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Best Tent Camping near Erin, TN

522 Reviews

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.

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Best Tent Sites Near Erin, Tennessee (28)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Erin, TN

22 Photos of 28 Erin Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Erin, TN

522 Reviews of 28 Erin Campgrounds

  • Vince B.
    Mar. 31, 2021

    Gatlin Point

    A Good Boondocking Spot!

    About four miles of winding hills off the paved road. Cleared and not too rough. The site has 18 designed spots, all tiered into the wooded hillside. There is a natural boat launch into Bards Lake. A single Vault toilet and Dumpster as well. The gravel camping pads are reasonably level, each with a concrete picnic table and large fire ring with grate.The hillside spots were designed for tent camping and are tight. No campers larger than 20' will fit on the hillside, however the bottom four spaces will accommodate a class A rig. A fork at the top of the hill provides a space for small campers to turn around if needed. Space number 16 has poor drainage. The area is very shady, a nice deep woods feeling. Firewood must be deadfall or bring your own "bug free" wood. The welcome center at the entrance has fresh and "potable" water, and a blackwater dump. The center also has maps, sodas, candy, etc. Great area to hike, the weird history of the area can be seen everywhere. Hundreds of very old cemeteries and homestead ruins... Att signal was two bars at all times. Overall, a big thumbs up!!!

  • C
    Aug. 27, 2022

    Taylor Bay Campground

    Amazing!

    There are about 25 sites. No reservations, all sites are first come first serve. There are about 8-10 lake front. There is also about 8-10 in the woods. There is a block bathroom. There are fire rings and picnic tables at each site. There is a boat dock. There are no shower houses, no water, and no electricity.

  • David B.
    Oct. 8, 2018

    Gatlin Point

    Five miles off paved roads and no electricity or running water.

    Located at Land Between the Lakes at the south end. This campground has about 18 sites. You can can camp near the water or back in the woods. The sites have concrete picnic tables, fire rings and gravel for parking and to set up your site. As m motioned, no electricity or running water. Nearest water point is about five miles away at the South welcome center. Vault toilet (one seat). Sites are close but not crowded. There is a small no wake lake next to the site and lake Barkley is 50 yards away. There is also a boat ramp into Lake Barkley a quarter mile away. This is a great site for relaxing and fishing.

  • B
    Jun. 8, 2020

    Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

    Well kept

    The tent sites were well kept. They are gravel pads with a grill and fire ring. They are right on the water with easy access to put in a kayak. And close to a boat ramp if bringing a boat. It’s shaded. The bath house is a bit of a walk and they have restrooms only, no showers.

  • Staci R.
    Aug. 16, 2022

    Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Redd Hollow Campground

    Redd Hollow is prime for being primitive!

    Redd Hollow is a Self-service campground in Land Between the Lakes (LBL) with improved camp sites, fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilet and trash dumpsters. Some sites are directly on the water, some are higher up, with great views of the lake.  The campsites are pea gravel based, and while some are smaller and closer together (ideal for tents or car camping) there are a few that are large enough for dry docking a small RV.  I didn't pay attention to whether there was potable water, (I haul mine in) but the Dump Station just south of Golden Pond Visitor Center has potable water.  

    The road going back to Redd Hollow is an improved gravel road that is in good condition. Easily traveled in a car, 4WD is not needed.  All sites are first come- first served, so you will want to come early.  At Self Service areas, I drive through, find my site, then walk back to the entrance and complete the registration card, place payment in the envelope and drop it in the "Iron Ranger".   A Dispersed Camping permit does not allow you to camp in a self-service campground.

    Further details for LBL's camp grounds:  https://landbetweenthelakes.us/seendo/camping/rules/

  • D
    Sep. 7, 2018

    Redd Hollow

    Tent and Small Camper Camping, Basic Sites

    Well kept campground offering a more basic camping experience as compared to the larger campgrounds at LBL. Gravel pads with concrete picnic tables and fire rings. Be mindful when picking a site that some of the fire rings are damaged, some are the older short (12" tall tops) style and still others are brand new and have the adjustable cooking grate.

    The actual gravel pads that we saw were for the most part in good shape. One or two sites suffered a bit from heavy wash running across them and rutting or washing gravel off the pads.

