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Best Tent Camping near Cookeville, TN

802 Reviews

Tent campers visiting the Cookeville region of Tennessee have several primitive options concentrated near area waterways and forests. Holleman's Bend Camping Area offers free tent sites along the riverbank, while the Horseshoe Bend Marina provides designated tent camping with more amenities. The surrounding Cumberland Plateau terrain creates secluded camping opportunities within reasonable driving distance of town.

Tent sites at Holleman's Bend feature basic clearings with fire rings but no drinking water or toilet facilities. Campers should bring all necessary supplies including drinking water, as services are limited throughout the area. Most tent campgrounds enforce a 14-day maximum stay limit, with rangers occasionally checking registration information. Drive-in access varies significantly, with several sites requiring navigation on unpaved roads that may become difficult after rain. Cell service is notably absent at many locations, particularly at Holleman's Bend, where visitors report complete disconnection from networks.

Areas beyond the main camping zones often provide more secluded tent sites. A camper noted, "Go past the main sites for more private sites," highlighting the dispersed nature of camping at Holleman's Bend. Morning fog rising from the water creates atmospheric conditions, particularly at riverside tent sites. The waterfront orientation of many tent campgrounds provides opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife observation directly from camp. Most tent areas remain relatively quiet even during peak seasons, though weekend boat traffic may increase noise levels at marina-adjacent sites. Primitive camping areas like Tailwater Rec Area and Roaring River Park offer tent pads with electric hookups, providing slightly more developed options while maintaining the tent camping experience. Tent campers should prepare for variable terrain ranging from grassy peninsulas to forested clearings.

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Best Tent Sites Near Cookeville, Tennessee (33)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Cookeville, TN

37 Photos of 33 Cookeville Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Cookeville, TN

802 Reviews of 33 Cookeville Campgrounds

  • Shana D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 14, 2022

    Greeter Falls Campground

    New campground

    We only checked out the primitive sites while passing through the area. The sites had picnic tables and fire rings, but they were pretty overgrown. It doesn’t look like this section of the campground is getting much use yet. They have a couple of portable toilets on site with garbage cans next to the toilets. There is a water spigot at the exit that can be used for filling tanks/containers. Also, there is a community fire pit area near the exit and a small camp store building near the entrance. Closed when we drove thru. To be honest, other than sites being marked with a site number, I couldn’t tell where the sites were actually at or where tents were supposed to be set up at.

    We did not drive they the yurts or RV sites, so I cannot speak for those, but the pictures on the website look nice.

    Rating this a 3 based on location to Greeter Falls Waterfall and also because it is new and still an ongoing work in progress, I didn’t want to rate too low.

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Mountain Glen RV Park & Campground

    Ranger Review: The Dyrt Reservations at Mountain Glen RV Park & Campground

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I am occasionally compensated for staying at and reviewing campgrounds. I was given the opportunity to stay at Mountain Glen RV Park and Campground in order to test the new reservation system through The Dyrt. The reservation system works extremely well--it is fast and efficient, and save the trouble of using a third party reservation system after finding a campground you like on The Dyrt. I look forward to more campgrounds joining TD's network!

    Mountain Glen is a new campground, located about an hour northwest of Chattanooga, and it is absolutely beautiful. There are a total of 8 tent sites and 41 RV sites, set next to a lake and a gorgeous view of a farm. Amenities include picnic tables, a playground, fishing, horseshoes, corn hole, a game room, a camp store, and laundry facilities, showers, and flush toilets with electricity (and heat!). It is also a short drive to Fall Creek Falls State Park, for anyone looking to enjoy the hiking near the falls without the overnight crowds the state park brings in. 

    The RV sites occupy most of the campground, and accommodate trailers ranging from 60' to 90'. All sites have electric and water hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and most have small grassy areas for dogs, kids, or even grown ups to stretch out and rest. RVs are also available to rent.

    Tent sites 1-3 are listed as “primitive” sites and have no electricity or water, however it is a short walk to the office where water is available. The road is visible from these sites, however there is a grassy meadow both between the sites and the road, and the sites and the lake, with woods bordering site 3. 

    Sites 4 and 5 are located closest to the picnic shelter, with a clear view of the lake. Sites 6-8 are next to the office/bathrooms. Site 6 is the smallest and 8 is the largest. All tent sites are fairly hilly, and accommodate small tents better than large based on limited flat space—though hammocks would work well!

