Rest Stops NearbyI-81 rest stops in Tennessee
We list 4 rest stops on I-81 in Tennessee. That includes 1 welcome center. The longest stretch without a stop is 36 miles, between I-81 Jefferson County West Rest Area and I-81 Rest Area - Greene County East. The FHWA survey counted 103 truck spaces here in total.
Northbound: I-81 Jefferson County West Rest Area to Tennessee Welcome Center
| Rest stop | Side | Mile | Near | Restrooms | Truck spaces | From previous |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-81 Jefferson County West Rest Area | SB | 2 | Dandridge | – | 30 | – |
| I-81 Rest Area - Greene County East | NB | 38 | Pine Grove | – | 27 | 36 mi |
| I-81 Rest Area - Greene County West | SB | 41 | Pine Grove | – | 24 | 3 mi |
| Tennessee Welcome Center | – | 75 | Walnut Hill | – | 22 | 34 mi |
Mile = state mile marker where our sources give one. Distances use mile markers when both stops have one, otherwise the straight-line distance plus 15 % (marked ≈). "–" means we have no data.
Driving southbound
Southbound drivers meet the same list from the other end, beginning at Tennessee Welcome Center. Stops marked NB in the table are on the other side of the road; use the ones marked SB or Both.
- Tennessee Welcome Center · mile 75 · direction not confirmed
- I-81 Rest Area - Greene County West · mile 41
- I-81 Jefferson County West Rest Area · mile 2
Can you sleep at rest stops in Tennessee?
No overnight parking
Overnight parking is not allowed, and stays are limited to 2 hours.
Source: TDOT welcome centers and rest areas, checked October 2026. Posted signs at each site can be stricter, and this is not legal advice.
Official list: Tennessee rest areas (state DOT)
I-81 beyond Tennessee
Northbound, it continues in Virginia. All I-81 rest stops · All rest areas in Tennessee
Frequently asked questions
How many rest stops are on I-81 in Tennessee?
4 rest stops in our list: 2 reachable northbound and 3 southbound (counting stops whose direction we could not confirm for both).
What is the longest stretch without a rest stop on I-81 in Tennessee?
About 36 miles, between I-81 Jefferson County West Rest Area near Dandridge and I-81 Rest Area - Greene County East near Pine Grove.
Is there a welcome center on I-81 in Tennessee?
Yes: Tennessee Welcome Center.
Can you sleep at I-81 rest stops in Tennessee?
Overnight parking is not allowed, and stays are limited to 2 hours. (TDOT welcome centers and rest areas)