Melton Hill Dam Campground

Campsites at the Melton Hill Dam Campground are 15 minutes’ drive from Lenoir City, where you’ll find supermarkets for stocking up on grocery supplies. There are also gas stations here if you need to fill up your RV rental and a good selection of restaurants and cafes where you can grab a bite to eat. A short drive north of the Melton Hill Dam Campground is the American Museum of Science and Energy, which was established in 1949 as the American Museum of Atomic Energy. It boasts a range of interactive exhibits that include science puzzles and robots, as well as an NOAA weather station and a Van de Graaff generator. Follow the timeline of atomic discoveries in America and see how solar energy works, then learn about the role of Oak Ridge in nuclear power development at the flagship “Secret City” exhibit. The museum also conducts guided bus tours of the nearby X-10 Graphite Reactor National Historic Landmark and the Y-12 National Security Complex. The Melton Hill Dam Campground is just 30 minutes' drive from the heart of Knoxville, where you can spend a day hopping between its museums and cultural attractions. Delve into the local history at the Museum of East Tennessee History and see the first building to be constructed in Knoxville - a 1786 log cabin built by Revolutionary War captain James White. At the heart of Knoxville is Market Square, a hive of activity and home to some of the city’s most impressive 19th-century buildings. Admire the Neoclassical Ziegler Building and the Italianate-style Oliver Hotel, then shop for fresh produce at the Knoxville Farmers’ Market. Also not to miss is the iconic Sunsphere, which was constructed for the 1982 World’s Fair and offers panoramic views across the Tennessee River and Smoky Mountains from its observation deck. Whether you want to challenge yourself on the hiking trails of Frozen Head State Park or explore the American Museum of Science and Energy, book an RV rental in Loudon County and start planning your next visit.