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COE Cordell Hull Lake Salt Lick Creek Campground welcomes pets at its waterfront sites near Gainesboro. The campground features boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access with pet-friendly tent and RV sites that include picnic tables, fire rings, and trash receptacles at each location. Holleman's Bend Camping Area provides free primitive camping with pets allowed in a peaceful setting along the river, offering a more rustic experience for tent campers. Most campgrounds in the area maintain standard leash requirements, typically six feet or less, with pets never to be left unattended. The dog park at Old Mill Camp and General Store remains well-kept and clean according to visitor reports, providing a dedicated space for pets to exercise off-leash.
Hiking trails throughout the region accommodate leashed pets, with the Lost Spring Trail at Floating Mill offering lookout points where dogs can accompany their owners. Edgar Evins State Park Campground provides wooden platforms for tent camping with pets, keeping them elevated during Tennessee's frequent rain. Campers report that early morning walks with dogs along the cliffs at Edgar Evins offer beautiful views of the water and houseboats. Salt Lick Creek Campground sits nestled in the Tennessee mountains with creek-side sites that provide direct water access for pets who enjoy swimming. Wildlife encounters remain possible throughout the area, so keeping pets secured prevents unwanted interactions with local fauna. Defeated Creek Campground and Marina offer additional pet-friendly options with seasonal availability from March through November.
"This property is clean, quiet, family and pet friendly. Each tent and RV stall has its own picnic table and fire pit, spacing out each stall so it has fair privacy."
"I would stay away from the pull through sites by the bathroom if You prefer privacy."
"I'm from New England and relocated to Tennessee in 2016. The first time I went camping at Edgar Evans, I had no idea what was going on!"
"We stayed on site 6, right next to some stairs that lead to a path to the bathroom/shower facilities."
"Not a long walk to the bathhouse, volleyball area, or playground. It also has a beach and tons of room to go fishing. Lots of wildlife, we even spotted a couple of cows in the park lol."
"Lots to do here with hiking trails, mountain bike trails, beach, playground, boat launch, and all the lake activities."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Our site was right on the creek and very near the beach. We went for an evening swim and we had a picturesque view of the sun setting over the mountains."
"And it was adequate but situated on an inlet with mucky water. We took a walk and found an empty site (45) with breathtaking views. We asked to switch and they were happy to oblige."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Standing stone is a small campground that sits in a wooded area surrounded by green rolling hills and farmland."
"Be sure to stop by the little town of Gainesboro (I think that’s the name) for a cup of coffee at Nostalgic Coffee Cafe."
"We thought this was a bust, turned around to leave, and then we spotted the gravel path into the site. It's easy to miss on the way in."
"It was okay, but not good for anyone who cannot handle a lot of stairs. 2) There was a lot of boat traffic on the lake, even late into the night."
"Which means there are different rules then most state parks, one of which is only 2 dogs per site allowed. 2nd the layout is more tent friendly (to me) with walk in sites with some nice views."
from $24 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Nice water view from our site and a short walk to shower facility. Location of campground: a car ride away from activities. Not a bicycle friendly area.(hills and roadways)."
"Did a drive around of the campground. Spacing looks great between sites. Sites look clean and level. Some sites are next to the Obey River. Will be camping here in the near future."
from $32 - $75 / night
Check Availability"There are about 4 lakeside sites available all with good lake views"
"Cove Creek at Dale Hollow lake in TN is a primitive campsite with lakeside camping. There are water faucets for drinking water and a pit toilet available."
from $5 / night
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GuideLots of green grass. The dog park is very well kept. There is a road close by but not a major freeway. It’s one of the quieter KOA’s I have stayed at. Pool is small but very clean. The store is well stocked and you can get hand dipped ice cream.
RangerWe were in primitive site I and it was a perfect spot to camp on a hot day. The sun never touched our tent. They offer kayak rentals and they are good sturdy ones at a reasonable rate. There is no swimming but we enjoyed fishing. They have A honey locus tree on one of the trails which was cool. I had never seen one. They are pet friendly and pets are allowed leashes on all the hiking trails. The animals are not scared of humans or dogs. We had squirrels, birds, deer and turkey join us at our camp site.
GuideWe visited here during the summer. I really enjoyed our stay. A couple of things caught a us by surprise.. 1) The steps down to our campsite. Some of the campsites towards the back of the campground have a good amount of stairs. It was okay, but not good for anyone who cannot handle a lot of stairs. 2) There was a lot of boat traffic on the lake, even late into the night. I’m not sure if it is always like this or because there is a marina near by the campground. We could reach the edge of the lake from our campsite and launched out kayaks from there. The boats made it a little difficult to kayak the lake, but some kayakers towards the front of the campground at the day beach seemed to do okay. There’s a small hiking trail in the park also called the “lost spring trail” not much of a spring to see, but a couple of lookout points. Must not be much traffic through the trail anymore, the lookouts were a little overgrown. Overall the campground was nice, lots of access to the water if you like to fish and some very beautiful views. Pet friendly! Clean!
