The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Hilham, TN

648 Reviews

The forested highlands surrounding Hilham, Tennessee offer several tent-only camping options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural settings. Tuscarora Glade stands out as a highly-rated primitive tent campground with excellent stargazing opportunities due to Pickett County's Dark Sky designation. The site features toilets, allows fires, and provides firewood for purchase. Holleman's Bend Camping Area in nearby Granville offers free tent camping on a small peninsula with riverside access. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Mitchell Creek provides boat-in tent sites, while Pleasant Grove Recreation Area and Reflection Tree Art Farm offer additional tent camping options within driving distance of Hilham.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities with varying levels of accessibility. Sites typically include fire rings where permitted, though campers should verify current fire restrictions before arrival. Tuscarora Glade provides designated tent pads surrounded by trees with an open clearing for stargazing. Holleman's Bend features more rustic conditions with a small grassy area and fire pit near the water, but lacks drinking water and toilet facilities. Campers should bring all necessary supplies including drinking water, as most primitive tent sites in the area do not offer potable water. Cell service can be limited throughout the region, making advance planning essential for backcountry tent camping experiences.

The tent camping experience near Hilham offers notable natural features and recreational opportunities. According to reviews, Tuscarora Glade provides exceptional stargazing with "brilliant stars visible through the opening in the Glade." The site offers ample space for tents and hammocks in a peaceful setting. At Holleman's Bend, one visitor noted the beautiful water views, though mentioned "you'll hear fish splashing all night." Many tent-only sites in the region connect to hiking trails and water access points, making them ideal basecamps for outdoor activities. Walk-in tent sites at locations like Reflection Tree Art Farm provide greater seclusion than drive-up options, with picnic tables, drinking water, and trash collection available at some established tent campgrounds.

Map showing campgrounds near Hilham, TennesseeExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Hilham, Tennessee (29)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Hilham Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Hilham, TN

28 Photos of 29 Hilham Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Hilham, TN

648 Reviews of 29 Hilham Campgrounds

  • Katrin M.
    Apr. 10, 2022

    Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

    Nice little primitive campground on the river

    We camped here for one night on a Saturday. 

    The campsites have a fire ring, picnic bench, and lantern pole. Each campsite has their little parking space except site 9, 10, and 11. It is one parking spot for 3 cars and you have to walk about 100 feet. The campsites are very close together. We were very lucky with campsite 11 bc nobody around us showed up. Probably due to the bad weather the first day. The campsite was very spacious and was right on the creek. 

    There is no electricity or water at the campground. The vault toilet had no flushing water but was clean and didn't have a smell. The Obed area is very inviting for fishing, hiking, and rock climbing. There are trails that start right from the campground. If you need an escape from the daily grind, that's your place.

  • Davina B.
    May. 9, 2019

    Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

    Great Little Hiking and Fishing Spot

    Rock Creek Campground is the only campground for the Obed Wild and Scenic River National Park. It's a primitive campground with 11 sites for tents only. RVs are not allowed. There is a restroom for campers with pit style toilets. No potable water available, but there is plenty that you can treat.

    Each site has a picnic table, lantern hook, bearproof food locker, fire ring with grill, and a tent pad. Bearproof trashcans are located throughout the campground. A section of the Cumberland Trail begins at the campground. The Emory River runs right alongside the campground with easy access. There is no camp store, but the town of Wartburg is about a mile away if you need anything.

    Pros: Good hiking trails and great fishing. Easy access to the river. Restrooms available.

    Cons: The sites are very close together and it gets quite crowded during the summer months and on weekends. A public road runs right next to the campground so there is traffic at times when people are coming and going from work. No camp store or potable water available. Bathrooms are not kept stocked.

  • Christy E.
    Jun. 14, 2018

    Rock Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful area with many activities

    I stayed in the tent-only loop - a small group of 10 sites. It was quiet and had many trees for hammocks. Thus site offers level tent pads, a grill, fire ring, and picnic table. Clean bathrooms and hot showers available. The nearby swimming beach was great for the kids. Many short hiking options available. Make sure to visit the ranger station for a map and safety rules during water releases.

