Zoo Knoxville
In the shadow of the Smoky Mountains, you’ll find Zoo Knoxville. Add this attraction to your Tennessee RV trip and spend the day with animals.
Event information
In the shadow of the Smoky Mountains, you’ll find Zoo Knoxville. Add this attraction to your Tennessee RV road trip and spend the day in the company of an incredible array of animals. See lions, elephants, chimpanzees, black bears and more plus unique creatures including chacoan peccaries, crested screamers, red wolves, and yellow-backed duikers.
Located in the eastern portion of Knoxville just moments from the small southern city’s charming downtown area, Zoo Knoxville is an accredited zoo dedicated to animal conservation and guest education. While here, you can not only view the animals, but sign up for animal encounters, including camel rides, and behind-the-scenes tours. There are also rides, kid-friendly adventures, and special activities for groups who visit the zoo together.
Whether you’ve got a few hours to spend or a full day, there’s much to see and do at Zoo Knoxville. While you’re in the area, you can also explore Knoxville, head to Chattanooga, travel to Pigeon Forge, or hike and camp in Smoky Mountains National Park. The wilderness is not far when you visit Zoo Knoxville. You’ll find it both in the zoo itself and in the surrounding natural area that makes Knoxville such a special place to visit in your RV.
Tickets
Zoo Knoxville is open year-round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online and typically cost about $18 to $20 for adults or $15 to $17 for children aged four to 12 and seniors. Look for group tickets if you’re with a large family or annual passes if you plan on returning again and again.
Explore Zoo Knoxville RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Zoo Knoxville is located in East Knoxville, about six miles from the heart of the city. It’s just off of I-40 and is about 40 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you’re traveling in your RV, you may encounter some highway traffic and congestion in the downtown area. Stay on the outskirts of Knoxville to avoid traffic. This area is quite hilly, so be aware of that as well.
Parking areas
Parking is available at Zoo Knoxville for a fee of about $5. If you purchase an annual pass, you can likely park for free. There are two parking lots. Availability for oversized vehicles such as RVs may be scarce during busy weekends and vacation days, so plan accordingly or leave the RV at the campsite and find an alternate way to the zoo.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is available within Knoxville, so if you’re camped in the city, this may be an option for you. If you are camped outside of Knoxville, especially in more rural areas, don’t count on public transportation as a viable alternative. Other options include local cab companies and rideshare services, again, depending on your area.
Where to stay
Onsite
Overnight stays are for the animals only at Zoo Knoxville (sorry!). You can’t camp in your RV at this attraction. The parking lot area is also not available for overnight stays. You’ll have to find RV camping elsewhere—but don’t worry, there are plenty of places to find a site and enjoy a night in or near Knoxville.
Nearby
Camp among the trees and greenery in beautiful southeast Tennessee without traveling too far away from Zoo Knoxville. Check out the Clinton / Knoxville North KOA if you’re in search of a nearby option. This RV park is just 27 minutes from Zoo Knoxville. Or, venture into the mountains and stay at the Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg KOA in Pigeon Forge. It’s just 32 miles from Zoo Knoxville.
Getting around
Zoo Knoxville is a large attraction. Set aside plenty of time and grab a free map (or download a PDF from the website) so you can ensure you don’t miss out on seeing every animal. The zoo is accessible to those who use wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers. These items are available to rent for around $10 to $30. Bicycles, skateboards, hoverboards, and rollerblades are not allowed inside.
What to pack
Clothing
Knoxville is warm and humid, so pack accordingly, especially if you’re visiting in the summer. Wear light clothing that you’ll be comfortable wearing as you walk around the zoo and relaxing at a Knoxville RV campground. Bring sneakers, shorts, pants, t-shirts, and layers for cooler weather. Also, bring a rain jacket, hat, and hiking clothes if you plan on enjoying the nearby national parks.
Gear
Load up your RV with kitchenware, fuel, camp chairs, flashlights, bedding, and anything you want to keep yourself entertained around the campsite (playing cards, lawn games, books, puzzles, etc.). If you’re camping in a remote area without electricity, you may wish to bring portable chargers for cell phones and other devices.
Health & Safety
Knoxville has plenty of sunshine and critters, so bring sunscreen and bug spray to keep yourself safe while you’re in the area. Remember to pack all necessary prescriptions, a basic first-aid kit, and any over-the-counter medications you might need such as aspirin. Extra water and snacks are also a good idea.
Where to eat
Cooking
Camping options will vary by campground, so do your research before booking a site, and be aware that campgrounds in wilderness areas may have stricter rules in the interest of preventing forest fires and animal activity. Stock up on fuel, groceries, and firewood in Knoxville; note that firewood regulations may require wood not to be transported to or from other locations.
Restaurants
You’re in Knoxville, so do your tastebuds a favor and enjoy some southern comfort food. From crispy Nashville hot chicken to barbecue and cocktails with bourbon, the culinary scene near Zoo Knoxville is all about hearty portions and homemade fare. There are also familiar chain restaurants and farmers markets serving fresh local items.
Vendors
The animals aren’t the only creatures that get hungry at Zoo Knoxville. If your stomach is rumbling during your visit here, you don’t need to leave the attraction to find sustenance. Onsite dining is available in several locations throughout the zoo. Expect basic but tasty fare that’s meant for a casual lunch. Most vendors should be able to take credit cards, but bring cash just in case.
Safety
Security
The staff at Zoo Knoxville takes the safety of the animals very seriously. Be sure to follow zoo rules or risk being asked to leave. Never touch or feed the animals. Keep children with you at all times. Do not bring alcohol, glass bottles, straws, or pets into the zoo (service animals must have proof of rabies vaccination). Weapons are also not allowed on zoo property.
Weather
Zoo Knoxville is open year-round. Expect humidity and temperatures in the 80s and 90s in the summer. The region often experiences pleasant days in the 70s during the spring or fall. Winter sees temperatures in the low 50s. Always be prepared for a chance of rain, no matter when you’re visiting Tennessee.
Medical
The first-aid center can be found at the entrance to the zoo near the bathrooms and the black bear exhibit. The closest hospital is about nine miles away in Knoxville. There are other medical centers in and around the city, plus pharmacies available if you need to refill a prescription.
