If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Gainesboro, look no further. Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Gainesboro, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Gainesboro, Tennessee's most popular destinations.
Horseshoe Bend Marina is a secluded get away situated on the scenic head waters of Center Hill Lake. Our marina is only (by water) a mile from Rock Island State Park's Sand Bar and boat ramp. It is the perfect place to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you are wanting to go boating, fishing, or camping, we have quite a bit to offer. As one of the few marinas on Center Hill Lake that stays open year 'round, we rent boats, boat slips, and camp sites. Fall scenic tours and year 'round guided fishing tours are available also. We have a boat ramp that is easily accessible even when the lake water level is low. Our store offers a variety of drinks, snacks, camping supplies, boating supplies, and fishing supplies. We are also operating under new ownership and new management. With this said, we invite you to come by, meet the new managers, and see the improvements that have been made. Please, take the time to look through our web site for all the services we offer!
$75 / night
Tailwater Recreation Area is located just below Cordell Hull Lake and Dam on the Cumberland River System, outside the town of Carthage, TN. The lake itself was named after one of America's outstanding statesmen and one of Tennessee's finest volunteers. Hull was born in a log cabin in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains. Families and friends enjoy coming to the lake for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, hunting and relaxing in the outdoors. Click here for a virtual tour of the Cordell Hull Lake facilities.
Boating and fishing opportunities abound on the Cumberland River below the dam. Cordell Hull Lake is a 12,000-acre lake that stretches 72 miles upstream and has 381 miles of shoreline, offering recreational activities for just about any type of visitor. Anglers enjoy fishing for white bass, rockfish, largemouth bass, catfish, shad, and crappie. Boating, sailing, water skiing and jet skiing are popular activities on the water.
This day-use area offers one large, group shelter. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a playground, interpretive trail and boat ramp.
The Cumberland River runs along the park, which is wooded with a mix of shady maple, hickory, oak, beech, and chestnut trees. The lake is situated among scenic rolling hills. Summer temperatures range from the 60s to the 90s. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Whitetail deer, wild turkeys, quail, squirrels, rabbits, and a wide variety of waterfowl are commonly seen throughout the area.
The historic town of Granville, TN is a 45-minute drive from the campground. Visitors enjoy celebrating the town's Heritage Day annually in May. Events include the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival, antique car and tractor shows, and Confederate Civil War living history presentations.
$50 / night
FALL SALE PRICE $15 PER NIGHT
Welcome to the beautiful Tennessee hills right on the edge of Kentucky and enjoy the beauty of nature and camp in our forest by the lake. Primitive camping at its best. Dale Hollow Lake offers some of Tennessee's most beautiful remote areas. The night sky up here is so clear, and the air is crisp and clean. Dale Hollow Lake is one of the cleanest in the country and the views are stunning. Please come and enjoy this wonderful land.
Approximately 4 acres with multiple campsites all to yourself and your group with 15 acres of forest ravine total to hike on.
Welcome to the Tuscarora Glade camping spot, right near Dale Hollow Lake. This is the perfect weekend getaway near tons of unique outdoor activities and we are excited to share it with you! Dale Hollow Lake offers some of Tennessee's most beautiful remote areas. Limited time introductory pricing.
About the Property:
Dale Hollow Lake is right next to the property with natural trails leading right down to the lake. It's only a 1/2 mile hike or short drive to the lovely Star Point Marina and Resort, where you can enjoy kayaking, boating and fishing. Bunkum Cave trail hike and Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park are also within driving distance of our property and make for great day trips! Hiking, swimming, kayaking, and mushroom hunting are just some of the fun outdoor activities you can enjoy during your stay. Secluded camp site in a beautiful forest glade overlooking a deep ravine. Sunsets here are gorgeous.
We enjoy meeting new people and encourage a family-style atmosphere. Please come and enjoy this wonderful land. We hope you love the stunning sunsets, being surrounded by forest, and the ideal lake access as much as we do!
About the Campsite:
Hammock Campers Dream!
