Panther Creek State Park Campground

For Tennessee residents seeking an idyllic outdoor retreat that perfectly blends natural beauty with thoughtful amenities, Panther Creek State Park Campground in Morristown, TN, stands out as a premier choice. This "small, quaint campground" within a "HUGE" state park offers a unique blend of peace and activity, making it a beloved destination for a variety of campers. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the meticulous care and the serene environment that make this state park a true gem.

Panther Creek State Park Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a gateway to exploring the breathtaking landscapes of East Tennessee and indulging in a wide array of recreational pursuits. Praised for its cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and friendly staff, it provides a welcoming haven for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike. While it offers modern conveniences like full hookups and excellent Wi-Fi, it maintains a tranquil ambiance, backed up to the Cherokee Reservoir, ensuring a truly rejuvenating experience for all who visit.

Panther Creek State Park Campground is ideally located at 2010 Panther Creek Park Rd #13, Morristown, TN 37814, USA. This strategic position places it in the scenic East Tennessee region, with direct backing onto the beautiful Cherokee Reservoir. Morristown itself is a vibrant community, offering both local conveniences and a gateway to the wider attractions of the region.

For Tennessee residents, accessing Panther Creek State Park is highly convenient. Morristown is situated off Interstate 81 and is easily reachable from major cities across the state. From Knoxville, the drive is relatively short, often less than an hour, making it an excellent option for quick weekend getaways or longer vacations. Even from cities like Chattanooga and Nashville, the drive is manageable, offering scenic routes as you approach the park.

The campground's unique layout, situated on a hill with trails leading directly into the expansive park area, offers immediate access to a vast network of hiking and horse-riding trails. Its proximity to the Cherokee Reservoir provides fantastic opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water sports. While the campground loop can be "a little tricky to maneuver through when the campground is full due to limited overflow parking" for "big rigs," the paved asphalt pads and overall accessibility make it a comfortable destination for most vehicles. Furthermore, essential services like Walmart are just 3.5 miles away, and a Tractor Supply for propane fills is only 4.5 miles, ensuring convenience during your stay. This blend of natural seclusion and easy access to amenities truly sets Panther Creek State Park Campground apart.

• Full Hookup Campsites: The campground offers 50 campsites, with many providing full hookups, including 50 & 30 amp electric, water, and sewer connections. All sites are back-in and feature asphalt pads with surrounding grass, a picnic table, grill, and fire ring, ensuring a comfortable and well-equipped stay.

• Clean and Modern Bathhouses: A standout feature is the campground's "9 individual bathrooms with large showers and air conditioners in each room that automatically turns on as you enter to regulate the temperature." These facilities are "cleaned daily and it shows! They look and smell so clean!", providing a superior level of comfort and hygiene.

• Laundry Facilities: For convenience, two sets of washer and dryer units are available, one at each bathhouse, costing only $2.00 to wash or dry. This is a significant amenity for longer stays.

• Dump Station: A dump station is conveniently located near the ranger station/camp store. While there's a $5 fee for non-campers, it's free for registered campers, ensuring easy waste disposal for self-contained rigs.

• Camp Store: A small store is available on-site, offering "a few essentials" during afternoon/early evening hours. While limited, it provides quick access to necessities like firewood and ice.

• Wi-Fi Access: The campground provides Wi-Fi, with reported speeds of 18 Mbps down / 3.9 Mbps up, and Starlink with 86 Mbps down / 3.75 Mbps up, along with Verizon cell service (19.7 Mbps down / 0.8 Mbps up). This ensures connectivity for those who need it, a notable advantage for a state park campground.

• Online Reservation System: Campers can make reservations and pay online, allowing for seamless "go directly to our campsite and set up" check-ins, reducing interaction time and improving efficiency.

• Ranger and Staff Presence: Park rangers are available for assistance and emergencies, and staff are regularly seen "cleaning and mowing around the area," maintaining the park's excellent condition and offering approachable support.

• Quiet and Low Light Pollution: This campground is noted for its "very quiet" atmosphere and "little light pollution," making it an ideal spot for stargazing and peaceful relaxation, as it is "surrounded by park and backed up to the Cherokee Reservoir."

• Extensive Trail System: Panther Creek State Park boasts over 30 miles of diverse trails for walking, hiking, and horse-riding. These trails are described as "clean and pretty well marked," offering varying levels of difficulty and scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

• Access to Cherokee Reservoir: The park provides convenient "boat access to the Cherokee Reservoir," a vast body of water perfect for fishing, boating, and various water sports, offering endless aquatic adventures for campers.

• Family-Friendly Amenities (outside campground loop): While not directly within the campground loop, the state park features a "large playground" (wheelchair accessible), picnic pavilions, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis, ensuring plenty of activities for families and children.

• Disc Golf Course: An 18-hole frisbee (disc) golf course is available within the state park, offering a fun and engaging activity for enthusiasts.

• Dog-Friendly Environment: The park is highly "dog friendly," with "plenty of trails and green area to walk the pups" and easily accessible trash cans for waste disposal, though no off-leash areas are specified. Pets must be leashed.

• Modern and Clean Facilities: The individual, air-conditioned bathrooms with large showers, meticulously cleaned daily, provide a luxurious touch for a state park campground, significantly enhancing the comfort level for campers.

• Strategic Site Layout: While some sites are tight, the loop layout on a hill means "some of the campsites naturally have more room than others," offering variety. Asphalt pads ensure a level surface, though some sites may require leveling blocks.

Address: 2010 Panther Creek Park Rd #13, Morristown, TN 37814, USA

Phone: (423) 587-7046

Mobile Phone: +1 423-587-7046

For reservations, current site availability, or any specific inquiries regarding Panther Creek State Park Campground, please contact them directly using the phone numbers provided. The park staff and rangers are available to assist you in planning your visit and providing the most up-to-date information.

For Tennessee residents, Panther Creek State Park Campground in Morristown offers an exceptionally well-rounded and accessible outdoor experience right in their home state. Its designation as a state park ensures meticulous maintenance and a wide array of activities, making it a perfect destination for various interests and ages. The relatively short drive from major Tennessee cities, particularly Knoxville, means that a tranquil yet activity-rich escape is always a convenient option, whether for a quick weekend getaway or a longer family vacation.

What truly makes Panther Creek State Park suitable for locals is its unique combination of serene natural beauty and robust amenities. Nestled against the quiet Cherokee Reservoir, it offers "little light pollution" for stargazing and a consistently "very quiet" atmosphere, perfect for unwinding. Yet, it's packed with engaging features: over 30 miles of "clean and pretty well marked" hiking and horse-riding trails, a boat access to the reservoir for water sports, a large playground for kids, and even a disc golf course. This variety ensures that every member of the family finds something to enjoy.

Furthermore, the campground's commitment to comfort and convenience is evident in its "clean and well kept facilities," including individual, air-conditioned bathhouses with large showers and on-site laundry. Reliable cell service and Wi-Fi are modern perks that allow for connectivity if needed. The approachable park staff and rangers contribute to a safe and welcoming environment, adding to the peace of mind. While some sites may be tight for very large rigs, the overall value and diverse offerings make Panther Creek State Park Campground an excellent, highly recommended choice for any Tennessee local seeking a comprehensive and enjoyable outdoor adventure.

Panther Creek State Park Campground

2010 Panther Creek Park Rd #13, Morristown, TN 37814, USA