  • Davina B.
    May. 9, 2019

    Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground

    Great for RVs, Ok for Tents

    This campground is located within the Cumberland Mountain State Park. The sites are set up for RVs and it is very popular.

    Pros: There is no camp store, but there are vending machines available. There are restrooms available. Staff is in the office during business hours. There are 2 short hiking trails (less than 1 mile in length each). There are playgrounds, a lake for fishing, and a golf course. Each site has parking for 1 vehicle, a large gravel pad, water and electric hookup, picnic table, and lantern hook.

    Cons: site are very close together. Tents and RVs do not have separate loops. No camp store. No showers.

    Overall, this campground is set up to cater more toward those with RVs than people camping in tents.

  • Lori H.
    Aug. 4, 2019

    Pickett CCC Memorial State Park Campground

    Beautiful Night Sky, Quiet Camping

    Pickett State Park is a great spot to camp if you like peace and quiet, but don’t want to have to backpack in to a spot. Despite the small campground, it was pretty much empty on the first weekend in August when we stayed. It is near the Big South Fork, and Scott State Forest, so there’s lots of great hiking, horseback riding, river recreation, etc. nearby. From other reviews on The Dyrt, I learned the park is excellent for stargazing, and it is true, you will have amazing views at night, we slept in a tent without a rain fly, just so we could see the stars!

    The campground has several sites with electric and some without. We stayed in B1, which did not have electric. All the sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and the ones on the outside of the loops back up to the woods and trails. All the sites are spacious.

    The restrooms were clean, but they must be pretty old. There were some areas in need of tile repair, but it was just a cosmetic issue, so it didn’t bother me. The showers were nice, and everything was clean.

    The campground also has cabins, and those seemed to have more guests than the campground. They have a set of cabins that were connected, like apartments, and they have some larger, freestanding cabins too. They had a group site as well, but I did not go to it.

    The park has a lake with swimming area, and canoe/kayak/paddle board rentals, a swinging bridge, playground, tennis courts, a gigantic picnic area, and several great trails.

    This was a very pleasant find, and we will definitely return!

  • T
    Aug. 25, 2020

    Bandy Creek Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    Very Nice Campground

    We camped two nights last week in Loop A, the tent only, nonelectric section. Being mid-week, there were not many people, meaning it was also nice and quiet. The sites are roomy, with a large tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, lantern hook, and a food storage locker. Yes, this is bear country, but we didn't see any during our visit. The bath houses are as nice as you're likely to find in a national park, with flush toilets, hot showers, and an outside sink for dish washing, etc. There is also a large, wheelchair accessible bathroom with roll-in shower. A water hydrant is available to fill jugs and tanks.

    We drove through the other loops to see what they look like, because Loop A isn't open in winter. Should we decide to camp here in winter, Loop B is the only section open. But, that will let us use an electric heater. 

    Be aware that some things are not open in 2020 due to Covid-19. The park visitors centers are still closed, the swimming pool wasn't open mid-week, and the check-in building was unstaffed when we arrived. There was a sign at the check-in point telling us to reserve and pay for our site using Recreation.gov. We had cell service there, so no problem. It you don't have service, drive across the road to the Camp Store (which is not always open) to use WiFi there. There is a note on the front door with the password. 

    There are so many things to do in Big South Fork and surrounding areas that you really need to just visit the park website and make a list of things to do. Some are easy and roadside, others not so much. For example, to hike the Twin Arches Loop Trail, you'll drive several miles of dirt roads to reach the trailhead and end up hiking about 6 - 6.5 miles. The description says the loop is 4.6 miles, which is true, but you have to add another 1.4 miles for the out-and-back from the parking lot to the start of the loop. The loop trail isn't bad, but the access trail has steep stairs. Anyway, find something you like and enjoy the Cumberland Plateau.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2019

