The Buffalo River provides a natural dividing line for camping options near Henderson, Tennessee, with elevations ranging from 400 to 600 feet throughout the region. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Several campgrounds offer glamping accommodations in different styles, from riverside units to lakeside options, with varying levels of amenities and terrain.
What to do
Kayaking the Buffalo River: The 10-mile section at Crazy Horse Recreational Park suits all skill levels. "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 one visitor. The outfitter provides rentals and transportation.
Explore underwater caves: While paddling near glamping accommodations close to Henderson, Tennessee, you can discover hidden natural features. "Primative Camping, kayaking & catching tagged small mouth bass was more than an experience! Perks was exploring a cave!!" shares a camper at Crazy Horse.
Climb the fire tower: For panoramic views of the countryside, take a hike up to the observation point at Serendipity Resort. "There's plenty of room to walk around and a fire tower to climb," according to a visitor who enjoyed the elevated vantage point.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Waterfront sites at Buffalo Bud's Kayaks, Canoes & Campground provide direct access to swimming and paddling. "Great place for camping on the river!! Clean and friendly. Kayak and canoe rentals on site," states one reviewer about this glamping near Henderson, Tennessee.
Clean facilities: Many campsites maintain well-kept bathhouses. At Cross City RV Park, one visitor noted, "This is a small 15-spot campground but they have pull-through sites for some large RVs. Full hookups on all sites. Small shower house. $22 a night for us."
Water recreation options: The combination of water features appeals to many visitors. "The water park is a $20 charge a piece on the first day and goes down to $10 a day for the rest of your stay," explains a camper at Serendipity Resort, where paddle boarding, kayaking, and boat rentals come included with certain stays.
What you should know
Campground personalities: Different areas cater to different camping styles. "Has a family side and another rowdy side across the river. Family side quiet time begins at 10 pm," explains a camper at Crazy Horse, while a different visitor adds, "Solid private campground. They run a huge boating operation so it's hella busy on the weekends."
Site conditions vary widely: Prepare for uneven terrain at some locations. At J.P. Coleman State Park Campground, a camper warned, "Campground is fairly hilly and our spot was far from level. It was the last spot available and I understand why!"
Limited cell service: Connectivity can be spotty throughout the region. At J.P. Coleman, visitors report "poor cell phone service and slow WiFi," which affects most luxury glamping spots near Henderson, Tennessee.
Tips for camping with families
Choose the quiet side: For more kid-friendly atmospheres, select designated family areas. "First come first serve sites. Shaded campsites. Electrical available side has spots pretty close together so we always choose to primitive camp here," says a visitor to Crazy Horse, who adds, "The family friendly, quiet side is across the river."
Look for inclusive amenities: Some sites bundle recreational options. "We were there for 3 days and my kids used the water park. They had a blast on the jumpers and got very wore out," shares a parent who visited Serendipity Resort.
Consider seasonal schedules: Pickwick Dam Campground operates year-round but with varying amenities. "My two kids tent camped while my parents had their pop up! It was a nice site. There were enough trees that my brother in law was able to set up his hammock system," reports a family camper who notes the campground's proximity to Pickwick State Park.
Tips from RVers
Check the road conditions: Access can be challenging for larger vehicles. "Twisty, steep and narrow roadway into campsite...not for novice rig drivers," cautions an RVer at J.P. Coleman, where parking can be tight.
Consider hookup placement: At Cross City RV Park, an experienced traveler noted, "We had no problems with utilities that were towards the back of the pad as we could back in a good distance." This layout works well for those with longer hoses and cables at glamping locations near Henderson, Tennessee.
Reserve early for level sites: "Sites are perfectly level, utilities all work great. Most sites are pull through and long enough to park without unhooking, even with longer rigs," according to a visitor to Cross City RV Park, though they caution, "Driveway is a bit steep pulling in and out. I did not have a problem with a 36' TT but a low sitting RV with a long rear overhang may have trouble getting in/out without scraping."
