Best Tent Camping near Germantown, TN

Tent camping options around Germantown, Tennessee primarily consist of primitive sites at nearby lakes and reservoirs in northern Mississippi. Kellys Crossing Campground near Coldwater offers tent-only sites with access to Arkabutla Lake, while Beach Point at Sardis Lake provides lakeside tent camping with basic amenities. These areas are typically 30-60 minutes from Germantown, positioned along the Mississippi-Tennessee border where forested areas meet reservoir recreation zones.

Most tent sites in the region offer minimal amenities but scenic water views. Campgrounds like Elmers Hill feature drinking water and toilets but no electric hookups, making them suitable for primitive tent setups. Access varies significantly between locations, with many sites requiring walk-in or boat-in access. A review mentioned, "Cars stay in the parking lot, and you walk up to your site. Pretty basic. Running water, flushable toilets, no showers." Facilities at most locations include pit toilets or vault bathrooms, picnic tables, and trash collection, though campers should verify current conditions as maintenance issues have been reported at several sites.

Backcountry tent camping areas around Sardis Lake and Cox Lake provide greater seclusion for those seeking quieter experiences. Graham Lake offers free camping with no hookups but includes picnic tables and basic toilet facilities, making it popular for overnight stays. During off-peak seasons, some campgrounds offer reduced or no fees. A visitor commented that Beach Point was "free in the off season" with each site having "a table, trash can and grill." Tent campers frequently encounter wildlife and enjoy water access, though seasonal conditions affect the camping experience substantially. Summer months can bring biting flies and insects, while shoulder seasons offer more comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors at most tent camping locations.

Best Tent Sites Near Germantown, Tennessee (7)

    1. Kellys Crossing Campground

    2 Reviews
    O.C. Fisher Lake, TX
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (662) 562-6261

    "This is an off the beaten path area for standard recreation. It’s technically a boat ramp that accesses Arkabutla Lake with picnic and camping areas nearby."

    2. Pleasant Hill Campground

    1 Review
    O.C. Fisher Lake, TX
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (662) 562-6261

    3. Cox Lake

    2 Reviews
    Potts Camp, MS
    40 miles
    Website

    4. Beach Point - Sardis Lake

    4 Reviews
    Sardis, MS
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (662) 563-4531

    $8 / night

    "We reserved campsites 13 and 14, at the far end, behind the restrooms. You have to park in the parking lot and carry your stuff to the site."

    "Cars stay in the parking lot, and you walk up to your site. Pretty basic. Running water, flushable toilets, no showers. Quiet area. Early march, it was raining and I was the only one there"

    5. Graham Lake

    1 Review
    Waterford, MS
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (662) 563-4531

    "No hookups. Nothing. But, it is a free campground so what can you say. It’s rather nice there. This is a very small campground with about 5 spots."

    6. Elmers Hill

    1 Review
    Sardis, MS
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (662) 563-4531

    "Nice little spot with about 8 tent sites. No hookups of any kind for campers. Bathrooms are currently closed, but we’re nice when we stayed there, but old. Drinking water is available."

    7. Hays Crossing

    1 Review
    Sardis, MS
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (662) 563-4531
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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Germantown, TN

2 Photos of 7 Germantown Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Germantown, TN

373 Reviews of 7 Germantown Campgrounds


  • Denise B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 31, 2021

    Hollywood Casino RV Park - Tunica

    Super quiet

    Super quiet, not equipped for many activities. Some covered picnic tables interspersed. Outdoor cooking allowed unless there is a fire ban. One small commercial washer and two dryers available. Water and electric 50 amp at each site. Dump station. Showers and rest rooms are nice. Great overnight for travelers and good price, $25. Propane available. Ok stay if visiting casino.

  • Michael W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2021

    Fort Pillow Historic State Park Campground

    Great little hidden Gem

    Let me start by saying that the Rangers who run this place are top notch folks. The head Ranger stopped in a couple times every day to ask if we needed anything and to inquire about our opinion of the new site (more on this later). The facilities were well maintained, and a pleasant surprise for such a small state park.

