Best Campgrounds near Huntsville, TN

The foothills of the Appalachian Mountains surrounding Huntsville, Tennessee provide diverse camping experiences within the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Trails End Campground, located directly in Huntsville, offers full hookup sites with amenities including showers, drinking water, and sanitary dump stations. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Bandy Creek Campground with spacious sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping. The region sits at the intersection of Tennessee and Kentucky state lines, with several campgrounds managed by the National Park Service, Tennessee State Parks, and private operators. Many locations feature waterfront access, with sites ranging from primitive backcountry spots to developed campgrounds with electric hookups and modern facilities.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with some campgrounds requiring careful navigation on steep, winding roads. As one camper noted about Bandy Creek, "Do not arrive from the East (Oneida side) - 13 degree inclines and declines with very sharp hairpin switchbacks." Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October, though some remain open year-round. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in many locations, particularly in the more remote sections of Big South Fork. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer months and holiday weekends. Winter camping is available at select locations but with reduced services and facilities.

Campers consistently praise the natural beauty and privacy of sites throughout the region. Frozen Head State Park, about 45 minutes southeast of Huntsville, receives particularly high ratings for its secluded camping experience. According to one visitor, "There's only 20 spots, and they all seem to be shady and have trees between neighbors." Water access is a significant draw for many campgrounds, with fishing, kayaking, and swimming opportunities available at locations like Pickett State Park and the TVA-managed areas. Hiking trails connect directly to many campgrounds, allowing for easy day hikes or more extensive backpacking trips. The historical significance of the area adds another dimension to camping experiences, with many sites located near old mining villages, CCC-built structures, and other cultural points of interest.

Best Camping Sites Near Huntsville, Tennessee (191)

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

    42 Reviews
    Rugby, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 286-7275

    $20 - $140 / night

    "Our site (D36) was at the end of a loop and was nearly level despite being on the edge of the hilltop."

    "Family freindly, kept very clean, great hiking in Big South Fork w/some trails even starting at the campground."

    2. Cove Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    La Follette, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 566-9701

    $25 - $55 / night

    "Great location just off I75, close to easy shopping (Walmart), Urgent Care facility just minutes away, nice BBQ place right in the park, local eatery’s just up the way (less than 2 miles)."

    "Our site is nice and right on the lake but it’s a little odd the way the sites are. Our neighbors site is next to us but there table and fire pit are behind our rig."

    3. Frozen Head State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Petros, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 346-3318

    "The campground is in close proximity to many of the trailheads. There is a nice bathhouse, but all the sites are rustic (non electric)."

    "It may be the loveliest campground in Tennessee.

    There’s only 20 spots, and they all seem to be shady and have trees between neighbors."

    4. Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    26 Reviews
    Stearns, KY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 286-7275

    $30 - $35 / night

    "The campground is actually not in Tennessee. It's located on the Kentucky side of Big South Fork. The campsites have a picnic table and a firepit."

    "The sites are well maintained and old , probably CCC built with wood steps leading up or down to your site."

    5. Pickett CCC Memorial State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Pall Mall, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 879-5821

    $23 / night

    "PICKETT STATE RUSTIC PARK is located adjacent to Scott State Forest, Big South Fork River, Tn and below Daniel Boone National Forest, Ky.

    The Campground is my favorite type, small."

    "Grandma couldn’t leisurely walk, or scale some of the trails, so you have been warned. But for able bodied persons, the hikes are all doable."

    6. West Campground — Norris Dam State Park

    29 Reviews
    Lake City, TN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 425-4500

    "We 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"

    "There is a lake, so naturally that means there is boating, jet skiing, canoeing and of course fishing."

    7. Indian Mountain State Park Campground — Indian Mountain State Park

    22 Reviews
    Jellico, TN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 566-5870

    $33 - $37 / night

    "Large walking path and places for your dog to exercise. Loved watching the ducks swim near our campsite"

    "Full hookups and close to I-75. Well kept with clean bath house. Paddle boats and walking trails."

    8. Trails End Campground

    1 Review
    Huntsville, TN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 663-3944

    "This place is surrounded by thousands of miles of riding trails, so bring your Side-by-side! New River runs through it also, so it’s perfect to fish, float or kayak."

    9. Bear Creek Horse Camp — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Revelo, KY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 286-7275

    $30 - $35 / night

    "Totally set up for the horse crowd with plenty of horse room :) there is a day use parking and unloading area and direct access to the horse trails. Very open and well maintained."

    "The Big South Fork river is some of the best smallmouth fishing around. I love the backcountry camping in BSF, it’s so peaceful, and beautiful."

    10. True West Campground & Stables

    5 Reviews
    Rugby, TN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 752-8272

    $26 - $165 / night

    "The location is great, just 20 minutes from Jamestown for a quick trip to Walmart or the Dollar store. Nice little restaurant just 4 miles down the road if you don't want to cook."

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Recent Reviews near Huntsville, TN

917 Reviews of 191 Huntsville Campgrounds


  • Sarah and Philip H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Knoxville Campground

    Great Pass through Campground not for staying long term

    Location was great to get to lots of things but campsites are very tight and no room for an actual camping feel.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Yarberry Campground

    Beautiful views

    Even the non-lake site spots have lake views. Lots of nice amenities, but still rustic. My site was a little tough to back into, but worth it.

