Best Campgrounds near Crab Orchard, TN

Cumberland Mountain State Park stands as a centerpiece for camping near Crab Orchard, Tennessee, with a range of accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins. The area features several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, including Crossville I-40 KOA, Bean Pot Campground, and Deer Run RV Resort. Most facilities provide water and electric hookups for RVs, while tent campers can find designated sites at virtually all campgrounds in the region. Cumberland Mountain State Park particularly stands out with 145 tent and RV sites with hookups in a forested setting.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the Cumberland Plateau. Frozen Head State Park operates seasonally from March 15 to November 1, while most other campgrounds in the area remain open year-round. "Nice spacing with pads not level and 30-50 amp service and there are accessible sites," noted one visitor about Cumberland Mountain State Park. Road access is generally good with most campgrounds accommodating large RVs, though some areas require careful navigation on mountain roads. The region experiences four distinct seasons with moderate summers and occasionally cold winters that can affect camping comfort. Most established campgrounds offer amenities including showers, restrooms, and trash disposal, while some like Rhea Springs Recreation Area provide more primitive experiences.

Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the Cumberland Plateau region. The mountainous terrain creates scenic backdrops for camping experiences, with many sites offering views of nearby lakes or forested areas. A visitor commented that Cumberland Mountain State Park has "a beautiful location with wonderful mature trees." Water recreation stands as a significant attraction, with several campgrounds providing lake access for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Cumberland Mountain State Park features a lake with boat rentals, hiking trails, and a swimming pool. While sites near Crossville tend to offer more amenities and services, those seeking quieter experiences may prefer campgrounds farther from Interstate 40. Family-friendly amenities receive frequent mention in reviews, with clean bathhouses and well-maintained grounds as common highlights.

Best Camping Sites Near Crab Orchard, Tennessee (166)

    1. Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Crossville, TN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 484-6138

    "Cumberland Mountain has a total of 145 campsites, spread across 5 loops, plus a backcountry site on an 8 mile backpacking trail."

    "Great spacious site with beautiful scenery all around! There’s a lake and walking trails. Descent bathrooms. Water nearby and they sell firewood."

    2. Crossville / I-40 KOA

    12 Reviews
    Crab Orchard, TN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 707-5349

    "There is a road close by but not a major freeway. It’s one of the quieter KOA’s I have stayed at. Pool is small but very clean. The store is well stocked and you can get hand dipped ice cream."

    "We had a great view of one of the ponds, and nice lawn on each side and behind us. There was a nice modern picnic table and a heavy duty fire ring, both of which we put to good use."

    3. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

    145 Reviews
    Spencer, TN
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 881-5298

    $8 - $32 / night

    "Fall creek falls is one of the best recreational areas in Tennessee. The park is very large and has so much to do. The falls are amazing, and it’s a moderate hike down to the base."

    "Tons to do at one of Tennessee’s top state parks."

    4. Bean Pot Campground

    6 Reviews
    Crossville, TN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 848-7958

    $30 - $45 / night

    "the staff was super friendly. we ran out of paper towel, (which they don’t sell at the camp store), but they were kind enough to sell us one of there own personal rolls. had a cute little area for walking"

    5. Rhea Springs Recreation Area County Park and Campground

    15 Reviews
    Spring City, TN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 775-7801

    $10 - $22 / night

    "Plenty of camp spots as well as the ability to park/camp right next to the water. (There’s no Water or Electric hookups) Also, not a lot of places selling firewood nearby."

    "It's cash only $10 TN residents $22 outside TN"

    6. Paradise on the Mountain RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Crossville, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 265-4700

    $55 / night

    "They have a hand built fireplace under a large overhang near the office. Great space for grilling or hanging out. Surround sound speakers play music for your enjoyment on the patio."

    "This great location also has outstanding amenities and easy access to the I-40. All spots are pull through, gravel, and neatly set up. The WiFi is free and excellent."

    7. Deer Run RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Crossville, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 484-3333

    "We were next to the lake and enjoyed the view. There was a close bath house, but they still had it closed for winter so it was a little drive to the other side of the lake to the other one."

    "The campground is down a very long road then once you register it’s another long drive back to the sites, which is nothing but trees. Sites are roomy. Gravel roads."

    8. Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

    12 Reviews
    Lancing, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 346-6294

    $15 / night

    "Site 1 is open so a small pull behind can fit in parking area. Tents only on sites. Lots of shade. Toilet is vaulted, no water. Easy access to Obed River and trails."

    "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."

    9. Davy Crockett Campground

    14 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, TN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 277-3800

    "Tennessee State Parks are typically well kept and scenic."

    "We chose Davy Crockery’s because of its proximity to the interstate. We spent 3 nights. We arrived after dark so the office was closed, but check in is online so it didn’t matter."

    10. Frozen Head State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    Petros, TN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 346-3318

    "The campground is in close proximity to many of the trailheads. There is a nice bathhouse, but all the sites are rustic (non electric)."

    "It may be the loveliest campground in Tennessee.

    There’s only 20 spots, and they all seem to be shady and have trees between neighbors."

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Recent Reviews near Crab Orchard, TN

895 Reviews of 166 Crab Orchard Campgrounds


  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    East Campground - Norris Dam State Park

    Nice park but road is not that friendly

    Google maps and the website will tell you to take the 441 to get here but I recommend going down to the 61 and coming up that way as the road is quite a bit wider and not so steep and windy. The last mile or so into the campground is a pretty narrow road that when we were here was in bad shape with potholes. Note that some of the campsites have only 30 amp and some of the campsites have only 50 amp so when making a reservation don’t assume that a 50 amp campsite will also have 30 amp. They all did appear to 20 amp. There is a dump station available and a fairly nice bathroom and showers. Most of the spaces are fairly level and fairly easy to get into. 1-3 were quite short. Recommend popping down to the Clinch River Brewery for a beverage and possibly dinner. Also the Appalachian museum in Norris was pretty fascinating.

