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Best Campgrounds in Tennessee

4,988 Reviews

Tennessee provides numerous campground options across its diverse landscapes, from the Great Smoky Mountains to state parks with lakefront sites. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground offers a variety of accommodation types including tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and glamping options, with a solid 4.6/5 rating from visitors. Similarly, Elkmont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park supports multiple camping styles and operates seasonally from April through October. The state features a mix of federal, state, and private campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and accessibility.

Many Tennessee campgrounds operate year-round, though mountain locations like Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds typically close during winter months. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer and fall foliage seasons. Access to campgrounds varies considerably, with some locations like Cades Cove and Cosby Campground offering drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in options. Permits are generally not required for established campgrounds, but reservations are recommended, especially for popular locations. Several campgrounds provide both primitive and modern amenities. As one camper noted, "This is the BEST state park in West TN. It's quiet, depending on your camping neighbors, and just sitting on the banks watching the boats go by is peaceful."

The Tennessee camping experience frequently centers around water features, with many top-rated sites located near lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Campgrounds like Harrison Bay State Park and Rock Island State Park offer boat-in access alongside traditional camping options. According to reviews from The Dyrt, many Tennessee campgrounds maintain clean facilities and friendly staff. One visitor remarked, "The bathrooms are cleaned everyday on weekends and every other day during the week. Completely cleaned!" Mixed-use campgrounds accommodate diverse recreational interests, from fishing and boating to hiking and wildlife viewing. Visitors consistently praise Tennessee campgrounds for their natural beauty, with state parks particularly known for maintaining well-kept facilities while preserving natural surroundings. Family-friendly amenities such as playgrounds, swimming areas, and hiking trails complement the camping experience at many developed locations including Center Hill Lake campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites in Tennessee (995)

    1. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

    146 Reviews
    Spencer, TN
    Website
    +1 (888) 867-2757

    "Fall creek falls is one of the best recreational areas in Tennessee. The park is very large and has so much to do. The falls are amazing, and it’s a moderate hike down to the base."

    "Tons to do at one of Tennessee’s top state parks."

    2. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    127 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."

    "We stayed 3 nights so we could hike the surrounding trails! Loved learning about the history of the area while checking out the old cabins."

    3. Cades Cove Campground

    100 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "You can easily bike through the loop, or drive. Nice spot to see wildlife as well. Cades Cove is well known for spotting bears, deer and turkey."

    "We camped in the middle of a hot sticky Tennessee summer and felt just fine in all of the shade."

    4. Greenbrier Campground

    72 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    Website

    $35 - $258 / night

    "Had a blast at The Greenbrier Campground in Gatlinburg Tennessee. We had a view of the river which was right next to.our campsite."

    "The campground is surrounded by a little river so many sites have river views. Most are relatively spacious. There are also a few spots on the road side of the island. The amenities were spotless."

    5. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    71 Reviews
    Cosby, TN
    Website
    +1 (423) 487-2683

    $50 / night

    "Drive in is a nice paved road, got our information on where our sites where from the Camp Host, Who was super informative."

    "Cosby is about half an hour outside of Gatlinburg and worth every minute. A16 was big and shady. There were a few steps down to it. Plenty of trees and distance to the nearest neighbors."

    6. Montgomery Bell State Park Campground

    64 Reviews
    Burns, TN
    Website
    +1 (888) 867-2757

    "Campground Review: Montgomery Bell State Park The Four Mile Campground is nestled in a hollow offering shade and creekage on one side plus several of the trailheads start nearby and you are close"

    "It is a beautiful state park known as the"Queen of Tennessee's State Parks". There are 4,000 acres with mountain biking, fishing, hiking, picnic areas, kayaking/canoeing, and a golf course."

    7. Edgar Evins State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Lancaster, TN
    Website
    +1 (888) 867-2757

    "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!"

    "The park is a gorgeous property with a lake and hiking trails. There are ADA sights. The hills are steep and some of the sights have angle ramps."

    8. Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Harrison, TN
    Website
    +1 (888) 867-2757

    "This is a great family campground and Tennessee State Park located on Chickamauga Lake of the Tennessee River. Good playground for the Grandkids and bicycle paths."

    "Harrison Bay is a huge park, with four camping loops (3 for RVs, 1 for tents), and a large marina, located on the Chickamauga Reservoir of the Tennessee River."

    9. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    58 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-7903

    "Had we been in a site away from the river, we’d have been packed in like sardines."

    "Close to everything, right in the heart of pigeon forge. Best bath houses we’ve ever been too, all other reviews were spot on!"

    10. Anchor Down RV Resort

    49 Reviews
    Sevierville, TN
    Website
    +1 (877) 784-4446

    $49 - $139 / night

    "Anchors Down is just outside Severville Tennessee and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Located on Douglas Lake with the Smokie Mountains in the back ground."

    "This campground is one of the best you will find in Tennessee.  "

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Recent Reviews in Tennessee

4988 Reviews of 995 Tennessee Campgrounds

  • PThe Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 5, 2026

    Graceland RV Park & Campground

    A Great Place to Stay for the Full Memphis Experience

    We really enjoyed our stay at Graceland RV Park and Campground. If you’re coming to Memphis to visit Graceland, it’s hard to beat the location. Being so close made everything easy and gave us plenty of time to enjoy the whole experience without rushing.

    The Graceland Mansion tour was fantastic. Even if you’ve seen it countless times on TV, actually walking through Elvis’s home and seeing the rooms for yourself is something completely different. There’s so much history there, and it really gives you a sense of the man behind the legend.

    We were equally impressed with the museums and exhibits. There is far more to see than we expected, from Elvis’s cars and stage outfits to memorabilia and displays covering his incredible career. Give yourself a good 3–4 hours at a minimum to see everything properly. You could easily spend longer if you’re a big Elvis fan.

    While we were in Memphis, we also made the trip downtown to Beale Street, and we’re glad we did. It’s exactly the kind of place you picture when you think of Memphis — live music coming from the bars, plenty of restaurants, lots of places to grab a drink and a great atmosphere as you walk along the street. It made for a brilliant evening after spending the day at Graceland.

    For us, staying at Graceland RV Park, touring the mansion and museums, and then experiencing the music, bars and restaurants of Beale Street made for a memorable Memphis visit.

    We’d happily stay here again. If you’re traveling by RV and Graceland is on your bucket list, this is a great place to make your base.

  • Jenna W.
    Oct. 4, 2026

    Smoky Mountain Springs Campground

    Not transparent

    We booked online and it said there were 40 sites available. We booked site 7.  Upon arrival, there was a gated entrance. We called the number provided and there was no answer, so we could not get in. Another resident entered a code, so we followed behind. Our site 7 was booked. Nearly all of the sites were booked with presumably long term residents. I attempted to call the owner again, with no answer. Very dissatisfied.

  • Katie D.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 1, 2026

    Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

    A little tight, and the dump station is stupid…but park is beautiful

    Loved the park. Waterfalls, hiking, nice campground, overall very nice stay. Turns were a little tight but made it okay. Dump station looks like it was designed by someone who’s never dumped an RV. The sewer spot was elevated (above my dump connection!), and required stupid tactics (fill hose, shut valve, dump hose contents, open valve, fill hose………).

  • Zakiah H.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 30, 2026

    Weaver Bend Road

    Quiet, Primitive & Peaceful

    Great site! Right on the water. Nice water hole on the backside of the site. I was able to take a WILD BATH 🛀🧼

  • MThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 27, 2026

    Stoney Creek Travel Park

    Overnight stop

    Very clean. Full hookup. Large pull through sites. No fire rings. Close to highway but didn’t hear a thing

  • Greta H.
    Sep. 25, 2026

    Elm Hill RV Resort

    Horrific Customer Service/Watch out for 14 Day Policy

    I called today (a week and a half in advance) for a reservation that I had booked recently. Our driving plans changed and I wanted to cancel and receive a refund. I was informed they have a 14 day policy. Apparently it is their policy, nothing was emailed or texted to me or verbally given. However if I don’t “ask,” it is apparently my problem. Okay touché. And well I realize this may be their policy, 14 days is ridiculous. They offered me a “camp credit and it’s good for 1 year.” 🤣😮‍💨 I told her we live in Arizona. And she says “okay.” Not even effort for a partial refund. Beware of the terrible customer service. This is completely unprofessional.

  • DThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 25, 2026

    Seven Points

    Very nice clean quiet campground

    Only here for an overnight but would definitely recommend. Huge sites. Very quiet. Clean campground. Host was very friendly.

  • Pat C.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 25, 2026

    Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    Friendly and everything you would need and more

    Dog park, laundry. Showers,come by pick up trash, have lawn chairs, outdoor sports item to rent, have over flow area to park extra vehicles, lot size ample for extra large trailers or tents cabins to rent popular places to eat or shop in walking distances had arts and craft show going that was going to be there a month kept clean water walk with duck's

  • bThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 25, 2026

    Cub Lake Campground #2 — Natchez Trace State Park

    Wonderful overnight spot

    Beautiful camp area. The tent camp loop was closed so I stayed in the full hook up area. Did not need electricity or water but the great washroom had flush toilets and showers. Very clean. Camp host was wonderful. It says it’s just off I40 but the camping area was more like 7 or 8 miles in. Perfect for no road noise. The lake is wonderful. Great walking around the area.

