Gainesboro, TN is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"We stayed at a campsite by the lake. What I didn’t realize until we got there is that the site is on a wooden platform because the shoreline is a little steep."
"Edgar Evins State Park off I40 exit 268, 4.8 miles to the park entrance.
As soon as you enter the park you start driving up. The campground starts at the top of the hill and the sites are decks!"
$32 - $75 / night
"Table, standup bbq grill, extra small table, lantern hooks, electric & water."
"Also bring plenty of ice as there is no ice machine on site. Nearest place to get ice is 2 miles away in Celina TN"
$25 - $168 / night
"Clean
Beautiful
Nature
Bird watching
Near waterfalls
Only 1 hour away from Nashville airport"
$29 - $249 / night
"I wasn’t pleased with my check-in because I waited nearly 20 minutes to be helped as a group in front of me arrived with 1,000 questions and booked their campground in person."
"We didn’t use the laundry or bathhouse so I can’t comment on those. The campground was very nice with what seems to be lots to do, as far as hiking and sightseeing."
"We had the usual amenities, like a picnic table with a bench, fire pit, and a lantern pole. The bathhouse was clean and well stocked."
"I didn’t see the inside of the cabins, but they looked very luxurious from the outside, so I am sure they are very nice. The tent area also looks nice."
$25 - $30 / night
"Cedars Of Lebanon State Park ,split tree fences and ancient farm equipment, black and white photos in the visitors center, old style cabins and rock boundary fences."
"We hiked some of the 2 mile running trail and then veered off to explore the CCC original looking covered bench which overlooks a currently dry stream bed."
"when we arrived my fiancé & I didn’t realize the time change. So unfortunately we woke them up. But thank goodness they they didn’t hold it against us. Lol!"
"Very friendly staff. Nice and quiet. 30 amp service only."
$18 - $50 / night
"The tent camp sites on the island were aptly distanced from one another. The other campers seemed to have an unspoken sense of support."
"We stayed at site #61 - the lake was literally steps away from our door, and it was a no wake zone (the lake comes to a dead-end back by this row of campsites, so there isn't a lot of boat traffic)."
$22 - $50 / night
"Most sites have electric and water. Many sites have incredible views of Barren River Lake and some are downright on the banks. Bath houses are climate controlled and CLEAN."
"It's one of the few in the state where you can camp near the water and keep your kayaks or boat within a quick stroll."
"There are fire pits, lantern poles, grills, and picnic tables—all the necessities for ideal camping. However, there is not a whole lot of privacy, although my neighbor was very nice. "
"Cumberland Mountain has a total of 145 campsites, spread across 5 loops, plus a backcountry site on an 8 mile backpacking trail."
TravelerWe stayed at a campsite by the lake. What I didn’t realize until we got there is that the site is on a wooden platform because the shoreline is a little steep. We had brought a canoe and so it was A bit awkward trying to get down to the lake toting a canoe directly from our campsite. Although, we made it work, and had a great time.
We fit our truck, 2 tents for 2, and a mini kitchen set up with table and benches comfortably. The running water was fantastic!
That evening a storm came and I was so thankful for the platform because the rainwater ran off between the wooden slats, no mud!!
Bathrooms were ok, and had hot water showers.
TravelerWhat can I say, but Bailey's is our happy little piece of paradise! I've camped here since I was in my early 20s in tents, to camping in a camper in my 40s. Most sites have electric and water. Many sites have incredible views of Barren River Lake and some are downright on the banks. Bath houses are climate controlled and CLEAN. Bailey's is a large campground but it's not usually crowded with loud, obnoxious people. There's nearly a camaraderie here between the campers and while everyone is friendly, they tend to keep to themselves. We like loops B and C the best for a combo of waterfront views and shade trees. Something about watching the moonlight sparkle on the lake with a warm, crackling fire nearby. Bailey's is it!
ScoutThis campground is great for larger groups, as they allow multiple tents/campers per site. Most campsites overlook the lake and have a lovely view of sunset. Only complaint is the amount of trash we picked up upon arrival. The beach access was virtually unusable due to trash everywhere, but we spent the majority of our time boating on the lake. Cabins are nothing to write home about, but they were functional and air conditioned.
LegendCedars Of Lebanon State Park ,split tree fences and ancient farm equipment, black and white photos in the visitors center, old style cabins and rock boundary fences. History is very present in Cedars.
A 2 mile running trail that meanders through old farm land and indigenous trees. CCC original looking covered benches which overlook a dry stream bed that ends in an exploitable old cave. A wood bridge further down the small valley crosses the stream bed and can be followed to the nature centers very cool garden.Check in before exploring the cave and wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting muddy, low ceiling and headlamp/flashlight needed.
The picnic area which is adjacent the lodge has small and large pavilions for use and fire pits. The lodge looks like it’s the original that you can see in the black and white photos.
The campground has three areas. One has side by side sites, no privacy and not much space but easy in, easy out. The other two loops have more area between sites which are tucked back into the trees. Area 3 is for pop ups , tents and vans with 20 amp electric, Area 2 is for the larger campers, 30 amp and area 1, the side by side is 30 to 50 amp. There is disc golf, a swimming pool and riding stables plus two playgrounds and a nice gazebo that you can rent for special events. Definitely a campground to spend a chill weekend and unwind.
LegendAs soon as we pulled into Cedars Of Lebanon State Park I got the old time vibe from the split tree fences and ancient farm equipment to the black and white photos in the visitors center, this park seems very in touch with its beginnings.