  • Mary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Frozen Head State Park Campground

    Forever a Special Place

    I have been camping at Frozen Head since I was a child. In fact, I went to my first day of Kindergarten from the campsite. The campground is wooded and perfect for that woodsy camp feel. There are so many hiking trails around I absolutely loved the little library they had. This last trip, we stayed in the primitive site and loved being next to a little creek. There is no wifi and no cell phone reception.

  • Mary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Anderson County Park

    Amazing Site!

    This is one of my new absolute favorite sites yet! While a majority of the campground is long-term, the sites along water are not. This specific spot was huge and next to a wooded area and nature walk and, in my opinion, the best site in the whole campground! The bathhouse was small, but functional and clean. The campground host was exceptionally friendly. No wifi. I have US Cellular and had limited service. Enough to maybe look something up and receive texts.

  • Jessi B.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Soaring Eagle Campground

    Huge disappointment

    !Infested with termites! They price gouge. The lots are basically right on top of each other(some spots are not big enough for slide outs). The check-in lady is very condescending and will rob you blind while wearing the biggest smile. There's cornhole, a basketball hoop, and a volleyball net, but they are all falling apart or are inaccessible. No fire rings at your site. There's a huge hive of ground nesting bees by the picnic tables that are set up next to the pool. The pool area is also the only area in which you can access a fire ring. The lake is beautiful and is accessible to boats. Low riding cars beware of double speed bump and sinking concrete. There is no bathroom for the pool area. The maintenance man seems a bit unfriendly. They do not honor their online rates. 😒 We also had to move from a spot that we were already paying for bc she reserved it out from under us. I-40 echoes through the campsite. We were constantly woken up by j braking semis and emergency service vehicles. We will definitely not be visiting again.

  • Kody Bear A.
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Redbird Boat Ramp

    It's nice and private

    Nothing special there is a boat ramp. Plenty of space for a couple RVs. No amenities. The sky was beautiful. Would go again. About ten miles off 75. We were there in Sept 2025

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    East Campground - Norris Dam State Park

    Nice park but road is not that friendly

    Google maps and the website will tell you to take the 441 to get here but I recommend going down to the 61 and coming up that way as the road is quite a bit wider and not so steep and windy. The last mile or so into the campground is a pretty narrow road that when we were here was in bad shape with potholes. Note that some of the campsites have only 30 amp and some of the campsites have only 50 amp so when making a reservation don’t assume that a 50 amp campsite will also have 30 amp. They all did appear to 20 amp. There is a dump station available and a fairly nice bathroom and showers. Most of the spaces are fairly level and fairly easy to get into. 1-3 were quite short. Recommend popping down to the Clinch River Brewery for a beverage and possibly dinner. Also the Appalachian museum in Norris was pretty fascinating.

  • e
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Wilderness Road Campground

    Nice National Park Campground

    Pretty park. Sites are wooded and not too close together. Most sites need leveling blocks. The bath house is small. 2 stalls and sinks in the bathroom . 2 individual shower rooms. There appeared to be only 2 bathrooms/bath houses for the entire campground. Water pump at bathroom area. No dish washing station. Some sites had electricity, but not all of them. There are lots of hiking trails and a great visitor center. I hope to go back when I can spend more time in the park. Three star rating mainly due to the inadequate number of showers/bathrooms.


Guide to Huntsville

Camping near Huntsville, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: Many campgrounds, like Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, have numerous trails. One visitor mentioned, "It has many (12) trails and many falls," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Water Activities: At Anchor Down RV Resort, you can rent pontoon boats and enjoy the lake. A family shared, "We rented a golf cart and pontoon boat... Amazing!"
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Bandy Creek Campground are known for their natural beauty. One camper noted, "The park has great natural features and a mining history."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Frozen Head State Park Campground stated, "The restrooms are heated and immaculate."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A visitor at Cove Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Roomy sites, quiet, good place for families to gather."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One reviewer at Old Mill Camp and General Store said, "The owners are a really nice couple."

What you should know:

  • Tight Campsites: Some campgrounds have close quarters. A camper at Kentucky Cumberland Falls State Park warned, "Be aware, that the campsites are exactly the length as indicated. Not an inch more!"
  • Limited Cell Service: Many areas have poor cell reception. A visitor at Bandy Creek Campground noted, "We had no T-Mobile service, or satellite service in our vehicle."
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds have specific open seasons. For example, Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground is open all year, while others may close during winter.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A parent at Old Mill Camp and General Store said, "The little playground was a blast for the kids."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have food options nearby. A visitor at Anchor Down RV Resort mentioned, "They have a little food truck if you want."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Keep the kids entertained with games. One camper at Frozen Head State Park Campground noted, "Most sites have cool boulders for kiddos."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Melton Hill Dam Campground mentioned, "The sites dimensions are not the same for every site."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground appreciated, "Full hookups, pool was clean."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Check the forecast before your trip. A camper at West Campground noted, "There were a lot of headlights on us from traffic entering the campground."

Camping around Huntsville, TN, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Huntsville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Huntsville, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 191 campgrounds and RV parks near Huntsville, TN and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Huntsville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Huntsville, TN is Bandy Creek Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area with a 4.7-star rating from 42 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Huntsville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Huntsville, TN.

What parks are near Huntsville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 parks near Huntsville, TN that allow camping, notably Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and Laurel River Lake.