Guide to Tennessee

Camping in Tennessee offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, Tennessee has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking: Many campgrounds, like Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground, have well-maintained trails. One camper mentioned, “The hiking trails were well maintained but vary in difficulty.”
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A visitor shared, “The campground is quiet, clean, beautiful. So nice to be on the river.”
  • Exploring Waterfalls: Foster Falls Campground is known for its stunning waterfalls. One reviewer said, “The landscape is absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Edgar Evins State Park Campground noted, “Facilities were clean. Would recommend.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Rock Island State Park Campground said, “Staff was super friendly and helpful.”
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space. A review from Baileys Point highlighted, “Great level gravel site. The sites are spaced just right.”

What you should know

  • Crowded During Peak Season: Some parks can get busy, especially in summer. A camper at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground mentioned, “The park is a top visited park in TN - it’s crowded.”
  • Limited Amenities at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Foster Falls Campground pointed out, “There are no electrical hookups. There are also no generators allowed.”
  • Check Site Conditions: Some sites may have steep inclines or be hard to access. A camper at Edgar Evins State Park Campground advised, “I definitely recommend either scouting out a site before booking or researching well which site would be a good fit.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for parks with activities for kids. One camper at Henry Horton State Park Campground said, “Enjoyed walking along the river. It is not secluded and is right off a local highway but has many conveniences.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of things to do. A family at Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground enjoyed, “There are so many trails, playgrounds, and bike/walk friendly roads.”
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A camper at Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground mentioned, “The campground was excellent!!”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Rock Island State Park Campground noted, “This is not a big rig friendly park, but lots of people still crammed their campers that were too big onto the sites.”
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer limited hookups. A camper at Edgar Evins State Park Campground mentioned, “Only Campground 3 was open during our stay.”
  • Plan for Leveling: Be prepared for uneven sites. A visitor at Rock Island State Park Campground said, “The only issue we had was leveling our camper, there was a 7in difference between the sides.”

Tennessee camping offers a variety of experiences, so whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best state parks in Tennessee for camping?

Tennessee offers exceptional state park camping experiences. Pickwick Landing State Park Campground features rustic sites with new bathhouse facilities, a playground, and convenient firewood sales. The park also offers a lodge with restaurant and beautiful cabins near the Tennessee River. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground is another standout destination with multiple camping options including drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in sites, plus access to stunning waterfalls. Other excellent choices include Rock Island State Park with its unique geological features, Montgomery Bell for its central location, and Edgar Evins with its distinctive platform sites overlooking Center Hill Lake. Most Tennessee state parks offer reservable sites with water and toilet facilities, though amenities vary by location.

Where can families find the most kid-friendly campgrounds in Tennessee?

Harrison Bay State Park Campground stands out for families with children, offering excellent playgrounds, bicycle paths, and access to Chickamauga Lake on the Tennessee River. Located about 30 minutes from Chattanooga, it provides convenient access to additional family attractions. Greenbrier Campground near Gatlinburg offers family-friendly amenities with proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park activities. Many Tennessee KOAs, including Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA, cater specifically to families with swimming pools, game rooms, and organized activities. Look for campgrounds with modern bathhouses, playground equipment, swimming areas, hiking trails appropriate for various ages, and proximity to area attractions. The Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area offers numerous family-friendly camping options with easy access to entertainment and outdoor recreation.

How do camping options differ between East, Middle, and West Tennessee?

Each Tennessee region offers distinct camping experiences. East Tennessee features mountain camping in the Smokies and alongside Cherokee National Forest. Anchor Down RV Resort exemplifies east Tennessee camping with sites overlooking Douglas Lake against the Smoky Mountain backdrop. Middle Tennessee offers a mix of woodland and lakeside camping with more moderate terrain, like Montgomery Bell State Park Campground featuring a variety of site types. West Tennessee provides unique wetland and river-based camping experiences, exemplified by Reelfoot Lake State Park Campgrounds, offering secluded water-adjacent sites and Blue Bank Resort on Reelfoot Lake. Eastern campgrounds typically feature more elevation changes and cooler temperatures, middle Tennessee offers rolling hills and moderate terrain, while western Tennessee provides flatter sites often near Mississippi River tributaries.

What tent camping options are available throughout Tennessee?

Tennessee offers diverse tent camping experiences across the state. For primitive options, Spring Creek Primitive Campground — Mousetail Landing State Park provides a small, shaded, and quiet experience off the beaten path near the Tennessee River. Starr Mountain Area offers more adventurous primitive camping with stunning views and rugged terrain for those willing to hike. For unique experiences, Ray of Hope Guest Ranch and Horse Motel features yurt camping with panoramic hillside views and incredible stargazing opportunities. The Great Smoky Mountains provide numerous tent camping options, from established campgrounds to backcountry sites. Most state parks offer tent-specific areas, and many private campgrounds throughout Tennessee accommodate tent campers with dedicated sites away from RV sections.

Keep Exploring

  5. View all Tennessee cities for camping