    There is a trail that winds around the lake, and passes a beautiful spillway on the end opposite the office which is great for getting some shade, and a chance for kids to splash in some water. This end also has a picnic table for day use. I would love to see this area eventually become a walk-in campsite as it is definitely the most beautiful area of the entire campground!

    The owners here are extremely nice. We were greeted warmly on our arrival, and spent some time talking with them our second day. It is obvious they care about the campground and want campers to enjoy themselves and feel comfortable. We are tent campers and I was wary of staying somewhere more geared towards RVs, but what tent camping here lacks in privacy and wilderness, it more than makes up for in beauty, peace, and a feeling of home-away-from-home.

  • Katrin M.
    Apr. 10, 2022

    Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

    Nice little primitive campground on the river

    We camped here for one night on a Saturday. 

    The campsites have a fire ring, picnic bench, and lantern pole. Each campsite has their little parking space except site 9, 10, and 11. It is one parking spot for 3 cars and you have to walk about 100 feet. The campsites are very close together. We were very lucky with campsite 11 bc nobody around us showed up. Probably due to the bad weather the first day. The campsite was very spacious and was right on the creek. 

    There is no electricity or water at the campground. The vault toilet had no flushing water but was clean and didn't have a smell. The Obed area is very inviting for fishing, hiking, and rock climbing. There are trails that start right from the campground. If you need an escape from the daily grind, that's your place.

  • Davina B.
    May. 9, 2019

    Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

    Great Little Hiking and Fishing Spot

    Rock Creek Campground is the only campground for the Obed Wild and Scenic River National Park. It's a primitive campground with 11 sites for tents only. RVs are not allowed. There is a restroom for campers with pit style toilets. 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. Bearproof trashcans are located throughout the campground. A section of the Cumberland Trail begins at the campground. The Emory River runs right alongside the campground with easy access. There is no camp store, but the town of Wartburg is about a mile away if you need anything.

    Pros: Good hiking trails and great fishing. Easy access to the river. Restrooms available.

    Cons: The sites are very close together and it gets quite crowded during the summer months and on weekends. A public road runs right next to the campground so there is traffic at times when people are coming and going from work. No camp store or potable water available. Bathrooms are not kept stocked.

  • Christy E.
    Jun. 14, 2018

    Rock Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful area with many activities

    I stayed in the tent-only loop - a small group of 10 sites. It was quiet and had many trees for hammocks. Thus site offers level tent pads, a grill, fire ring, and picnic table. Clean bathrooms and hot showers available. The nearby swimming beach was great for the kids. Many short hiking options available. Make sure to visit the ranger station for a map and safety rules during water releases.

  • Davina B.
    May. 9, 2019

    Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground

    Great for RVs, Ok for Tents

    This campground is located within the Cumberland Mountain State Park. The sites are set up for RVs and it is very popular.

    Pros: There is no camp store, but there are vending machines available. There are restrooms available. Staff is in the office during business hours. There are 2 short hiking trails (less than 1 mile in length each). There are playgrounds, a lake for fishing, and a golf course. Each site has parking for 1 vehicle, a large gravel pad, water and electric hookup, picnic table, and lantern hook.

    Cons: site are very close together. Tents and RVs do not have separate loops. No camp store. No showers.

    Overall, this campground is set up to cater more toward those with RVs than people camping in tents.

  • Lori H.
    Aug. 4, 2019

    Pickett CCC Memorial State Park Campground

    Beautiful Night Sky, Quiet Camping

    Pickett State Park is a great spot to camp if you like peace and quiet, but don’t want to have to backpack in to a spot. Despite the small campground, it was pretty much empty on the first weekend in August when we stayed. It is near the Big South Fork, and Scott State Forest, so there’s lots of great hiking, horseback riding, river recreation, etc. nearby. From other reviews on The Dyrt, I learned the park is excellent for stargazing, and it is true, you will have amazing views at night, we slept in a tent without a rain fly, just so we could see the stars!

    The campground has several sites with electric and some without. We stayed in B1, which did not have electric. All the sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and the ones on the outside of the loops back up to the woods and trails. All the sites are spacious.

    The restrooms were clean, but they must be pretty old. There were some areas in need of tile repair, but it was just a cosmetic issue, so it didn’t bother me. The showers were nice, and everything was clean.

    The campground also has cabins, and those seemed to have more guests than the campground. They have a set of cabins that were connected, like apartments, and they have some larger, freestanding cabins too. They had a group site as well, but I did not go to it.

    The park has a lake with swimming area, and canoe/kayak/paddle board rentals, a swinging bridge, playground, tennis courts, a gigantic picnic area, and several great trails.

    This was a very pleasant find, and we will definitely return!

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2019

    Edgar Evins State Park Campground

    A Campground with Lots to Do but with Interesting Tent Pads

    Edgar Evins State Park is a large park with lots of activities for young and old. However, if you want to stay in the campground, make sure to take a freestanding tent unless you have creative ways to keep your tent up. Most of the sites have wooden platforms, and the fire pits are beside the road. Perhaps most people like that sense of permanence, but I personally prefer solid ground or even gravel pads. Fortunately, the one I used was a free-standing tent. There is another option, and that is to stay in the primitive camping area. Of course, they are walk-in sites, but they are not far from where you park. I would normally choose the primitive camping area for a couple of reasons. There is a little more privacy, and you have soft ground on which to pitch your tent. Obviously, if you are an RV camper, staying in the primitive area does not apply. Unfortunately, it was better this time to choose a site that you don’t have to walk to. Out of all the state park campgrounds I have visited, the bath rooms in this state park are the best. They are modern with tiled floors, and the showers resemble ones you would find at privately owned campgrounds. There are several different activity options—volleyball, horseshoes, playgrounds, hiking trails, etc. There is also an aviary, a marina, a restaurant, and a couple of boat ramps. For the children, there is the“Storybook Trail.” For other overnight options, there are also cabins that you can rent. In retrospect, the primitive area would have been a better choice. It definitely would have been more quiet. No matter whether you stay in the primitive area or the regular camping area, you will encounter hilly terrain. The camp store is fully stocked with most of your camping needs, and there is also a laundry. Overall, Edgar Evins State Park was a good place to spend time, but again, I have my doubts about the wooden platforms.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 24, 2019

    Edgar Evins State Park Campground

    Sorta like a treehouse

    Edgar Evins SP is unique in that the campground sites are decks, which is actually pretty cool. Now the one down side is that certain sites can be a challenge to back into. If you are a talented backer upper shouldn’t be an issue. However if your backing up could use some practice, and/or causes fights with your spouse you may want to call and ask the easier sites to set up in...just saying, less stress. The bottom sites are along the lake and you are across from the marina. Another thing is your cooking area is off the side of your deck with your picnic table. The primitive sites are walk in and have some pretty sweet views of the lake. Downside your walking up and down a slope with your gear. Speaking of slopes, the whole campground is on a slope so your pretty much either going up or down. Cool stairways to use and strategically placed facilities. The store and trash are located wheee you park for the primitive sites at the entrance. There’s a trail in the campground that gives you a quick route to the beach area.

Guide to Cookeville

Tent camping near Cookeville, Tennessee focuses primarily on riverside and lakeside sites scattered throughout the Cumberland Plateau region. Campgrounds range from completely undeveloped clearings to sites with limited electrical hookups and tent pads. Most campsites sit between 500-900 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F during peak season and significant humidity from nearby waterways.

What to do

Kayaking waterways: The Caney Fork River provides excellent paddling opportunities from Horseshoe Bend Marina, where campers can easily access multiple paddling routes. "You can paddle both directions with ease, and there are several waterfalls nearby, also Rock Island State Park is about 1.5 miles by water. The boat traffic is minimal so paddling is easy," notes Lori H.

Wildlife observation: Morning and evening hours offer prime viewing opportunities when mist rises from the water. "I woke up early enough to see the sunrise and the fog coming off the river. Simply magical," writes Devin R. about his experience at Holleman's Bend. Nighttime brings different wildlife viewing opportunities, with some campers reporting bat activity beginning at dusk.

Art workshops: Reflection Tree Art Farm combines camping with creative opportunities. Sarah G. mentions, "I can't wait to come back and take art classes," highlighting the farm's unique integration of outdoor recreation with artistic pursuits. The property features both natural settings and designated creative spaces.

What campers like

Complete disconnection: The area's poor cell coverage creates opportunities for digital detox. Simon B. noted about Holleman's Bend Camping Area, "No Service (showed me how addicted i am). Other than that as described." This disconnection extends to most waterfront sites, offering rare opportunities for complete separation from notifications and calls.

