Searching for a tent camping spot near Helenwood? Find the best tent camping sites near Helenwood. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Rock Creek Campground is located near the Emory River in the Obed Wild and Scenic River.
Whitewater paddling is available seasonally in the Obed WSR. Rock climbing is another challenging activity, as is boulder climbing. The Obed WSR sports several unique trails for hikers, most notably the Point Trail and a portion of the Cumberland Trail. Those who like to fish will enjoy the Obed WSR, as a variety of bass, bluegill, catfish and other fish populate the river. Birdwatching is also a fun activity, particularly during the migratory seasons.
The Obed River winds through the Cumberland Plateau offering a variety of recreational activities for everyone.
Just a few miles from the park is Frozen Head State Park which encompasses more than 24,000 acres of forest with mountainous terrain at an elevation from 1,340 feet to over 3,000 feet. Catoosa Wildlife Management Area is an 82,000 acre preserve with a focus on hunting and fishing but offering a wealth of other recreational activities as well. Lone Mountain State Forest is 3,600 acres and has 15 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.
$15 / night
Trails from the brewery lead to the Lilly Pad Campground. There are several acres of primitive sites in a wooded setting along the outskirts of the Obed Wild and Scenic River. The national park is within walking distance and hosts some of the most beautiful scenery, amazing rock climbing, and challenging kayaking in East Tennessee. The campground is open all day every day. It is 5.00 per person, per night. Water and porta-potties available. Firewood is provided for fires at designated sites only. Reservations are not required. We cannot accommodate RVs or large pull behinds. Tear drops and small pop ups are fine. Thank you!
$30 / night
This hidden paradise has a waterfall that used to have a mill on it in the early 1900's. There are cliffs on each side of the creek making it the perfect spot for serene relaxation. Following upstream is an assortment of spots to pitch a tent. The most notable sites are surrounded by hemlock tree's and is peaceful when birds chirp over the small rapids echoing from the large overhang
*I am in the process of making multiple sites but until I do so it is first come first serve. There are multiple sites at main campsite and along creek, I've had a private event of thirty people staying at once. There are also smaller spots next to waterfall, uphill near cliff and I've had people go below falls for some complete wilderness (blocked by gorge and waterfall). With this being said, I do offer private bookings and accommodate special events!
*I travel for work, so I won't always be here, but I will send directions and details after confirmation and make sure all is savvy during. Please be respectful to one and another and let me know asap if any issues arise but truthfully everyone has been amazing and I thoroughly enjoy meeting and getting to know everyone!
$35 - $45 / night
Reflection Tree Art Farm is a hidden paradise high upon Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau. It’s a place where wide-open skies reflect every shade of blue by day and the milky way lights up the night, where rainbows arc to find their golden end, and red-orange sunsets take your breath away. It’s a birder’s dream and a dreamer’s little bit-o-heaven. The dreamers, Eric and Aimee Dixon, had a plan and were just getting started when Aimee was killed in a tragic auto accident. But Aimee’s spirit and their dreams live on and with the help of friends and family, Reflection Tree will continue to grow and bloom. Located northwest of Oak Ridge and Knoxville, we are a short drive north of Crossville, TN.
https:www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079769809376
Nestled in a lovely 20-acre wood with gentle walking trails and a peaceful forest pond, your fully equipped Tentrr campsite offers everything you will need and we look forward to making your stay as carefree as possible. Your Reflection Tree experience may be a relaxing weekend camping retreat or perhaps a longer stay to enjoy some of the adventures available within easy driving distance.
Right here at Reflection Tree you may wish to participate in one of a variety of planned classes or workshops in the arts and crafts. The big red Art Barn is currently under construction. When complete, the lower floor will be equipped with a potter’s studio, blacksmith forge and woodworking shops with classes for all skill levels. For the more advanced, we will also offer day-use of the equipment.
The upper level of the Art Barn will provide additional accommodations to include 4 bedrooms, a kitchen and a full bathroom as well as indoor and outdoor spaces for large group gatherings, classes, etc. Reflection Tree Art Farm is also a chemical free, regenerative farm and will offer classes for those who wish to learn these techniques. We will have fresh seasonal foods available for the guests as well. Note: To make reservations for the Art Barn, please contact Eric directly at Reflection Tree Art Farm.
For explorers and adventure seekers, Reflection Tree can be an ideal base camp for a host of opportunities within an easy drive: paddlers and climbers, hikers and nature lovers will find your paradise in some of Tennessee’s most beloved State and National Parks, including The Obed Wild and Scenic River System, https://www.nps.gov/obed/index.htm (An international Dark Sky park), Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area https://www.nps.gov/biso/index.htm and Picket State Park https://tnstateparks.com/parks/pickett, as well as a few well-kept-secret places.