    Edgar Evins State Park Campground

    A Campground with Lots to Do but with Interesting Tent Pads

    Edgar Evins State Park is a large park with lots of activities for young and old. However, if you want to stay in the campground, make sure to take a freestanding tent unless you have creative ways to keep your tent up. Most of the sites have wooden platforms, and the fire pits are beside the road. Perhaps most people like that sense of permanence, but I personally prefer solid ground or even gravel pads. Fortunately, the one I used was a free-standing tent. There is another option, and that is to stay in the primitive camping area. Of course, they are walk-in sites, but they are not far from where you park. I would normally choose the primitive camping area for a couple of reasons. There is a little more privacy, and you have soft ground on which to pitch your tent. Obviously, if you are an RV camper, staying in the primitive area does not apply. Unfortunately, it was better this time to choose a site that you don’t have to walk to. Out of all the state park campgrounds I have visited, the bath rooms in this state park are the best. They are modern with tiled floors, and the showers resemble ones you would find at privately owned campgrounds. There are several different activity options—volleyball, horseshoes, playgrounds, hiking trails, etc. There is also an aviary, a marina, a restaurant, and a couple of boat ramps. For the children, there is the“Storybook Trail.” For other overnight options, there are also cabins that you can rent. In retrospect, the primitive area would have been a better choice. It definitely would have been more quiet. No matter whether you stay in the primitive area or the regular camping area, you will encounter hilly terrain. The camp store is fully stocked with most of your camping needs, and there is also a laundry. Overall, Edgar Evins State Park was a good place to spend time, but again, I have my doubts about the wooden platforms.

  • Lori H.
    Aug. 28, 2019

    Bandy Creek Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    Ranger Review: GCI Freestyle Rocker Pro at Bandy Creek Campground

    Bandy Creek Campground is located in The Big South Fork National River and Recreation area on The Cumberland Plateau. Big South Fork is a great place for outdoor adventure. Some activities include hiking, horseback riding, rick climbing, tubing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and just about anything else! The area is never overcrowded, even in the middle of summer. There are many scenic views throughout the area, so bring a camera!

    Campground review: Bandy Creek Campground is a great place! The sites are all spacious, and wooded for the most part, so you have plenty of space and some privacy. The campground seemed quite large, and was fairly empty for a Weekend in August. Some sites have food storage lockers (not sure if all do) as the area is a bear habitat. We saw some deer and turkeys, so there’s wildlife around for sure!

    There is tent loop, and a group camp area, and I believe the campground hosts several retreats.

    There’s riding stables at the camp store too. The campground also has a large swimming pool, with lifeguards.

    The restrooms were immaculate! Seriously the cleanest campground restrooms I believe I’ve seen. Ours had a filtered water bottle fill up fountain too.

    This campground is really nice, and quiet, but also has so much to do, I highly recommend it!

    Product Review: As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to try out products sometimes, and today I’m trying out the GCI Freestyle Rocket Pro! https://www.gcioutdoor.com/camping-chairs/freestyle-rocker-pro/

    The Freestyle Rocker Pro is one of the best chairs I’ve used! It is actually much lighter than I expected, and is still extremely sturdy. Lightweight gear is a must when camping, or attending events!
    It has a carry handle so you don’t need to try to fit it in a case to have a strap like other chairs I’ve used. The Rocker was smooth on natural surface, pea gravel, and concrete. It is very comfortable, quiet, and relaxing. It folds up super easy with just a pull of the handle. One feature that I especially love is the cup holder and side pocket. It will actually hold a drink without spilling, and you can fit a phone, keys or other small items in the pocket. This chair is awesome! Two thumbs up!!

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 24, 2019

    Edgar Evins State Park Campground

    Sorta like a treehouse

    Edgar Evins SP is unique in that the campground sites are decks, which is actually pretty cool. Now the one down side is that certain sites can be a challenge to back into. If you are a talented backer upper shouldn’t be an issue. However if your backing up could use some practice, and/or causes fights with your spouse you may want to call and ask the easier sites to set up in...just saying, less stress. The bottom sites are along the lake and you are across from the marina. Another thing is your cooking area is off the side of your deck with your picnic table. The primitive sites are walk in and have some pretty sweet views of the lake. Downside your walking up and down a slope with your gear. Speaking of slopes, the whole campground is on a slope so your pretty much either going up or down. Cool stairways to use and strategically placed facilities. The store and trash are located wheee you park for the primitive sites at the entrance. There’s a trail in the campground that gives you a quick route to the beach area.

