 17, 2024 · Jason Reeves
The campground is newly reopened, the road is nicely paved, a few sites have electricity but most don't. There's a dump station for RVs, and bathrooms but no showers. Don't expect your parking space to be level, expect to use blocks for your RV or trailer. There's the sound of motorcycles enjoying the tight twisty road to get here, but otherwise it's pure nature, with turkeys wandering around and a hiking trail to the tower.
Sep 20, 2023 · Mick Shea