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Best Campgrounds in Tennessee

4,891 Reviews

Tennessee provides numerous campground options across its diverse landscapes, from the Great Smoky Mountains to state parks with lakefront sites. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground offers a variety of accommodation types including tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and glamping options, with a solid 4.6/5 rating from visitors. Similarly, Elkmont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park supports multiple camping styles and operates seasonally from April through October. The state features a mix of federal, state, and private campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and accessibility.

Many Tennessee campgrounds operate year-round, though mountain locations like Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds typically close during winter months. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer and fall foliage seasons. Access to campgrounds varies considerably, with some locations like Cades Cove and Cosby Campground offering drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in options. Permits are generally not required for established campgrounds, but reservations are recommended, especially for popular locations. Several campgrounds provide both primitive and modern amenities. As one camper noted, "This is the BEST state park in West TN. It's quiet, depending on your camping neighbors, and just sitting on the banks watching the boats go by is peaceful."

The Tennessee camping experience frequently centers around water features, with many top-rated sites located near lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Campgrounds like Harrison Bay State Park and Rock Island State Park offer boat-in access alongside traditional camping options. According to reviews from The Dyrt, many Tennessee campgrounds maintain clean facilities and friendly staff. One visitor remarked, "The bathrooms are cleaned everyday on weekends and every other day during the week. Completely cleaned!" Mixed-use campgrounds accommodate diverse recreational interests, from fishing and boating to hiking and wildlife viewing. Visitors consistently praise Tennessee campgrounds for their natural beauty, with state parks particularly known for maintaining well-kept facilities while preserving natural surroundings. Family-friendly amenities such as playgrounds, swimming areas, and hiking trails complement the camping experience at many developed locations including Center Hill Lake campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites in Tennessee (970)

    1. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

    145 Reviews
    Spencer, TN
    Website
    +1 (423) 881-5298

    $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."

    2. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    126 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."

    "We stayed 3 nights so we could hike the surrounding trails! Loved learning about the history of the area while checking out the old cabins."

    3. Cades Cove Campground

    99 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "You can easily bike through the loop, or drive. Nice spot to see wildlife as well. Cades Cove is well known for spotting bears, deer and turkey."

    "We camped in the middle of a hot sticky Tennessee summer and felt just fine in all of the shade."

    4. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    72 Reviews
    Cosby, TN
    Website
    +1 (423) 487-2683

    $50 / night

    "Drive in is a nice paved road, got our information on where our sites where from the Camp Host, Who was super informative."

    "Cosby is about half an hour outside of Gatlinburg and worth every minute. A16 was big and shady. There were a few steps down to it. Plenty of trees and distance to the nearest neighbors."

    5. Greenbrier Campground

    71 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    Website

    $35 - $258 / night

    "Had a blast at The Greenbrier Campground in Gatlinburg Tennessee. We had a view of the river which was right next to.our campsite."

    "The campground is surrounded by a little river so many sites have river views. Most are relatively spacious. There are also a few spots on the road side of the island. The amenities were spotless."

    6. Montgomery Bell State Park Campground

    64 Reviews
    Burns, TN
    Website
    +1 (615) 797-9052

    "Campground Review: Montgomery Bell State Park The Four Mile Campground is nestled in a hollow offering shade and creekage on one side plus several of the trailheads start nearby and you are close"

    "It is a beautiful state park known as the"Queen of Tennessee's State Parks". There are 4,000 acres with mountain biking, fishing, hiking, picnic areas, kayaking/canoeing, and a golf course."

    7. Edgar Evins State Park Campground

    59 Reviews
    Lancaster, TN
    Website

    "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. Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Harrison, TN
    Website
    +1 (423) 344-6214

    $22 - $28 / night

    "This is a great family campground and Tennessee State Park located on Chickamauga Lake of the Tennessee River. Good playground for the Grandkids and bicycle paths."

    "Harrison Bay is a huge park, with four camping loops (3 for RVs, 1 for tents), and a large marina, located on the Chickamauga Reservoir of the Tennessee River."

    9. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    56 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-7903

    "Had we been in a site away from the river, we’d have been packed in like sardines."

    "Close to everything, right in the heart of pigeon forge. Best bath houses we’ve ever been too, all other reviews were spot on!"

    10. Anchor Down RV Resort

    49 Reviews
    Sevierville, TN
    Website
    +1 (877) 784-4446

    $49 - $139 / night

    "Anchors Down is just outside Severville Tennessee and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Located on Douglas Lake with the Smokie Mountains in the back ground."

