Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground offers standard campsites with modern conveniences on Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau. The park provides 50 established camping sites arranged across five loops, with varying degrees of privacy and access. Sites in Loop A remain open year-round with full hookups, while other loops operate seasonally. The elevation of the plateau (approximately 1,800-2,000 feet) creates a distinct microclimate with temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands.
What to do
Hike through varied terrain: Cumberland Mountain State Park features multiple hiking trails accessible directly from campsites. A camper shared, "The hiking trails within the park start right next to the campsites... This campground has everything you need and nothing you don't."
Explore waterfalls and gorges: Fall Creek Falls State Park offers exceptional waterfall viewing approximately 40 miles from Crossville. "Make sure you do three things while you're there: hike to the bottom of the big waterfall (Fall Creek Falls), swim in the cascades next to the nature center, and stand on the edge of the bluff at Buzzard's Roost," recommends one visitor.
Kayak on pristine waters: Several parks offer paddling opportunities with equipment rentals available. At Holpps Pine Ridge Lake, "The lake is a nice sized lake, large enough for boats and jet ski's, but calm enough for kayaks and paddle boards. You can get on a float and relax, swim, fish, whatever you want and the water is calm and clear."
What campers like
Quiet, wooded sites: Campers consistently praise the natural setting at Frozen Head State Park Campground. "One of the cleanest, nicest camps ever visited. Quiet, not too big and lots of surrounding attractions for hiking and fishing," notes one reviewer. The primitive camping area offers a more secluded experience.
Clean, modern facilities: The campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and amenities. At Belle Ridge Retreat, "The sites were level, large, gravel with picnic tables and fire rings, spaced far enough apart you didn't feel crowded at all."
Year-round accessibility: Many campgrounds operate throughout the year with varying levels of service. "Full hookups are in Loop A and this loop is open year around. Sites give you a lot of room," explains a camper about Cumberland Mountain State Park.
What you should know
Platform camping challenges: Some parks feature unique layouts. At Edgar Evins State Park, "The sites are tiered and you will get a workout if you're walking from one level to the next... Only thing that I didn't care for was the need for the fire pit to be off your footprint and the lakeside sites surprisingly did not have easy access to the lake."
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "Reservations needed during peak times," advises a camper about Rock Island State Park.
Site leveling issues: Some campsites require additional equipment for proper setup. "Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out," warns a camper about Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Rock Island State Park Campground offers facilities designed for children. "My kids loved playing at the playground. The whole park was just really well kept. Bathrooms and showers were clean and in great shape," shares a visitor.
Educational opportunities: Several parks provide nature centers and ranger-led programs. At Edgar Evins State Park, one camper mentioned the "very informative pontoon boat tour with a Park Ranger."
Swimming options: Multiple locations feature designated swimming areas. "The pool is small but very clean. The store is well stocked and you can get hand dipped ice cream," notes a visitor to Crossville I-40 KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Crossville I-40 KOA provides level, accessible sites for larger rigs. "We had a gravel back in site, it did have a little slope front to back but was zero issue getting level. We had a great view of one of the ponds, and nice lawn on each side and behind us."
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete services for self-contained camping. "WiFi and Cable TV were outstanding. Strongly recommend," shares a visitor about Crossville I-40 KOA.
Navigational considerations: Access roads to some parks present challenges. "The road to the park is winding but we had no issues. Nice big sites with picnic area and fire ring," reports a camper with a 40-foot motorhome visiting Rock Island State Park.
