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Best Campgrounds in Tennessee

4,735 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.

Map showing campgrounds in TennesseeExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites in Tennessee (925)

    1. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

    145 Reviews
    Spencer, TN
    Website
    +1 (423) 881-5298

    $8 - $32 / night

    "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

    124 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

    98 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

    70 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

    70 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

    65 Reviews
    Burns, TN
    Website
    +1 (615) 797-9052

    "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

    56 Reviews
    Lancaster, TN
    Website

    "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

    57 Reviews
    Harrison, TN
    Website
    +1 (423) 344-6214

    $22 - $28 / night

    "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

    55 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. Rock Island State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    Rock Island, TN
    Website
    +1 (931) 686-2471

    "Rock Island State Park is situated in the middle of Tennessee. The park itself is surrounded by beautiful forest and some pretty great and easy hiking trails. The falls themselves are a sight to see."

    "This is a small State Park and campground area in the lower part of middle Tennessee, but if you like to see some great waterfalls and a some history on this part of Tennessee you will not be disappointed"

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Recent Camping Photos in Tennessee

1626 Photos of 925 Tennessee Campgrounds

Recent Reviews in Tennessee

4735 Reviews of 925 Tennessee Campgrounds

  • Dennis H.
    Nov. 4, 2025

    countryside RV park

    Owner is great

    The owner, James is great guy. Makes sure you have a pleasant stay

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    West Ridge Outdoor Resort

    Peaceful Stay

    The grounds are well maintained, the RV sites are roomy with full hookups, and the setting is serene. Staff was friendly, and the proximity to Discovery Park made it super convenient.

  • Ken A.
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Little River Campground & RV Resort

    A Bit of a Let Down.

    The campground was clean and friendly and surprisingly quiet considering how full it was. The sites are very tight for bigger rigs and the sites are very close together. We stayed multiple days and we had to cut our trip short by two days. We checked out early and spoke with a very friendly staff member about refunding the two days we were not able to stay. She informed us that the manager was not there and that she would let her know when she came in and she could refund the two nights. We received a call later from the employee and she told us the manager said she would not be able to refund us and if we wanted to call her she would give us her number and her name was Bunny. We gave her call and explained our situation and she said that unless someone had died or had to go to the hospital they didn't issue refunds. I explained without giving too much personal details that we had to leave due to some circumstances and she said she would issue us a voucher for one night if we liked. Probably would have stayed there again with our smaller camper and our not fifth wheel and recommended to friends as well but it came across to us that once they had our money it was our loss.

  • e
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Campers RV Park

    Not worth the price

    They say they have bathroom and showers for camper but that is not necessarily so. You have to rent one of their cabins to get to use the bathhouses.

    Not worth the $65 per night.

    Had I known before hand I would have went a few short miles down the road to the much cheaper state park that has bathhouses.

    The not so friendly lady at the front desk didn’t say anything about no access to bathhouses until after I had paid and gotten my site number. The “oh yeah by the way” in regards to the bathhouses was kinda underhanded.

  • L
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake

    Good Pros and Really Bad Cons

    WARNING - If you have an RV t the turn around to get out is VERY steep. We watched an RV get very scraped up. If you're not a confident driver this isn't the spot for you.

    Stayed here because: It was the only campground near Nashville with last-minute openings.

    Overall: Not very dog or child friendly. The entire campground sits on a steep hill leading down to the lake. Most sites are separated by riprap (large rocks), so there’s very little flat space. Our dog had almost nowhere to walk, and I’d be worried about small kids falling.

    Pros:

    Beautiful lake views from nearly every site which is a very very good pro. The views were amazing. But are they enough to make up for the cons??

    Most sites (especially tent sites) are shaded

    Cons:

    Very steep hill throughout the campground

    Most sites require climbing 3–5 flights of stairs

    Little to no space around the fire pit (ours barely fit two chairs)

    Not much room for dogs to walk safely

    Site #87 had no stairs, but it lacked all privacy and was next to the road and bathhouse lights

    Bathroom heaters stopped working half way through the trip and temps dropped into 40s.

  • Kc K.
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Cherokee Dam Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    Peaceful and beautiful

    Small quiet campground. Site is on the water, but with the hill and trees it isn't easily accessible. Quick walk over to the boat ramp and swim area. This site as a little snug I snug to back into with a tree on my each side and a downhill drive. But overall it is great.

  • David R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Holleman's Bend Camping Area

    Nice spot

    This campsite was easy to find, which made arrival stress-free. While the cell service was a bit spotty, it actually helped me disconnect and enjoy the surroundings. Overall, a great site—quiet, scenic, and well worth the visit.

  • Ryan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Beauty Spot Gap on Unaka Mountain

    Not a rv spot

    Place pretty busy. Its more of a trail head parking lot. Good tent camping if you hike down the trail

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.

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