Guide to Hilham

Tent camping near Hilham, Tennessee sits at an elevation of 1,100-1,600 feet in the Highland Rim geological region. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s and winter lows frequently below freezing. Fall camping offers the most moderate temperatures and colorful foliage, while summer brings higher humidity and occasional thunderstorms that can affect primitive campsites.

What to do

Stargazing sessions: Tuscarora Glade offers exceptional dark sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "Pickett County Tennessee is one of the few places in the world with a Dark Sky rating, meaning there is little to no light pollution," notes visitor Ralph M., who describes the night sky as "so dark at night and the stars are just so brilliant looking up through the opening in the Glade."

River fishing: Several campgrounds provide direct access to waterways. At Holleman's Bend Camping Area, campers can enjoy fishing directly from their site. One camper observed, "The water is BEAUTIFUL, though you'll hear fish splashing all night," highlighting the active aquatic ecosystem.

Local cafe visits: When camping at Holleman's Bend, take advantage of nearby small-town amenities. As Devin R. advises, "Be sure to stop by the little town of Gainesboro for a cup of coffee at Nostalgic Coffee Cafe. They mixed together one of their favorite concoctions that wasn't on the menu and it was PERFECTION!"

What campers like

Peace and solitude: Many tent campers appreciate the quiet environment at Tuscarora Glade. Joseph B. shares, "This is one of my favorite spots to camp. The host is amazing, provides great amenities, and takes care of his campground very well." The site receives consistent praise for its peaceful atmosphere.

Sunrise views: Early risers at Holleman's Bend Camping Area can witness spectacular natural phenomena. According to Devin R., "I woke up early enough to see the sunrise and the fog coming off the river. Simply magical."

Art experiences: For campers interested in creative pursuits, Reflection Tree Art Farm offers unique opportunities. Visitor Sarah G. notes, "I can't wait to come back and take art classes," and describes the property as having "the solitude and peace that comes with the rural nature of the farm."

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Prepare for communication challenges in this rural area. At Holleman's Bend, Simon B. experienced "No Service (showed me how addicted i am)," while Andrew K. advises, "download a map on the way as you loose service 20 minutes out."

Campsite navigation: Some locations require advance planning to find the best spots. At Holleman's Bend Camping Area, Luka W. observed, "It seemed there may have been more campsites to the left of the parking area, up a hill that a small car came down, so seems pretty accessible." Similarly, Andrew K. recommends, "Go past the main sites for more private sites."

Camping regulations: Be aware of stay limits and registration requirements. Andrew K. reports that at Holleman's Bend, "Someone came and got my name and plate to make sure I followed the 14 day rule but was super nice."

Tips for camping with families

Bring entertainment: With limited technology access, pack non-electronic activities for children. At Reflection Tree Art Farm, the natural setting promotes unplugged family time, with Sarah G. describing how she "could sit on the porch forever enjoying listening to the birds, insects, and the buzz of life uninterrupted."

Monitor weather conditions: During summer months, afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly. The elevated terrain around Hilham experiences rapid weather changes, making portable weather radios essential gear for families camping at primitive sites.

Stock adequate supplies: Most primitive sites require complete self-sufficiency. Tommy S. describes Holleman's Bend Camping Area as "basically a parking lot, with a small patch of grass and a firepit," indicating minimal facilities that necessitate bringing all camping essentials.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Many campgrounds near Hilham accommodate tent camping only, with limited options for larger vehicles. Down Yonder Campground, while developing, has limitations. Shelly S. notes, "They are in the process of creating overnight sites" and observes the "steep entry from road and no facilities," which presents challenges for larger vehicles.

Prepare for primitive conditions: Most sites lack hookups or amenities typical of developed RV parks. For small RVs considering tent camping areas, Shelly S. reports "no wifi" and "no shade on gravel" at some developing sites, suggesting self-contained camping is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hilham, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hilham, TN is Tuscarora Glade with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Hilham, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Hilham, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring