Best Tent Camping near Madisonville, TN

Searching for a tent camping spot near Madisonville? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Madisonville, including sites, reviews, and tips. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Madisonville, TN (66)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

    1. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

    9 Reviews
    18 Photos
    274 Saves
    Reliance, Tennessee

    Lost Creek Campground is located along the banks of Big Lost Creek. This primitive campground offers remote camping and is surrounded by dense forest and creeks. Lost Creek Campground is open year round. Sites are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. While staying at Lost Creek, campers can enjoy fishing in Big Lost Creek (note: special regulations are in effect for fishing in Big Lost Creek).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Double Camp/Citico Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Double Camp/Citico Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Double Camp/Citico Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Double Camp/Citico Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Double Camp/Citico Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Smitty's Lodge Motorcycle Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Smitty's Lodge Motorcycle Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Starr Mountain Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Starr Mountain Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Starr Mountain Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Starr Mountain Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Starr Mountain Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Starr Mountain Area

    4. Starr Mountain Area

    2 Reviews
    9 Photos
    50 Saves
    Delano, Tennessee

    View from Starr Mountain in Cherokee National Forests Starr Mountain is a popular area of the national forest for horse riding & camping with nearly 20 miles of trails and a number of roads available for riding. Lost Corral Campground & Trailhead provides the easiest access to the area. This zone also features Gee Creek Wilderness and the Gee Creek Trail #191 trail that only gets more challenging the further you hike. Access is located off US Highway 411 near the Hiwassee River and state managed Gee Creek Campground. Starr Mountain Area Map Starr Mountain Area Guide

    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Poland Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Poland Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Poland Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Poland Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Poland Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Poland Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Young Branch Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Young Branch Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Young Branch Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Young Branch Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Young Branch Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Young Branch Horse Camp

    6. Young Branch Horse Camp

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    8 Saves
    Tallassee, Tennessee

    Young Branch Campground is situated near Citico Creek. It is one of Cherokee National Forest's two horse campgrounds. Visitors enjoy horseback riding, hiking, fishing and rafting. Recreation Young Branch is situated near the Little Citico Horse Trails, a system of more than 15 miles of trails that mostly follow old Forest Service and logging roads, along ridgelines and over creeks. Citico Creek offers plenty of fishing and rafting opportunities. Facilities This primitive campground has seven accessible, equestrian campsites available for reservations. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, grill and lantern post. Vault toilets are provided. No water or electric hookups are available. Horses may drink from Citico Creek. A corral and 25 horse stalls with feeding bins are provided. Horses must be kept in the corral, stalls or in trailers and are not permitted in campsites, tied to trees or in the grass. Manure must be placed in provided manure bins before departure. Natural Features The campground is set in a densely wooded area about 100 yards from Citico Creek, within the Cherokee National Forest in eastern Tennessee. The forest stretches from Chattanooga to Bristol, along the North Carolina border. Cherokee is Tennessee's only national forest. It covers 650,000 acres in the heart of the Southern Appalachians and is home to more than 20,000 species of plants and animals, as well as many rivers, creeks and lakes. Elevations range from 750 to 5,500 feet. Nearby Attractions Vonore, Tennessee is approximately 20 miles from the campground and makes for an interesting day trip for its rich Native American archeological history. The town contains the nearest telephone, gas and food. ADA Access: N

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Equestrian

    $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hiwassee River Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hiwassee River Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hiwassee River Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hiwassee River Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hiwassee River Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hiwassee River Area

    7. Hiwassee River Area

    3 Reviews
    7 Photos
    63 Saves
    Turtletown, Tennessee

    View of Hiwassee River from Hood Mountain Overlook in Cherokee National Forest Forested hillsides and pastoral river bottoms complement the beauty of Hiwassee River Gorge. Fishing, rafting, canoeing and hiking are popular activities. The 21-mile John Muir National Recreation Trail , a section of the longer distance Benton MacKaye Trail, meanders along the river. Camp at the nearby state campground at Gee Creek. Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Motorized boat, Fly; Boat Launch available Hiwassee River Area Map Hiwassee River Area Guide

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Snowbird Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Snowbird Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Snowbird Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Snowbird Camping

    8. Snowbird Camping

    4 Reviews
    4 Photos
    100 Saves
    Robbinsville, North Carolina

    Secluded backcountry camping on the banks of Little Snowbird Creek. With mountaintop views that will bring a tear to a glass eye. Best trout fishing in Western North Carolina free with campsite rental.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $40 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

    9. Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

    12 Reviews
    70 Photos
    88 Saves
    Lancing, Tennessee

    Overview

    Rock Creek Campground is located near the Emory River in the Obed Wild and Scenic River.

