Edgar Evins State Park features distinctive camping platforms positioned at tree-top level on steep wooded slopes surrounding Center Hill Lake. The platforms measure 10-32 feet long, allowing RVs, pop-up campers, and tents to camp on level surfaces despite the challenging terrain. Located between Nashville and Knoxville, the park sits at elevations ranging from 680 to 900 feet above sea level with limestone bluffs creating dramatic water views.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls and gorges: At Rock Island State Park Campground, trails lead to dramatic water features. "Great hikes and random places to jump into the water. Beautiful landscape makes this a great place to spend the weekend," notes Alicia F. The park's trail system connects to Twin Falls, which requires a 10-15 minute drive from the main campground area.
Explore historical sites: The archaeological features at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park offer unique cultural experiences. "Duck River flows through the area with several waterfall breaks along its course. It's not hard to imagine why the Native Americans considered this area spiritually significant. Their history is written along the trail," explains Shelly S. The museum provides context for the pre-historical sites.
Boat tours with rangers: The marina at Center Hill Lake offers educational pontoon boat tours led by park staff. "Very informative pontoon boat tour with a Park Ranger. Great lunch at the marina too!" says Rosa B. about her glamping experience near Lancaster. These tours provide geological and ecological information about the lake ecosystem.
What campers like
Platform camping design: The elevated wooden platforms at Edgar Evins solve a terrain challenge while creating a unique glamping experience. "We love the platform sites that are so spacious and private. Easy access to dump station and bath houses. Almost all sites have view of water," shares Betheny. The design places campers at optimal positions for privacy and views.
Tent-only sections: For dedicated tent glamping in Lancaster, Tennessee, some parks offer secluded tent-specific areas. "I stayed in the tent-only loop - a small group of 10 sites. It was quiet and had many trees for hammocks. This site offers level tent pads, a grill, fire ring, and picnic table," explains Christy E. about her stay at Rock Island State Park.
Primitive camping options: Fall Creek Falls State Park provides more rustic options beyond the platform glamping. "We stayed in the primitive camping section which has a parking area up top and you hike with your equipment down some stairs into a wooded area with about 7 primitive campsites. We could see and hear the lake from our campsite," recounts Emily W.
What you should know
Site selection matters: When glamping at platform sites, choose carefully as designs vary. "I was very skeptical about the sites being pier-like decks. Some of the sites just don't have a lot of room, especially around the fire pit and bbq. But there are a couple gem spots if you scout before you book," advises Myke C.
Terrain challenges: The elevated locations create vertical distance to water. "Beautiful and wooded campground, but getting down to the lake isn't real easy," notes a visitor. At Fall Creek Falls State Park, "Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out," suggests Richard F.
Weather considerations: The elevated platforms can be affected by storms. "Be wary of the speed bumps throughout the campground, they are closely spaced and rather abrupt, take them very slowly. The sites are all elevated platforms due to the steep slope to the lake," explains Ray & Terri F. The platform design helps with drainage during heavy rain.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Spacious Skies Belle Ridge offers family-friendly water recreation. "Took my kids swimming here last weekend. We got a day use pass pass $5 per adult. Kids under 6 are free to get in so all my kids were free. The kids had the best time," reports Drew E. The dedicated swimming areas provide safer alternatives to lake access.
Playground access: Many campgrounds include play facilities for children. "My kids loved playing at the playground. The whole park was just really well kept," shares Jon S. The sandy playground at Belle Ridge provides a natural play area where children can enjoy outdoor time between water activities.
Educational opportunities: The natural features present learning moments. "The 6 marked trails were easy to find and moderate/strenuous. Plenty of water for your hobby needs and two boat ramps and a marina," notes Shelly S. Many campgrounds offer ranger-led programs specifically designed for children to learn about local ecology.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: RVers should prepare for platform camping's unique setup. "November 16, 2020. We arrived after dark, and left fairly early the next morning so didn't spend a lot of time there. Went for a short walk before we left in the morning. Parking sites are on wooden platforms which was fine for our Winnebago Revel," shares John B.
Utilities location: At Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground, hookup placement requires attention. "To my surprise I opened the electric pedestal, and there was only 50 amp service. I'm set up for 30 amp, so I had to use an adapter," explains Gregory G. Check specific campground utility configurations when booking sites.
Width considerations: Some RV sites have unexpected space constraints. "The sites were level, large, gravel with picnic tables and fire rings, spaced far enough apart you didn't feel crowded at all," notes Brenda L. about Belle Ridge, while sites at other parks may present more challenges with narrow roadways or limited pad width for slide-outs.