  • Kc K.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    Amazing site! See note on hook-ups

    This campground is great. The hosts/camp store workers are so nice. This site is big and has easy walk-in access to water for swimming or fishing. **Only weird thing is the hookups are on the opposite side of the site. Take a 50 ft water hose and a 30 amp extension - ours was 50 ft but I think a 30 ft would work. **

  • Mary D.
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground

    Awesome time!

    We had such a great time at Cumberland Mountain State Park! Area 1 was especially nice and shaded. It was quiet, clean, and so easy to enjoy. The bonus surprise for us was that the Wi-Fi worked really well, which made it easy to stay connected when we needed to. We’ve already made future reservations and can’t wait to come back and stay at site 25!

  • Mary D.
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Notchy Creek Campground

    Peaceful and Pretty Place

    Site 42. The site is right across the water. Easy to carry a kayak to! The sites are very well kept, and the bathrooms are honestly the cleanest I’ve come across at any campground. It makes such a difference. There are several long-term residents, but it's quiet and everything feels well cared for and peaceful.

    The only drawback (for those who love to lounge in a hammock like I do) is that they don’t allow hammocks to be hung from the trees. Other than that, it’s an excellent place to stay and definitely worth visiting! Would like to stay at site 44 next time! I have US Cellular and there is just enough service to send and receive texts. Not sure about calls.

  • Traice R.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Rasar Landing

    Be aware, they’ll keep your deposit

    I made a deposit of $250, NEVER told this was not refundable, but plans changed and no paperwork was signed, or sent.  I cancelled with over 2 weeks notice, and I can see keeping $25 for inconvenience, but Rasar’s kept the FULL AMOUNT.  Just be aware of who you’re doing business with…

  • Nicholas The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)

    Great for water sports!

    Solid location for a night or a whole weekend. There are several porta potties available and the sites are spacious. This camp is perfect for the fam as it can accommodate RV sized vehicles. Only word of caution is that the ground can get a bit muddy, so try to find something dry.

  • T
    Jun. 11, 2025

    Overnight Trail Hike-in Site — Cumberland Mountain State Park

    Cumberland county state Park, Crossville TN

    Staff was great! Fellow campers could have been better people. Way to many KAREN'S. We have 4 dogs. We did everything possible to keep them quiet. Including buying muzzles. We worked with the rangers and staff to get the furtherest away from people. Because of barking. The closest people was a block away. The other campers complained!! Maybe the complaining people should have bought ear plugs!! We did everything possible in concirsation of other campers. The night ranger was not friendly at all. 10 pm he pulled up to tell us to make sure we keep our dogs quiet and to keep the fire down. At that time 10pm everyone was in bed. No one had a fire the whole 6 days we were here. It was like building a fire was illegal. That's how the ranger made me feel about a fire in the fire pit.


Guide to Crab Orchard

Camping near Crab Orchard, Tennessee, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly campground or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Many campgrounds, like Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground, have well-maintained trails. One visitor mentioned, "Good hikes nearby," making it a great spot for those who love to hit the trails.
  • Fishing: At Edgar Evins State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing in the nearby waters. A reviewer noted, "Camped in the RV spots... facilities were clean," highlighting the campground's amenities for anglers.
  • Kayaking: Harrison Bay State Park Campground is perfect for water activities. One camper shared, "Great place to go primitive glamping," emphasizing the beautiful surroundings for kayaking.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness. A visitor at Bandy Creek Campground said, "The restrooms are heated and immaculate," which is a big plus for many.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Gee Creek Campground offers playgrounds and ranger-led hikes. One family mentioned, "The kids loved the playground, and the fairytale story walk," making it a hit for families.
  • Scenic Views: Campers at Rock Island State Park Campground enjoy stunning landscapes. A reviewer noted, "The hikes are amazing!!!" which speaks to the park's natural beauty.

What you should know:

  • Site Selection: Some campgrounds have specific site challenges. A camper at Edgar Evins State Park Campground advised, "I definitely recommend either scouting out a site before booking," to avoid any surprises.
  • Crowded Conditions: Popular spots like Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground can get busy. One visitor mentioned, "It’s crowded," so planning ahead is essential.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Gee Creek Campground, lack electric hookups. A reviewer noted, "Power would make this so much better!" which is something to consider if you need electricity.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. Campers at Harrison Bay State Park Campground enjoyed the "beach you can hang out and swim at," making it great for kids.
  • Plan for Clean Facilities: Families appreciate clean bathrooms. A visitor at Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground said, "Bathhouses were clean," which is reassuring for parents.
  • Engage in Ranger Programs: Many parks offer ranger-led activities. A family at Gee Creek Campground enjoyed a "night hike with the ranger," which can be a fun experience for kids.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers should be aware of site sizes. A camper at Rock Island State Park Campground mentioned, "Most of the sites are small," so it's wise to check dimensions before booking.
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, make sure to reserve accordingly. A visitor at Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground noted, "Full hookups, pool was clean," which is a plus for RV travelers.
  • Be Prepared for Terrain: Some campgrounds have steep or uneven terrain. A reviewer at West Campground mentioned, "Some tight turns coming in on a steep grade," so plan your route carefully.

Camping near Crab Orchard, Tennessee, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, it's a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Crab Orchard, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Crab Orchard, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 166 campgrounds and RV parks near Crab Orchard, TN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Crab Orchard, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Crab Orchard, TN is Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 34 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Crab Orchard, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Crab Orchard, TN.