The campsite provides various mostly level spots for pitching your tents and setting up camp amidst the beautiful hardwood forest that surrounds you. There are also some ideal hammock camping sites among the trees. Site will accommodate a modest pull behind camper, contact us and we can give you more details. There is a fire ring for you to use, so cozy up by the campfire and toast some marshmallows during your stay! We are a family-friendly campsite, so feel free to bring the kids. There is a garden hose on the property, though we always welcome you to bring your own drinking water as well.
Other Things to Note:
- Check-in is after 2pm and check-out is before 12pm
- You can stay connected if you'd like to, as cell reception is available on our property, yet at times it can be spotty out here in the woods. There is no Wi-Fi. Feel free to unplug during your stay, though!
- Furry friends are welcome, just keep any mess cleaned up!
Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay!
$15 / night
The park offers thirteen designated backcountry campsites that are accessible only by hiking or horseback. Backcounty sites are primitive, with only a fire ring and horse hitching posts available. All sites except McCoy Hollow have a nearby water source, but campers should boil and treat water before drinking, or plan to carry in drinking water. Campsites are limited to one party up to eight people in size. Pickup a Backcountry map at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk, or the Visitor Information desk. Permit Required - $10 per trip. Reservations through Recreation.gov. Overnight camping is permitted along floodplains and on islands along the Green and Nolin Rivers. Camping in these areas is only accessible by boat. When camping on floodplains, campers must camp at least ½ mile away from Green River Ferry, Houchin Ferry and Dennison Ferry Day Use Area. Know where you are. Riverside camping on private lands outside the park may not be permitted. Sudden rainstorms can cause rapid flooding along riverways and river levels and currents fluctuate dramatically, particularly during winter months. Always check the river level and weather forecast before launching or camping along the rivers. Pickup a Backcountry map at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk, or the Visitor Information desk. Permit Required - $10 per trip. Permits available online, up to a week in advance. Permits are subject to cancelation due to river levels. River levels must remain below 20 feet.
Roaring River Park is located on Cordell Hull Lake on the Cumberland River System, near Gainesboro, TN. The lake itself was named after one of America's outstanding statesmen and one of Tennessee's finest volunteers. Hull was born in a log cabin in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains. Many people enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, hunting and hiking in this wonderful natural area. Click here for a virtual tour of the Cordell Hull Lake facilities.
The 12,000-acre lake stretches 72 miles upstream and has 381 miles of shoreline, offering recreational activities for just about any type of visitor. Anglers enjoy fishing for white bass, rockfish, largemouth bass, catfish, shad, and crappie. Boating, sailing, water skiing, and jet skiing are popular activities on the water.
This wooded day-use area offers one large group shelter. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a playground and boat ramp.
Cordell Hull Lake is situated among rolling hills wooded with a mixture of shady maple, hickory, oak, beech and chestnut trees. Summer temperatures range from the 60s to the 90s. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Whitetail deer, wild turkeys, quail, squirrels, rabbits, and a wide variety of waterfowl are commonly seen throughout the area.
The historic town of Granville, TN is a 20-minute drive from the campground. Visitors enjoy celebrating the town's Heritage Day annually in May. Events include the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival, antique car and tractor shows, and Confederate Civil War living history presentations.
$50 / night
Wartrace Creek Recreation Area is located on Cordell Hull Lake on the Cumberland River System, just nine miles from Gainesboro, TN. The lake itself was named after one of America's outstanding statesmen and one of Tennessee's finest volunteers. Hull was born in a log cabin in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains. Families and friends enjoy coming to the lake for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, hunting and relaxing in the outdoors.Click here for a virtual tour of the Cordell Hull Lake facilities.
The 12,000-acre lake stretches 72 miles upstream and has 381 miles of shoreline, offering recreational activities for just about any type of visitor. Anglers enjoy fishing for white bass, rockfish, largemouth bass, catfish, shad and crappie. Boating, sailing, water skiing, and jet skiing are popular activities on the water. Many miles of hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking trails surround the lake. The 6-mile Bearwaller Gap Trail has a trailhead in nearby Defeated Creek Park. Other trails in the area include the Turkey Creek Nature Trail and Bear Wheels Trail.
This wooded day-use area offers one large, group shelter. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a playground , volley ball court, fishing cleaning station and boat ramp.
