Camping near Henning, Tennessee offers options across both Tennessee and Arkansas with varying terrain from forested state parks to lakeside settings. Located in the western part of Tennessee, this region has elevations generally between 250-350 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Explore Civil War history: Fort Pillow Historic State Park Campground features hiking trails that lead to the historic fort site. "The historic site of Ft Pillow from the Civil War is on one of the hiking trails. The trails also go along the Mississippi river and provide some beautiful views," notes one visitor at Fort Pillow Historic State Park Campground.
Water activities on small lakes: Several parks offer water recreation options beyond swimming. "They have a small fishing lake with a boat ramp and pier," according to a camper at Fort Pillow. Chickasaw State Park Campground provides multiple water options with one reviewer mentioning, "This is a great place to go RV camping, tent camping or even wrangler camping... with hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, swimming, and much more."
Night hikes and ranger programs: Some parks offer evening activities led by park staff. A Fort Pillow visitor shared, "Ranger Tyson informed us that they were doing a night hike to the Fort and they would be serving Gumbo for dinner around the campfire at the Fort. Sign me up! It was one of the fee based activities, but for $5 per person, it was totally worth it!"
What campers like
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds in the region provide fishing access. At Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, visitors can "travel to the boat ramp and marina and rent boats there or bring your own to take advantage of the lake which winds through various types of vegetation and allows you to see the lake in a way you cannot from the shore line."
Stargazing conditions: The darker skies around Henning create opportunities for night sky viewing. One camper at Chickasaw State Park mentioned they enjoyed "walking out into the middle of the lake and seeing the expanse of the Milky Way (what a treat!)."
Wildlife viewing: The forests and wetlands near Henning host diverse wildlife. "I most enjoyed taking out a kayak and exploring the swampy feeling area, though I will say being so close to the Mississippi River I was afraid of what I might find lurking in the water," writes a Meeman-Shelby Forest visitor.
What you should know
Variable bathroom conditions: Facilities differ widely across campgrounds in the area. A visitor to Joy-O RV Park reported, "Facilities are very dated but functional," while another camper noted their bathhouse was "newer and clean. Each bathroom was private in that you had your own suite style bathroom with toilet, sink & shower."
Seasonal insect activity: Mosquitoes are particularly problematic in warmer months. "If you do any trails in late summer here you will need mosquito spray because they come in droves," warns a Meeman-Shelby Forest camper. Another visitor suggests, "Bring citronella candles for your table when camping and try to put a dryer sheet in your pocket to ward off mosquitoes."
Varying cell service: Connectivity can be spotty throughout the region. A camper at Chickasaw State Park mentioned "no cell service" during their stay, describing it as "somewhat refreshing." For those needing to stay connected, check with individual parks about service availability.
Tips for camping with families
Look for parks with playgrounds: Some parks offer dedicated areas for children. At Midway RV Park, a visitor notes the campground is "spacious, quiet, clean" with "a lot of space in between sites," which can be ideal for families with active children.
Check for educational programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities ideal for children. "The staff is very attentive and provide a variety of programs," mentions one Fort Pillow visitor, making it an educational camping experience for kids.
Consider tent pad surfaces: Not all tent sites are created equal. One camper at Fort Pillow observed, "Tent pad and campsite is pebbles to allow for moisture/bring long stakes or expect to not to be able to stake in your tent." This knowledge helps families prepare appropriately.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Choose your site carefully based on your specific needs. At Serendipity Resort, one RVer shared, "I had a great view of a pond and a row of A-frames but the sites on my passenger (viewing) side were not occupied or I would have been billboarded. The sites are very close together."
Check hookup details: Electrical service varies widely across campgrounds near Henning. At Joy-O RV Park, "spots are level and gravel lined with decent hook ups" and feature "new electrical boxes, level gravel spots with shade."
Consider park access roads: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. A camper at Fort Pillow noted, "The roads are narrow and the trees get close," while another mentioned that signage "could be better" when navigating to their site.
