The Upper Cumberland region surrounding Rickman, Tennessee features a diverse mix of camping options within an hour's drive. Standing Stone State Park Campground in nearby Allons provides year-round camping with boat-in, drive-in, and hike-in access for tents, RVs, and cabins. Dale Hollow Damsite in Celina offers seasonal camping from April to November with both tent and RV sites. The area includes several Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds along Center Hill Lake and Dale Hollow Lake, while state parks like Edgar Evins and Fall Creek Falls provide additional developed camping options with varying levels of amenities and natural features.
Many campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with limited connectivity in more remote locations. As one camper noted about Rock Island State Park, "Just make sure you have all your supplies before you get there, it is a remote area with no big cities within 50 miles." Spring weather can be unpredictable, with sudden temperature changes possible even in March. Tennessee's rainfall patterns make wooden camping platforms common at some parks, helping campers stay dry during frequent precipitation.
Waterfront sites at lakes and rivers are consistently mentioned as highlights in camper reviews. At Standing Stone State Park, "sites on the outer edges of the loop give a good deal of privacy as they back up to the woods," according to one visitor. The region's waterfalls and hiking trails provide popular activities, with Fall Creek Falls State Park offering "walk-in tent sites and RV sites with hookups" that are "well spaced and wooded, so even if the campground is full, you don't feel overcrowded." Wildlife sightings, particularly deer, are common at many campgrounds. Terrain varies from flat, developed sites to more rugged areas requiring high-clearance vehicles, with some campgrounds featuring significant elevation changes that may challenge accessibility.
"I would stay away from the pull through sites by the bathroom if You prefer privacy."
"If you arrive early and are wanting to fully hike down to the waters it is a must to arrive early and by the time you finish enjoying activities driving is not something that sounds appealing."
"Standing stone is a small campground that sits in a wooded area surrounded by green rolling hills and farmland."
"The state parks in Tennessee all hosted special programs for the event, and Standing Stone park rangers invited everyone to row out on the lake to watch this magnificent phenomenon."
$29 - $144 / night
"I seek off the beaten path places, and this campground is a gem."
"First, one advantage/disadvantage is it is located right off 40. If you are placed in one of the sites in the front it’s going to be very noisy."
"I'm from New England and relocated to Tennessee in 2016. The first time I went camping at Edgar Evans, I had no idea what was going on!"
"The park is a gorgeous property with a lake and hiking trails. There are ADA sights. The hills are steep and some of the sights have angle ramps."
$8 - $32 / night
"Fall creek falls is one of the best recreational areas in Tennessee. The park is very large and has so much to do. The falls are amazing, and it’s a moderate hike down to the base."
"Tons to do at one of Tennessee’s top state parks."
"Tennessee State Parks are typically well kept and scenic."
"We chose Davy Crockery’s because of its proximity to the interstate. We spent 3 nights. We arrived after dark so the office was closed, but check in is online so it didn’t matter."
$24 - $50 / night
"2nd the layout is more tent friendly (to me) with walk in sites with some nice views."
"It was okay, but not good for anyone who cannot handle a lot of stairs. 2) There was a lot of boat traffic on the lake, even late into the night."
$32 - $75 / night
"Nice water view from our site and a short walk to shower facility. Location of campground: a car ride away from activities. Not a bicycle friendly area.(hills and roadways)."
"Did a drive around of the campground. Spacing looks great between sites. Sites look clean and level. Some sites are next to the Obey River. Will be camping here in the near future."
$25 - $30 / night
"The small camp ground has a beautiful surrounding with a farm and the lake. Nice to walk down to the lake in the morning and watch the fog lift off the water."
"It is located in Monterey, TN near hwy 127, which is the site of the “World’s Longest Yard Sale”, so there’s lots of picking to be done nearby, if you’re in to that sort of thing!"
TravelerArrived late, but had no problem finding a nice flat spot in the grass. Very quiet. Two clean porta potties as well as trash cans and picnic tables, everything well maintained. Perfect spot with the dog. Only drawback was minimal service with Verizon. Bonus is the super cute town of Granville (world’s largest decanter collection and town is decorated as Little Mayberry). Would definitely stay again.
TravelerBeautiful stocked pond, catch and release. Free firewood. Good space between sites and quite.
ScoutGreat folks to work with hand an amazing time will be back again and again must check it out for yalls own selves!
TravelerThe people who said this is just a parking lot probably never found the actual campsite, I almost missed it too! Cell service cut out far down the road, but since there were no turns we just kept going until we found the boat ramp (gravel lot, clear No Camping signs). We thought this was a bust, turned around to leave, and then we spotted the gravel path into the site. It's easy to miss on the way in. It's a small camping area between the boat ramp and the equestrian trail head, with two foot paths. One path leads to more sites closer to the water (still close enough to easily carry supplies) and the other leads to the equestrian section and a portapotty. Dyrt's location pin is for the boat ramp not the campsite, see my map for a more accurate location. It was quiet and relatively clean, with some horseback riders passing through during the day.
GuideDefeated Creek Campground Defeated, TN site L14. I’m not sure how we’ve gotten so lucky this year, but we’ve had 2 amazing sites back to back. Defeated Creek is another beautiful campground. We had another waterfront site, facing west, so the sunsets were amazing. Not a long walk to the bathhouse, volleyball area, or playground. It also has a beach and tons of room to go fishing. Lots of wildlife, we even spotted a couple of cows in the park lol. Chelle was able to launch her kayak just about 10 yards from our camper. The camp host are a very sweet older couple and the place is very well kept. It can be hard to get reservations here, so get a jump on that 6 month booking window. That said, if you can’t get in here, try Salt Lick Creek Campground in Gainesboro. The spaces are further apart and it’s very well kept also. Although we just drove through, I think it would also be a great place to stay.