History and culture buffs will enjoy the seasonal opportunities for visitors in Muddy Pond and other nearby Mennonite and Amish Communities. https://muddypondofficial.com/ Savor the flavor of “olden times” in the country store just down the road at Clark Range or visit one of our farmer’s markets at Jamestown or Crossville.
Just passing through and looking for a cool place to stay overnight? The I-40 exit at Crossville will get you here in just 30 minutes. Stay one night and you will want to make Reflection Tree Art Farm a destination.
Whatever you choose to do, when the day is done, you may want to enjoy a robust craft brew or a glass of fine wine and some live entertainment at one of our local breweries or wineries.
$25 - $35 / night
Tucked in at the Base of Windrock Mountain
Welcome to the Windrock Ridge Campground, located in Oliver Springs, TN. Our beautiful campground is located at the foot of Windrock Mountain, where 4-wheeling and ATV riding is in our backyard. We have had a variety of names, but no matter what you call us, we’d love to have you stay with us! Enjoy EASY, FAST access directly from our campground to the “Mountain”, without hauling your ATV. We have a variety of accommodations that are sure to fit your needs.
Our primal campground has a stream, rolling hills, lots of flat landings and beautiful views. This is perfect for your next camping trip here in Eastern Tennessee! Whether you’re coming to hike, ride or just get away and enjoy the outdoors, we’d love for you to see what we have to offer during your next trip to Oliver Springs and Windrock Mountain. We are at the base of main Trail 2, which is easily accessed from the entrance of our campground.
Ginseng farming is NOT allowed on this property
$20 - $49 / night
This is a unique Solar Powered Cabin. Sunlight charges the batteries through the day so you can use all the cabin amenities. Just remember, conserving power is an important feature, But if the sunlight is short, no worries, we keep a full generator on site. The cabin has power, running water, 2 burner stove, mini fridge, kitchen sink, eating area, shower, compost toilet, fire pit, back deck and wifi
$85 - $95 / night
Norris Dam State Park has three backcountry campsites.
There are two new backcountry sites on one of the trails at Norris Dam State Park. Backcountry Site 1 is overlooking Norris Lake and is big enough for two small tents. Capacity is four people.
Backcountry Site 2 is along Lakeview Trail, and is big enough for one tent and capacity is four people also. Both sites have fire rings with a grill attachment and a level area. No water or electric is available. The trail to get to these two sites begins at the TVA / Camp Kinchen parking area. Round trip to either site is roughly 11.5 miles.
Backcountry Site 3 is located on top of Andrews Ridge with beautiful views of Norris Lake during the winter. There is a stone fire ring. No water or electric is available. The site will accommodate up to three tents and six people.
Please practice Leave No Trace and pack everything in and everything out. Reservations may be made online, but please check in at the park office prior to setting out.
Traveler
Review from the perspective of a motorcycle traveler tent camping. Tent sites are along two sides of a river. Clean and well maintained. Nice hidden gem. Honor system payment of $15 at envelope boxes.
Traveler
Review from the perspective of a motorcycle traveler tent camping. Tent sites are along a stream on Racoon side. Got surprised by a bear while gathering firewood nearby. Clean and well maintained although it was a sleepless night because of a group of drunk locals.
Legend
The primitive tent sites are amazing, I didn’t give it 5 stars only because you can hear a little bit of road noise, as the campground is near the interstate. If you visit in spring, the lake water may not have risen yet, so summer would be better if you want to enjoy lake front camping! We took our rooftop tent and had a perfect corner spot next to the creek. Plenty of room on each site for tent camping. The bath house is pretty far away too. Overall, we love this campground, and the tent sites are the best, can’t wait to camp here this summer!
Traveler
The location of the sprawling campground is beautiful on the popular Dale Hollow Lake. The kids enjoyed the beach. However, the tent sites were limited to the inner circle areas, as opposed to the right on the water with great views for the concrete-heavy RV sites. However, the worst part was the size and placement of the tent sites. they are tiny and I have no idea how anyone would find the space, much less a level spot, for a normal family tent. We didn't actually stay within our site with 2 small 2-person backpacking tents. We considered using an RV site but didn't see one with level grassy areas.
Edited: We were camped illegally on the grass. Tents are supposed to be on the uneven gravel pads. So 3 tent sites and their parking have a maybe 40 x 50 gravel/asphalt area.
There has to be better places to tent camp in this beautiful area
Guide
The tent camp sites on the island were aptly distanced from one another. The other campers seemed to have an unspoken sense of support. Multiple people offered ice, and even campground host offered to air up air mattresses.
