Bloomington Springs, Tennessee offers a range of camping and RV options within the Upper Cumberland region. The area sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, with rolling hills and limestone formations characteristic of the Highland Rim. Fall camping sees temperatures between 45-70°F with vibrant foliage, while summer months often reach 85-90°F with moderate humidity levels that affect campsite selection and comfort.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Cummins Falls State Park, located across from Old Mill Camp and General Store, features one of Tennessee's most popular swimming destinations. "The hike down requires two creek crossings (that can be up to knee deep or more depending on where you cross) and some bouldering, but once you get to the falls it's amazing," notes a camper who visited during cooler weather but planned to return "in warmer weather to take advantage of the many swimming holes on the hike to the falls."
Wine tasting tours: The region sits on the Upper Cumberland Wine Trail with several wineries within 30 minutes of Cookeville. "The area is right on the Upper Cumberland Wine Trail so lots of impressive wineries nearby. There is also 4 breweries in the area," shares a visitor to Old Mill Camp.
Lake activities: Deer Run RV Resort features its own fishing lake with beach access. "Very clean, beautiful and friendly! Tons of shade trees, huge spots and most are pull through! A nice lake on the property with a beach. Also has a big pool!" mentions one reviewer about the recreational options available on-site.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Modern bathhouses get consistently high marks from campers. At Old Mill Camp, a camper notes, "The bathhouse was clean and the showers were the nicest I've ever used. Single walk in showers with plenty of room." Another visitor adds, "Bath house is top notch!! Very clean with separate, personal shower rooms with keypad entry."
Proximity to I-40 travel corridor: Many rv parks near Bloomington Springs, Tennessee serve as convenient stopover points. Shady Acres RV Park in nearby Lebanon earns praise for its location: "This is a perfect spot for passing through town. We are on our way to North Carolina from Mississippi... It's a few minutes off I-40 and lots of gas options close by. It's only minutes from Nashville downtown."
Spacious campsites: Paradise on the Mountain RV Park in Crossville offers generous sites. "All spots are pull through, gravel, and neatly set up. The WiFi is free and excellent. We were welcomed warmly and escorted to our space," shares a satisfied camper, highlighting the park's layout and service quality.
What you should know
Cell connectivity varies: While the existing description mentions this, additional details show differences between parks. At Paradise on the Mountain RV Park, "The WiFi is free and excellent," according to one review, suggesting reliable connectivity options beyond cellular service.
Leveling requirements: Terrain in the region often requires leveling equipment. Spring Lake RV Resort campsites have varying degrees of levelness. One camper noted, "Sites were fairly level. I had to use 2 yellow flat blocks on site 1." At Deer Run, another camper reported: "Our site was very un-level and could not get the camper to auto level."
Off-season limitations: Facilities may be reduced during winter months. A camper at Deer Run mentioned: "There was a close bath house, but they still had it closed for winter so it was a little drive to the other side of the lake to the other one."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly features: Several RV parks around Bloomington Springs accommodate pets with dedicated areas. "There is a great dog trail and a fenced dog run," notes a camper at Paradise on the Mountain RV Park, highlighting facilities beyond standard pet policies.
Playground access: Maple Hill RV Park & Cabins offers family-friendly amenities and receives positive reviews for safety: "Maple Hill campground is a great place to stay, safe, quiet, family-friendly very clean. The owners are amazing here!!!" Paradise on the Mountain also features "an adorable playground for the kids. Rumor says there is possibly a splash pad coming soon."
Morning activity planning: For popular attractions, arrive early to avoid crowds. At Cummins Falls, a visitor suggests: "Pro tip if you want to go on the hike which I highly encourage it. We hike down everytime so far and love it. If you want to go on the hike go early almost right when the park opens. There are less people which makes the hike more enjoyable."
Tips from RVers
Electrical reliability: Some campers report power issues at certain sites. At Deer Run RV Resort, one camper experienced challenges: "We put our surge protector on and the power at the site kept shorting out. We managed to get slides out then it shorted out. Turned breakers back on to turn on a/c and it blew again."
Water quality concerns: Owl Hollow Retreat RV Park receives positive reviews for location and amenities, with a camper noting: "This RV park is amazing. The owner is very welcoming and kind. Our dog is able to run for the first time in months here. Several places to put our kayaks in the water near here."
Last-minute availability: Some RV parks in the region can accommodate unplanned stays. A visitor to Spring Lake RV Resort shared: "We were on a sudden, urgent trip with minimal pre-planning and no reservations. We contacted Spring Lake an hour before arrival and they were super helpful, providing a level overnight pull-through site reservation."
