D
Dennis E.
Scout
ScoutSeven Points
Very nice clean quiet campground
Only here for an overnight but would definitely recommend. Huge sites. Very quiet. Clean campground. Host was very friendly.
Best Campgrounds in Tennessee
Tennessee provides numerous campground options across its diverse landscapes, from the Great Smoky Mountains to state parks with lakefront sites. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground offers a variety of accommodation types including tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and glamping options, with a solid 4.6/5 rating from visitors. Similarly, Elkmont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park supports multiple camping styles and operates seasonally from April through October. The state features a mix of federal, state, and private campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and accessibility.
Many Tennessee campgrounds operate year-round, though mountain locations like Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds typically close during winter months. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer and fall foliage seasons. Access to campgrounds varies considerably, with some locations like Cades Cove and Cosby Campground offering drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in options. Permits are generally not required for established campgrounds, but reservations are recommended, especially for popular locations. Several campgrounds provide both primitive and modern amenities. As one camper noted, "This is the BEST state park in West TN. It's quiet, depending on your camping neighbors, and just sitting on the banks watching the boats go by is peaceful."
The Tennessee camping experience frequently centers around water features, with many top-rated sites located near lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Campgrounds like Harrison Bay State Park and Rock Island State Park offer boat-in access alongside traditional camping options. According to reviews from The Dyrt, many Tennessee campgrounds maintain clean facilities and friendly staff. One visitor remarked, "The bathrooms are cleaned everyday on weekends and every other day during the week. Completely cleaned!" Mixed-use campgrounds accommodate diverse recreational interests, from fishing and boating to hiking and wildlife viewing. Visitors consistently praise Tennessee campgrounds for their natural beauty, with state parks particularly known for maintaining well-kept facilities while preserving natural surroundings. Family-friendly amenities such as playgrounds, swimming areas, and hiking trails complement the camping experience at many developed locations including Center Hill Lake campgrounds.
Best Camping Sites in Tennessee (993)
1. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground
145 ReviewsSpencer, TNWebsite+1 (888) 867-2757"Fall creek falls is one of the best recreational areas in Tennessee. The park is very large and has so much to do. The falls are amazing, and it’s a moderate hike down to the base."
"Tons to do at one of Tennessee’s top state parks."
2. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
127 ReviewsGatlinburg, TNWebsite+1 (865) 430-5560$30 / night
"I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."
"We stayed 3 nights so we could hike the surrounding trails! Loved learning about the history of the area while checking out the old cabins."
3. Cades Cove Campground
100 ReviewsTownsend, TNWebsite+1 (865) 448-4103$30 / night
"You can easily bike through the loop, or drive. Nice spot to see wildlife as well. Cades Cove is well known for spotting bears, deer and turkey."
"We camped in the middle of a hot sticky Tennessee summer and felt just fine in all of the shade."
4. Greenbrier Campground
72 ReviewsGatlinburg, TNWebsite$35 - $258 / night
"Had a blast at The Greenbrier Campground in Gatlinburg Tennessee. We had a view of the river which was right next to.our campsite."
"The campground is surrounded by a little river so many sites have river views. Most are relatively spacious. There are also a few spots on the road side of the island. The amenities were spotless."
5. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
71 ReviewsCosby, TNWebsite+1 (423) 487-2683$50 / night
"Drive in is a nice paved road, got our information on where our sites where from the Camp Host, Who was super informative."
"Cosby is about half an hour outside of Gatlinburg and worth every minute. A16 was big and shady. There were a few steps down to it. Plenty of trees and distance to the nearest neighbors."
6. Montgomery Bell State Park Campground
64 ReviewsBurns, TNWebsite+1 (888) 867-2757"Campground Review: Montgomery Bell State Park The Four Mile Campground is nestled in a hollow offering shade and creekage on one side plus several of the trailheads start nearby and you are close"
"It is a beautiful state park known as the"Queen of Tennessee's State Parks". There are 4,000 acres with mountain biking, fishing, hiking, picnic areas, kayaking/canoeing, and a golf course."
7. Edgar Evins State Park Campground
60 ReviewsLancaster, TNWebsite+1 (888) 867-2757"I'm from New England and relocated to Tennessee in 2016. The first time I went camping at Edgar Evans, I had no idea what was going on!"
"The park is a gorgeous property with a lake and hiking trails. There are ADA sights. The hills are steep and some of the sights have angle ramps."
8. Harrison Bay State Park Campground
60 ReviewsHarrison, TNWebsite+1 (888) 867-2757"This is a great family campground and Tennessee State Park located on Chickamauga Lake of the Tennessee River. Good playground for the Grandkids and bicycle paths."