    So, we stayed on site #3. According to the head Ranger, we were the first to camp on this site since its renovation. Previously it had been a tent pad, but was now a concrete pad with a new 50A post and new water hydrant. Online, it lists the site as being 40’ long and 15’ wide. What they don’t tell you is that only the pad is this size. I had another 30’+ of gravel to park on in front of the pad. It was large enough for the biggest of fifth wheels with slides on both sides. There are now 11 total sites like this in the park thanks to recent renovations. All seemed very level. Site #3 and it’s neighbor #2 seemed perfectly level laterally, but required dropping the nose quite a bit to get level longitudinally. I still believe any length RV could pull it off easily. Each concrete site had a charcoal grill with adjustable height grates, a lantern pole, a fire pit with grill grate, and a picnic table that is bolted down (this might be my only nitpick complaint, as I like to move my picnic tables under the awning and on top of my mat... but I understand why it’s done.). The two bath houses are basically single occupancy Men and Women side facilities, but are almost brand new and heated for winter use. The Ranger said they added to accompanying porta potties for extra toilets until they can add an extra stall on each side to the buildings.

    There is no playground in the campground, but a short drive into the park gets you to a very nice picnic area with a playground that looks as new as the bath houses and RV pads. Drive a bit further and you can visit the museum dedicated to the Fort after which the park is named and the men who died there. Get a map and hike the well marked trail to see a recreated portion of the fort (yes, it well marked with colored flashes and signs). Along the drive you will also find a scenic overlook of the Mississippi River and a small lake you can fish in. Canoe, Kayak, and Paddle Boat rentals are available at the museum.

    For those wishing for a more rustic camping experience, the primitive sites here are among the best I have ever seen. Ever site is level, and graveled with smooth pea gravel. They all have the same fire pit, grill, and table as the RV sites. Some Require a bit of a walk from your parking spot, but you will well rewarded with some isolation. The only down side for some is that these sites have no on site water and only a few offer an electric post. There are community hydrants around the park for filling up bottle or tanks.

    My personal favorite spot for primitive tent camping would have been site number 27. It is accessed via a short gravel road off the main paved road and past site 26. While it is a haul to get water, it is almost completely isolated from the rest of the campground and you can drive rite up to it with no walking. It has low ground on three sides. One side is the road leading into the park, but traffic here is light and it shouldnt be an issue.

    Speaking of roads, this place is kind of out in the middle of nowhere, and the roads in can be narrow when meeting oncoming traffic. It’s not terrible but can make you a bit nervous when you meet another RV heading the other way.

    All in all, I would say this park is a gem of a find since the remodeling of the RV sites and a solid 7/10 for those primitive tent campers. My only knock is the lack of a playground for those with kids. If you are empty nesters or young adults or just generally travel without kids, this is a solid 10/10 kind of place.

  • Taylor C.
    Apr. 18, 2024

    Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

    Loved it here!

    Just so beautiful. Trails were well marked but not for faint of heart. Campsites were pretty close together and bathrooms not too great. Little black bugs swarmed on warm nights right a dusk for an hour. There’s an airport nearby and planes were constantly flying over one of the nights. We were the only tent there. Tent pads aren’t clearly marked but plenty of level ground to set up. Lake was gorgeous too, I was literally the only one out there.

  • Curren C.
    Jun. 28, 2022

    Tom Sawyer's RV Park

    Motorcycle Friendly & Free Laundry

    Found this campsite on the Dyrt and was pleasantly surprised with the location and family friendly atmosphere. Right on the River but not swimable water. In an industrial park but felt very safe. Just a few minutes from the interstate.

    The tent site is just a primitive grassy group area but had tons of shade from giant oak trees and is right next to the bathhouse.

    Laundry is free on the second story of the bathhouse which was a wonderful treat.

    The bathrooms weren’t awful but could use some TLC.

    Tent sites do not get picnic tables. No fire rings.

    Overall a decent night’s stay - whatever you do don’t forget your bug spray!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 7, 2022

    South Abutment Recreation Area

    Gorgeous sunrises (and the sunsets aren't bad either)!

    We arrived just before sunset in late November (dang Daylight Savings time) so quickly got to our site and set up. Did not see anyone to check in but had reservations as now are required at all CoE campgrounds (a ranger drove through the next morning). The water level looked to be very low, but we still had a nice view at the end of the loop.

    Sites are FHU and other amenities include a large concrete picnic table, lantern hook, fire pit, BBQ grill, and food prep table. Sites are paved, generous in size, and spaced a very decent distance apart from each other; even though all the leaves had fallen and there were other campers in our loop, I did not feel a lack of privacy.