    About half the sites are on the left hand side when you drive in and you can pick from sites tucked back in the woods a bit or sites nearer the water. Farther into the campground the road passes the vault toilet and boat ramp and goes uphill to higher up sites still. Sites in the woods with a longer walk to the lake but potentially better views and breezes.

    We found that campers here did not limit themselves to staying on the defined tent pads. They would park on the pads and set up tents around the true camp site. Not a super big deal but it made getting down to the water a little awkward because you had to walk a little too close to someone else's tent for my liking.

    The Forest Service could stand to go in and add some of the timber framing or bigger rip-rap bordering around the sites and maybe a splash of the smaller sized gravel to help level out the pads. You do need watch to make sure you get a level site.

    If there are say 30 sites here, only about 15 were occupied over Labor Day weekend. Way less than what we expected for a holiday but it was exactly what we were hoping for, avoid the crowds at the larger, more amenity-filled campgrounds.

    Last thing regarding the lake. The back end of Redd Hollow is shallow. Nice place to wade for kids. However, when they start pulling the lake down what were water access sites become gravel and mud bar access sites. In the dead middle of the summer the back end of the cove is probably full of water. Early spring and late summer early fall it is not. I suspect you can use the boat ramp year round though.

  • D
    Oct. 18, 2022

    Lock A

    Great place to camp for $

    While the facilities are limited, we enjoyed being here. We were in site 25 with the river right behind us. 50A power and water, dump on the way out. Concrete pad, level, picnic table, fire ring and a trash can at every site. The road in is small and winding, nighttime driving is difficult. Senior pass got us in for just $12 a night. Boat ramp close by. Would certainly stay here again.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2020

    Cravens Bay Campground

    Secluded and beautiful

    Arrived on a late Saturday afternoon expecting other campers, and not a single one! Stayed two nights right on the water. All spots have fire rings and concrete picnic tables. No host, I assume, during winter hours. All spots are clean looking and $12/night. You pay at the pay station and no permit required for this camping site. Be sure to pay, had a ranger swing by Sunday morning to confirm our stub #. Did have some hunters driving by daily, heading further back along the lake but no other campers. Lots of down wood to use for fires. Be sure to pack everything you need for this trip, no close towns for restock. Has very clean vault toilets and a water pump, but unknown if potable or not. Cell service varies between 2-3 LTE for AT&T. Cold winter nights but boy, that sunset is beautiful. Would definitely stay here again!

  • Abigaile J.
    Jun. 30, 2021

    Turkey Bay Vehicle Area & Campground

    Nice campground for a fast stop, not really a week long area

    YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE VISITOR CENTER TO PAY FOR A CAMPING PERMIT AND OHV USE!

    For the Turkey Bay OHV area each site is just a picnic table and a fire pit and the sites are not numbered- it’s more a first come first serve. The sites though are close to the entrance and you park right next to the site. This site also is for RVs and tent camping but there is no water or electric access but is within walking distance of the gatehouse. The gatehouse has ice and sodas for sale to each camper.

    OHVs for rent at the visitor center (just about 2 miles down the road) and trails marked specifically for them, also a couple hiking trails nearby! Bathrooms and trash onsite!

    There is a dump station and potable water about a mile or so up the road near the Hunters Check Station and it’s only about 2 miles out from the Golden Pond planetarium and trails! Great area!

Guide to Erin

Nestled in the heart of Tennessee, Erin offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking tranquility and adventure.

Tent campers should check out Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground

  • This campground features a serene atmosphere with beautiful surroundings, making it perfect for a peaceful getaway.
  • Enjoy fishing nearby and unwind by the fire pit after a day of exploring.
  • Facilities include picnic tables and toilets, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.

Explore local attractions near Stewart State Forest

  • Known for its primitive camping, this area is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in nature.
  • With marked trails throughout, it's a great spot for hiking and enjoying the local wildlife.
  • Be mindful of hunting seasons, as this area is popular for outdoor sports.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

  • The park offers several backcountry shelters, providing a rustic camping experience along the riverbanks.
  • Each site features fire pits, allowing campers to enjoy cozy evenings under the stars.
  • The park is rich in Civil War history, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs.

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.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Erin, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Erin, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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