Norris Dam State Park sits on more than 4,000 acres located on Norris Reservoir. With more than 800 miles of shoreline, the park offers recreational boating, skiing, and fishing. The park has a fully equipped marina with boat ramp available to the general public. House boats and pontoon boats are available for rent along with other types of boats.
The park has 19 historic CCC cabins and 10 deluxe cabins. The historic cabins were originally constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. All are located in quiet, wooded settings and are equipped with electrical appliances, cooking utensils and linens.
The park has two campgrounds. The east campground has 25 sites with water and electric hook-up and 10 primitive sites for tents only; the west campground has 50 sites with water and electric hook-up. All of the sites have a table, grill and fire pit.
The Lenoir Museum has a diverse collection of many artifacts which depict life in Southern Appalachia from 12,000 years ago to present day. The Rice Gristmill, originally constructed in 1798 in Union County, was dismantled and rebuilt on Clear Creek in 1935. The Caleb Crosby Threshing Barn was originally built on the Holston River in the 1830s and relocated to its present site in 1978. It displays old farm tools, plows and a horse drawn wagon.
Norris Dam State Park has two meeting rooms located in the west section on the park that can accommodate 10 to 75 people. These meeting rooms can be reserved up to one year in advance. The Tea Room is also a very popular venue for weddings, reunions and receptions. For more information, please contact the park office at 865-426-7461 or toll free at 1-800-543-9335.
Activities
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain biking is allowed on 11 trails, covering approximately 22 miles. These are multi-use trails. Maps are available online and a hiking/biking trail brochure may be purchased at the park.
BOATING
Located on the shores of Norris Lake, the park offers recreational boating, skiing and fishing.
SWIMMING
The Norris Dam swimming pool is fun for all ages so bring your swimsuits and swim trunks, towels, sunscreen and have fun!
HIKING
The park has fifteen trails. They range in length from .5 mile to 5 miles and vary in degrees of difficulty from easy to difficult. These trails traverse ridge tops, valleys, hollows, and the lakeshore. Mountain biking and equestrian use is available on designated trails. Trail maps are available at the park office.
FISHING
Norris Dam is a 34,000-acre flood control impoundment on the Clinch River and provides excellent opportunities for fishing.
BIRDING
Waterfowl, osprey and eagles frequent the lake and the forests harbor great numbers of migratory birds in the spring and fall.
Campground
The park has two campgrounds. A dump station is located at each campground. All sites have a table, grill and fire pit. A bathhouse is centrally located in each campground, open during the in-season. A laundromat is located next to the park office, open seasonally. The maximum stay during in-season is 14 nights, and during off-season is 28 nights.
The east side has 25 sites with water and electric hook-up and 10 primitive sites for tents only, with no water and electric hook-up. The west side has 50 sites with water and electric hook-up. The west side also has three paved sites suitable for persons with disabilities. If reserved, proper identification will be required upon check-in.
BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING
This backcountry campsite is located on top of Andrews Ridge with beautiful views of Norris Lake during the winter. There is a stone fire ring. No water or electric is available. Please practice Leave No Trace and pack everything in and everything out. The site will accommodate up to three tents and six people. Reservations may be made online, but please check in at the park office prior to setting out.