    The restrooms were clean and although there were paper towels, the soap dispensers were empty (my only beef with this campground)! The showers looked to be reasonable, but it was below freezing the next morning, so I didn’t try them out. There was also what appeared to be a utility sink in the bathroom but no shelves or other place to stage dishes. 

    I can only assume that water sports are in-season and not sure about other recreational activities. Because the ground was frozen the next morning, I was able to walk down to the water and get some great photos of the sunrise and birds. 

    This was just an overnight stay for us but for $12 (with the Golden Access Pass), it is a real bargain and the reason we often seek out Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2018

    Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

    Older Feeling Park With Nice Features

    This was one of the first state parks in Tennessee I visited on my trip through the state. Despite being an older feeling camp it offered many unique features and options for keeping myself entertained. (Check Out Their Website)

    When it came to camping not only were there tent sites but also cabins which had a very rustic feel. I opted for a tent site which ran $25 and had full electrical hookups (site 40), a big perk for charging my devices at the end of a busy day. My site had a bbq grill and fire ring in addition to a picnic table and was well shaded. I felt like the sites along this side of the road were a little more spacious than the other side of the road which were a little more close together.

    I was about half way down the loop and a short distance from the restroom and showers which were in decent shape but nothing super special. The water pressure here was good for showering.

    My favorite thing about this camp was the outdoor activities which seemed to be everywhere. I hiked both the Woodland and Pioneer Springs trails (MAP), each about 4 miles and along the way enjoyed just taking in the outdoors. I will say that if you do any trails in late summer here you will need mosquito spray because they come in droves.

    You can travel to the boat ramp and marina and rent boats there or bring your own to take advantage of the lake which winds through various types of vegetation and allows you to see the lake in a way you cannot from the shore line. I most enjoyed taking out a kayak and exploring the swampy feeling area, though I will say being so close to the Mississippi River I was afraid of what I might find lurking in the water.

    Book Your Site Here

    TIPS:

    • Bring citronella candles for your table when camping and try to put a dryer sheet in your pocket to ward off mosquitoes. In addition to spray these will make your trip here a bit more comfortable.
    • Bring your own firewood if you want to have a campground. There were signs around camp saying not to move wood.
  • Dana B.
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Fort Pillow Historic State Park Campground

    No Privacy

    My husband and I chose this campground because it was in our “Best in Tent Camping Tennessee” guidebook. Not my favorite. The sites are extremely close together and there is absolutely no privacy. We chose an ADA site because my husband is a wheelchair user, but the grassy patch next to the cement was a hill (which made tent camping + wheelchair interesting). There was also zero shade and A LOT of bugs-we got eaten alive. I would only recommend this site for RV users who don’t plan to spend much time outside their rig (or, are camping in cooler months), and don’t care about privacy.

    The bathhouse felt like a sauna-zero ventilation.

    As a an aside the restroom at the visitor’s center is not wheelchair accessible.

  • Suzi T.
    Apr. 15, 2018

    Hernando Point

    Great experience

    Very clean restrooms and shower areas. Site had grill, fire ring, and picnic table. Water and electric hookup

  • Daniel L.
    Oct. 29, 2020

    Fort Pillow Historic State Park Campground

    Good spot for a stop over on a road trip

    We were passing through Memphis and stayed overnight at Fort Pillow. The staff in the office were not super friendly or helpful. I had to ask for everything, like a campsite map to my site, a trail map, and buying firewood. Nothing was offered, so definitely ask. The layout is also backwards. You have to drive all the way to the back of the park to get to the museum visitors center. I am sure there is a practical reason for this, but it wasn’t fully transparent. I always check in to campsite to introduce myself and get a lay of campsite from the people who work there. They just were not very social or helpful.

    We stayed in campsite 4 which is more or less a walk-in type site. You park and then have to haul your gear about 15 yards to your site. The privacy and cliff side campsite is worth it, but there again was no one warning. We were only staying one night and the site was a little impractical for our needs. If you are staying 2-3 nights then grab campsite 4, in the winter months after the leaves have fallen this site would be stunning. It is basically a private overlook to the Mississippi. Only thing that would’ve made this campsite perfect would be running water. Instead you have to walk to the bath house to snag water.

