Camping options near Shiloh, Tennessee include established campgrounds and equestrian-friendly facilities within driving distance of the historic battlefield. The region features rolling hills and hardwood forests typical of the Tennessee Valley, with elevations ranging from 400 to 600 feet. Summer temperatures often reach the mid-90s with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions with occasional rainfall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Henry Horton State Park, located about 45 miles from Shiloh, visitors can fish in the Duck River. A camper notes, "Chapel Hill, just to the north, offers all you might need with a hardware store, Dollar General, walk in clinic and restaurants. The park also offers a golf course which I didn't play due to the heat, but is on my list now that I've seen it."
Water recreation: Tims Ford State Park offers lakeside camping with direct water access. "Great campground on the water and spacious sites. Water access at your campsite to swim or kayak. Nice bathhouse, clean facilities," shares one visitor who enjoyed the shoreline setup.
Stargazing: The open countryside provides excellent night sky viewing opportunities. At Ray of Hope Guest Ranch, a camper describes the experience: "The yurt sets on the side of a beautiful Tennessee Hill offering almost a complete view of the nighttime sky. We watched the moon rise over a hill directly in front of the campsite, and we even saw a brilliant shooting star blaze across the sky."
Hiking trails: Walls of Jericho offers primitive camping with hiking trails about 50 miles from Shiloh. "The walls of Jericho are an incredible site to see if you are willing to make the backpacking adventure to them. The hike in takes only about an hour and is all downhill," reports one camper who explored the canyon.
What campers like
Seasonal flexibility: Campgrounds in the Shiloh area operate year-round with different advantages each season. One winter visitor to Henry Horton State Park mentioned, "Enjoyable stay. The campground is well maintained with plenty of shade at the sites. The bathrooms are nice and warm in the winter and clean."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer well-sized sites that provide adequate room between neighbors. At Fairview Campground, campers appreciate the layout: "Most campsites are on the water with incredible views. The campsites are shady and nicely spaced."
Horse-friendly facilities: Equestrian campgrounds near Shiloh, Tennessee provide specialized amenities for those traveling with horses. Ray of Hope Guest Ranch offers "an outside shower surrounded by sweet smelling herbs" and is designed with horse owners in mind, making it a practical base for exploring regional bridle trails.
Family activities: Parks offer amenities beyond basic camping. One visitor to Manchester KOA noted, "They have glamping cabins, teepees, and a covered wagon with nice patio decor. There's also a swimming pool, pickleball court, catch& release pond plus other amenities."
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds have nearby train tracks that can affect light sleepers. A camper at River Road RV Park mentioned: "There is a train track nearby. It didn't bother us, but light sleepers might want to bring earplugs just in case."
Highway proximity: Certain campgrounds offer convenient access but come with traffic noise. A Manchester KOA visitor observed, "This park is located in Manchester, TN right next to I-24, so if you are in the pull-throughs on the front row, you will hear the traffic."
Water levels: Water features may vary seasonally. At Walls of Jericho, a September visitor reported, "In September the water level was low and the waterfalls were not flowing. But there is a spring that runs out of a cave on a cliff to the left of the amphitheater, so water is not an issue."
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly throughout the area. At River Road RV Park, one camper found "No service for TMobile and almost none for Verizon (was told at&t works, but I can't verify)."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with recreational options: Sharon Johnston Park offers numerous family-friendly features. A visitor shares, "It's a great site to bring the kids. In the summer the pool is open which is great for the hot days. There's also a track, a baseball field, and soccer fields so I've seen many athletic events held there."
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort while still offering outdoor experiences. A Manchester KOA visitor noted, "They have glamping cabins, teepees, and a covered wagon with nice patio decor," which appeals to families wanting varied accommodation options.
Look for dedicated play areas: Many campgrounds include playgrounds and activity areas. At Campers RV Park, a visitor observed, "Activities everywhere! There are pavilions and out buildings setup with games, hammocks, and all kinds of fun family-friendly things to see and do."
Choose beginner-friendly locations: For families new to camping, certain sites offer easier experiences. A Sharon Johnston visitor commented, "Really good camp for littles and good spot for first time campers. Camp host was awesome."
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Pay attention to road width and turning radius when selecting a campground. A camper at Manchester KOA described their experience: "Site 27 was the easiest pull through we've ever had as its angled straight in from the street, no turns or maneuvering to center the rig."
Hookup configurations: Check utility placement when booking. A Manchester KOA visitor noted, "The utilities are located smartly in the middle of the pad to include an extra sewer connection near the pad's front. Water pressure was okay at around 45 psi."
Site surface quality: Verify site composition and levelness. According to a visitor at Campers RV Park, "The sites are gravel and mostly level. All sites are FHU. They do offer short term monthly rates which are back in sites that have a little more room."
Internet connectivity: For RVers needing to stay connected, assess WiFi quality. A Manchester KOA camper shared, "Their Wifi was about average for a CG this size. We got 3 bars on Verizon and used our MiFi on this overnighter. Satellite could be iffy due to the amount of mature trees."
