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Panther Creek State Park RV & Campground Guide

Tennessee

Located in the Cherokee Reservoir in the historic Holston River Valley, Panther Creek River Park stretches across 1,444 acres and is filled with 17 different hiking trails of all difficulties all stretching across more than 30 miles of the terrain. These trails include beautiful views of Cherokee Lake and Cumberland Mountains from the Point Outlook Trail, which reaches a height of 1,460 feet above sea level. Panther Creek also includes mountain biking and horseback riding trails. Cherokee Lake offers year-round catches of bass, bluegill, catfish, and more with nearby boat rentals. The area was once occupied by Cherokee Indians until 1785, when pioneers settled into the area of what we now know as Panther Creek State Park.

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Weather
Spring 37-77 F
Summer 62-87 F
Fall 37-80 F
Winter 28-51 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Panther Creek State Park

Renting an RV to stay at Panther Creek State Park is a great way to experience the area. From your campsite, you and your family can hike the trails during the day and rest in comfort at night. You can fish Cherokee Lake, then enjoy the fruits of your efforts cooked on a stove inside the RV that evening. To find an RV rental, check out RVshare.

Panther Creek State Park Campground

Panther Creek State Park Campground offers 50 level RV campsites, all of which are back-ins. The campground features a camp store where visitors can replenish their supply of perishable foods and purchase firewood and ice. There is a large swimming pool open to all guests and a rec hall for indoor games. A boat ramp allows guests to launch onto the lake, and a concessionaire rents small boats, kayaks, and canoes to those who wish to get onto the lake. Playgrounds and hiking/biking trails provide exercise and entertainment for those visitors who wish to remain on solid ground.

  • Water Hookup: Yes

  • Electric Hookup: 20/30/50 amps

  • Sewer Hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi Available: Yes

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, warm showers, dump station, laundry facility

  • Fee: $28 to $35 per night

Anchor Down RV Resort

Drive 20 miles south from Panther Creek State Park to find Anchor Down RV Resort. This resort is one of the premier RV campgrounds in Tennessee. It offers 175 campsites with level cement pads with full views of Douglas Lake, another TVA project with an incredible economic upside. Each site has an excellent view of the lake. The camp store provides campers with all the essentials, such as groceries, firewood, and ice. Though angling is the favorite activity for visitors to this lakeside resort, hiking trails, bike trails, and playgrounds provide plenty of activities for visitors and their families who do not wish to ply the lake. A swimming pool augments the swimming beach available on the lakeshore itself. Cable TV is offered at each campsite.

  • Water Hookup: Yes

  • Electric Hookup: 30/50 amp

  • Sewer Hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi Available: Yes

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, warm showers, fire rings, picnic tables, dump station, laundry facility

  • Fee: $59 to $79 per night

Cherokee Dam Campground

Cherokee Dam Campground offers 39 RV campsites, of which four are ADA approved. Each site sports an incredible view of Cherokee Lake. The campground has an impressive boat ramp where as many as four boats can launch simultaneously. Bird-watchers often camp here to observe the waterfowl that seasonally occupy the area near Cherokee Lake Dam. The fishing is excellent, with striped bass, crappie, bass, and trout among the fish species most often landed in this area of the lake. Camping is regulated through a reservation system. Visitors must commit to a two-night stay to camp at this location.

  • Water Hookup: Yes

  • Electric Hookup: 30/50

  • Sewer Hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi Available: Yes

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, warm showers, fire rings, picnic tables, dump station

  • Fee: $29 per night

RV Rentals Near Panther Creek State Park

Nearby RV Rentals

Restaurants

What to Do at
Panther Creek State Park

Inside Panther Creek State Park

Panther Creek State Park has over 30 miles of hiking trails of various difficulties. The park has a large swimming pool that augments the swimming area along the shore of Cherokee Lake. Most visitors come to watch the lake or get onto its surface to enjoy some of Tennessee's best angling. An 18-hole disc golf course and a modern playground are available for kids and adults to work off excess energy. The shores and islands of Cherokee Lake provide a fantastic habitat for wintering birds such as osprey and bald eagles.

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How to Get to
Panther Creek State Park

Most visitors coming to Panther Creek State Park come through Knoxville, TN, which is 40 miles southwest of the park. To approach the park from Knoxville, get on United States Highway 11 East (US-11 E), driving northeast out of Knoxville. Drive on US-11 E for 36.3 miles. Turn left onto Tennessee Highway 342 West (TN-342 W) and go for 2.4 miles. Turn right onto Panther Creek Road; the park entrance is 0.8 miles ahead on the left.

Entering Panther Creek State Park

Panther Creek State Park is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year for day-use activities.

Panther Creek State Park Entry fee : $0.0

You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Panther Creek State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.

Frequently Asked Questions About Panther Creek State Park

What kind of wildlife can be found in Panther Creek State Park?

Panther Creek State Park is known as an exceptional bird-watching area. The park is inhabited by avian species like bald eagles, black vultures, Canada geese, mallards, turkey vultures, double-crested cormorants, and loons.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Panther Creek State Park?

The campground at Panther Creek State Park features 50 designated RV campsites. All of the spots are back-in campsites and come equipped with full hookups, including 20, 30, and 50-amp electricity.

What is the climate of Panther Creek State Park?

Panther Creek State Park has a fairly moderate climate. The summer temperatures are typically between 66 and 87 degrees, and the winters range from 31 to 52. There is also sporadic rainfall throughout the year and occasional snowfall during winter.

What is the best time of year to visit Panther Creek State Park?

Most people prefer to visit the park during summer. If you visit between May and September, it should be comfortably warm for activities like swimming, disc golf, fishing, and bird-watching.

Are pets allowed at Panther Creek State Park?

Pets are welcome at Panther Creek State Park for no additional fee. Dogs must always be leashed and cleaned up after, and they cannot be left unattended at any time.