    Recreation

    Whitewater paddling is available seasonally in the Obed WSR. Rock climbing is another challenging activity, as is boulder climbing. The Obed WSR sports several unique trails for hikers, most notably the Point Trail and a portion of the Cumberland Trail. Those who like to fish will enjoy the Obed WSR, as a variety of bass, bluegill, catfish and other fish populate the river. Birdwatching is also a fun activity, particularly during the migratory seasons.

    Natural Features

    The Obed River winds through the Cumberland Plateau offering a variety of recreational activities for everyone.

    Nearby Attractions

    Just a few miles from the park is Frozen Head State Park which encompasses more than 24,000 acres of forest with mountainous terrain at an elevation from 1,340 feet to over 3,000 feet. Catoosa Wildlife Management Area is an 82,000 acre preserve with a focus on hunting and fishing but offering a wealth of other recreational activities as well. Lone Mountain State Forest is 3,600 acres and has 15 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Birdsong
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Birdsong
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Birdsong
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Birdsong
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Birdsong
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Birdsong

    10. Camp Birdsong

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    13 Saves
    Maryville, Tennessee

    Your Camp site is nestled in a shady spot looking out into untamed woodlands.

    This is neigborhood camping at its best!

    We are located in the beautiful foothills of the Smoky mountains close to many attractions and scenic drives.

    Quiet area-lots of birdsong.

    Good paved roads leading directly to the house and you can park at the site.

    10x16 platform for your larger tent or 2 smaller ones. (yard on slope so you'll want to use the platform)

    Grill on deck for charcoal/wood cooking or camp fire.

    Hot water shower, toilet and sink

    Coffee maker, Grill & Utensils available. Coolers available for use (ice at Dollar General 1/2 mile away)

    Motorcycles welcome

    Pets welcome as long you take care to clean up after them.

    Perfectly situated to some of the best scenic and fun roads East Tennessee has to offer for motorcyclists and anyone who loves curvy roads.

    5 miles to Foothills Parkway

    20 fun miles to the Tail of the dragon (Moutain pass road leading to the NC border)

    30 min to Smoky Mountain Nat'l Park for hiking/horseback riding/fishing

    Gatlingburg/ Pigeon Forge/Dollywood approx 1 hour

    5 miles away - 15 miles of paved Greenway trail for walking and bicycle riding.

    35 min to great hiking trails

    7 min to town of Maryville -Restaurants, movies, shopping etc

    30 min to Knoxviille

    20 min to Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson

    10 min to Public golf course

    20 miles to Fishing with tour info avail.

    1/2 mile to a Dollar General-for any supplies you may need

    Waterfalls all within daytrips

    Expert route planning (we know all the fun roads -named and un-named)

    We don't drink alcohol at all. We don't mind a little beer or wine, but we ask that you do not drink to inebriation. MJ is illegal in Tennessee, so we ask that you don't smoke here. Cigarette smoking ok. This is a quiet neighborhood so we ask that you keep you conversation to normal levels after 10pm.

    Firearms - No recreational firearm use is allowed on the property.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $40 - $49 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 66 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Madisonville

1428 Reviews of 66 Madisonville Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Nov. 26, 2024

    Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Busy but well kept campground

    Large campground but had level, shaded, and private camp sites. Flush toilets clean but no showers. Traffic was a beast but there were good hiking trails from campground. I was on a loop that allowed generators but very few were in use. Nice creek runs through campground. Campground fairly close to visitor center and nearby hiking trails but wickedly crowded. Very strict rules regarding food storage and park has managed to control bears and raccoons. Dump station on site.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cades Cove Campground
    Nov. 26, 2024

    Cades Cove Campground

    Near popular Cades Cove scenic drive

    Approx 20 miles from main visitor center. The scenic drive increases congestion and traffic. Camp store is near campsites. Also a ranger station. Several hiking trails are accessible from campground. All driveways shaded, paved, and level. Very pleasant place. Only negative is the requirement to check in between 9-10:00 am the following day if one arrived later than check in time, which caused me to change hiking plans.

  • Randall C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Magical Mountain Resorts, The Enchanted Forest
    Nov. 16, 2024

    Magical Mountain Resorts, The Enchanted Forest

    Lives up to its name!

    This place is truly magical. So much effort has been put into themed cabins, unique art work, and detail. Kids and adults can spend time in a fantasy world of their choice. Kids can explore the magical grounds, play in the large creek, and get to know the resident goats, pigs, miniature horse, etc..

