Campsites near Shiloh, Tennessee offer a mix of state park and commercial facilities with varied proximity to water resources. The region sits at the border of the Highland Rim and Nashville Basin geographic formations, creating diverse terrain from rolling hills to flatter woodland areas. Most camping locations operate between March and November, though several parks maintain year-round access with limited winter amenities.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park features multiple cascades within a short hiking distance. "One of the many things that brought us to the park is the waterfalls, I am a huge waterfall fan and love to take lots of pics and this place is perfect," notes one visitor. The park combines natural features with historical significance through interpretive trails.
Kayaking on Tims Ford Lake: Fairview Campground offers direct water access for paddlers. "Great for kayaking and fishing. Family friendly," reports a regular visitor. The campground office rents kayaks, eliminating the need to transport personal equipment.
Golfing and swimming: Tims Ford State Park Main Campground combines land and water activities. "There were plenty of things to do in the nearby area such as: golfing, swimming, fishing and hiking," reports one cabin guest. The park maintains a swimming pool separate from the lake for those who prefer controlled swimming conditions.
What campers like
Shaded campsites: Mature tree cover ranks high with campers across the region. At Whispering Oaks Campground, "All sites are shady with trees" according to a recent visitor, providing natural cooling during hot Tennessee summers.
Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance receives consistent attention in reviews. At Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, campers appreciate "showers that were clean and the park was well taken care" despite high visitor traffic during peak season.
Level concrete sites: Many campgrounds have invested in proper site preparation. "Sites are level and there is a dump station provided," notes a visitor to Cedar Point Campground. Well-maintained parking pads reduce setup time and eliminate the need for extensive leveling equipment.
What you should know
Campground location confusion: Some parks maintain multiple camping areas. "Only advice I have is make sure which campground you are in. They have two - one at the main entrance, another one is around 4 miles from that main entrance," warns a visitor to Tims Ford State Park.
Site positioning and utilities: Placement of hookups can require planning. At Manchester KOA, one reviewer noted "utilities are located smartly in the middle of the pad to include an extra sewer connection near the pad's front," though this isn't standard across all regional campgrounds.
Seasonal closures impact facility access: Most campgrounds operate from March through October with reduced services outside that window. Henry Horton State Park Campground maintains year-round operations but with limited winter facilities: "The bathrooms are nice and warm in the winter and clean," notes one off-season camper.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Barton Springs Campground offers "a nice sand beach. Ample parking. Grassy tent camping areas and RV paved area pull through," according to one family visitor. The separate beach area allows for supervised swimming away from boat traffic.
Recreational amenities: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated play areas. "There's also a swimming pool, pickleball court, catch & release pond plus other amenities," notes a camper at Manchester KOA, providing options during weather that might limit water activities.
Tent site selection: Choosing appropriate sites makes significant difference for tent campers. At Cedar Point Campground, one visitor observed "The tent sites are elevated slightly which allows a nice 'overlook' of the camp ground. Some tent spots were kind of sloped so be mindful of finding a good flat spot."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through accessibility: Many campgrounds accommodate larger rigs with properly designed approaches. At Manchester KOA, "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."
Highway noise considerations: Interstate proximity affects some campgrounds. "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," notes a camper at Manchester KOA.
Extension cord requirements: Some sites position electrical hookups at considerable distance. At Cedar Point Campground, one reviewer advises "If tent camping, the electric pole is a bit far, so be sure to bring extra long extension cords."