There was plenty of driftwood on site to burn, but if you're going to cook all your meals, I'd bring charcoal or your own wood. Note: they have wood restrictions - heed those.
There was some noise at night from the boats, but nothing unmanageable or what I would consider a nuisance.
The island tent area is a park and walk and the campground has 2 carts for people to use.
The views from the island are unfathomably beautiful.
Legend
Had a nice week camping in a tent right on the side of the lake. The bathroom facilities were good, plenty of hot water for showers and the place was kept clean. When we stayed it was nice and quiet during the first week of the season.
Guide
This was my first time to the Niagara of the South. My husband and I left our dog back in Louisville for this trip which was originally an attempt to see the moon bow at Cumberland Falls.
We looked at the tent site map on the state resort park map and nothing looked GREAT except for Clifty Campground spots 050, 048, and 049 they all look isolated from any of the other sites with 050 being a site that you have to traverse a grassy/rocky area from your car to set up.
We opted for spot 047 because, on the map, it looked set back from the campground road… and it was… sorta. Nothing at this campsite is going to be private. The majority of the sites do not have so much as a weed between them although the sites themselves are very roomy for car camping. Your vehicle will be a presence at the site, which have electric hookups so if, like me, you have an electric car… it's nice to be able to simply plug the car in. This site did not get a lot of shade except for where we had the tent set up, and still… that would've received sun had it not been raining.
Our site had a good picnic bench, a sturdy wooden post for hanging trash etc and the fire pit seemed pretty new. The grill wasn't bent at all, which was a 1st in my years of camping. The view from this site was pretty cool… we set out tent up at the furthest out spot on the small cliff as we could before it turned to mostly rock and faced the door out over the trails. We hung our rain tarp because, instead of a moon bow, we endured a nearly 24 hour torrential downpour. The tarp, which is small, and having the tent faced appropriately gave us a semblance of privacy although we had a camper van family next to us. Site has a lot of gravel so it was reasonably muddy but not dried out quick.
There are a lot of raccoons that visit the dumpster area so expect it to be a little messy if your fellow campers aren't shutting the dumpster lids. Shower facilities reminded me of middle school camp… kind of mildewed… and well… rustic. Everything functioned and it wasn't "gross" just old. Water was hot. Toilet stalls (ladies) were small. I weight 130 and at 5 foot 2 it was a tight squeeze for me.
We hiked the WIldflower Loop Trail (1.5 miles) in a drizzle and although wet it was safe. When the rain stopped we hiked Eagle Falls Trail and it was very muddy but the views were worth it.
Would love to go back but if camping in a tent it's a must to get one of the two more private spots, or at the very least
Scout
The tent sites are park and walk. The furthest tent site is about a 1/4 mile from where you park. Just an FYI.
GuideWe stayed at site RV33. We have a 25ft travel trailer and it was perfect. There were two tent sites very close to us, but we had more than enough room. If we were to go again, we would pull straight into the site (this would have put our slide towards the road). The tent sites looked to be the best tent sites I’ve seen. The bath house was very clean. The staff was very helpful. There were trails from the campground to Cumberland Falls. We hiked to see Cumberland Falls (from the lodge) and Eagle Falls. After a short drive, we hiked Natural Arch and Yahoo Falls.
Legend
Halfmoon Campground is located near Windrock Off-Road Park and has RV sites, tent sites, and cabins. RV sites have power (up to 50amp) and water, and have decent separation between sites. The RV sites are in a grassy field so minimal shade. The majority of the Tent sites are dry camping (no power or water), however, there are 3 tent sites near the bathhouse that do have power and water. The tents site are in the woods so plenty of shade. The cabins have parking that can accommodate multiple vehicles. Clean and functional bathhouse. Dump station near the bathhouse. Fire wood and ice is available near the bathhouse and has a self pay setup. The campground also includes a vehicle wash station and trailer parking area if you trailered in your off-road vehicles. The nearest grocery store is about 15 minutes away. Beautiful views of the mountains from the RV area.
Link to my YouTube review: Campground Review: https://youtu.be/ZOEj0QoXqfM
Traveler
Went on a stag tent camping trip. Decent facility for state park. Sites are small wouldn’t recommend large rigs.
Traveler
A nice quiet campground on Lake Cumberland in the Burnside area. Nice RV sites and tent sites
Ranger
We tent camped in August. The campground area was huge and perfect for tent camping or an RV. We were next to the restroom building which also served as a storm shelter. The restrooms were air conditioned and very clean! The only negative thing I have to say about the site is the fire ring needed to be cleaned out. The Rowena Landing restaurant had a good buffet and excellent catfish! The pool was closed for repairs and that was disappointing. The country store was very close and offered a small selection of foods, but most everything you would need for your campsite. The mini golf was fun, but there was a little flooding on the course due to a crazy storm the day before. Everyone was very nice and this felt like a safe place to be. The lake was crazy beautiful and worth going out on to see.
