The region surrounding Hampshire, Tennessee sits on the western edge of the Highland Rim with elevations ranging between 800-1000 feet. Camping options spread across several counties within a 30-mile radius of Hampshire, with most sites situated near water features including the Duck River, Buffalo River, and Piney River. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with summer highs averaging 88°F and winter lows dipping to around 30°F.
What to do
River activities at Crazy Horse Recreational Park: Access to the Buffalo River provides multiple water recreation options. "We love to come here for when we kayak the Buffalo. Plenty of open river front campsites and shuttles to or from the camp (depending on which route you take)," notes Emily S. about Crazy Horse Recreational Park. Another camper mentions "Primative Camping, kayaking & catching tagged small mouth bass was more than an experience! Perks was exploring a cave!!"
Explore Amish country: Several rv camping options near Hampshire, Tennessee are located in or near Amish settlements. A visitor to Heritage Campground and RV Park shares, "Very friendly staff, nice surroundings of Amish settlement, campground itself looks old but, heritage, it's great." The area offers opportunities to visit farms and shops. One camper mentioned, "It was so cool sitting outside and watching the amish buggies drive by! We visited some amish farms close by and found all kinds of stuff! Their candy is so good!!!"
Hiking and outdoor recreation: The Natchez Trace area offers historical sites and hiking trails. "The park is located along the Natchez Trace and it is a great spot to stay if you're wanting to explore the history, hikes, and waterfalls," explains Laura H. The area's natural landscapes include multiple river systems and forested terrain suitable for various outdoor activities.
What campers like
Swimming in clear rivers: The natural water features near Hampshire provide popular swimming spots. A visitor to Piney River Resort states, "This place is amazing! Clean, quiet and waterfront. We stayed in a river front pavilion. That side of the campground is not crowded. The water is crystal clear and cold. We sat in beach chairs and let the current wash over us. The swimming hole was great!" Another camper adds, "We've enjoyed daily time sitting by the river while our kids play and swim."
Peaceful settings: Many campgrounds offer quiet environments away from urban areas. "Very peaceful campground right on the river! Staff was very helpful. We stayed at a site with a pavilion right on the river and it was great! Our girls enjoyed swimming, fishing, and kayaking," shares Ashlee B. Campers frequently mention the tranquil atmosphere as a major draw for camping in this region.
Community amenities: Campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities and activities. One visitor to Campers RV Park noted, "There is a playground, hammock hut, and game area for the kids to stay entertained." Another camper shared, "Activities everywhere! There are pavilions and out buildings setup with games, hammocks, and all kinds of fun family-friendly things to see and do."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. A camper at Piney River Resort warns, "Staff we talked to was very kind but the drive in from the highway was very scary on narrow, windy roads with dropoffs on the side. We took the staff recommended route in and Co-Pilot's route out and both were scary in our Class A towing a car hauler." Access issues appear at multiple locations in the region.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Thousand Trails Natchez Trace reports, "I had absolutely no cell service through Verizon and my T-Mobile 5g internet had no reception either (even with a booster). Luckily, I was able to rely on my Starlink." Similar connectivity issues are mentioned at other campgrounds in the area.
Bridge clearance restrictions: Some RV parks have specific route requirements. "Most importantly, there is a special way to get into this park. They have a low bridge right outside of their park that prevents you from getting here the easy way. The bridge is at 12ft if I remember correctly, it is too low for most 5th wheels and many class As," cautions one camper about Thousand Trails Natchez Trace.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with designated family areas: Some parks offer separate camping zones. "Has a family side and another rowdy side across the river. Family side quiet time begins at 10 pm," notes a visitor about Crazy Horse Recreational Park. This separation helps ensure appropriate environments for different camping groups.
Look for water recreation options: River access provides natural entertainment. "Fishing and kayaking too! The roads to get here are not the norm but we had no issues. Just be sure to follow the directions the hosts send you," advises Elizabeth S. Water activities are consistently mentioned as favorite family activities in this region.
Check for playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer specific amenities for children. A camper at Southern Comfort RV Park and Campground mentions, "Great place to stay. Pet friendly. Nice walking trail." Walking trails can provide additional recreation options for families with children of various ages.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Surface conditions vary between parks. A visitor to Campers RV Park shares, "The pull thru sites have been widened and are more accommodating for larger RVs. They are working on adding a few more pull thru sites as well. The sites are gravel and mostly level. All sites are FHU." Leveling capabilities should be considered when selecting a campground.
Check campground size restrictions: Not all parks accommodate larger rigs. A reviewer notes about Hudson Hideaway RV Retreat, "If a quiet country setting in the heart of Tennessee Amish Country is enjoyable to you, this is the perfect place for you." This small park with only 10 sites caters exclusively to RVs with big-rig friendly spaces.
Follow campground-provided directions: GPS and mapping applications may not provide the best routes. "Tip💡: follow the directions on their website!" advises one camper about Piney River Resort. Most campgrounds in the area provide specific routing instructions to avoid difficult road conditions or low clearance obstacles.
