Dawn S.
Guide
GuideGraceland RV Park & Campground
Very easy to work with. Bathrooms and showers are clean. Walking distance to Graceland and a short ride to everything downtown. It's a beautiful campground. We would stay again.
Tent Camping near Bartlett, TN
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent camping opportunities near Bartlett, Tennessee are primarily situated in surrounding areas, with several primitive options within an hour's drive. Kellys Crossing Campground in Coldwater, Mississippi provides access to Arkabutla Lake with basic tent sites. Pleasant Hill Campground, also located near Arkabutla Dam Road, offers primitive tent camping, though visitors report facilities are minimally maintained. Cox Lake in Holly Springs National Forest represents another tent camping option approximately 45 miles southeast of Bartlett.
Most tent sites near Bartlett feature minimal development and basic amenities. Kellys Crossing offers picnic tables, vault toilets, and allows fires, but campers need to bring their own drinking water as none is provided on-site. The camping areas are primarily accessible by boat-in or walk-in methods, with some drive-in access at Pleasant Hill and Cox Lake. Sites typically lack reservations systems and operate on a first-come basis. Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions, as most locations have only basic toilet facilities and no showers or hookups of any kind.
The backcountry tent camping experience in this region offers solitude and direct lake access for fishing and water activities. Cox Lake provides a convenient overnight option for those passing through, though visitors should be prepared for some litter in the area. Kellys Crossing, while technically more of a boat ramp than a dedicated campground, offers quiet tent camping spaces with few other campers competing for space. The bulletin board at Kellys Crossing displays primitive camping guidelines for backcountry users. A visitor noted, "This is an off the beaten path area for standard recreation, with hardly any other persons around besides fishermen out on the water."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Bartlett (4)
1. T.O. Fuller State Park Campground
"Fuller SP Is a decent campground situated 5 miles from Graceland and about 15 minutes (by car) from downtown Memphis."
"Quiet campground within Memphis city limits, right off of the hwy 15 mins from downtown. Friendly knowledgeable staff, beautiful trails and nice full hookup campsites, clean modern bathrooms/showers."
24 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
2. Fort Pillow Historic State Park Campground
"According to the head Ranger, we were the first to camp on this site since its renovation. Previously it had been a tent pad, but was now a concrete pad with a new 50A post and new water hydrant."
"I had to ask for everything, like a campsite map to my site, a trail map, and buying firewood. Nothing was offered, so definitely ask. The layout is also backwards."
4 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
3. Pleasant Hill Campground
4. Cox Lake
Drive Time
- 20 min from Memphis, TN
- 59 min from Jackson, TN
- 1 hr 16 min from Jonesboro, AR
- 2 hrs 30 min from Florence, AL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bartlett, TN
10 Photos of 4 Bartlett Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Bartlett, TN
360 Reviews of 4 Bartlett Campgrounds
Evelyn M.
ScoutTom Sawyer's RV Park
Like others, we found the area outside the park to be industrial and a little dodgy, but once in the park itself, it is a real gem! The barge channel is right off the park's riverbank, so you get an up close look as they pass by
- PPaul S.Guide
Graceland RV Park & Campground
A Great Place to Stay for the Full Memphis Experience
We really enjoyed our stay at Graceland RV Park and Campground. If you’re coming to Memphis to visit Graceland, it’s hard to beat the location. Being so close made everything easy and gave us plenty of time to enjoy the whole experience without rushing.
The Graceland Mansion tour was fantastic. Even if you’ve seen it countless times on TV, actually walking through Elvis’s home and seeing the rooms for yourself is something completely different. There’s so much history there, and it really gives you a sense of the man behind the legend.
We were equally impressed with the museums and exhibits. There is far more to see than we expected, from Elvis’s cars and stage outfits to memorabilia and displays covering his incredible career. Give yourself a good 3–4 hours at a minimum to see everything properly. You could easily spend longer if you’re a big Elvis fan.
While we were in Memphis, we also made the trip downtown to Beale Street, and we’re glad we did. It’s exactly the kind of place you picture when you think of Memphis — live music coming from the bars, plenty of restaurants, lots of places to grab a drink and a great atmosphere as you walk along the street. It made for a brilliant evening after spending the day at Graceland.
For us, staying at Graceland RV Park, touring the mansion and museums, and then experiencing the music, bars and restaurants of Beale Street made for a memorable Memphis visit.
We’d happily stay here again. If you’re traveling by RV and Graceland is on your bucket list, this is a great place to make your base.
Erin L.GuideHollywood Casino RV Park - Tunica
Only RV Park around Tunica Resorts
Booked a complete reservation(paid in full) online 2 weeks in advance and called a few days prior to inquire on check-in procedures and ask about early check in since we were coming from a few hours away. Was told that the RV Park has"any time" check in and when you check in proceed to the hotel registration desk to receive your site number. Upon arrival-- DO NOT FOLLOW THE SIGNS THAT DIRECT YOU TO THE RV PARK! Instead proceed down the far, far left arrow(not under the archway) around the back and that will take you to the hotel entrance where you can park easily to go inside and check in I reserved a pull through. We did not get a pull through. Every pull through was occupied but one and the water did not work on that site. We were given a back in site. I asked at check in if it was the same price since I booked a pull through and was told it was the same price. I also asked if we would fit and was informed that every site is the same length. They are not! We were given site#43. We did not even attempt it, we would not have fit. Our camper is 35 ft. And truck is 25 ft. I called the number and was transferred to the supervisor and explained the situation. By chance we were driving around and saw site#10 and inquired while she was on the phone with me. We fit in site#10. 1st and foremost, I am in no way bashing work camps. They serve a purpose and hubby has utilized them over the years with his previous employment. However, this is a work camp with a few travelers. Totally misrepresented online. It is not your typical casino RV park. It is run down along with the casino and several of the casinos in the Tunica area have been closed or are being torn down. It was quiet-ish. Being a work camp, diesels fired up between 3am-6am. People returned to their campers between 5pm-8pm. The bathhouse resembled a barracks after quitting time. Quiet time was 10pm and it was quiet until it was time to go to work. Everyone around did keep to themselves. Our"neighbors" were friendly and courteous. The RV park served its purpose to decompress and look at our route over the Mississippi River. We camped at Hollywood Casino Hotel& RV Park in a Travel Trailer.
