Knoxville, TN is situated along the Tennessee River in the eastern portion of the state. The city’s rich history can be seen in the area’s museums and historical forts. The downtown district, with Market Square, provides locals and visitors with a vast array of shopping and dining opportunities. Two days in Knoxville allows you to see and experience the best this city has to offer.
An RV rental is the best way to experience the great outdoors in the Knoxville area. It puts you near all of the best hiking, boating, and biking opportunities. An RV is also a comfortable and convenient way to stay near the attractions listed in this Knoxville itinerary.
Search RV rentals in the Knoxville area.
Preparing for Your Knoxville RV Trip
The first thing you need to do when planning two days in Knoxville is to choose your RV rental. RVshare has several Class A and C motorhomes for rent that feature full-size amenities in the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Travel trailers and fifth wheels are great towable options that allow you to bring along your vehicle for touring the area once you arrive.
Use these resources to book your RV rental and plan your trip with confidence.
• A Step-By-Step Guide to Renting an RV
• Mistakes to Avoid When Renting an RV
• How to Choose the Best RV Size for Your Trip
• Essential Packing Tips for Your First RV Rental
After booking your RV rental, you need to find the perfect campground. Southlake RV Park allows you to stay near Knoxville’s downtown area while enjoying a swimming pool and play area. Soaring Eagle Campground has many conveniences, like on-site laundry and a general store. If you truly want to experience nature, consider Big Ridge State Park, which has several RV campsites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and grills.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Knoxville.
Day 1: Experience Downtown Knoxville
Morning: Take a Relaxing Stroll
Ijams Nature Center is located near downtown Knoxville with well-maintained walking trails. This includes a scenic boardwalk along the river. If you’re feeling adventurous, the center also has kayaking, zip lining, and live animal encounters.
Lunch: Take a Break to Refuel
The Brown Bag in downtown Knoxville serves carry-out and dine-in options for lunch. Choose from among their chicken and steak dishes, or try traditional favorites like a burger or fish taco. Healthy sides, such as sauteed vegetables or chopped salads, are available.
Afternoon: Do a Little Shopping
Market Square in downtown Knoxville has a nice selection of shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great place to get a local beer or enjoy some ice cream. A dog-friendly area and a vibrant art scene make this shopping complex stand out from all others.
Setting Up Camp
You’ll need to head to your campground and get your RV rental set up for your two days in Knoxville. Stop at the campground’s main office to check in. They can direct you to your campsite, where you’ll get parked and connect all hookups. If you want to keep things simple, many RV owners will deliver your rental to your campsite and hook it up for you.
Dinner: Dining With a View
You can cook dinner in your RV or head over to Calhoun’s, where you can dine while enjoying views of the river. This establishment is known for its Tennessee barbecue and fresh burgers and sandwiches. They also have homestyle sides and craft beer.
Day 2: Great City Adventures
Morning: Visit With the Animals
You’ll be able to stroll along shaded paths as you view the many animal exhibits at Zoo Knoxville. Highlights include their new tiger exhibit and a red panda breeding program. They also have fun activities such as a zipline, train, carousel, and splash pad. They’re located on 53 acres just east of downtown Knoxville.
Lunch: Burgers and Bourbon
Stop by Stock & Barrel for lunch to enjoy a locally sourced meal. They offer an extensive selection of bourbon in this stylish downtown restaurant, and it’s a great place to watch sports while enjoying a burger.
Afternoon: Discover Breathtaking Views
Go up to the observation deck of Sunsphere Tower for stunning views of the cityscape set against mountain vistas. You’ll have a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire area. The tower also features historical exhibits and a gift shop.
Evening: Explore Knoxville’s Haunted History
Knoxville’s Paranormal Adventure Tours provide you with a hands-on exploration of the city’s haunted past. You’ll be able to use paranormal investigation tools as you follow your host throughout Knoxville’s most haunted areas.
Day 3 and Beyond in Knoxville
Have a few extra days to spend in Knoxville? Visit some of these local attractions during your extended stay.
• Take in a play, concert, or comedy act at the Tennessee Theatre. The stunning architecture alone is worth a visit.
• View the home of Knoxville’s founder at James White’s Fort. It’s the original pioneer structure that he lived in.
• UT Gardens is a peaceful and relaxing area where you’ll find a formal rose garden, a children’s garden, and a kitchen garden. Perennial borders and a lovely collection of hostas add to the beauty of this spot.
Seasonal Activities
Knoxville hosts many festivals throughout the year, such as the Knox Asian Festival, which features food, music, and dancing from many Asian countries. When the holidays come around, they have Christmas in the City. This festival lasts for several weeks and includes Santa Claus, a parade, and lots of lights. There are also crafts for sale, a holiday drive-in movie, and an ice skating rink to enjoy.
Indoor Activities
When the weather interferes with your outside plans, tour the East Tennessee Historical Society to learn more about the state’s history. The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is another great spot featuring exhibits on archeology, anthropology, and local history. For something different, search for treasures at Tall Man Toys & Comics, which has a large collection of Funko pops, comic books, and action figures.
This is only a small example of everything there is to do and see in Knoxville. Once you spend two days here during your RV rental adventure, you’ll want to extend your stay even longer.