Cordell Hull Lake is situated among rolling hills wooded with a mixture of shady maple, hickory, oak, beech and chestnut trees. Summer temperatures range from the 60s to the 90s. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Whitetail deer, wild turkeys, quail, squirrels, rabbits, and a wide variety of waterfowl are commonly seen throughout the area.
The historic town of Granville, TN is a 45-minute drive from the campground. Visitors enjoy celebrating the town's Heritage Day annually in May. Events include the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival, antique car and tractor shows, and Confederate Civil War living history presentations.
$50 / night
Donaldson Park is located within the city limits of Celina, Tennessee, next to the Obey River Tailwater. A variety of recreational activities abound, including boating, fishing and picnicking.
The park is made up of broad, grassy areas surrounded by large shade trees. An abundance of wildlife can be seen in the area, including white-tailed deer, bald eagles and the occasional beaver.
Fishing is a very popular activity on the Obey River, which is stocked with nearly 60,000 rainbow trout annually. Brown and brook trout are stocked as well.
The park offers many amenities for visitors. A boat ramp, playground, fitness trail, marble yard and volleyball, basketball and tennis courts are all found on-site.
Two accessible picnic shelters with electric hookups are available for reservation at Donaldson Park. Flush toilets and drinking water are also provided.
The National Rolley Hole Marble Championship and Festival is held in nearby Standing Stone State Park. This traditional marbles contest draws some of the countrys best to a tournament where players match wit and skills with special flint spheres on a smooth dirt surface. The festival includes games for kids, marble making, tournament play, demonstrations, music and food.
Traveler
The location of the sprawling campground is beautiful on the popular Dale Hollow Lake. The kids enjoyed the beach. However, the tent sites were limited to the inner circle areas, as opposed to the right on the water with great views for the concrete-heavy RV sites. However, the worst part was the size and placement of the tent sites. they are tiny and I have no idea how anyone would find the space, much less a level spot, for a normal family tent. We didn't actually stay within our site with 2 small 2-person backpacking tents. We considered using an RV site but didn't see one with level grassy areas.
Edited: We were camped illegally on the grass. Tents are supposed to be on the uneven gravel pads. So 3 tent sites and their parking have a maybe 40 x 50 gravel/asphalt area.
There has to be better places to tent camp in this beautiful area
Guide
Beautiful state park! Unbelievable waterfalls with many of hiking trails! There is a lot of history in the park! Tent campground was nice and level! Each tent site had a tent pad, lantern pole, fire ring and sturdy table! The bathhouses was clean and warm water! Wood is sold in the near by town or at the park visitor center!
Guide
The tent camp sites on the island were aptly distanced from one another. The other campers seemed to have an unspoken sense of support. Multiple people offered ice, and even campground host offered to air up air mattresses.
There was plenty of driftwood on site to burn, but if you're going to cook all your meals, I'd bring charcoal or your own wood. Note: they have wood restrictions - heed those.
There was some noise at night from the boats, but nothing unmanageable or what I would consider a nuisance.
The island tent area is a park and walk and the campground has 2 carts for people to use.
The views from the island are unfathomably beautiful.
Legend
Had a nice week camping in a tent right on the side of the lake. The bathroom facilities were good, plenty of hot water for showers and the place was kept clean. When we stayed it was nice and quiet during the first week of the season.
Scout
The tent sites are park and walk. The furthest tent site is about a 1/4 mile from where you park. Just an FYI.
Guide
This area has around 100 sites, both RV and tent sites both with and without electricity, so you can camp any way you'd like. All of the tent sites here are facing the lake so it feels a little more private. The RV sites are more grouped together (but I don't have an RV so I can't speak for these as much) There is some great hiking in the area and you can find some quiet and restful spots. There is the Lost Springs Trail that is right near the campground if you like hiking and hikes above the nearby Marina and this campground.
Traveler
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. Very good bathrooms and showers.
Scout
Tent camped for 2 nights. Terrific time in late September. Not too crowded. Camp hosts were very nice. Shower/bath facilities need reconfiguring and updating as the stalls leave you very exposed, water not hot. That said looking to visit once more this autumn.
Scout
My only complaint is I didn't have more time to spend. Our site (L4) was shaded all day long, which is important when you tent camp. The grounds are well kept. Plenty of park hosted activities for kiddos and adults. A lot of trails, good clean pool, nice clean bathrooms, excellent staff!
