Oh I doubt the UTK crowd is mainly outdoorsy. I’m sure they have an outdoor club as will each school. I’m near Nashville. Kids either go there or Tuscaloosa.
At any large school, anyone can find their people.
Yes it’s close to the Great Smokies and I’m sure some go just like some in Columbia probably go to the nearby national park.
We love to camp….at the Hilton :). I don’t think you have a worry. Yes the hunters and campers will be there but this is the south.
U of SC will likely be less of that. But your daughter will find her crowd at each of these schools.