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Frozen Head State Park RV & Campground Guide

Tennessee

Frozen Head State Park is located in the Crab Orchard Mountains, between the city of Wartburg and the community of Petros, in Tennessee. It consists of approximately 24,000 acres and contains some of the highest mountains in the state west of the Blue Ridge, with 14 peaks at or over 3,000 feet. While it might have a sinister-sounding name, the story behind it is anything but, as it was inspired by the mountain's snow-capped appearance in colder months. At the park’s highest elevation, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Cumberland Plateau, the Tennessee Valley, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

With over 50 miles of backpacking and day-hiking trails, the park is also popular with outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers and cyclists. Other recreational activities on offer include fishing, equestrian, bird watching, and camping. The state park is open year-round, experiencing warm summers and mild winters, characteristic of Tennessee. To help you plan appropriately for your trip to Frozen Head, we’ve provided information on everything you need to know about this region including campgrounds, in-park activities, how to get here, and more.

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Weather
Spring 34°F - 75°F
Summer 59°F - 85°F
Fall 34°F - 79°F
Winter 26°F - 50°F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Frozen Head State Park

If you’re thinking about staying in or near Frozen Head State Park, why not do so in an RV? Unlike tents, RVs provide you with a soft, comfortable bed, as well as your own private bathroom and fully stocked kitchen. If you don’t own an RV, you can rent an RV fromRVshare.com to suit your budget or needs. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.

Frozen Head includes a campground with 20 campsites, along with two group campsites and 11 backcountry campsites scattered throughout the park. The Big Cove Camping area contains a bathhouse with hot showers. A bathhouse is also available at the main trailhead. Nightly rates range from $15 - $35.

There also several campgrounds and RV parks located outside of the park, three of which we’ve listed below.

Windrock Park Campground

Here atWindrock Park Campground, you’ll be surrounded by other outdoor enthusiasts who flock here to take part in off-road activities such as trail riding, hiking, and more. There’s plenty of RV sites and amenities on offer, including full hookups.

  • Water hookup: yes

  • Electrical hookup: yes

  • Sewer hookup: yes

  • Wifi: yes

  • Pet-friendly: yes

  • Other amenities: showers, restrooms, general store, recreational trails, Yamaha SXS rentals.

Windrock Gap Campground

Not to be confused with the previous campground,Windrock Gap Campground also provides some of the best 4-wheeling and ATV riding in the region. It features 33 RV sites with water and electric, as well as over 50 tent sites. Rates start at $20 per night.

  • Water hookup: yes

  • Electrical hookup: yes

  • Sewer hookup: yes

  • Wifi: yes

  • Pet-friendly: yes

  • Other amenities: showers, restrooms, firewood / ice for sale, waste management station.

Caney Creek RV Resort

Caney Creek RV Resort is a peaceful, family-friendly, and lakefront resort located in the heart of East Tennessee on the beautiful Watts Bar Lake. All sites offer full hookups and rates are $55 - $70 per night.

  • Water hookup: yes

  • Electrical hookup: yes

  • Sewer hookup: yes

  • Wifi: yes

  • Pet-friendly: yes

  • Other amenities: recreation trail, swimming pool, laundry facilities, poolside snack bar and grill, canoe rentals, cable TV, horseshoes, volleyball.

RV Rentals Near Frozen Head State Park

Nearby RV Rentals

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What to Do at
Frozen Head State Park

Inside Frozen Head State Park

Across the park’s 24,000 acres, visitors can take part in recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, equestrian, bird watching, and more. There’s something for everyone!

Hiking : The park features over 50 miles of hiking trails that take visitors past waterfalls, rock shelters and giant mountain top cap rocks. Popular trails include the Emory Gap Trail to Falls (easy), Lookout Tower Trail (116 side - easy), and Bird Mountain Trail (difficult). A portion of the Cumberland Trail also passes through the park.

Mountain biking : While the park’s trail system is designed for hiking only, there is an old logging road to the fire tower, which is often used as a training ground for mountain bikers. The 7-mile sustained climb has an elevation change of almost 2,000 feet. The 360-degree view of the Cumberland Mountains is worth the challenge.

Fishing : Fishing is allowed anywhere below DeBord Waterfall down to the park entrance. In the springtime, Flat Fork Creek is stocked with rainbow trout. A TWRA trout stamp is required.

Equestrian : Keen horse riders can also use the old logging road to the fire tower, sharing it with mountain bikers. It’s a 7-mile (one-way) climb, so be sure to stock up on necessitates such as water, snacks, and sunscreen before you embark.

Bird watching : The Audubon Society recognizes Frozen Head as part of the South Cumberland Mountains Important Bird Area, making it a must-visit destination forbird watching. Species such as the acadian flycatcher, blue-gray gnatcatcher, northern parula and yellow-throated warbler and Louisiana waterthrush are commonly sighted in the park.

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How to Get to
Frozen Head State Park

Take I-40 to Pellissippi Parkway exit #376 towards Oak Ridge. After 6.4 miles continue on TN-62/Oak Ridge Hwy. Go another 11.8 miles and turn right to remain on TN-62. Go 13.8 miles and turn right onto Flat Fork Rd. Stay on Flat Fork Rd for another 4 miles and the park will be on the right.

Entering Frozen Head State Park

No access fees are charged for any state park in Tennessee.

If you’re planning a trip to Frozen Head State Park, you’re in for a treat! Once you’ve finished exploring all that the park has to offer, check out the incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates. During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or why not share your photos and experience with us at [email protected]? We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!

Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Head State Park

What is the climate of Frozen Head State Park?

The climate of Frozen Head State Park is relatively mild throughout most of the year. During the winter, the temperatures typically hover between 30 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and the summers usually stay below 85 Fahrenheit.

What is the best time of year to visit Frozen Head State Park?

Frozen Head State Park is a popular place for all kinds of outdoor activities, and the most pleasant times to enjoy them are between May and September. During those months, it's comfortably warm but rarely gets too hot.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Frozen Head State Park?

Frozen Head State Park is known as a wonderful bird-watching destination. Some of the species known to inhabit the area are the Acadian flycatcher, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Louisiana waterthrush, northern parula, and yellow-throated warbler.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Frozen Head State Park and what is the cost?

Although reservations are not required, visitors can reserve the park's group and backcountry campsites ahead of time. The nightly rates for these campsites range from $15 to $35 per night, and the sites come equipped with basic amenities.

Are pets allowed at Frozen Head State Park?

As long as they remain leashed and are well-behaved, pets are allowed at Frozen Head State Park. Specifically, they are allowed in the park's campground and on the surrounding trails.