2026 Summer Adventure Series: Douglas & Norris Lake
The next set of adventures was two nights each at Douglas Lake in Dandridge, TN and Norris Lake. We encountered two very different experiences at the two lakeside campgrounds. In Dandridge, we stayed at Anchor Down RV Resort, another campground that truly earns the right to be called a “resort.” We didn’t spend much time on the lake other than the older girls’ few trips down the water slide that empties into the lake. Rather, we spent our time at the heated pool that has its own waterslide. There was even a 1-foot-deep kiddie pool that our Trachie spent all her time enjoying. But the panoramic views of the lake were amazing since the campground is situated on the hillside. Initially, we didn’t reserve a golf cart, but one night of walking those hills and I was at the camp store first thing the following morning to indulge in the convenient mode of transportation.
Next up was the short drive to Norris Lake. Since we needed to pass some time before we could check-in to our campground, we opted to visit the nearby Museum of Appalachia. Coincidently, we arrived right as the guided tour was about to begin so we got some interesting tidbits on the early settlement structures. After the tour we feasted on some good ole’ southern cooking at the museum’s onsite restaurant who serves a rotating menu of daily specials.
Loyston Point Campground is a state park that boasts spacious sites and our site was directly on the water. After setting up the camper, the girls immediately changed into their bathing suits and frolicked in the warm, clear water. The following day, we rented a pontoon boat and spent the entire day roaming the lake, tubing, cliff jumping, swimming into a water cave, and soaking up the sun. Our Trachie loved being the captain of the boat and we even built up the courage to get her out on a float with Mommy to enjoy the water. We absolutely loved our time at Norris Lake, and the kids all adamantly agree that we will return and reserve the same spot.
It was certainly bittersweet as we pulled out the camper and moved on to our final adventure in southern Kentucky.
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