Peaceful water views: Luka W. describes Holleman's Bend as a "cute little peninsula" where "the water is BEAUTIFUL, though you'll hear fish splashing all night." These waterfront sites provide direct access to fishing spots without needing to break camp or travel to water access points.

Comfortable glamping options: For campers seeking tent camping without roughing it, glamping tents offer unexpected comfort. "The memory foam beds are literally one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in. Seriously, I can't stress that enough, they are on another level comfy!!" writes Nate H. about the canvas tents at Horseshoe Bend.

What you should know

Arrival planning: Several campgrounds have minimal signage and become difficult to locate after dark. "Arrived at night & got lost due to hardly any visible signs," reports one camper at Horseshoe Bend. Navigation becomes particularly challenging when cell service disappears 15-20 minutes before reaching most campgrounds.

Variable site quality: Some locations offer designated camping spots while others feel improvised. Tommy S. described one area at Tailwater Rec Area as "basically a parking lot, with a small patch of grass and a firepit by a loading dock into the river." Site selection significantly impacts comfort, with many campers recommending exploration beyond initial areas.

Registration requirements: Even at free camping areas, rangers check compliance with regulations. Andrew K. notes, "Someone came and got my name and plate to make sure I followed the 14 day rule but was super nice." This registration enforcement applies across multiple camping areas, with camping permits sometimes verified during ranger visits.

Tips for camping with families

Rural supply limitations: Stock essential items before arrival as nearby services remain limited. "It's a nice place to come and stay, a little far from the town but overall good," writes Isai L. about camping options. Most family-friendly camping areas require 20+ minute drives to reach convenience stores or supplies.

Entertainment options: Some campgrounds provide unexpected family activities beyond standard camping. At Liberty Oak Oasis, families can access basic bathroom facilities while enjoying designated campfire areas with provided firewood, making this option more suitable for families needing minimal infrastructure.

Side excursions: Nearby towns offer worthwhile stops during camping trips. "Be sure to stop by the little town of Gainesboro (I think that's the name) for a cup of coffee at Nostalgic Coffee Cafe," suggests Devin R., highlighting local businesses that complement the camping experience and provide weather-protected activities during rain.

Tips from RVers

Electric hookup limitations: Most RV sites with electrical access provide only basic 15/20-amp connections rather than standard 30/50-amp service. "We are on site 9 and it's not the most leveled spot. We have a 25ft class C," notes one RVer about their experience, indicating terrain challenges even at designated RV spots.

Internet vs. cell service: Some campgrounds offer functional WiFi despite cellular dead zones. Joe B. reports, "Wi-Fi worked great for streaming. NO CELL SERVICE for ATT," highlighting the distinction between campground internet infrastructure and cellular coverage that affects communication options for remote workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available near Cookeville, Tennessee?

Lilly Pad Campground offers an incredibly affordable option with a $5 per person honor system payment. This sprawling wooded area is first-come, first-served and ideal for tent camping. For backcountry enthusiasts, Turnhole Backcountry Campsite — Mammoth Cave National Park provides primitive camping opportunities, though you'll need to check in at the visitor center first. While not entirely free, these low-cost options provide excellent value for budget-conscious campers looking to experience Tennessee's natural beauty without breaking the bank.

Where can I find tent camping sites near Cookeville, TN?

Several excellent tent camping options surround Cookeville. Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River offers primitive sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern poles. This tent-only campground features 11 sites (no RVs allowed) with pit toilets available. Closer to Cookeville, Savage Station provides tent sites near the Savage Fall hike trailhead. These primitive sites can be reserved through Tennessee's state park system. Other nearby options include Roaring River Park, Tailwater Recreation Area, and Cove Hollow for those willing to drive a bit further.

What campgrounds and amenities are available in Cookeville, Tennessee?

The Cookeville area offers diverse camping experiences with varying amenities. Alum Gap Campground — Savage Gulf State Park provides a perfect introduction to backpacking with primitive sites just over a mile from the Greeter Falls parking area. For those seeking a unique experience, Hobbs Cabin Campground features a primitive shelter with six wooden bunks, a fireplace, and an outdoor fire ring. Spring water is available about 50 yards from the cabin. Savage Falls Campground offers completely primitive tent sites requiring hikers to bring their own water or filtration systems. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like fire rings and pit toilets.

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