Cabin camping near Gainesboro, Tennessee offers riverside and lakeside lodging options along the Cumberland River and Center Hill Lake. The area's limestone terrain creates unique natural features like bluffs and small caves throughout many campgrounds. Winter temperatures average around 30°F while summers reach into the 90s with moderate humidity compared to other parts of Tennessee.
What to do
Kayaking and paddle sports: Edgar Evins State Park sits on Center Hill Lake with multiple water access points. "Pretty campground on water. Even though it's a mostly RV type place there are some good tent sites and it's a pretty remote quiet place," notes Eli L. The park also offers informative lake tours as Rosa B. explains, "Very informative pontoon boat tour with a Park Ranger. Great lunch at the marina too!"
Hiking trails: Standing Stone State Park features wooded trails around Kelly Lake. "There are great trails all around the lake, dam, and old historic sites. Generally very well kept," reports Tori V. The park includes a mix of short and long routes, with most trails rated easy to moderate in difficulty.
Swimming areas: Ragland Bottom Campground provides lake swimming from designated sites. "The campground is right on Center Hill lake, and the lake is really nice and clean! We stayed on site 10, and had the perfect lake front spot," says Lori H. Many lakefront sites include direct water access for swimming without needing to drive elsewhere.
Fishing opportunities: Deep Valley Campground (formerly David T. Groh) offers fishing access in a quieter setting. "We had a great time & definitely will be back!" mentions Erika, who appreciated the quiet atmosphere. Many cabins throughout the area have direct fishing access to lakes or the Cumberland River.
What campers like
Platform cabins: Edgar Evins State Park features unique pier-style cabin decks built to accommodate the steep terrain. "We love the platform sites that are so spacious and private. Easy access to dump station and bath houses. Almost all sites have view of water," writes Betheny. These elevated structures create distinctive camping experiences not found at other parks.
Clean facilities: Cedars of Lebanon State Park maintains well-serviced bathrooms and cabins. "Bathrooms were super clean. Was able to get groceries and all I needed just 10 mins away," notes Jared. Another camper, Ashley U., found "a nice clean site, number 62. It had a fire pit, grill and picnic table."
Wildlife viewing: Rock Island State Park offers opportunities to spot native wildlife. "We saw 10 deer one morning and hiked a trail with our 3 boys and 2 dogs," mentions Ines M. The park's diverse ecosystem supports varied wildlife throughout the year.
Rental options: Wildwood Resort and Marina (formerly Granville Marina) provides boat rentals alongside cabin stays. "They have pontoon boat rentals as well as kayak, paddle boards and paddle boats. They also have a restaurant on site as well, Timberloft Restaurant," reports Leah J. Cabins range from rustic to fully equipped with kitchen facilities.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many cabin locations have limited connectivity. "There is little to no cell service in the park. You're about 10-15 minutes from the grocery store," mentions Sonyia W. about Standing Stone State Park. Plan accordingly by downloading maps and information before arrival.
Site selection considerations: Rock Island State Park cabin sites vary in quality and access. "Camper pads are all paved but vary in length from 18 to 51 feet. Not all are completely level," explains Lee D. Check specific site details during reservation to ensure compatibility.
Seasonal availability: Most cabin facilities operate year-round, but with reduced services in winter. "We stayed here for the long Presidents Day weekend in a wooded drive through spot with few neighbors," shares Ines M. about winter camping at Cedars of Lebanon. Off-season cabin camping offers quieter experiences but check for winterized water systems.
Reservation timing: Popular cabin sites book quickly during peak seasons. "Reserve early because it seems the campground is always full," advises Gillian C. For summer weekends, book 3-6 months in advance at most locations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Belle Ridge Retreat (now Spacious Skies Belle Ridge) includes family-friendly amenities. "Took my kids swimming here last weekend. We got a day use pass, $5 per adult. Kids under 6 are free to get in so all my kids were free," shares Drew E. The campground includes sandy play areas and swimming spots specifically designed for children.
Educational programs: Standing Stone State Park offers ranger-led activities. "The state parks in Tennessee all hosted special programs for the event, and Standing Stone park rangers invited everyone to row out on the lake to watch this magnificent phenomenon," explains Patricia M. regarding a solar eclipse viewing event. Regular educational programs happen throughout summer months.
Multi-generational spaces: Rock Island State Park accommodates various family needs. "Many outdoor activities including tennis, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, and a playground. There are two hiking trails accessible from the campground," reports Lee D. Cabin sites typically have outdoor gathering areas with picnic tables.
Safety considerations: When camping with children near water, note Edgar Evins State Park's terrain features. "The sites are tiered and you will get a workout if your walking from one level to the next," warns Shelly S. Cabins near water may have steep approaches requiring supervision for younger children.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: When booking cabins, check road conditions. "The south entrance is a single lane bridge with a sharp turn so longer rigs need to come in on the north end," advises Sonyia W. regarding Standing Stone State Park access. Some cabin areas have restricted vehicle size limitations.
Utility hookups: Rock Island State Park cabins offer various connection options. "All sites have electricity and water, and eight of the 50 sites are FHU," notes Lee D. Bring appropriate adapters as some parks have limited plug types.
Site positioning: Cedars of Lebanon provides insights on site selection. "Keep in mind, while making reservations, section 1 has very small, cramped together sites. We took a walk around section 2, and section 3. There was a lot more room, and seemed a little more private," suggests Gregory G. Research individual site layouts before booking.
Winter preparations: For cold-weather cabin stays, prepare for limited services. "AT&T had 2 bars and 1 MB/s w/o a booster, 3 bars and 4 MB/s with it. Overall WiFi was problematic," reports Ray & Terri F. about Edgar Evins connectivity, which becomes more important during inclement weather.