    Amenities:

    There was electrical hookup at site but no water. (Was not able to locate communal water) Bath house cleaned daily and was a private set room style. Tent pad and campsite is pebbles to allow for moisture/bring long stakes or expect to not to be able to stake in your tent.


Guide to Germantown

Tent camping options near Germantown, Tennessee primarily concentrate within northern Mississippi, 30-60 minutes from town. These primitive camping areas typically position visitors along reservoir shores at elevations between 280-330 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures average 35-50°F while summer months reach 85-95°F with high humidity affecting camping comfort.

What to do

Fishing access: Kellys Crossing Campground offers direct lake access with a boat ramp for anglers. A camper noted, "This is an off the beaten path area for standard recreation. It's technically a boat ramp that accesses Arkabutla Lake with picnic and camping areas nearby."

Hiking opportunities: Most campgrounds provide trails with varying difficulty levels through mixed pine and hardwood forests. Short loop trails between 1-3 miles are common around Sardis Lake areas. At Hays Crossing, visitors report, "There is plenty of space to hike and explore. It is a free campground, so really, one can't complain."

Off-season solitude: Winter camping (November-February) provides increased privacy and fewer neighbors. A visitor to Beach Point shared, "We went in the off season so it was free! The view and proximity to the water is truly what makes this spot."

What campers like

Uncrowded camping spots: Most tent areas remain less busy than developed RV campgrounds. At Kellys Crossing, a reviewer mentioned, "The positive is that you won't be fighting a lot of other campers to be able to stay here. Would be a good spot to go if you needed to get away for some solitude."

Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer low-cost or free camping, particularly during winter months. Graham Lake received this note: "No hookups. Nothing. But, it is a free campground so what can you say. It's rather nice there. This is a very small campground with about 5 spots."

Lake views: Campsites often feature direct lake views across Sardis and Arkabutla reservoirs. One camper reported about Beach Point: "Very pretty view of Sardis Lake. The view and proximity to the water is truly what makes this spot."

What you should know

Vehicle parking limitations: Most tent sites require parking in designated lots and walking to campsites. A Beach Point camper explained, "Cars stay in the parking lot, and you walk up to your site. Early March, it was raining and I was the only one there."

Maintenance issues: Several campgrounds report irregular maintenance schedules affecting bathrooms and grounds. At Pleasant Hill, one visitor observed, "The campsites are overgrown or sunken. Looks like no one has camped here or taken care of the property in years."

Insect activity: Biting flies create challenges during warmer months. A Beach Point camper warned: "The flies!! They were so so bad! And bighty!! My poor dogs were covered in flies, as were we."

Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely between locations and seasons. At Cox Lake, visitors should prepare for minimal services. One camper at Graham Lake advised, "Bathrooms are there but bring your own paper."

Tips for camping with families

Best tent-only areas: Elmers Hill provides smaller, more contained camping areas suitable for families with children. A visitor recommended, "This place is a gem if you're a tent camper. Nice little spot with about 8 tent sites. Drinking water is available. A short walk to Sardis Lower Lake."

Pack extra supplies: Facilities may lack basics like toilet paper or trash bags. Bring supplies for 1-2 days beyond planned stay length in case of maintenance issues.

Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise or activity from nearby recreation areas. At Elmers Hill, a camper noted, "There can be a bit of traffic noise as it is nestled between two roads."

Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife encounters including snakes and insects common to lake environments. Keep food secured and campsite clean to minimize unwanted visitors.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Most primitive sites near Germantown accommodate only smaller RVs under 25 feet. At Graham Lake, a camper advised, "Large rigs are a no go I would think, as access can be tight. If you're in a small to medium travel trailer or a tent, this could work out."

Road condition challenges: Access roads to primitive sites often feature ruts, potholes or seasonal flooding issues. One visitor to Hays Crossing warned, "The roads in are horrible. There are people riding off road vehicles in the lake bottoms quite often."

No-hookup planning: Prepare for dry camping without amenities. A visitor to Beach Point noted, "No hook ups of any kind, this is a tent only kind of place. That being said, there was a really sketchy looking van parked with a tent hanging out."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Germantown, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Germantown, TN is Kellys Crossing Campground with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Germantown, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Germantown, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.