Camping options within 30 miles of Atoka, Tennessee include both traditional campgrounds and upscale glamping accommodations. Located in Tipton County with an elevation of about 400 feet above sea level, the area experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters that allow for year-round camping opportunities. The Mississippi River's influence creates a rich ecosystem for outdoor activities while providing camping access points along its western banks.
What to do
Water activities at Dub Patton Campground: Situated directly on Arkabutla Lake, this campground offers fishing, boating, and swimming options about 30 miles from Atoka. "I booked number 9. It was right on the lake, but shade was limited. The place is fairly clean, and there are clean bathrooms and showers," notes a visitor to Dub Patton Campground.
Fire tower climbing: At Serendipity Resort, guests can climb the property's fire tower for panoramic countryside views. "There's plenty of room to walk around and a fire tower to climb. You can see some great views up there," writes a camper who visited the property, noting the unique vantage point this activity provides.
Inflatable water park access: The waterpark at Serendipity Resort features large inflatable water structures and water equipment rentals. A camper shares, "My kids used the water park. They had a blast on the jumpers and got very wore out. The water park is a $20 charge a piece on the first day and goes down to $10 a day for the rest of your stay."
What campers like
On-site meal delivery: The convenience of food delivery is popular at Memphis KOA in nearby Marion, Arkansas. One visitor explains, "Very impressed they have breakfast and dinner + they deliver right to ur site! My dog LOVES the dog park ~ the swimming pool looks nice and showers bathrooms are some of the best I've seen since Michigan."
Pet-friendly accommodations: Many campgrounds welcome pets with special amenities. A guest at Memphis KOA mentions, "From the moment we arrived, we had an amazing experience. The staff greeted us and our pups with smiles, cozies, and treats for the dogs."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently rate bathroom cleanliness as important. A visitor to EZ Daze RV Park in Southaven notes, "Clean, concrete pads, good showers. Very clean bathrooms and showers. They have two regular shower stalls which are extremely shallow and one ADA stall with pull down bench."
What you should know
Weather preparations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while brief winter cold snaps can drop below freezing. A camper at Dub Patton mentions, "We stayed 2 nights in December. Needless to say no crowds but the showers and bathrooms were spotless and warm."
Variable site spacing: Site proximity varies widely between glamping near Atoka, Tennessee and surrounding campgrounds. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, a camper observed, "Sites are pull through and narrow, no privacy, small patch of grass, full sun."
Additional charges for amenities: Many campgrounds charge extra for premium amenities beyond the site fee. At Serendipity Resort, a camper notes, "The water park is a $20 charge a piece on the first day and goes down to $10 a day for the rest of your stay. Be advised you will be charged whether you are going in the water or not."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid activities: Properties with programmed activities keep children engaged. At Jellystone Park, a family camper shares, "Best family friendly campground in the Memphis area. Amazing facilities and amenities. Decently sized lots with trees! Loved our stay here."
Consider sound levels: Highway noise can impact sleep quality at some locations. A family staying at Shearins RV Park appreciated its "rural longterm" setting, noting "Located in flat farm land a few miles from Blytheville. There is no pool or playground. RV'er will find flat gravel sites that can handle most if not all rigs."
Evaluate swimming options: Pools and water features vary significantly between properties. A visitor to Jellystone Park explains, "This is a huge campground and the price for a spot was at least double what we would pay elsewhere. Most of the amenities and services are located at the front of the campground and includes a store and propane, playground, dog run, pool, showers and laundry."
Tips from RVers
Concrete pads preferred: RVers consistently rate sites with level concrete pads higher than gravel options. A visitor to EZ Daze shares, "The park is very clean and exceptionally well maintained. Perfect overnight. One exit north has everything you need; food, Aldi's, Walmart."
Verify hookup reliability: Power stability varies by location and site. An RVer at EZ Daze noted specific electrical issues: "We experienced a problem with our Powerdog 50 EPO Surge protector getting an E1 and E2 code error from the pedastals. The errors state that if the power is above 132 or below 104 on line 1 or line 2 it will shut off park power."
Neighborhood safety considerations: Location and security influence RV park selection. About Elvis Presley Boulevard RV Park, an RVer warns, "We drove through and did not stay here. Lots of long term renters. Not in a good area of town. Close to Graceland, but there are better places to stay within a 30 minutes drive."
