The Medon, Tennessee area sits in western Tennessee about 90 miles east of Memphis and 20 miles south of Jackson. Located in the Tennessee Valley physiographic region, the area features gently rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 400-500 feet. Campgrounds near Medon typically experience hot, humid summers with temperatures averaging in the 90s and mild winters where occasional freezing occurs, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons for most visitors.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Placid at Chickasaw State Park Campground provides accessible fishing throughout the year. As one visitor notes, "This park has camping, hiking trails, horse back riding and geocaching just to name a few things to do here."
Hiking trails: Several trail systems accommodate different skill levels, with boardwalk trails particularly noted at Big Hill Pond. A camper reports, "The boardwalks and observation deck were really fun for the kids, but most of the trails were too long for us so we didn't see the whole park."
Horseback riding: The Wrangler camping area at Chickasaw State Park accommodates equestrian campers. One visitor shared their experience: "My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our maiden voyage to Chickasaw State Park this past weekend. The campsite for RVs was full so we decided to camp with the Wranglers! It was so beautiful and peaceful!"
Climbing the fire tower: At Big Hill Pond State Park Campground, visitors can climb the fire tower for panoramic views. A camper recommends, "Fun place...nice camping facilities. You can rent a canoe or bring your own or hike all day! Go to the tower!"
What campers like
Renovated facilities: Campsites at Big Hill Pond have undergone recent improvements. A camper reports, "The sites at this park are beautiful and it's been one of my favorite camping spots for as long as I can remember. The new renovations make it top notch."
Lake swimming: Despite varying water quality reports, swimming areas remain popular during summer months. One camper notes, "Excellent campgrounds, for both tent and RV, and the lake felt amazing."
Dark sky viewing: Rural locations offer excellent stargazing opportunities. According to one review, "This is a dark sky area, so come during the new moon phase for views of the Milky Way!"
Quiet atmosphere: Parkers Crossroads RV Park and Campground offers a more peaceful setting slightly removed from interstate noise. A visitor observed, "The park was very quiet and clean, well kept. They have large mature trees, and great landscaping."
What you should know
Cellular coverage limitations: Signal strength varies significantly across the region. One camper at Parkers Crossroads noted, "The cellular service for TMobile and AT&T were both decent and streaming video was possible each night," though other areas report spotty coverage.
Site size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. A reviewer cautions about Big Hill Pond: "One of the nicest parks in West Tennessee but not for RV's over 26 feet. Great hiking."
Reservation importance: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Joy-O RV Park, a traveler reported a challenging arrival: "Pulled in at 9:45 pm. Number to call was on door. Called it and msg said they'd return call next day. We needed to reserve that night. No envelopes in the box to prepay so we continued our travel."
Seasonal facility closures: Visitor centers and amenities may operate on limited schedules. A Big Hill Pond visitor mentioned, "Unfortunately, this is our second time to visit the park and the visitors center has been closed both times."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Country View RV Park provides open spaces for children to play. One visitor observed, "It's in a field so no frills. It was a quick trip off 40 to get there and it was quiet and spacious."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several parks feature wildlife viewing areas, including birds of prey displays. A Chickasaw visitor shared, "We even bought our fishing license for this year while camping! We didn't know one could do this at a campsite."
Swimming precautions: Water conditions vary by location and season. One candid review noted, "The majority of the people we saw there were... the kind of people you're not surprised to see dropping their trash instead of walking 3 feet to put it in the trash can."
Short hiking options: Some trails accommodate younger hikers better than others. A Big Hill Pond visitor mentioned, "Nice level campsites with white rock. Primitive camping, no water or electric. Not big enough for RVs. Nice bathrooms, excellent showers."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment for proper leveling. At Stillwaters Farm Rustic Campsites, visitors appreciate the peaceful setting but should prepare for more rustic conditions.
Hookup variability: Electrical service ranges from basic to comprehensive. One camper at Parkers Crossroads shared, "The pad site was concrete and level with full hook-ups. The park was very quiet and beautiful."
Campground layout considerations: Access roads may present challenges for larger rigs. A reviewer at Parkers Crossroads noted, "We stayed in campsite 4, small but fine for our pop up. Bathhouses were not fancy but cleaner than most, we were impressed."
Maintenance differences: Quality varies significantly between state and private campgrounds. One camper observed, "Parker's Crossroads is located very conveniently off of I-40 and the park is gorgeous! They have some long term campers, storage, and an RV Repair Center on site."