Traveler
This is a large and clean campground. It has RV sites, tent sites, and shelter houses.. There are several cabins on site. Great lake views and beach. Lots to do at PCP.
Guide
Nice place with clean camping spots and clean bath house. Have 3 bars signal with Verizon and good speed. Site 26 is good for rooftop tent camping. Shade in afternoon and plenty of room for additional vehicles. Fire ring has a movable grate that is good to cook on.
Traveler
The tent sites can be decent or real bad. T9 and T14 were horrible sites at the bottom of a hill where all rainwater runs through. T7 and T8 are ok sites. They are fairly flat.
Scout
My only complaint is I didn't have more time to spend. Our site (L4) was shaded all day long, which is important when you tent camp. The grounds are well kept. Plenty of park hosted activities for kiddos and adults. A lot of trails, good clean pool, nice clean bathrooms, excellent staff!
Ranger
A couple of the tent sites are waterfront and ideal for a tenter like me. The rest seem a little packed together, though some offer a little bit of seclusion. Decent facilities and easy access to Devil’s Backbone section of Cumberland trail.
GuideWe stayed at the main area but not much space or privacy so we put up a tent out side our door, but then moved to the tent camping site area the second night which was more secluded and private, but still close to the showers/bath house. So much hiking and a cool view of the dam is all within walking distance. Nice bath rooms and showers too.
Ranger
Take an awesome little ferry across the river (or drive around). Tent sites vary in privacy. Great simple site, clean. No trails on site but we did a pretty one nearby (forget the name). Babbling river and nice wildlife. Good place to bring a boat.
Guide
I had the only tent site. It was adequate but many stares up and down. No water no electricity. Bathrooms were clean, campground was clean and quite. There is a snack shack outside the gate and they have bait. Good fishing lake and river.
Legend
Just a short distance from Windrock. RV sites have power and water, but are very close together, in my opinion. There are also a few tent sites and cabins. Parking for off-road vehicle trailers. Firewood and ice available at the office. Nearest grocery is about 15-20 minutes away.
Scout
This is a great campground that offers a lot of amenities, including a bath house, fire rings, picnic tables and offers both RV and tent camping. The people in the campground were respectful and there were trailheads leading directly from the campground to the wilderness. Pickett is a great place to visit because it’s an international dark sky, there are beautiful natural bridges and lots of recreation opportunities.
GuideThis place is not for you if you are looking for solitude or silence. It might be your scene if you’re into parties. Tent sites were not all accessible by drive up - some you had to park at the top of the hill and walk down. Bathrooms were clean though, and the staff was friendly. Can’t beat the proximity to the falls either.
Guide
This this campsite offers everything you need for a great camping experience. Out tent camping was complete with electricity and a short walk to the bathhouse. It also offered a fire pit and picnic table and lots of shade. You can rent a small Jon Boat for $50 a day and they also offer small bundles of firewood for $5. We fished on Kelly Lake and caught about six fish that were keepers.
Ranger
We reserved a site with full- hookups and our friends reserved a tent site. Our site was fine, but there wasn’t what I would describe as a tent site. Our friends ended up just camping behind our camper in the flattest area they could find. All of the sites are pretty close and out in the open.
When we stayed some of the activities/amenities weren’t available (there had been a fire or something at the kitchen). We had a pretty decent time, though. We rented kayaks and paddle boards and explored the lake and they had a huge inflatable slide that our kids spent hours on. The ramp to the swim beach was ridiculously slimy but kids all enjoyed swimming in the lake and jumping off the dive platform. The camp had a movie in the evening (Jaws) and gave out popcorn. There were basketball courts and beanbag toss. Lots of people were out on their fishing boats.
So potentially plenty of activities for the kids, but the campground sites could be a bit nicer for the price. Any staff we interacted with were super pleasant.
Traveler
We were either planning on staying in a motel or the bean pot and we were so glad we stayed in the bean pot. The owners were incredibly nice and helpful, and the showers, bathrooms, and laundry room were super clean and well kept. No other tent campers were there during our stay, since it’s mainly an rv camp, so this is a great place to try if you’re looking for a last minute place to tent camp. Overall, I would stay here again and I would recommend the bean pot to anyone looking for a place to camp in the area.
Tent camping near Helenwood, Tennessee offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Helenwood, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Helenwood, TN is Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River with a 4-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Helenwood, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Helenwood, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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