Monteagle, Tennessee sits at approximately 1,900 feet elevation on the Cumberland Plateau, creating distinct camping conditions compared to surrounding lowlands. Winter temperatures can drop significantly at this higher elevation, with average lows reaching the 20s Fahrenheit in January. Most RV campgrounds around Monteagle maintain year-round operation with varying seasonal amenities.
What to do
Hiking at waterfalls: DeSoto Falls near 1776 RV And Campground offers impressive cascades within a 25-minute drive. "So close to quaint Mentone and majestic DeSoto Falls," notes a visitor, highlighting the accessibility to natural attractions from this smaller campground.
Disc golf courses: Spend an afternoon playing disc golf at Bigfoot Adventure RV park & Campground in Tracy City. "Had a blast fishing in the ponds. Didn't get a chance to zip line but looks like a blast. They seem to be adding things… disc golf maybe," reports one camper about the expanding recreational options.
Water recreation: Fishing and boating opportunities abound at the Tennessee River. One camper at Shellmound RV Resort & Campground shared, "You're next to a dock on the TN River, so water activities were easy & fun! They have the entire campground decorated for the holidays and it is adorable!"
What campers like
Walking trails: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated walking paths for morning exercise or evening strolls. A camper at Bigfoot Adventure noted, "Great walking trails, fun zip lines. Clean bath house only one shower but it wasn't a problem getting in."
Natural swimming areas: Greeter Falls Campground provides access to refreshing swim spots during summer months. "We did this hike in the afternoon and got a nice dip in at the falls since it was such a hot day," reports a visitor, highlighting how the falls serve as both scenic attraction and cooling relief.
Level camping pads: Many RVers appreciate the well-maintained sites at RV parks near Monteagle. "The sites are large, newly paved and are equipped with very new, clean picnic tables," said a visitor to Twin Creeks Resort, while another noted about Manchester's campground: "Gravel roads and level pads. We stopped overnight and did not have to disconnect, as we were perfectly level."
What you should know
Cell coverage variations: Internet service can be unpredictable across the Cumberland Plateau. At 1776 RV And Campground, "If you plan on using your cell up here...don't very poor signal but WI FI works great all over the park."
Interstate noise: Several campgrounds sit near major highways, creating ambient noise. A reviewer at Rvino noted, "The main downfall is that the campground is close to interstate (noise). But, it is a close distance to any store/food if you need to make a run."
Water pressure considerations: Water systems at campgrounds may have varying pressure levels. One RVer reported about their Manchester stay: "Water pressure was okay at around 45 psi. They have cable but we did not use it. Their Wifi was about average for a CG this size."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: R&R RV Campground in Dunlap offers unique experiences for children. "The owner's hospitality makes up for that! There a few pull throughs sites that have full hookup then a row of electric & water sites. Dogs allowed but like always you have to clean up after and be a good dog owner."
Safe water play: Choose campgrounds with designated swimming areas for children. "There's a swimming area that you can walk to which is nice," mentions a camper at Shellmound Resort.
Playground access: Several RV campgrounds Monteagle, Tennessee feature playgrounds to keep younger campers entertained. "Lots of camping great fish around play groung for the kids," notes a visitor to Shellmound, while another mentioned that Bigfoot Adventure is "Great experience for kids. Wonderful views and lots of open space to play in fields and walk."
Tips from RVers
Satellite considerations: Tree coverage affects satellite reception at many Monteagle area campgrounds. An RVer staying at Rvino - The Broken Banjo noted, "Satellite could be iffy due to the amount of mature trees. We did see Starlink antennas at some of the sites."
Pet accommodations: Many campgrounds offer dedicated pet areas. One visitor to Rvino mentioned, "We reserved one of the spots with a fenced in area for our pups that connected to the camper. They loved having a place to stretch their legs and running around in the grass."
Winter camping preparedness: RVers should prepare for significant temperature drops at higher elevations during winter months. Several campgrounds around Monteagle remain open year-round, but services may be reduced. The higher elevation means propane supplies for heating should be monitored more closely as consumption increases in the mountain climate.