- Lee W.Scout
Dub Patton Campground
10 out of 10
Awesome Clean camp grounds with easy bathroom and water and electric hook ups definitely a 10 out of 10
- SSusan R.Guide
Hollywood Casino RV Park - Tunica
No longer available for campers
Pulled in here after driving all day and the park was full of campers that looked to be somewhat long term. I went inside to pay for site 63 (which was empty and the camper next door said was used all the time for overnight camping) and they said we are full and there's no water at site 63. The manager said this park used to be used for casino customers, but now they are renting long term to construction workers. It would have cost $40 to stay if they had space. Too bad- we would have eaten in a casino restaurant and played a bit. We left and drove to Enid Lake and stayed at a COE CG that was one of the nicest ever, at $10 less for the night. Lessons learned-definitely need to call ahead even though people said just pull in no reservations needed-also- awesome stay for less just down the road. Spaces at Hollywood were close together, paved, there is laundry on site. Staff in the casino (hotel desk) were friendly and helpful.
- Paulene T.Guide
Tom Sawyer's RV Park
Beautiful campsite close to city
This is our 3rd visit to this campground. Worth the short drive off Route 40 to get an awesome view of the river and nice benches along river if you’re not up for walking in the heat of summer. Rather level concrete and gravel spots.
Paige M.ScoutFort Pillow Historic State Park Campground
Hidden Gem
My husband and I loved the 20Amp tent sites. The bathrooms were close by and extremely clean, with good water pressure and temperature. It’s also a great price compared to other state park prices. We cannot wait to come back!
Karen R.ScoutTom Sawyer's RV Park
Nice place
Nice place after you get past the Oil refinery and the neighborhood. Once in park it is well maintained and safe. Nice to watch the bardges on the Mississippi
Guide to Bartlett
Tent campsites near Bartlett, Tennessee require traveling outside of the immediate city limits. Camping options sit primarily within an hour radius, concentrated along Arkabutla Lake in Mississippi and in Holly Springs National Forest. Sites typically operate seasonally with reduced accessibility during winter months and after significant rainfall when forest roads become difficult to navigate.
What to do
Fishing access: Kellys Crossing Campground provides direct lake access for anglers. "Great little fishing lake," notes one camper about the area waters.
Lake recreation: Primitive sites around Arkabutla Lake offer opportunities for swimming during summer months when water levels permit. Water activities are generally unregulated, with no designated swimming areas or lifeguards present.
Wildlife observation: The forested areas surrounding Cox Lake support diverse bird populations, particularly during spring migration. Early morning hours provide optimal viewing conditions when animals are most active.
What campers like
Solitude opportunities: The remote nature of these campgrounds means minimal crowds even during peak seasons. "Would be a good spot to go if you needed to get away for some solitude," notes a visitor at Kellys Crossing.
Minimal development: Pleasant Hill Campground and similar sites maintain a natural setting with limited infrastructure. This appeals to campers seeking authentic outdoor experiences without commercial development.
Affordability: Most tent camping options near Bartlett operate on a free or low-cost basis. "The fee has been reduced to free, so enjoy but be respectful!" reports a camper at Kellys Crossing during a December visit.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Prepare for truly primitive conditions. "The terrible smelling vault toilet bathroom is open," warns a visitor to Pleasant Hill Campground, indicating the basic nature of sanitation facilities.
Access challenges: Many sites require advance planning for access. Forest service roads leading to camping areas often lack maintenance and become impassable after rain.
Water considerations: No potable water exists at most locations. Campers must bring all drinking water needed for their stay, with the nearest resupply points often 30+ minutes away by car.
Tips for camping with families
Safety preparations: Sites lack cell service and immediate access to emergency services. Families should bring comprehensive first aid supplies and establish emergency plans before arrival.
Site selection: Arrive early to secure level ground for tent placement. The terrain around many sites contains significant roots and rocks that make comfortable sleeping difficult without careful site selection.
Entertainment planning: No structured activities exist at these primitive campgrounds. Families report greater satisfaction when bringing age-appropriate nature guides, card games, and other entertainment options not requiring electricity.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Larger recreational vehicles cannot access most tent campsites near Bartlett, Tennessee. "If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent for a night this is a good pick," notes a reviewer at Cox Lake, emphasizing the tent-focused nature of the site.
Alternative options: RVs requiring hookups should consider commercial campgrounds in Memphis rather than the primitive sites surrounding Bartlett. The drive adds approximately 30-45 minutes each way but provides necessary amenities.
Road conditions: Forest service roads leading to camping areas often contain unmarked hazards. Scout roads without trailers attached when possible to evaluate conditions before attempting access with larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Bartlett, TN?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bartlett, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bartlett, TN is T.O. Fuller State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Bartlett, TN?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Bartlett, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Bartlett, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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