We hiked some of the 2 mile running trail and then veered off to explore the CCC original looking covered bench which overlooks a currently dry stream bed. There is a similar covered bench on the far-side of the dry creek with very cool stone “steps” leading from one to the other and a wood bridge further down the small valley to cross the stream bed when it has water in it. The stream runs into a cave that you can visit while at the park, guided tours are suggested but not required. Check in before exploring the cave and wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting muddy, low ceiling and headlamp/flashlight needed.
As you follow path up away from the creek bed you wander into a very unique garden area which is part of the Nature Center. I would love to have the creativity and skill to build some of the structures in my yard. Definitely worth a visit.
The picnic area which is adjacent the lodge has small and large pavilions for use and fire pits. The lodge looks like it’s the original that you can see in the black and white photos.
The campground had the smell of bacon cooking when we pulled in which just sets the atmosphere perfectly;) there are three loops. One has side by side sites, no privacy and not much space but easy in, easy out. The other two loops have more area between sites which are tucked back into the trees. Area 3 is for pop ups , tents and vans with 20 amp electric, Area 2 is for the larger campers, 30 amp and area 1, the side by side is 30 to 50 amp. Aside from the occasional overly excited children it is a very nice quiet campground. There is disc golf, a swimming pool and riding stables plus two playgrounds and a nice gazebo that you can rent for special events. Definitely a campground to spend a chill weekend and unwind.
LegendEdgar Evins State Park off I40 exit 268, 4.8 miles to the park entrance.
As soon as you enter the park you start driving up. The campground starts at the top of the hill and the sites are decks! Pro- you are tree top level and pretty good on privacy with trees in between sites. Con- your fire pit is obviously not on the wood deck so it’s a walk back and forth if you don’t have alternative cooking methods.
Next something to consider if you are not proficient in backing your camper this may not be the first campsite you wanna practice at. Some of these sites you are backing uphill, up a ramp onto the deck, little tense.
Another pro- unless it’s Predator they can only come at you from one direction.....( zombies and such. Lol) Con - your either walking downhill or uphill to get to the shower house , that being said there are stairs and trails to take to the shower house.
I did not stay in the primitive site area but did check out the area. #5 looked like it could support a Tentsile Tree Tent. There was a water point in that area and the sites were spaced out pretty good.
The main attraction at Edgar is the water, the rather large Marina is directly across from the lowest site level. Take your fishing pole and water craft with you ;) There are trails that are hiker and biker friendly with some nice scenery. Near the front gate is the Caney Fork Outdoors and Big Rock Market.
LegendBarren River State Resort Park
Barren River State Resort Park is small but it offers a lot of options.
The campground is off by itself, quiet , with separate areas and pull through options. The campground is somewhat maintained and the sites are somewhat level. I like the back in sites with shade and a small patio to set up on. They have small asphalt pads so you will get your backing skills tested. The middle sites, (I was in site 45 top of the hill, pull thru) are on a hill which ends at the water with a boat ramp and small beach area. I huffed and puffed up and down the hill several times! There is a short trail near the boat ramp, more for fisher folk then a good hike. It ends at a small inlet. You have a strip of grass to your uphill side to use, otherwise not much privacy. The middle sites have pretty much no shade and we sweltered our middays , chasing the limited shade. The showers are newer, air conditioned and clean. Showers are spacious with seating and wall hooks. Luke warm water, which definitely makes for quick showers! A good way to enforce water conservation, lol.
If you are a biker you have some hills to climb in the park. There is a walk/bike trail around the golfing greens, with a dirt trail off the backside. The stable may still be closed. I did not check if they had started a new contract due to Covid restrictions. LOTS of boating options. Bring your own or rent. The lake is huge and busy with a marina. There’s a beach that you will want to drive to, to long of a walk and I didn’t find any cut through trails from our section of the campground.
Two cool events to check out are the Highland Games, ( men in skirts throwing things)and the Bourbonfest a newer event.
Local grocery w/i 10 miles, antiques, restaurants (Funky Paradise Point) and Mammoth Cave, Cave City attractions as well as an Amish Market in Scottsville and seasonal Farmers Market in Glasgow.
GuideStayed at the primitive sites several times for my birthday. Their is parking nearby, but you either have to hike up or down a hill to get too and from the sites. Totally worth it. The facilities are very nice and the hikes I’ve done are lovely! Huge bonus feature is the awesome and picturesque observation tower at the visitor center, which is conveniently near a trailhead. Favorite part of Edgar Evins is the river access, which allows you to do some cliff jumping and offers a beautiful sunset view!
ScoutThis is my favorite place to camp. If you have furbabies you will love it. All campsites except the primitive are huge decks. Electric, water, grill, fire ring, picnic table and canopy of trees. Bathrooms are always clean. Showers have hot water fast. Fire wood is all around in the woods. Kayaking is great! Put in below Center Hill dam. 6 mile run of clear cold water! Stocked with trout. I don't fish but if you do, you will need a trout stamp. If you don't own kayaks there is a store called Big Rock Market. You can contact them and they will set you up with kayaks and they drop off and pick you up. So, back to the campground. Dog friendly, clean, 30 and 50 amp.,coin laundry at the camp store. Dump station and trash. Playground for children, view of the lake from most sites. Marina where you can rent boats. I just can't say enough about this awesome place. Friendly staff. I actually just stopped the ranger driving by to ask him a few questions. I am at site 9 this time. Usually 25. Some have inclines or declines. 9 has a slight decline 25 is flat. When you go to the map and click on a site it will tell you. Like site 23 is right next to a bathroom, but it has a steep incline. So pay attention to that when booking. There are hiking trails and wildlife. The woodpeckers start about 6:00 am. LOL! I have not seen a snake in the camping area. Just deer and birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Gainesboro, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Gainesboro, TN is Edgar Evins State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 56 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Gainesboro, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 glamping camping locations near Gainesboro, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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