GuideAlmost all of their sites have a view of the lake. Tent sites give just enough space for seclusion and everyone sites are on elevated platforms. Plenty of bathhouse access and if you like to paddle the candy is close by too.
Guide
I had the only tent site. It was adequate but many stares up and down. No water no electricity. Bathrooms were clean, campground was clean and quite. There is a snack shack outside the gate and they have bait. Good fishing lake and river.
Guide
Booked this campground online and was very happy with our night stay! Be sure to reserve a spot right alongside water! Online booking shows a very easy to view map of different tent sites.
Enjoyed watching sunset here. Wish we had arrived earlier so we could swim!
GuideWe loved this primitive tent camping spot. All sites were nestled in the woods along the edge of the lake. Each site had a fire ring & tent landing. It was near parking, but all gear had to be carried into the woods. These were not pull in campsites. Shower house was a decent walk. Maybe at 1/4 mile? Water spigots were dotted throughout the woods, but not at every site.
Scout
We tent camped for two consecutive weekends at Cedars of Lebanon. We are local novice campers. The campsites were well maintained with electric and water hookups. The bathhouse at Campground 2 is quite clean and is newer than Campground 1. Both of our stays were in Campground 2 near the bath house. Our first visit was with our dog, second was without. The fire ring in our second stay was weirdly located. Firewood is for sale inside the park and late afternoons the campground host drives thru on a gator like vehicle and offers bundles for sale at $6 each. The place is busy and active but very chill.
We hiked a little on Saturday midday. When I say “hike” I mean we strolled on a trail. Very nice time.
Any critiques by us would be unwarranted. Folks who work there were quite nice. We are very early on the learning curve. That we were able to go and tent camp and have a good time at our age proves that COL is a great place for newer campers to enjoy. We plan to go back a lot.
TravelerThe tent sites were really nice. I love how close you are to the water. It also includes two swim areas which is nice. Bathrooms are good in campground standards! The hiking trail is ok. Canoe the Caney is a few minute drive from the campground which is great if you like canoeing. We really enjoyed it!
Guide
This this campsite offers everything you need for a great camping experience. Out tent camping was complete with electricity and a short walk to the bathhouse. It also offered a fire pit and picnic table and lots of shade. You can rent a small Jon Boat for $50 a day and they also offer small bundles of firewood for $5. We fished on Kelly Lake and caught about six fish that were keepers.
Scout
This is a great campground that offers a lot of amenities, including a bath house, fire rings, picnic tables and offers both RV and tent camping. The people in the campground were respectful and there were trailheads leading directly from the campground to the wilderness. Pickett is a great place to visit because it’s an international dark sky, there are beautiful natural bridges and lots of recreation opportunities.
Traveler
A variety of large sites. From full hooks ups to group tent sites. The trash at the swimming beach was never taken out while we were there, and the dumpsters were all full. The bathrooms were cleaned regularly though, and the views were breathtaking. Dog friendly, but not at the swimming area. Overall it was a great place to go. Out of the way quiet and the lake was beautiful.
Scout
This site is perfect for primitive tent camping and laying back to look at the stars. Pickett County Tennnessee is one of the few places in the world with a Dark Sky rating, meaning there is little to no light pollution. Tuscarora Glade is so dark at night and the stars are just so brilliant looking up through the opening in the Glade. You are surrounded by trees with a fabulous open spot to view the heavens. Come enjoy this little bit of paradise.
Traveler
We were either planning on staying in a motel or the bean pot and we were so glad we stayed in the bean pot. The owners were incredibly nice and helpful, and the showers, bathrooms, and laundry room were super clean and well kept. No other tent campers were there during our stay, since it’s mainly an rv camp, so this is a great place to try if you’re looking for a last minute place to tent camp. Overall, I would stay here again and I would recommend the bean pot to anyone looking for a place to camp in the area.
GuideThis is a pretty decent sized campground with plenty of electric hookups and also has a few tent sites. However there are no primitive, backcountry sites, so skip this one if you are wanting a backcountry experience. But, it is a very nice area with so many old, old hardwood cedars. It smells wonderful. There are also a few trials that take you through most of the park and is relatively easy so they are great for kids too.