"Harrison Bay is a huge park, with four camping loops (3 for RVs, 1 for tents), and a large marina, located on the Chickamauga Reservoir of the Tennessee River."
9. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground
58 ReviewsPigeon Forge, TNWebsite+1 (865) 453-7903"Had we been in a site away from the river, we’d have been packed in like sardines."
"Close to everything, right in the heart of pigeon forge. Best bath houses we’ve ever been too, all other reviews were spot on!"
10. Anchor Down RV Resort
49 ReviewsSevierville, TNWebsite+1 (877) 784-4446$49 - $139 / night
"Anchors Down is just outside Severville Tennessee and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Located on Douglas Lake with the Smokie Mountains in the back ground."
"This campground is one of the best you will find in Tennessee. "
Recent Camping Photos in Tennessee
1471 Photos of 993 Tennessee Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews in Tennessee
4982 Reviews of 993 Tennessee Campgrounds
Pat C.ScoutPigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground
Friendly and everything you would need and more
Dog park, laundry. Showers,come by pick up trash, have lawn chairs, outdoor sports item to rent, have over flow area to park extra vehicles, lot size ample for extra large trailers or tents cabins to rent popular places to eat or shop in walking distances had arts and craft show going that was going to be there a month kept clean water walk with duck's
- bbob J.
GuideCub Lake Campground #2 — Natchez Trace State Park
Wonderful overnight spot
Beautiful camp area. The tent camp loop was closed so I stayed in the full hook up area. Did not need electricity or water but the great washroom had flush toilets and showers. Very clean. Camp host was wonderful. It says it’s just off I40 but the camping area was more like 7 or 8 miles in. Perfect for no road noise. The lake is wonderful. Great walking around the area.
Green Q.
TravelerLong Creek Haven
Creekside Bliss
What a gem! Small friendly campground with owners, that care, on property. Perfect stay in my 21' Class B but I saw HUGE Class A campers have plenty of room to maneuver into their spots while there. EVERY site is creekside! I loved coffee in the morning near the creek. Nice fully enclosed (with a latch) outdoor shower available(ahhh), wifi, electric, water and dumping OR boondock. The tent sites are super nice, too. My dog was not just welcome but spoiled with attention. Laundry available at a reasonable fee (bonus). RV sites have fire pits and cool wood swing benches. Wildlife abounds turkeys,crows, deer, rabbits, otters, squirrels and such plus 2 pet chickens (super cute). I'll be back!!
Phillip F.TravelerAnderson Road Campground
Sweet spot!
Reserved spot #19 for 1 night. The stay was very peaceful with friendly staff! The site itself was a bit rocky but that should be expected for primitive. A firepit and grill was provided with a less than 20 ft walk to the water through the trees. Would definitely book again for the price and convenience!!🤙
Nat S.TravelerLong Creek Haven
I love falling asleep next to the creek
Long Creek Haven is such a peaceful place to stay! I really enjoyed listening to the creek flow and the birds sing. There’s a great little trail along the creek to walk among nature which our dog and cats really love! I also love how kind and accepting the owners are and they welcome skoolies too! Highly recommend!
- BBrad P.Guide
Smokey waters campground
Good location
Nice quiet campground. Big rig friendly. Long pull through sites. Very nice camp host. River along one side. Mostly open. A few shady spots. Great location for being just outside the National Park away from the busy cities.
- ssteve H.Scout
Anderson Road Campground
Spacious sites
The grounds are laid out along a loop. The first ten spaces are lake side and have water and power. The rest of the sites are less developed. There is a boat ramp. There is a toilet house in the rustic area and a shower house near the developed sites. There is a dump station. Suburban development along the access road provides convenient retail.
- LLeah J.Guide
Cedar Creek (TN)
The Dirtiest Bathrooms
Gorgeous views, rest of the campground was fairly clean. But the bathrooms....it was very evident they hadn't been cleaned in a very long time. All they did was refill toilet paper. There was dirty brown liquid stains dripping off the walls of all restrooms, dead bugs everywhere and even more in the cobwebs in every corner that could easily be swept out daily. Dirty than a gas station bathroom. Because we tent camp I would not stay here again which is unfortunate because the lake views were very pretty.
Guide to Tennessee
Camping in Tennessee offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, Tennessee has something for everyone.
What to do
- Hiking: Many campgrounds, like Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground, have well-maintained trails. One camper mentioned, “The hiking trails were well maintained but vary in difficulty.”
- Fishing and Swimming: At Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A visitor shared, “The campground is quiet, clean, beautiful. So nice to be on the river.”
- Exploring Waterfalls: Foster Falls Campground is known for its stunning waterfalls. One reviewer said, “The landscape is absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking.”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Edgar Evins State Park Campground noted, “Facilities were clean. Would recommend.”
- Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Rock Island State Park Campground said, “Staff was super friendly and helpful.”
- Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space. A review from Baileys Point highlighted, “Great level gravel site. The sites are spaced just right.”
What you should know
- Crowded During Peak Season: Some parks can get busy, especially in summer. A camper at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground mentioned, “The park is a top visited park in TN - it’s crowded.”
- Limited Amenities at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Foster Falls Campground pointed out, “There are no electrical hookups. There are also no generators allowed.”
- Check Site Conditions: Some sites may have steep inclines or be hard to access. A camper at Edgar Evins State Park Campground advised, “I definitely recommend either scouting out a site before booking or researching well which site would be a good fit.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for parks with activities for kids. One camper at Henry Horton State Park Campground said, “Enjoyed walking along the river. It is not secluded and is right off a local highway but has many conveniences.”
- Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of things to do. A family at Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground enjoyed, “There are so many trails, playgrounds, and bike/walk friendly roads.”
- Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A camper at Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground mentioned, “The campground was excellent!!”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Rock Island State Park Campground noted, “This is not a big rig friendly park, but lots of people still crammed their campers that were too big onto the sites.”
- Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer limited hookups. A camper at Edgar Evins State Park Campground mentioned, “Only Campground 3 was open during our stay.”
- Plan for Leveling: Be prepared for uneven sites. A visitor at Rock Island State Park Campground said, “The only issue we had was leveling our camper, there was a 7in difference between the sides.”
Tennessee camping offers a variety of experiences, so whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best state parks in Tennessee for camping?
What are the best state parks in Tennessee for camping?
Tennessee offers exceptional state park camping experiences. Pickwick Landing State Park Campground features rustic sites with new bathhouse facilities, a playground, and convenient firewood sales. The park also offers a lodge with restaurant and beautiful cabins near the Tennessee River. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground is another standout destination with multiple camping options including drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in sites, plus access to stunning waterfalls. Other excellent choices include Rock Island State Park with its unique geological features, Montgomery Bell for its central location, and Edgar Evins with its distinctive platform sites overlooking Center Hill Lake. Most Tennessee state parks offer reservable sites with water and toilet facilities, though amenities vary by location.
Where can families find the most kid-friendly campgrounds in Tennessee?
Where can families find the most kid-friendly campgrounds in Tennessee?
Harrison Bay State Park Campground stands out for families with children, offering excellent playgrounds, bicycle paths, and access to Chickamauga Lake on the Tennessee River. Located about 30 minutes from Chattanooga, it provides convenient access to additional family attractions. Greenbrier Campground near Gatlinburg offers family-friendly amenities with proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park activities. Many Tennessee KOAs, including Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA, cater specifically to families with swimming pools, game rooms, and organized activities. Look for campgrounds with modern bathhouses, playground equipment, swimming areas, hiking trails appropriate for various ages, and proximity to area attractions. The Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area offers numerous family-friendly camping options with easy access to entertainment and outdoor recreation.
How do camping options differ between East, Middle, and West Tennessee?
How do camping options differ between East, Middle, and West Tennessee?
Each Tennessee region offers distinct camping experiences. East Tennessee features mountain camping in the Smokies and alongside Cherokee National Forest. Anchor Down RV Resort exemplifies east Tennessee camping with sites overlooking Douglas Lake against the Smoky Mountain backdrop. Middle Tennessee offers a mix of woodland and lakeside camping with more moderate terrain, like Montgomery Bell State Park Campground featuring a variety of site types. West Tennessee provides unique wetland and river-based camping experiences, exemplified by Reelfoot Lake State Park Campgrounds, offering secluded water-adjacent sites and Blue Bank Resort on Reelfoot Lake. Eastern campgrounds typically feature more elevation changes and cooler temperatures, middle Tennessee offers rolling hills and moderate terrain, while western Tennessee provides flatter sites often near Mississippi River tributaries.
What tent camping options are available throughout Tennessee?
What tent camping options are available throughout Tennessee?
Tennessee offers diverse tent camping experiences across the state. For primitive options, Spring Creek Primitive Campground — Mousetail Landing State Park provides a small, shaded, and quiet experience off the beaten path near the Tennessee River. Starr Mountain Area offers more adventurous primitive camping with stunning views and rugged terrain for those willing to hike. For unique experiences, Ray of Hope Guest Ranch and Horse Motel features yurt camping with panoramic hillside views and incredible stargazing opportunities. The Great Smoky Mountains provide numerous tent camping options, from established campgrounds to backcountry sites. Most state parks offer tent-specific areas, and many private campgrounds throughout Tennessee accommodate tent campers with dedicated sites away from RV sections.
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