RangerIt was ok for an overnight spot when all else was full. We went during the rain, lots of pot holes and water puddles everywhere. Mostly full time residents, lots of pets with no real place to walk them. Grass is minimal. Staff was very friendly and helped us out. Would stay again for one night, but not a go to. Little overpriced, but expected as right off interstate and close to major city.
Scoutits a wonder full place to go have fun with kids and family and pets and good for fishing
GuideWe spent a cold rainy weekend at Bailey's Point but we manage to get the perfect site A23 in my opinion! It was opening weekend and to spite the weather there were quite a few campers there. The sites are sit up so there is a view of the lake from most of the sites and the site are fairly large. The grounds were very clean and maintained including the bath house, it is dog/pet friendly and the staff was very nice. There were some boaters and fisherman on lake even though it was about 40 degrees. We did not hike this trip the weather was just to miserable but we planning a return visit so we can see everything they have to offer.
TravelerWas the best state park I’ve stayed at to date! Very safe, quiet/peaceful, family friendly, pet friendly, bath houses were clean, full hookups, pool was clean ($6/person entry fee)
TravelerI'm from New England and relocated to Tennessee in 2016. The first time I went camping at Edgar Evans, I had no idea what was going on! All I saw was platforms, and what I considered 'normal' camping sites were labeled 'primitive' sites. I was in total awe. I didn't know how it was going to work with a tent, but my boyfriend showed me that all you need to do is bring nails to hammer down and secure your tent to the wooden platform. Where as I was at first turned off by the platform, there are a few pluses:
-It rains A LOT in Tennessee. When I used to camp up north, we got flooded out during heavy rains, as we were camping directly on the ground. The platform keeps you elevated, so digging a trench around your tent is a non-issue.
-If you get a waterfront site (HIGHLY recommended), the views are gorgeous. I'd say go for the sites in the lower 40s - they're super close to a bathhouse and a few paths that will bring you down to the edge of some gorgeous cliffs, giving you the best view in the site. If you go in the other direction, you'll be looking at a community of house boats, which kinda blew my mind, as clusters of houseboats aren't really a thing up north, either.
-You can comfortably fit two tents on a platform; three is pushing it, but we've seen people pack around four in (which I don't think you're actually supposed to do).
-Something else I've noticed in TN - virtually all camping takes place at State Parks, and Edgar Evans is one of the few that actually offers wooden platforms and primitive sites. Most of them offer concrete platforms for RVs and smaller trailers, making it difficult to camp with a tent.
The sites in the lower 40s also offer more level ground for the fire pits. Some sites have a really steep drop off, which make it difficult to place chairs and sit and relax without being a little wobbly.
There's also a pretty big trail system to explore, and it seems like you might need to set aside an entire day to do the loop in its entirety - we're still planning on doing that! I find that I get more immersed in relaxation mode when I'm there instead of active hiking mode - taking a chair down to the cliffs and sitting by the water with a book makes for some beautiful downtime!
All of this being said, this is our favorite spot! We've come here at least twice, if not three times a year since I've moved down here. The staff is friendly and helpful, the campers are friendly, and there's usually lots of adorable dogs around to pet lol! Definitely love this place!
GuideWe loving camping at Barren River! Plenty of playgrounds and trails for our kid. Clean bathhouses if you need them. It can get pretty crowded in the summer months so book early and try to get a spot near the boat ramp if you plan to bring your boat. Beautiful lake and great bluegill and cat fishing. If you can, go get a hot dog for lunch and breakfast at Paradise Point down the road! It’s definitely an experience. And whether you’re from out of state or not, order a Hot Brown from the state park restaurant if you go! They have a great golf course as well. Definitely recommend this campground if you’re getting away with the family.
Primitive camping options near Gainesboro, Tennessee sit in the heart of the Cumberland Plateau at elevations between 500-1,000 feet. The region's limestone geology creates dramatic cliffs and water features throughout the camping areas. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity from June through September, while spring and fall bring temperature swings of up to 30 degrees between day and night.
Hiking trails with water views: The Lost Spring Trail at Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake offers lookout points above the marina. "There's a small hiking trail in the park also called the 'lost spring trail' not much of a spring to see, but a couple of lookout points. Must not be much traffic through the trail anymore, the lookouts were a little overgrown," notes Shy-Anne W.
Primitive camping with fishing access: Holleman's Bend provides boat-in access to some of the best fishing spots. "This was my first experience with free camping and it will be tough to beat! There was another camper in the small area I found off the gravel road, but it was quiet and peaceful. I woke up early enough to see the sunrise and the fog coming off the river. Simply magical," shares Devin R.