RangerLovely park with somewhat unique cedar glades and tons of rare plant life. If you can snag a serious gardener or botanist to visit with you you’re in for a treat. Trails are easy, lots of wildlife, lots of cedars. Lots of horses on site too. And weddings in the lodge all summer. Modern state park setup, clean and well cared for with some extra activities. Tent sites were more private and woody. Cabins seemed popular given what neighbors said. Very nice state park, would return.
Traveler
Our family loves coming here every year; the amenities are kept clean and in good working order, the campsites are well maintained and it has a beautiful biking/walking path. The fish hatchery is fun for kids And there is a perfect swimming area by the dam. The park rangers have always been very friendly. It has a park and volleyball area for kids to play at. It is close enough to the small town to pick up anything needed; but there isn’t any camp store at the site itself. Even when we were tent camping in the pouring rain we had a good time.
Legend
Cumberland Mountain has a total of 145 campsites, spread across 5 loops, plus a backcountry site on an 8 mile backpacking trail.
We have not stayed overnight here as we are tent-campers only, and while tent camping is permitted, after visiting we felt that this campground was much better suited for RV campers. However we have come here for the day to hike and enjoy the playground by the picnic area, and it is a beautiful park, with a large lake, a restaurant, and a bridge that is iconic to the Cumberland region of Tennessee.
Of the five camping loops, loop 4 offers the most shade (particularly sites 102-109, which are shaded by evergreens and some of the prettiest campsites I have seen in a state park!), although is not ADA accessible. Loop 2 offers the least amount of shade. Loops 1, 3, and 5 have mostly hardwood trees, thus offering more shade in the warmer months and mostly sun in the winter. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and most can accommodate trailers up to 60 feet, with a few going higher (site 145 can fit over 100'!). Tent camping is permitted, although in most sites the only space to put a tent is very close to the fire pits or on a gravel/concrete surface, and in loops 2, 3, and 5 the park prohibits tents on the grass within each site.
Amenities at this park include hiking, fishing, paddling/boat rental, biking, a swimming pool, golf, and birding. Cabins are also available to rent, many with a view of the lake. Day use includes picnic tables, picnic pavilions, and multiple playground areas for kids. This park is also further away from urban areas and is a good place for wildlife viewing--we have seen black snakes, and what looked like a raccoon!
This is a much less crowded park than Fall Creek Falls to the south, particularly if you can make it early in the season, and is convenient to I-40, premium golfing, and historical sites on the Cumberland Plateau. While there are better options in this region for someone looking to pitch a tent, if you have an RV, Cumberland Mountain is very peaceful, offering a lot of ways to spend your day and a quiet and relaxing spot to watch the stars and enjoy the sounds of nature at night.
RangerReally neat old stonework dam and bridges. Lots of easy to moderate trails through forests and around lakes. The park's namesake is connected to Native American history. Heat suspended bridge has great views. Really pretty place to explore and close to a lot of other parks and state forest in the area. Lots of the campers seemed to be locals so you can get some unique recommendations. The campground is a bit more modern than I expect from a typical state park tent site, each spot has electricity. Great shade. Lots of families but didn't seem too loud. Every site seems to have both a BBQ grill and a fire pit.
TravelerReally frustrating experience with this campground. We booked our stay for the tent sites and were excited to stay here. When we arrived, we found out it was Walk-In ONLY which was not noted anywhere. Another family had the same issue that night. We had to stay somewhere else. I spoke to their office on site who directed me to customer service. It took 4 separate calls to customer to get an answer who refused to give me a refund even though we physically could not stay there and didn’t. Will not attempt to stay at Spacious Skies again based on this experience.
Traveler
About the only good thing was the view. We had a tent site next to the lake. It was close to the pool so was very noisy. The bathroom near the pool is a unisex two stall very revealing so I often walked to the main bathroom up near the restaurant. Used the shower in the hot tun room was nice but very busy. The first night there was a bunch of girls in the pool and screaming at 4:30am which woke us up. The second morning at 7am the neighboring property was being weedeated. Most likely will not be back even though t is close to our home.
Gainesboro, Tennessee, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gainesboro, TN is Holleman's Bend Camping Area with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
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