Camping spots near Collierville, Tennessee range from urban-adjacent sites to more secluded options within a 30-mile radius. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 250-400 feet above sea level, with relatively flat terrain making them accessible for various camping setups. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity levels, creating challenging sleeping conditions in non-air-conditioned accommodations.
What to do
Fishing at local lakes: At Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, visitors can access boat rentals to explore the lake system. "You can travel to the boat ramp and marina and rent boats there or bring your own to take advantage of the lake which winds through various types of vegetation," explains a camper who enjoyed kayaking the "swampy feeling area."
Explore hiking options: The trail system at Meeman-Shelby offers varied terrain through mature forest. "I hiked both the Woodland and Pioneer Springs trails, each about 4 miles and along the way enjoyed just taking in the outdoors," notes one visitor who recommends bringing mosquito spray "because they come in droves" during late summer.
Visit farmers markets: The Agricenter International RV Park offers easy access to local produce. One reviewer mentioned, "The Farmer's Market is an easy walk from the park," making it convenient for campers to stock up on fresh food during their stay.
Memphis attractions access: From EZ Daze RV Park in Southaven, visitors have quick access to Memphis attractions. "Great spot if you're going to Graceland," notes one reviewer, with the park located approximately 15 minutes from downtown Memphis cultural sites.
What campers like
Riverfront views: Tom Sawyer's RV Park offers Mississippi River frontage that campers consistently praise. "Riverfront sites are a must," advises one visitor who enjoyed watching "tugboats pushed barges against the current at a slower than walking pace." Another camper appreciated "waking up every morning to the sunrise over the Mississippi River, watching the barges and running around in the big grassy areas!"
Security features: Several campgrounds prioritize safety measures. At Graceland RV Park, "24/7 security" was highlighted as a benefit, with one reviewer noting they "felt completely safe at the camp ground" due to the "security guard at the entrance" where guests must sign in to enter.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds with well-maintained bathhouses receive consistently positive feedback. One visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park remarked, "This place was so clean & quiet, we wished we could have stayed longer," adding they "couldn't get over how clean this place was."
Free amenities: Several parks offer unexpected complimentary services. At Tom Sawyer's RV Park, campers appreciated the "free laundry facilities" which were described as "very clean and nice with several machines."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Proximity to urban areas means some campgrounds experience noise issues. At Jellystone, one camper warned about "the busy highway RIGHT NEXT to the campsites" causing "very loud traffic noise all day and night."
Campground layouts: Site spacing varies significantly between locations. At Agricenter International, a reviewer noted "Almost all of the sites are buddy sites where your front door is facing your neighbor's. There is no privacy at all."
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds change their amenity offerings throughout the year. A visitor to Jellystone observed, "We were staying off-season so there was no activities and they actually deflated the jumping pad," suggesting visitors should check which facilities are operating during planned travel dates.
Neighborhood contexts: The surrounding areas of some campgrounds present challenges. Regarding T.O. Fuller State Park, one camper mentioned you either drive "through a kind of run down neighborhood, or an industrial park" to reach the campground, though they found once inside "the sites are pretty well spaced, flat, and hookups are in good repair."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Jellystone Park offers multiple water-based options for children. "There were several playgrounds my son enjoyed & we had a blast doing the scavenger hunt. We were too early in the season for the blow-up slides but we definitely plan on coming back to enjoy those," shared one parent.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Some campgrounds provide nature encounters suitable for children. At SK Campground, campers report that "deer frequent the property" and the site has "a pond in the rear with fishing allowed," making it an engaging spot for young nature enthusiasts.
Restaurant delivery services: Several campgrounds near Collierville offer convenient dining options. At Graceland RV Park, families can be "picked up in a pink Cadillac and taken to Marlowe's Ribs & Restaurant" which offers "fantastic BBQ in a spectacularly kitschy restaurant" according to one visitor.
Playground accessibility: Multiple campgrounds feature updated play equipment. T.O. Fuller State Park has "an updated playground in the campground area that looks very nice," making it suitable for families needing recreation options within the camping area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection priorities: At EZ Daze, RVers suggest choosing sites strategically. "Level, nice concrete pads. Good hookups," reported one visitor, while another advised site "21 is nice and private at end of a row and is pull thru."
Electrical considerations: Some campgrounds have issues with power stability. One EZ Daze visitor noted problems with voltage readings showing "142.5 volts on line 2," suggesting travelers bring appropriate surge protection equipment.
Site leveling realities: Terrain challenges exist at several parks. At T.O. Fuller, a visitor observed "about half of the sites are on a slight incline that we would consider unlevel," recommending checking the park's website for "details about each site including approximate length, width, and grade."
Winter camping benefits: Off-season camping offers distinct advantages in this region. With summer humidity creating challenging conditions, several experienced campers recommended Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park specifically for fall/winter visits, noting, "We mostly camp at Meeman-Shelby in the fall/winter. We do not camp Spring/Summer" due to mosquito issues.