ScoutThere is a small pond, swimming pool, laundry and showers on site. They also have bingo and bluegrass festivals and the occasional food truck.
TravelerCool spot very little traffic the only maybe down side is all the camp spots are in view of each other but this weekend we are the only ones here
GuidePossibly the most extraordinary campsite I have been to. Large decks suspended over the hillside, some with excellent views of the lake. We were here for one night off season, I imagine if you are here in summer you wouldn’t want to be on the side of the marina. We were originally in site 7, but moved to 53… sites 1-12 definitely take some parking skills
ScoutWe camped at Howland's Hideout for two nights in our 5th wheel (water & electric hook-up plus they have a sewer dump).
So conveniently located (approx. 3 miles) from Fall Creek Falls State Park but much less noise and more relaxed.
The hosts (Kurt and Maria) went above and beyond to be sure we had everything we needed and so enjoyed getting to know them.
Their two dogs (Star & Sassy) were very friendly and our dog loved playing with them.
If you are looking for a relaxing spot to camp with great hosts, you should definitely give this place a try. We can't wait to go back.
Arnold & Debra Puckett
Camping sites near Rickman, Tennessee offer diverse terrain ranging from waterfront sites at an elevation of 900-1,500 feet to wooded highlands on the Cumberland Plateau. The region experiences significant rainfall year-round, with summer highs averaging 85-90°F and winter lows often below freezing from December through February. Many campers report reliable cell service at lower elevation campgrounds while plateau locations have more limited connectivity.
Swimming at natural spots: Old Mill Camp and General Store is located directly across from Cummins Falls State Park, which features what one camper called "the single best swimming hole in the US." For those preferring maintained swimming areas, check out the sandy playground and swimming lake at Spacious Skies Belle Ridge.
Fishing opportunities: Catch rainbow trout near Dale Hollow Damsite, which parallels the Obey River. "Plenty of fish opportunities from boat, kayak, wading and shoreline," reports one visitor. The campground is also near a fish hatchery, making it a prime spot for anglers.
Hiking trails: Spacious Skies Belle Ridge offers hiking with spectacular views. "We enjoyed hiking the trails (and taking in the spectacular views of the Plateau)!" mentions one camper. The campground has a waterfall hike described as "really lovely" by visitors.
Well-maintained facilities: Standing Stone State Park Campground receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "The bathroom is clean and maintained," notes one camper. Another adds that "you can drive right up to the cabin and park" with "full amenities and lots of room, depending on which cabin you choose."
Water recreation: Holpps Pine Ridge Lake Campground offers a private lake perfect for multiple water activities. One visitor explains, "A private, family owned lake, which was built by the family in the 50's or 60's... large enough for boats and jet ski's, but calm enough for kayaks and paddle boards."
Natural features: Edgar Evins State Park Campground offers unique platform camping. "We stayed in the primitive camping section which has a parking area up top and you hike with your equipment down some stairs into a wooded area... We could see and hear the lake from our campsite," writes one camper.
Site layouts vary dramatically: Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake has waterfront sites with challenging access at some locations. "Some of the campsites towards the back of the campground have a good amount of stairs. It was okay, but not good for anyone who cannot handle a lot of stairs," reports one visitor.
Reservations crucial for waterfront: Popular lakefront sites at Holpps Pine Ridge Lake Campground fill quickly but can sometimes be booked on short notice. "We were able to reserve two lakefront sites a week before arrival in July!" shares one camper.
Highway proximity considerations: At Spacious Skies Belle Ridge, road noise can be a factor. "If you are placed in one of the sites in the front it's going to be very noisy. We were in the middle of the campground and it was occasionally loud, but not terrible."
Kid-friendly water options: Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground offers multiple swimming opportunities, including cascades near the nature center. One visitor advises families to "swim in the cascades next to the nature center" as a must-do activity.
Nature exploration: Standing Stone State Park provides outdoor education opportunities with its fish hatchery and historic structures. "The park has lots of great hiking trails, a playground, and a pool with concessions," notes one visitor.
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Old Mill Camp, "Each tent and RV stall has its own picnic table and fire pit, spacing out each stall so it has fair privacy," with easy access to the state park across the street.
Platform considerations: At Edgar Evins State Park, RVs park on wooden platforms. "Parking sites are on wooden platforms which was fine for our Winnebago Revel," explains one RVer, though this requires advance planning for stabilization.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have tight turns or narrow roads. At Standing Stone State Park, "my very experienced in driving a trailer husband had to take several attempts to back in due to trees closely lining the road and drop offs on the side of the road."
Hookup availability: Davy Crockett Campground offers full hookup sites with trash cans at each location. "Sewer at every site. No picnic tables but did have fire ring," notes one RVer, though the layout receives mixed reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Rickman, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Rickman, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 141 campgrounds and RV parks near Rickman, TN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Rickman, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rickman, TN is Old Mill Camp and General Store with a 4.4-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rickman, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Rickman, TN.
What parks are near Rickman, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Rickman, TN that allow camping, notably Dale Hollow Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Lake.
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