Camping near Holladay, Tennessee offers diverse terrain from lakeside settings to wooded areas with elevation changes that can challenge larger rigs. The region sits between Kentucky Lake and the Buffalo River, with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms during peak season. Campers should note that cell reception varies dramatically between campgrounds, with some areas requiring a 15-20 minute drive to find reliable service.
What to do
Fishing at Kentucky Lake: Access prime fishing spots at Eagles Nest RV Park, located just 1500 feet from Kentucky Lake. "Eagle's Nest RV Park is a hidden gem right next to Kentucky Lake and Paris Landing. Nearby attractions are KY Lake, Land Between The Lakes, Paris Landing State Park and the Big Sandy National Wildlife Refuge," notes a visitor.
River activities: Paddle the Buffalo River at Crazy Horse Recreational Park which offers kayak rentals and shuttle service. "Primative Camping, kayaking & catching tagged small mouth bass was more than an experience! Perks was exploring a cave!!" shares one camper. The park has two distinct camping areas across the river from each other.
Swimming spots: Cool off in clear water at Piney River. "The water is crystal clear and cold. We sat in beach chairs and let the current wash over us. The swimming hole was great! We loved watching the younger crowd jump off the cliff into the water," explains a visitor at Piney River Resort.
What campers like
Walking trails: Southern Comfort RV Park offers walking paths around the property for daily exercise. "The owners are super helpful," and there's a "nice walking trail," according to a recent review. The park maintains these trails year-round for camper use.
Peaceful atmosphere: Campers appreciate the quiet environment at Piney River Resort, describing it as "the quietest campground we've ever stayed at." Another visitor noted, "Very personable owners and staff, they greet you when you arrive and check with you and say goodbye when you leave. Like friends you never knew you had."
Spacious sites: Several rv parks near Holladay feature generous spacing between sites. "The sites are nicely spaced. Views are perfect. Staff is very nice," reports a camper at Piney River Resort. Concrete pads at Eagles Nest RV Park provide stability in all weather conditions, with a reviewer noting "each pad is concrete and has its own patio and plenty of shade trees."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. "The drive in from the highway was very scary on narrow, windy roads with dropoffs on the side. We took the staff recommended route in and Co-Pilot's route out and both were scary in our Class A towing a car hauler," warns a Piney River Resort visitor.
Varied cell service: Internet connectivity is inconsistent across Holladay camping areas. Thousand Trails Natchez Trace campers report "no cell service through Verizon and my T-Mobile 5g internet had no reception either (even with a booster)." Some visitors rely on Starlink for connectivity.
Seasonal flooding: Low-lying sites can experience water issues during rainy periods. At Eagles Nest RV Park, "Site 1 and 2 flood when there is rain," according to a recent visitor. Check with campground staff about site elevation before booking during storm seasons.
Weekend noise: Some campgrounds experience increased noise levels on weekends. "Although the campground has no control, on Friday and Saturday nights the two businesses that back up to the park are noisy with music, cars, people. Just be aware," reports a camper at Eagles Nest RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Choose the quiet side: For family camping at Crazy Horse, select sites strategically. "Has a family side and another rowdy side across the river. Family side quiet time begins at 10 pm," advises one camper. The family-oriented section provides a more controlled environment for children.
River safety precautions: When camping with kids near water, establish clear boundaries. "The swimming hole was great! We watched the younger crowd jump off the cliff into the water," notes a Piney River camper, highlighting the importance of supervision at natural swimming areas.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreational options. "Only recreational things to do is swim in the river, catch crawfish, and fish. Kayaking the piney river is a must. They are working on adding amenities, playground, etc.," shares a visitor about Piney River Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many rv parks in Holladay, Tennessee require careful positioning. At Piney River Resort, "we couldn't get level and couldn't put our slides out. All around rough stay. I'd say this is a much better stay for smaller RVs," warns one RV owner.
Full hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer complete RV services. Crazy Horse Recreational Park provides "electrical available" but some RVers "always choose to primitive camp here" due to site spacing. Water is available as well as clean bathhouses.
Size restrictions: Verify your RV length can be accommodated. At Harmony Ridge RV Park, big rigs are welcome with pull-through sites, though specific pad lengths aren't advertised. The sites are described as "spaciously spaced" on "18 acres of picturesque rolling Tennessee farmland."
