The Memphis area's varied terrain offers diverse glamping near Bartlett, Tennessee at elevations ranging from 225 to 400 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching 90°F from June through August and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Most upscale camping options remain accessible year-round, though spring and fall provide the most comfortable camping conditions with temperatures between 65-80°F.
What to do
Fishing on the lake: Hernando Point Campground offers access to Lake Arkabutla for excellent fishing opportunities. "Very clean restrooms and shower areas. Site had grill, fire ring, and picnic table. Water and electric hookup," shares Suzi T. from Hernando Point.
Disc golf in pine forests: Wall Doxey State Park features a course winding through the natural landscape. "The highlight for us is the disc golf course that winds through the pine forest," notes Brandon R., though he warns "be ready to pick ticks off of everyone" during warmer months.
Water activities at affordable rates: Sun Retreats Horn Lake offers water recreation with seasonal pricing. "We've paid $100 a night for less. Clean, cute, easy access, not sketchy. Noise, sure, but nothing a fan or AC could drown out," says Jessica P., noting the campground provided relief for kids after long travels.
What campers like
Level sites with full hookups: EZ Daze RV Park offers well-maintained concrete pads. "Level, nice concrete pads. Good hookups. Workers all very pleasant. Didn't get to use the pool or other amenities but they looked nice. Quiet location close to gas station and stores," reports Deb K.
Waterfront camping with privacy: Dub Patton Campground features lakeside sites. "Site 9 and site 10 are by far the most beautiful sites in the camp in my opinion. They are right on the lake and relatively separate from the other sites," notes Wild Sage F., though suggesting getting both sites together for groups due to their proximity to each other.
Food delivery services: Memphis KOA brings meals directly to your campsite. "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," writes Kari K.
What you should know
Proximity to highways: Some campgrounds near Bartlett experience traffic noise. "Located just off the freeway the front sites are a bit noisy. One plus was that it was raining so hard the freeway was stopped so we just went to our site but they offer meals delivered to your site! Great meal!" says Brent C. about Memphis KOA.
Seasonal considerations: Most water activities at glamping sites close during winter months. "We were too early in the season for the blow-up slides but we definitely plan on coming back to enjoy those," notes Amy L. about Sun Retreats Horn Lake.
Safety concerns in certain areas: Location research is important before booking. "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," cautions Shana D. about Elvis Presley Boulevard RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds with dedicated activities keep kids entertained. "They have a swimming pool, playground, covered party pavilion, laundry and lots of kids activities. They also have cabins for rent," shares Shana D. about Sun Retreats Horn Lake.
Consider site spacing: Some campgrounds offer more room between sites. "The sites are far enough apart to not feel on top of your neighbor. The playground could use an update, but it does the job keeping the kids entertained," notes Brandon R. about Wall Doxey State Park Campground.
Check for water features: Lakes and pools provide cooling options during hot months. "Great sites with lake views," reports Abby W. about Hernando Point, while Susan R. mentions having "a huge spot with lots of shade" though noting "only complaint was there was no playground in the actual camping area."
Tips from RVers
Verify site conditions before arrival: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain or obstacles. "Roads inside the campground were atrocious, required dodging tree limbs and holes," warns Windell S. about Chewalla Lake Recreation Area.
Consider accessibility needs: Check bathroom and shower proximity to sites. "The bathrooms are a bit of a walk from the sites. They have a shower house by the water park area. The stalls are toilet/shower combo. Only problem is the only handicapped accessible shower is in this shower house and they don't allow you to drive there unless you have a golf cart," notes Nathan B. about Serendipity Resort.
Book ahead for premium sites: The most desirable spots fill quickly. "Such a gem of a campground - 15 minutes off I-40 East but felt like a safe option a little ways out of the busy downtown Memphis area. Site 21 is nice and private at end of a row and is pull thru," recommends LuAnn R. about EZ Daze RV Park.