    "This campground is one of the best you will find in Tennessee.  "

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Recent Camping Photos in Tennessee

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Recent Reviews in Tennessee

4891 Reviews of 970 Tennessee Campgrounds

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2026

    Chattanooga North-Cleveland KOA

    Great Overnight Stop Near Chattanooga

    We followed the confirmation email directions, which took us right to the campground. Check-in was quick, efficient, and exceptionally friendly. We were escorted to back-in Site 55, which was an easy back-in and one of the more spacious sites in the campground. We were glad we chose this site over one of the pull-throughs, which appeared much closer together. The long gravel pad easily accommodated our 40-foot fifth wheel and F-450, with well-positioned utilities. Since we were only overnighting, we did not disconnect. We received two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile. The campground Wi-Fi was adequate for checking email and general browsing but not streaming. There are plenty of mature trees throughout the campground, so Starlink availability will vary by site. We chose not to deploy ours but believe Site 55 would have provided a usable view of the sky. The campground also features a fenced dog park that is large enough to actually throw a ball and let your dog run. Overall, this is a clean, well-maintained KOA with friendly staff, spacious back-in sites, and a convenient location, and it will definitely remain on our list of campgrounds for future visits to the Chattanooga area.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2026

    Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    Great Campground spaces are extremely hard to get pulled into being they have filled every inch of space with lots and parking is horrible after setting camper

    A lot of amenities for the kids however getting camper backed in and parking is horrible

  • Kathy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2026

    Weaver Bend Road

    Dispersed camping along the French broad river

    We found the the best spot we have ever stayed. Big sandy beach down a 100 foot decline. Parked at the top where there is a fire ring and nice size flat spot for a small camper or truck set up like we had. Very secluded. Can’t believe we got this spot. So thankful. Pack it in pack it out

  • Stacy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2026

    Skull Island

    Great campground!

    Amazing view, right on the lake. Quiet and pleasant, with great people supporting the park. Will come back again soon!

  • M
    Jun. 25, 2026

    Greeter Falls Campground

    Greeter camp grounds

    Absolutely amazing, there were beautiful trails/hikes right down the road and it was very clean and the set up itself was just so impressive.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2026

    Chester Frost Park

    Lakeside spots

    Visiting family in Chattanooga who love this campground for their lakeside spots which we were sure to reserve early. Fun to swim directly at your campsite at the Smokemont loop. We like to run and bike, but there wasn’t much for options other than a VERY hilly loop of Gold Circle which still required a short time on the busy Hixon Pike. Beach area looked nice but didn’t use it as we swam at the campground and also from family’s boat. Bathrooms are as expected for a campground, I think the Windy Hills loop has a nicer bathroom and also would be closer to the playground.

  • gThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2026

    Adventures Unlimited Campground

    Adventure Unlimited

    This is the park that is a base for taking the rap trips. There is also the bus bar and Grill here that has different entertainment on the weekend so when you’re camping here you will get to hear the music it fills up on the weekends but during the week it’s not too bad people are pretty friendly. One word of note is it it’s a sewer service that comes once every two weeks, you pay an additional $80 for the month if you’re staying here monthly to have your motorhome pumped out twice a month. Site 28 that we stayed in is one of the least level spaces. I would not suggest it.

  • Shillelagh C.
    Jun. 21, 2026

    Little River Campground & RV Resort

    Careless about the guests

    At my arrival, the office mistakenly saved my debit card information under the wrong customer file and charged my card. When I brought this to their attention, I was assured that my card information would be removed from the incorrect account and that the issue had been resolved. Despite those assurances, my debit card was charged again. This second charge occurred after I had already notified the staff of the mistake and after I was specifically told that my card information would be deleted. As a result, I spent a significant portion of my vacation dealing with a problem that should never have happened in the first place. Not only did these errors create financial stress and inconvenience, but they also ruined what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation. I trusted your staff to correct the mistake after it was first reported, and unfortunately that trust was misplaced when my card was charged again. I believe it is unreasonable for me to bear the consequences of repeated errors made by the office, particularly after I had notified you of the problem and received assurances that it had been corrected. For these reasons, I respectfully requested a refund and I was denied and told that it was my banks fault for letting the transactions to occur. They won't take accountability and refuse to work with me. This was my debit card that was charged and over$400 and was on hold for a total of 8 days. My bank cancelled my card. Just one headache after another because of all of this. I feel as though they should've accommodated me seeing how their actions and failure to pay attention caused all of this.

  • Mary D.
    Jun. 21, 2026

    Old Mill Camp and General Store

    Best Campground YET!

    If you are looking for the perfect escape, this place is an absolute hidden gem! The entire property is beautifully landscaped, and you instantly feel completely tucked away from the rest of the world. It is directly across from the entrance of Cummins Falls State Park! Site 12 is THE BEST spot! The last photo shows a better view of the campground layout.

    Here is what made it a 5-star stay for me: 

    The bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean and well-maintained. 

    The grounds are immaculate and peaceful to walk through. 

    A general store with a little deli. Super convenient for grabbing a quick, delicious bite, souvenirs, and snacks 

    Everyone working here was incredibly kind, welcoming, and helpful. 

    It is rare to find a spot that feels this peaceful and secluded while still being so well taken care of. 10/10 recommend! 

    I had no issues with cell service: T-mobile There is wifi, but it is spotty and not too strong.

