Camping near Robbins, Tennessee offers overnight accommodations in forested areas where elevations range between 1,200-1,500 feet across the Cumberland Plateau region. Temperature swings can be significant with summer highs in the mid-80s and winter lows frequently below freezing. Many sites provide bear boxes since black bears inhabit the region, with campers required to secure food properly when not in use.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is recognized as an international dark sky park with minimal light pollution. "If you're into astronomy or just enjoy looking up at the stars this is the perfect place. The stars can be enjoyed from just about anywhere but a short drive down the road there's an astronomy field," shares Clinton N. who visited in 2020.
Whitewater activities: Access Rock Creek Campground for paddling adventures on the Obed River. "Our friends who are avid whitewater paddlers took us here. It's a small campground with simple amenities, amazing old growth forest. There are so many great hiking trails here, plus some rock climbing/bouldering," notes Lynn G.
Hiking variety: Trail systems throughout the area connect camping areas to natural features. At Frozen Head State Park, "A short hike to several backcountry sites. Our original spot was Panther Gap Rockhouse. Unfortunately this site was wet! Everything was wet! There was a fire ring and tables available at this site. But we moved to Tub Springs which was amazing!"
What campers like
Natural bridge formations: The geological features near campgrounds provide unique hiking destinations. "I LOVE Pickett CCC!! There is so much to do at this park. At the lake there's kayak and canoeing where you actually paddle under a natural bridge. There's a swimming area, geese and fishing. The rock formations are awesome," reports Shelly S.
Immaculate facilities: Bandy Creek Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. "The restrooms were immaculate! Seriously the cleanest campground restrooms I believe I've seen. Ours had a filtered water bottle fill up fountain too," writes Lori H., who stayed in August 2019.
Wide site spacing: Many campgrounds provide ample room between sites. At Cove Lake State Park, "Sites are gravel and ours was pretty level. There were trees behind site that we were able to put our hammocks in that wasn't nice. The sites were pretty big too which a fantastic amount of room to throw ball and play!"
What you should know
Limited services: Many campgrounds have minimal facilities. At Rock Creek, "No potable water available, but there is plenty that you can treat. Each site has a picnic table, lantern hook, bearproof food locker, fire ring with grill, and a tent pad," according to Davina B.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across the region. At Frozen Head State Park, "There is no wifi and no cell phone reception," notes Mary D., a long-time visitor to the area.
Distance to supplies: Plan ahead for provisions and camping needs. For Brooks Corner Campground, Josh J. advises, "Propane is available for 20lbs swap-outs at the local Dollar Trees (Jamestown or near Eglin/Robbins both are ~20m away). Groceries at Walmart (Oneida ~40m/Jamestown ~25)."
Tips for camping with families
Check trail difficulty: Not all trails are suitable for young children. At Pickett State Park, "There is a suspension bridge, another natural bridge and a cave area. These are easy to moderate trails but can be a little hazardous so watch your step," cautions Shelly S.
Space for kids: Look for campgrounds with room for activities. Bandy Creek offers "nice amenities, pool, playground... The tent pads were huge, lots of space to play at each site," according to Martin M.
Consider site location: At Norris Dam State Park, "We stayed at site #2 which was nice but had soft ground from prior rain. There were a lot of headlights on us from traffic entering the campground, even up til MIDNIGHT on Saturday. I would stay here again but would choose a site more towards the backside of the loop for less traffic going by your site," advises Greg L.
Tips from RVers
Site length restrictions: Some campgrounds have limitations. At Norris Dam State Park, "Keep in mind, a trailer much longer than 16' will have trouble getting in," notes Anna, who stayed at the west campground.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain. At Pickett State Park, "The campground... not my favorite. No shade, very close sites AND on a hill. It was crowded and a little noisy. No privacy, small and busy," warns Shelly S.
Pet-friendly options: For those camping with animals, True West Campground & Stables provides pet-friendly RV sites with full hookups. "Beautiful campground, nice level spots that are easy to get in and out of, dump station on site which was very easy to get to," reports Heather S., adding that the "location is great, just 20 minutes from Jamestown for a quick trip to Walmart or the Dollar store."
