Tennessee camping near Grandview offers a mix of primitive and full-service options along the Buffalo River watershed. Located in a region with an average elevation of 850 feet, the area features limestone bluffs and hardwood forests that create natural shade for many campsites. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, making waterfront camping locations particularly desirable during peak season.
What to do
Kayaking the Buffalo River: Crazy Horse Recreational Park offers kayak rentals with shuttle service to various put-in points. "We love to come here for when we kayak the Buffalo. Plenty of open riverfront campsites and shuttles to or from the camp (depending on which route you take)," notes one visitor to Crazy Horse Recreational Park.
Visit Shiloh National Military Park: Located near Pickwick Dam Campground, this historical site attracts history enthusiasts. "It is also close to the Shiloh National Military Park which is the reason we are here," reports one camper who stayed at Pickwick Dam Campground.
Explore Amish Country: David Crockett State Park serves as a good base for exploring local Amish communities. "We also explored the downtown square and then drove out to Amish country. We had the best time driving from house to house to purchase different goodies," shares a visitor to David Crockett State Park.
What campers like
Creek access for cooling off: Heartstone Campground offers creek access deep enough for sitting. "The creek makes a relaxing backdrop to your campfire time at night. The creek is deep enough to sit in, but not swim," explains a camper at Heartstone Campground.
Waterfront camping views: Many sites at Pickwick Dam provide direct water views. "Beautiful view on the TN River and the Pickwick Dam. The only negative is the noise and smell of the paper mill on the opposite side of the river," mentions one reviewer.
Quiet family-oriented areas: Crazy Horse Recreational Park maintains separate camping sections. "Has a family side and another rowdy side across the river. Family side quiet time begins at 10 pm," explains a visitor. Another adds, "There is a family side if you prefer a more quiet, kid-friendly atmosphere."
What you should know
Primitive camping considerations: True yurt camping near Grandview, Tennessee, is limited, but primitive camping options abound. Heartstone Campground provides an authentic off-grid experience. "Heartstone is a primitive campground, with no hook-ups or electricity. They only allow dry camping for trailer campers. I'm pretty sure the limit for a Camper is 25'. Cell phone signals are spotty depending on your carrier, but they have a land line for emergencies."
Seasonal flooding impact: Some campgrounds experience periodic flooding. "This campsite was renovated after flooding occurred. Nice level sites! Our Super C Class did require more blocks for leveling in the front on Site 6," reports a camper at Pickwick Dam Campground.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Facility quality differs between campgrounds. "The bathrooms start out pretty clean, but can quickly get nasty with the traffic of kayak renters and other campers. Showers also are pretty cold on a weekend night," notes a Crazy Horse visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Waterfall access for kids: David Crockett State Park offers natural water features. "The clear creek to play in is gorgeous! The park had so much to offer. Lots of hiking trails, covered bridge, fishing lake w/boat & kayak rentals plus a beautiful waterfall that is great for sunsets!" reports a visitor to J.P. Coleman State Park.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some parks offer recreational facilities. "There is a pool, lots of activities, great clubhouses, and large sites," notes a camper at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace.
Natural wake-up calls: Tent and yurt camping options provide natural surroundings. "It really is in the woods, complete with songbirds to wake you up and crickets to sing you to sleep," shares a Heartstone visitor about the rustic camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Check site dimensions before booking. "We had a corner site and we were really too long for the site, we're 42' long. The electric and water were all in one spot which was at the very end of the camper," cautions a visitor at Buffalo I-40-Exit 143 KOA.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for potentially uneven terrain. "The sites were on hills- which it is Tennessee...but we had a difficult time getting our camper level as it went down hill due to the fact we had to pull up so far it set the camper downhill," notes the same KOA visitor.
Water and electric placement: Hookup locations vary between sites. "The site was well kept. There were hardly any blood sucking bugs and no wildlife for protect our stuff from. I think part of that is this site had flooded and rebuilt recently," shares a Pickwick Dam camper about their experience.