Guide to Tennessee

Camping in Tennessee offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, Tennessee has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking: Many campgrounds, like Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground, have well-maintained trails. One camper mentioned, “The hiking trails were well maintained but vary in difficulty.”
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A visitor shared, “The campground is quiet, clean, beautiful. So nice to be on the river.”
  • Exploring Waterfalls: Foster Falls Campground is known for its stunning waterfalls. One reviewer said, “The landscape is absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Edgar Evins State Park Campground noted, “Facilities were clean. Would recommend.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Rock Island State Park Campground said, “Staff was super friendly and helpful.”
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space. A review from Baileys Point highlighted, “Great level gravel site. The sites are spaced just right.”

What you should know

  • Crowded During Peak Season: Some parks can get busy, especially in summer. A camper at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground mentioned, “The park is a top visited park in TN - it’s crowded.”
  • Limited Amenities at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Foster Falls Campground pointed out, “There are no electrical hookups. There are also no generators allowed.”
  • Check Site Conditions: Some sites may have steep inclines or be hard to access. A camper at Edgar Evins State Park Campground advised, “I definitely recommend either scouting out a site before booking or researching well which site would be a good fit.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for parks with activities for kids. One camper at Henry Horton State Park Campground said, “Enjoyed walking along the river. It is not secluded and is right off a local highway but has many conveniences.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of things to do. A family at Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground enjoyed, “There are so many trails, playgrounds, and bike/walk friendly roads.”
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A camper at Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground mentioned, “The campground was excellent!!”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Rock Island State Park Campground noted, “This is not a big rig friendly park, but lots of people still crammed their campers that were too big onto the sites.”
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer limited hookups. A camper at Edgar Evins State Park Campground mentioned, “Only Campground 3 was open during our stay.”
  • Plan for Leveling: Be prepared for uneven sites. A visitor at Rock Island State Park Campground said, “The only issue we had was leveling our camper, there was a 7in difference between the sides.”

Tennessee camping offers a variety of experiences, so whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best state parks in Tennessee for camping?

Tennessee offers exceptional state park camping experiences. Pickwick Landing State Park Campground features rustic sites with new bathhouse facilities, a playground, and convenient firewood sales. The park also offers a lodge with restaurant and beautiful cabins near the Tennessee River. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground is another standout destination with multiple camping options including drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in sites, plus access to stunning waterfalls. Other excellent choices include Rock Island State Park with its unique geological features, Montgomery Bell for its central location, and Edgar Evins with its distinctive platform sites overlooking Center Hill Lake. Most Tennessee state parks offer reservable sites with water and toilet facilities, though amenities vary by location.

Where can families find the most kid-friendly campgrounds in Tennessee?

Harrison Bay State Park Campground stands out for families with children, offering excellent playgrounds, bicycle paths, and access to Chickamauga Lake on the Tennessee River. Located about 30 minutes from Chattanooga, it provides convenient access to additional family attractions. Greenbrier Campground near Gatlinburg offers family-friendly amenities with proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park activities. Many Tennessee KOAs, including Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA, cater specifically to families with swimming pools, game rooms, and organized activities. Look for campgrounds with modern bathhouses, playground equipment, swimming areas, hiking trails appropriate for various ages, and proximity to area attractions. The Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area offers numerous family-friendly camping options with easy access to entertainment and outdoor recreation.

How do camping options differ between East, Middle, and West Tennessee?

Each Tennessee region offers distinct camping experiences. East Tennessee features mountain camping in the Smokies and alongside Cherokee National Forest. Anchor Down RV Resort exemplifies east Tennessee camping with sites overlooking Douglas Lake against the Smoky Mountain backdrop. Middle Tennessee offers a mix of woodland and lakeside camping with more moderate terrain, like Montgomery Bell State Park Campground featuring a variety of site types. West Tennessee provides unique wetland and river-based camping experiences, exemplified by Reelfoot Lake State Park Campgrounds, offering secluded water-adjacent sites and Blue Bank Resort on Reelfoot Lake. Eastern campgrounds typically feature more elevation changes and cooler temperatures, middle Tennessee offers rolling hills and moderate terrain, while western Tennessee provides flatter sites often near Mississippi River tributaries.

What tent camping options are available throughout Tennessee?

Tennessee offers diverse tent camping experiences across the state. For primitive options, Spring Creek Primitive Campground — Mousetail Landing State Park provides a small, shaded, and quiet experience off the beaten path near the Tennessee River. Starr Mountain Area offers more adventurous primitive camping with stunning views and rugged terrain for those willing to hike. For unique experiences, Ray of Hope Guest Ranch and Horse Motel features yurt camping with panoramic hillside views and incredible stargazing opportunities. The Great Smoky Mountains provide numerous tent camping options, from established campgrounds to backcountry sites. Most state parks offer tent-specific areas, and many private campgrounds throughout Tennessee accommodate tent campers with dedicated sites away from RV sections.

Keep Exploring

  5. View all Tennessee cities for camping