Campgrounds near Drummonds, Tennessee offer accommodations ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV pads. Located in the western part of Tennessee along the Mississippi River watershed, camping options exist within a 30-mile radius with varying levels of amenities. Most facilities experience high humidity in summer months, with mosquitoes active from spring through early fall particularly in forested areas.
What to do
Explore local history: Fort Pillow Historic State Park Campground offers access to Civil War sites with educational displays. "The historic site of Ft Pillow from the Civil war is on one of the hiking trails. The trails also go along the Mississippi river and provide some beautiful views," notes Rick P. The park includes a small lake with canoes and kayaks for rent.
Visit nature center: Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park maintains a nature center with native wildlife displays. "There is a nature center that is under renovation that has snakes, spiders and owls to see," according to Ryan S. The center provides educational programs about local ecosystems and wildlife.
Night hiking: Rangers at Fort Pillow organize special night programs including guided hikes. "Ranger Tyson informed us that they were doing a night hike to the Fort and they would be serving Gumbo for dinner around the campfire at the Fort. Sign me up! It was one of the fee based activities, but for $5 per person, it was totally worth it!" shares Shana D.
Fishing opportunities: Several parks offer fishing in stocked lakes or river access points. Small boats are permitted at certain locations with restrictions. The area lakes contain bass, crappie, and catfish for anglers.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Cook's Lake RV Resort and Campground offers a quiet setting despite its proximity to Memphis. "Away from it all. But still close to Memphis. About 15 minutes to downtown, but within cell service," explains Paul C. The location provides a balance between accessibility and seclusion.
Free amenities: Tom Sawyer's RV Park provides complimentary laundry facilities, unusual for campgrounds in the region. "Clean restroom, free laundry and free WiFi. This is a campground we would like to stay at again," Christine U. reports. Several reviewers noted the convenience of these included services.
Wildlife viewing: The natural settings attract various wildlife visible from campsites. "Deer come out in the evening. Can see the stars at night," notes Shay A. at SK campground. Many campers report deer sightings at dusk across multiple camping areas near Drummonds.
Flat, level sites: Several campgrounds feature concrete pads that remain level regardless of weather conditions. "The most Level site in our 6k mile trip," comments Kathy F. about the Memphis KOA. This feature is particularly valuable during rainy seasons when soil can become soft.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: Tom Sawyer's RV Park experiences occasional closures due to Mississippi River levels. "Only problem is if the river is over its banks, then the campground is closed. We had to keep checking to see if the river was down, campground was cleaned up and open," warns Christine U. Always call ahead during spring months when river levels typically rise.
Varied cell service: Reception ranges from excellent to non-existent depending on location. "We had 0 service anywhere near our campsite. Nice to disconnect for a night, but plan accordingly," advises Ellie B. about Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. Download offline maps before visiting remote campgrounds.
Industrial surroundings: Some campgrounds near Memphis sit amid industrial zones. "There's a smell due to the industrial zone right outside the park but, for a quick one night stay it ain't bad," notes Rebecca H. about T.O. Fuller State Park Campground. The campground itself remains clean despite its surroundings.
Limited tent options: Most facilities primarily accommodate RVs with fewer designated tent sites. "I would call ahead to ask what sites to consider if booking online, or just show up. There are a lot of sites here and you'll find something. Not all sites are suitable for tent campers," advises Daniel L. about Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain updated play areas for children. "Nice playground area for the kids!" mentions Ryan S. about Fort Pillow Historic State Park. Equipment typically includes swings, slides and climbing structures suitable for various ages.
Swimming options: Agricenter RV Park provides access to the larger Shelby Farms Park complex with numerous recreational facilities. "This park is in a part of Shelby Farms Park which is a 4,500 acres of lakes, bike and running trails, playgrounds and so much more," explains Melisa J. The extensive property offers multiple activities within a short distance.
Kid-friendly spacing: First-time campers find certain parks more approachable. "Each space was far enough but not but also in proximity to each other for those who afraid to camp out somewhere totally alone," shares Nicole about Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. This arrangement balances privacy with security.
Accessible bathrooms: Facilities with clean, regularly maintained bathrooms make family camping more manageable. "Each bathroom was private in that you had your own suite style bathroom with toilet, sink & shower," notes Shana D. about Fort Pillow State Park, though she cautions that limited quantities may mean waiting during busy periods.
Tips from RVers
Entry challenges: Some parks have difficult approach roads requiring careful navigation. "The drive getting to this place is crazy - left off the interstate, through a shady part of Memphis, past all kinds of industry, across tracks and over a dike, down a curvy bumpy gravel road," warns Greg S. about Tom Sawyer's RV Park. RVers should research entry routes before arrival.
Specialized sites: Graceland RV Park & Campground offers convenient access to Memphis attractions with security measures. "They a have a 24-hour security guard at the entrance and you must sign-in to enter the property," notes Erika P. The park primarily serves tourists visiting local attractions.
Concrete pad advantages: Midway RV Park features durable concrete pads that remain level regardless of weather. "Spacious, Quiet, Clean. A lot of space in between sites, concrete pads, grassy and quiet," reports Tony C. This construction prevents sinking during wet conditions and keeps RVs level.
Variable hookup configurations: Campgrounds often mix different amperage options within the same loop. "You have a handful of RV sites with 50 amp, a couple of 30 amp sites and then lots of tent sites that have 20 amp or no power at all," explains Shana D. about Fort Pillow State Park. Always confirm your specific site has compatible hookups before booking.
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