Swimming at dedicated beaches: Defeated Creek Campground maintains a swim area separate from boat traffic. "Very close stores and a boat rental and restaurant at the beginning of the park. Super nice staff and all around clean area," reports Chris W. The campground includes "clean baths and sandy shore swimming area," according to another visitor.
Fishing from shoreline sites: Many waterfront sites allow fishing directly from your campsite at COE Cordell Hull Lake Salt Lick Creek Campground. "We stayed in site 94, which was on the water and nicely shaded. There was no cell service," explains Alisha L. The campground's remote location minimizes crowds even during peak season.
Privacy between sites: Standing Stone State Park Campground offers good site separation. "Nice little park with some neat things to see and do. Staff was friendly and helpful. The campground was well kept," notes Beth H. Another camper adds, "Standing Stone was full of large, beautiful trees. Super secluded feeling camp sites."
Modern bathroom facilities: Many campers appreciate the updated facilities at Old Mill Camp and General Store. "Large wooded sites, HUGE well kept showers. Cute store that serves sandwiches and ice cream," reports Mary V. Another camper confirms, "Bath house is top notch!! Very clean with separate, personal shower rooms with keypad entry."
Spacious waterfront sites: Defeated Creek's layout maximizes water views. "Really large grassy sites with plenty of room to maneuver. Perfect place for group camping. Overlooks river," writes Terri D. The layout allows for boats to be kept at many sites, as one visitor notes, "We always leave our boat or kayaks in water at sites."
Well-maintained grounds: Salt Lick Creek campers consistently mention the cleanliness. "Great size sites. Many with waterfront property and others totally wooded. Shower house had amazing water pressure. Very clean and quite considering that all 154 sites were full," reports Chris Y. The campground's boat dock and ample parking are frequently praised.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds near Gainesboro have minimal connectivity. "This is a great out of the way campground. Room to spread out and enjoy nature. Better have a dish network or something like that, because there is no tv, cell, or wifi service in this park," warns Terry H. about Salt Lick Creek.
Distance from supplies: Prepare by bringing everything you need. "There is absolutely no cell coverage for any carrier at the campground and about a 30 minute drive in any direction. Also no stores around as well. There is only one gas station within 30-45 minutes that have ice and firewood. Make sure to bring everything you need," advises Chris Y.
Pet-friendly but with limitations: While all campgrounds welcome pets, Dale Hollow Dam has specific rules. "Clean, friendly, relaxing. Our family loves coming here every year; the amenities are kept clean and in good working order, the campsites are well maintained," shares Chastity G. Remember most sites require pets to remain leashed.
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Dale Hollow Damsite runs from "April 6 to November 4," while other sites have similar operating seasons, typically closing for winter months from November through March.
Playgrounds and activities: Old Mill Camp provides family-friendly amenities. "We have made this our yearly campground we go already once. This place is great they have everything campsite are big, bathroom and showers are together located in the middle of the grounds," shares Bobby D.
Swimming areas for kids: Floating Mill has designated swim zones. "The tent sites were really nice. I love how close you are to the water. It also includes two swim areas which is nice," notes Haley B. This separation from boat traffic creates safer water play areas.
Educational opportunities: Edgar Evins State Park Campground offers ranger-led programs. "Very informative pontoon boat tour with a Park Ranger. Great lunch at the marina too!" shares Rosa B. The park's unique platform sites provide a different camping experience for children.
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. "Campground parallels the Obey River. Plenty of fish opportunities from boat, kayak, wading and shoreline," notes Kenny P., but adds that facilities "could use some repair/updating." Consider site location relative to bathrooms when camping with small children.
Platform site challenges: Edgar Evins' unique deck sites require special consideration. "The sites are tiered and you will get a workout if your walking from one level to the next, which if you need the showerhouse, you will be on certain tiers," explains one RVer.
Dump station locations: Salt Lick Creek offers a dump station, but its location can be inconvenient. "The site had plenty of space, level, and fairly easy to back into. The only downside is that the site did not have sewer hookup," notes Mike M.
Leveling issues: Some campgrounds require additional equipment. "The site was very unlevel as well. It was list to have a 'slight' grade and I'd beg to differ on that. We were backed up to overhang the site and maxed out our tongue jack and was barely able to get level," reports Beth H. about Standing Stone.
Entrance considerations: Several campgrounds have challenging access routes. "Be wary of the speed bumps throughout the campground, they are closely spaced and rather abrupt, take them very slowly," advises Ray & Terri F. Some campgrounds specifically note "The south entrance is a single lane bridge with a sharp turn so longer rigs need to come in on the north end."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Gainesboro, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Gainesboro, TN is Old Mill Camp and General Store with a 4.4-star rating from 21 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 102 dog-friendly camping locations near Gainesboro, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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