  • Stoked C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Windrock Ridge Campground
    Nov. 10, 2024

    Windrock Ridge Campground

    Wooded Dispersed Tent Sites For Spaceo

    First time at Windrock Campground. very nice property and has spots for all types of outfits and campers. I’m in a truck camper with a rooftop tent. The wooded tent sites where perfect not all are level so ask to drive through and preview avails before booking. fire ring, table provided. the only down side is that there is heavy SxS traffic on camp roads until late evening. otherwise pretty swanky place to camp. There are open sky spots around the bathhouse if you need solar or satellite. Those are all flat.

  • Michele D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Chatuge Dispersed
    Nov. 1, 2024

    Lake Chatuge Dispersed

    Wrong coordinates

    The coordinates take you to Nottley Dam. We had to drive 37 minutes farther to Lake Chatuge and hopefully we find some campground since it is very dark at the moment. We ended up having to spend over $200 for a hotel. I'm going to delete my acct as other friends have similar issues with Dyrt

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cove Creek RV Resort
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Cove Creek RV Resort

    Quiet and convenient

    We stayed 3 nights in one of the creekside sites. Very nice. Staff was very friendly. Water, electric, and sewer all worked. Great location outside the chaos of Pigeon Forge. Townsend and Cades Cove were easy drives.

  • Robbie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tsali Campground
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Tsali Campground

    Tsali - one of the best!

    One of my all-time favorite campsites. Great for accessing the mountain bike trails at Tsali. The entire campground is first come first serve, never had a problem finding a spot, but does fill up by the weekend. Roomy camp spots, decent privacy between spots, clean bath houses, all in a beautiful location. Ride right out of your campsite and hit the trails, or easy access to Lake Fontana. Campsite is always well-maintained. All the spots have dedicated tent area, picnic tables and fire rings. Multiple bear proof trash cans and water spickets on both loops and easy to access. Only downside is it closes mid October until April.

  • Cindy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort

    Love this place

    Highly recommended this place. New facility clean bathroom with offers solid doors for privacy. Right in the middle of the attractions. Loved this place.

  • V
    Camper-submitted photo from Fooshee Pass Campground
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    Beautiful and well maintained!

    Ample space, gorgeous views of the lake, and super friendly staff. We stayed in space 19. It is sized for a smaller rig which was perfect for us. We got to watch fish jump and a crane fishing in the morning. Only caught small fish, but the kids had a blast swimming. The lake is shallow with a slow grade which was perfect for our young children. Everyone was friendly and respectful. The bathrooms were clean and it was a nice bonus to have a no-charge shower available for tent camping.

  • Angie B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fontana Village Resort and Campground
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Fontana Village Resort and Campground

    Favorite Vacation Spot

    We have stayed at the Campground for 15 years!  Love Beth who helps with Reservations. I really like the fact it is a very small campground, sitting back a long way off the main road.  Sites are spread out. Shower house easy access from all sites. Very few, if any kids when we go.  Having all the amenities of Fontana Village Resort is icing on the cake. I've already made Reservations for 2025.

  • Mary D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hornsby Hollow Campground
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Hornsby Hollow Campground

    Beautiful Sites!

    The campground was one of the most scenic I've been to. Some of the lakefront spots had their own access to the lake and plenty of trees. The camp host was amazing!

  • Margaret L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Elkmont Campground

    That's a great recommendation! Elkmont Campground sounds like a wonderful place to experience the Great Smoky Mountains. The variety of accommodation options makes it accessible to campers of all preferences. Therefore SRSLY Low Carb helps me stick to a diet and it reflects well on my body. I love active recreation. However, I always take care of my diet because I have health problems. Have a nice trip and take care of your health.

  • Sarah H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

    Long drive down gravel roads

    It took us about 1.5 hours to reach the campground from where the pavement ended. It gets rough in places, but a sedan can do it if it's dry. Once you finally reach the campground, it is nice. Nestled way back in the woods. No power or water hookups. A couple of water hydrates throughout the campground. No alcohol permitted. It is a wildlife management area. There is a host in the campground. Beautiful scenery!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cades Cove Campground
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Cades Cove Campground

    Awesome time

    If you're looking for peace and quiet, then this is the place to be. Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground. Note... Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just erritates the bears.

