Beyond the resort-style glamping available at Jellystone Park Memphis, the Germantown area offers diverse camping opportunities within a 45-mile radius. Located in western Tennessee near the Mississippi border, Germantown experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making camping possible year-round with appropriate preparation. The surrounding countryside features rolling hills, lake areas, and mixed hardwood forests typical of the region.
What to do
Fishing at Hernando Point: Located 30 minutes southwest of Germantown, this campground provides direct access to Arkabutla Lake with multiple fishing spots. "Very clean restrooms and shower areas. Site had grill, fire ring, and picnic table. Water and electric hookup," notes Suzi T. from Hernando Point.
Disc golf in wooded setting: Wall Doxey State Park features a complete disc golf course winding through pine forest. "The highlight for us is the disc golf course the winds through the pine forest," shares Brandon R. from Wall Doxey State Park Campground, though he warns about ticks during warm months.
Water recreation options: Many area campgrounds offer swimming, paddling, and boating opportunities. At Serendipity Resort, "There is paddle boarding, kayaking, and a small John boat included with the park. There is also a very nice spacious pool that is included as well. The pool is 11ft deep so there's no issues with using the diving board," according to Nathan B.
What campers like
Yurt camping near Germantown: Chewalla Lake Recreation Area offers yurt accommodations within an hour's drive of Germantown. "The shaded footpaths make walking the trails on a hot day still enjoyable. Quiet, low humidity, and plenty of camp sites to choose from make this location a great place to unplug and relax," reports Josh G. from Chewalla Lake Recreation Area.
Food delivery service: Some campgrounds offer the convenience of prepared food. At Memphis KOA, campers appreciate that "they offer meals delivered to your site! Great meal!" according to Brent C. from Memphis KOA.
Modern bathroom facilities: Clean, well-maintained facilities are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. "Very clean showers, bathroom and laundry. The grounds are impeccable and sites and roads are all paved. Site 21 is nice and private at end of a row and is pull thru," notes LuAnn R. about EZ Daze RV Park.
What you should know
Campsite availability issues: Some campgrounds have limited availability or unclear site designation. At EZ Daze RV Park, one camper noted, "The park is nice and clean. Really quiet the night we stayed. But don't expect much Info or help if checking in after hours... no map or legend showing what spots were available for the night anywhere."
Tick prevention essential: For tent camping or activities in wooded areas, ticks are a concern during warm months. A reviewer mentions the pine forests at Wall Doxey State Park pose a risk: "If you are camping here anytime during the warmer months, be ready to pick ticks off of everyone!"
Variable campground maintenance: Maintenance standards differ significantly between campgrounds. Some visitors to John W Kyle State Park reported, "This park is badly in need of repairs and maintenance. I am not sure if any of the bathrooms are open as I went to 3, that were out of service."
Tips for camping with families
Halloween festivities: Wall Doxey State Park hosts special Halloween events. "Every camp site had wonderful decorations and the kids had such a blast. It was awesome," writes Fred S., making it an excellent fall destination for families with children.
Water parks and activities: Some resorts incorporate extensive water features. At Serendipity Resort, "my kids used the water park. They had a blast on the jumpers and got very wore out. The water park is a $20 charge a piece on the first day and goes down to $10 a day for the rest of your stay."
Playground availability varies: Not all campgrounds prioritize playground equipment. At Dub Patton Campground, a camper mentioned, "The playground could use an update, but it does the job keeping the kids entertained." When seeking specialized yurt camping around Germantown, Tennessee, confirm amenities before booking.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Water and electric connections aren't always conveniently placed. As one visitor to John W Kyle State Park noted, "We did have to buy an extra hose to reach water hookup but other than that, it was good. We did not book a site with sewer hookups, but the dump station was easy to find."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region feature uneven sites. "Most sites are not leveled. Water and electric hookups. We were given space #60 but would not have been able to open slides because of trees so we took another space," reports a camper at Wall Doxey.
Road conditions vary: Some campgrounds have deteriorating internal roads. "Roads inside the campground were atrocious, required dodging tree limbs and holes," reported one RVer about Chewalla Lake Recreation Area, suggesting larger rigs should research carefully before booking.
