1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent campers near Erin, Tennessee have multiple established campgrounds within driving distance, including Stewart State Forest for primitive camping and Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park for backcountry tent sites. Ginger Bay in Land Between the Lakes offers free tent camping directly on Kentucky Lake about 30 miles north of Erin, while Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground provides tent sites with basic amenities approximately 25 miles northwest.
Most primitive tent sites in the region require campers to be self-sufficient, as amenities are minimal. Stewart State Forest features no running water, toilets, or trash facilities, making it essential for tent campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Access to many sites involves gravel or dirt roads that may become challenging after rain. At Ginger Bay, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for navigating the steep, rutted access road to reach the tent sites. Many locations are accessible year-round, though seasonal hunting activity at Stewart State Forest may affect camping experiences during deer and turkey seasons.
The tent camping experience around Erin offers solitude and direct access to natural features. Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park provides backcountry shelters along hiking trails with some offering views of Kentucky Lake. Lakefront tent sites are particularly valued in this region, with multiple camping areas providing direct water access. At Ginger Bay, tent sites sit directly on the shoreline, allowing for fishing and kayaking from camp. According to one visitor at Ginger Bay, "We were able to setup 4 tents with lots of room to spare. We fished, we hiked, we kayaked!" Stewart State Forest offers more wooded settings with marked trails throughout the area and a covered pavilion in the southern section. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, the primitive nature of these sites means fewer crowds and more peaceful camping experiences.
"There is no water, so bring plenty. There is a spring, however you have to know where it is. Plenty of firewood available. The closest store is about 5 miles away near Tennessee Ridge."
"There are reservable pavilions, a playground and volleyball court and plenty of lake front to fish on. There are also several single table picnic sites. Quiet, secluded and peaceful."
from $35 / night
"Beautiful,quiet, fishing close by, bathroom, fire pit, picnic table"
"Beautiful campsite, fishing close by"
from $10 / night
"This is a car camping site however you will need a four-wheel drive vehicle to get down the steep gravel road to the dispersed camping area. Highly recommend."
"Ranger Review: Matador Droplet at Ginger Bay Land Between the Lakes, Ky. Campground Review:We visited Ginger Bay boat ramp and dispersed camping area while at Land Between the Lakes(LBL) , Ky."
"It’s quiet, depending on your camping neighbors, and just sitting on the banks watching the boats go by is peaceful."
"Lots of great trails to hike. A good place for a Civil War history buff."
"We love the primitive sites at Nathan Bedford Forest! Each site is along the River banks, so you get the best views! Fire pits and picnic tables included."
"There are 3 different campgrounds and 2 of them are primitive, so there is something for everyone. There are also some backcountry sites along the NBF 10 and 20 mile trails."
GuideCampground hosts were fabulous, but the core part of it. The people at the core were very belligerent didn't want to help out. The roads were really narrow. Big ditches couldn't get into the sights that they said you could the real some of the sites are deep, but the roads are so narrow, you can't cut your vehicle into it. A lot of problems with that out here at this place
TravelerStarted at Gatlin Point. Moved because wanted something closer to the water.
Spacious spots give plenty of privacy. Was very quiet (12th). Facilities clean.
T-Mobile sometimes spotty but had coverage most of the time.
GuideBeautiful camp area. The tent camp loop was closed so I stayed in the full hook up area. Did not need electricity or water but the great washroom had flush toilets and showers. Very clean. Camp host was wonderful. It says it’s just off I40 but the camping area was more like 7 or 8 miles in. Perfect for no road noise. The lake is wonderful. Great walking around the area.
TravelerThe pricing policy is complicated for long term they require $25 each person for background checks. The sites in the back are pretty tight and mostly long term. They do have nice sites near the office. They are pull through.
TravelerCute little spot hidden about 5 min off of i40. Just need to call ahead and they’ll ask what time you plan on arriving. Seems to be a husband and wife that uses their land as a little campground. Mostly gravel, lots of trees for shade. Does seem to be one or two long term campers but very quiet and quaint. Water and power hook ups. I didn’t hook up as I just camp in my van(:
ScoutI live within an hour of this campground, and saw a one night opening with good weather, so trying it out. Every site is level concrete, and has a view of the river. Each site (15 total) has power and water. One dump station in campground. Bath house is good and clean. Best part, with my American the beautiful pass, its only $11 night.