  • rhett T.
    Camper-submitted photo from KOA (Kampgrounds of America)
    Aug. 17, 2024

    KOA (Kampgrounds of America)

    Nice but crowded

    It was a nice campground. But it is set up to be too crowded. Not my kind of camping. But they stated was friendly. The restrooms weren’t so bad considering how many kids was there. Couldn’t let the dogs walk free so that sucked.

  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from The Crosseyed Cricket
    Aug. 17, 2024

    The Crosseyed Cricket

    I like it

    I prefer playing cricket for physical exercise rather than virtual games like Nulls Brawl. It's a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, especially in beautiful locations like The Crosseyed Cricket Campground in Tennessee.

  • Roger G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    Awesome location, very busy

    We were there on a Saturday night in August and it was completely sold out. It's a very busy campground with close together spaces but that's to be expected at that time and place. The staff was awesome and it's a great facility, shockingly with that many people it was absolutely silent at night. If you want to be in that area at that time it's pricey but hard to beat; however, I have no desire to be in that busy of a campground. There is a good chance we would like to see it in the off season.

  • Kaleb B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Backside Campground at Nantahala
    Aug. 9, 2024

    Backside Campground at Nantahala

    Backside is a fitting name

    This "campground" is two camp sites max being sold as like 6 "LARGE" sites. My brother and I were genuinely confused because it's essentially two group sites with individual sites being grouped together sharing a fireplace. The individual "sites" themselves are not level and barely big enough for a tent. My brother and I took one set of sites and the other person that showed up with small children took the other set of sites thankfully. I'm not trying to be crammed in with other people's small children while I'm camping. Was not expecting that to be a possibility. Any other people had shown up to the campground my brother and I would have just left. The porta potty is an absolute nightmare of spiders and insects. Don't bother opening it. No water supply

  • Nadiia R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountaineer Campground
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Mountaineer Campground

    Awful place

    I highly DO NOT RECOMMEND this place. They completely do not respect their guests. I booked a half a year in advance and asked the question if they have a separate bed for each and they assured me they do. Unfortunately, my child ended up sleeping on the table. I tried to ask for an additional mattress or a partial/full refund but they didn’t want to hear me. They offered me to go to the store and buy one for myself. A complete disrespect I drove for six hours to be as disappointed as I had never been in life. Please, beware that coming here you’re going to sleep either on the floor or on the table and the staff doesn’t care about you or do not respect you. People, please do not come here.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort

    July 4th Stay

    We booked our trip late and this campsite was the only one with vacancy. That had us worried, BUT it turned out great and we would stay here again!

    The pool was clear and clean and (I think) a salt water base so it wasn’t an overpower of chlorine which I liked since I have a 9 month old. The area could use more chairs, but you could always bring your own.

    The only downside of our stay was there wasn’t much shade. They have planted trees so in the future it’ll be very nice with shade, but there’s only shade on the outside lots of the property. The lot itself is so easy to connect to electric, waste, and water.

    The bathrooms were great quality and clean. We appreciated the bathroom in the middle of the property for easier access!

    The WiFi worked well and our phones weren’t completely out of service. Maybe in some areas like the pavilion.



Guide to Madisonville

Madisonville, Tennessee, offers a variety of tent camping options that immerse you in the beauty of nature, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy fishing and swimming in the clear waters at Double Camp/Citico Creek, where family-friendly campsites provide a peaceful retreat.
  • Experience the thrill of trout fishing at Bald River Falls Primitive #1, a site known for its scenic views and proximity to hiking trails.
  • Hike to stunning vistas at Starr Mountain Area, where the challenging trails reward you with breathtaking landscapes.

Specific local attractions

  • Explore the beautiful Citico Creek area, which includes Young Branch Horse Camp, offering a more developed camping experience with essential amenities.
  • Visit the picturesque Tellico River Area, where you can set up camp and enjoy the soothing sounds of the river while being close to nature at Tellico River Area.
  • Discover the unique charm of Smitty's Lodge Motorcycle Campground, which caters to both motorcyclists and tent campers, providing a welcoming atmosphere and convenient facilities.

Amenities that enhance your camping experience

  • Camp at Gamble Gap Tents, where reservable sites ensure you have a spot waiting for you amidst the natural beauty.
  • Enjoy the convenience of picnic tables and clean restrooms at Quinn Springs Campground, making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • Experience the rustic charm of Dam Creek Campground, where you can truly disconnect and enjoy a primitive camping experience surrounded by nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Madisonville, TN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Madisonville, TN is Lost Creek - Cherokee NF with a 4.8-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 66 tent camping locations near Madisonville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.