TravelerStayed at Taylor Bay on a trip up to see the Elk & Bison Prairie (very close, perfect for going during their peak activity time). I usually prefer to camp at a site with a water spigot, so it was a change not having one. Pack in plenty of water for drinking and rinsing plates. Can't bring in any wood from outside Land Between Lakes, but you're able to use anything dead or downed around the area. I drove through a couple nearby campsites and picked up some dead wood off the side of the road and we were plenty set. Standard racoon business, they're there and they want your stuff. Drive-in sites were helpful for storing food in the car overnight, but I'd recommend a bear bag contraption of sorts to avoid racoons getting in your trash. Ticks were a bit present, but that's mostly the season and this particular year's high. One bathroom situated in the center of the site, no light inside so bring a flashlight! Lots of TP inside which was appreciated. For tent campers, I recommend staying back in the shadier campsites away from the lake. Most of the sunnier, lake-front sites were already claimed by RVs, but the back sites were more private for chatting/changing in a tent or staying up late without the sound insulation of RV walls. Great lake with a soft silt bottom (and lots of rocks to stand on if you hate that), friendly fellow campers. My friends had never camped before and had a fantastic time. I'd stay again-- just bring more water!
GuideNicely laid out sites that are expansive and well kept. Great views of the lake.
Scoutthe campground was great, staff was very nice and helpful, great activities for kids and adults, free paddle boats and canoes, cable tv, indoor and outdoor pools, really great place!
Tent camping near Erin, Tennessee offers a range of primitive and backcountry experiences with many sites positioned near Kentucky Lake. The region sits at approximately 400 feet elevation with rolling hills that create secluded camping pockets throughout the area. Summer temperatures typically reach the 90s, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60s-70s with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Kayaking access points: Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area offers direct water access for paddlers. "We fished, we hiked, we kayaked!" notes camper Brittni F., who appreciated the site's versatility for water activities.
Hiking opportunities: The backcountry trails at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Group Campground connect multiple primitive camping areas. "This is the BEST state park in West TN. It's quiet, depending on your camping neighbors, and just sitting on the banks watching the boats go by is peaceful," writes camper KO4FIE-Logan.
Fishing spots: Multiple shoreline access points make fishing convenient at primitive sites. At Linton Recreation Area, one visitor notes, "There is shoreline to walk and the beach is sanded. A nice area to have a get together."
Affordability: Several tent sites in the region require no fees. At Chester Hollow Backcountry Shelter, campers appreciate the free access to lakefront sites. "The lakefront sites are really cool and the facilities are pretty decent! Bit of a steep hill to access some of the sites," notes Ryan M.
Privacy between sites: Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground offers well-spaced tent sites. One camper described it as "Beautiful, right by a little lake, super quiet and clean."
Campfire options: Not all primitive sites permit fires, so campers value those that do. At Red Rock Trail Backcountry Shelter, Shana D. reports, "Each site is along the River banks, so you get the best views! Fire pits and picnic tables included."
Road conditions: Many sites require traversing difficult terrain. At Stewart State Forest, Douglas K. advises, "If you are looking for an out-of-the-main-drag area to go camping, try this place. The closest store is about 5 miles away near Tennessee Ridge."
Cell coverage: Most primitive sites lack reliable service. At Ginger Bay, one camper notes it's "very remote but as always, remote is totally worth it."
Water availability: Few sites offer potable water. At Stewart State Forest, a camper warns, "There is no water, so bring plenty. There is a spring, however you have to know where it is."
Restroom facilities: Toilet access varies considerably between sites. At Dyers Creek, one visitor noted, "There are reservable pavilions, a playground and volleyball court and plenty of lake front to fish on."
Playground access: Dyers Creek offers recreation facilities alongside primitive camping. As Shelly S. describes, "Dyers Creek Boat Ramp and Day Use Area was very quiet and secluded. There are reservable pavilions, a playground and volleyball court."
Swimming options: Several sites offer beach access for children. At Linton Recreation Area, Evelyn R. notes, "My family and I came here in the summer and enjoyed the warm weather, great hikes and family time."
Site spacing: Consider how close neighboring campers will be. At Linton, Analia F. cautions, "The one downside I would say about this campground was how close each spot was to each other. Kind of felt like we were sharing a spot with our neighbors."
Vehicle requirements: Several primitive tent areas near Erin present challenges for larger vehicles. At Ginger Bay, Juli G. warns, "This is a car camping site however you will need a four-wheel drive vehicle to get down the steep gravel road to the dispersed camping area."
Camping pad surfaces: Many sites feature alternative camping platforms. Chester Hollow camper Ryan M. explains some sites "are built on wooden decks."
Road navigation: Check road conditions before attempting access. At Ginger Bay, Jessica M. cautions, "Very peaceful and gorgeous view with boat ramp. The drive in is pretty rough even with us being in a jeep though."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Erin, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Erin, TN is Stewart State Forest with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Erin, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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