110 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Rock Island State Park Campground and Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground welcome pets at their sites with full hookups for RVs and designated areas for tent camping. Both parks maintain strict leash policies, requiring dogs to remain on leads no longer than 6 feet when outside vehicles or camping units. Raccoon Mountain Campground features a dedicated dog park where pets can exercise off-leash, with many reviewers noting this amenity as a significant benefit during their stays. Greeter Falls Campground, Hammock Sway, and Smooth Rapids Campground also accommodate pets with varying amenities. Most campgrounds provide water access, fire rings, and picnic tables at pet-friendly sites. Several locations offer pet-friendly cabin options alongside traditional camping, though additional pet fees may apply. Camping photos and user guides for McMinnville, Tennessee are available on The Dyrt.
Trails surrounding these campgrounds provide excellent opportunities for leashed dog walks, with the Rocky River bordering Hammock Sway offering water access for pets. Raccoon Mountain's dog park includes a small dog ramp and is well-maintained according to multiple visitor reports. Campers should note that some locations have limited bathroom facilities despite being pet-friendly, so planning accordingly is essential. Wildlife encounters are possible in these areas, so keeping pets secured is crucial for their safety and the protection of local fauna. Several campgrounds feature gravel sites that may require leveling, with varying degrees of privacy between camping spots. The fenced dog areas at certain campgrounds provide secure spaces for pets to run off-leash after long travel days, particularly valuable for active dogs needing exercise during camping trips.
"Rock Island State Park is situated in the middle of Tennessee. The park itself is surrounded by beautiful forest and some pretty great and easy hiking trails. The falls themselves are a sight to see."
"Off I24 near Murfreesboro, Tn and a leisurely drive through the Tennessee countryside. Small towns, pickups and cows. Watch for stop signs, I almost missed one while looking at the scenery."
"Our site was surrounded by trees and felt very private."
"The Tennessee countryside is an enjoyable backdrop to this meandering road trip and you are very close to several other excellent Tennessee SPs."
from $8 - $32 / night
Check Availability"Affordable, walking distance to town and yet the grounds make you feel like you’re in a park far away from everything. Beautiful pines on property and lots of local hiking nearby."
"Smooth rapids is located right on the river, and right in the town of McMinnville."
from $15 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Recycling bins were also located near the well lit bathrooms."
"The campground itself borders the duck river and is absolutely stunning. The hiking trails are well maintained so hiking to the three waterfall's inside the park is a mild hike."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"We stayed on site 6, right next to some stairs that lead to a path to the bathroom/shower facilities."
"There were restrooms at the marina, which was close by. They have a game room tent with ping pong, cornhole, jenga, etc. and they host a movie night sometimes!"
"Located on the Caney Fork River."
from $75 / night
Check Availability"This is a primitive camping experience in the pristine woods of Van Buren County, TN about 20 miles(30 minutes) outside of McMinnville, Tennessee. The campground borders the beautiful Rocky River."
"Chris is very helpful, friendly and willing to show you around upon arriving. You will also be introduced to all his great dogs. After that you won’t be bothered unless you need help."
from $25 - $89 / night
Check Availability"Charles Creek is accessible from the left side of the grounds and is a short walk. There is another, quite steep, way down to the creek on the right side of the grounds."
"Alum Gap campground, situated in the backcountry of Tennessee, is not only a hidden gem but also a perfect choice for those new to backpacking."
"The hike down the Laurel trail was really mellow. Roughly a 3 mile gradual descent and then you can branch off and hike to some of the falls on the West side of the park."
from $8 - $12 / night
Check Availability"The staff will come around and collect your trash for you (which isn’t necessary but a nice plus!)"
"It’s near I-24 which makes getting places easy. It will be noisy if you are sound sensitive. It is well maintained. The laundry room is great. You can get anything you need from the store."
from $32 - $102 / night
Check Availability
TravelerWe enjoyed our stay at Raccoon Mountain. Sites were a good size. Not right on top of each other. The caverns were pretty cool. Having the dog park close by was a bonus. We would definitely stay here again.
RangerPros: The staff are all incredibly friendly. We loved interacting with them (especially Eric!) during our stay. The laundry and bathrooms are very clean and spacious. The staff will come around and collect your trash for you (which isn’t necessary but a nice plus!) The location is directly off the highway and close to stores if you need a late night run for anything. The dog park was cute and offered a lot of extras. The heated pool was nicely taken care of and would be fantastic for the summer season. The camp store had lots of necessities and cute decor plus a dvd rental library and a pizza place onsite!
Cons: There was a massive cell phone tower within walking distance from our RV. Literally on the property of the RV park behind their utility shed and next to the playground. The highway traffic is quite loud. The campsites are very close together! The playground and fun type amenities in the back of the park weren’t kept up very well it seemed. A lot of the stuff was missing or broken.
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GuideThis campground is beautiful in the middle of the mountains. It is unique as well, in that there is a cavern entrance right on site. You are able to do a quick 45 minute knowledge tour or you can do a muddy tour, which is longer and takes you further into the cavern.
There are RV and tent sites available as well as large group sites. The bathhouse a nice size and very well kept. There is also a laundry facility on site, which is nice for those the want to go in the mud rooms on the long tour. There are two different stores, one is for the camping reservations, and the other is for the caverns. They are doing renovations, so the cavern store is in a little trailer right now (August 2018).
The people were very nice and helpful. We stayed during the rainy season, so the lady in charge that day, made sure to drive around and warn us that in an emergency situation, we would either go in the cave for shelter, or the bathhouse, which is made of brick. It was nice to know she cared so much to drive to each site and warn us. Luckily, we only got a small shower the next morning, so we had no weather issues.
Lastly, and very important to us, was the on site dog park. My dog was very happy to run and chase her ball off of a leash. Its large and well maintained with a small dog ramp inside.
Side note, there are about 12 cats that roam the facility. The are very friendly and will not hesitate to jump in your car or trailer so keep an eye out for them!!
TravelerNice site, great staff, bathrooms were clean. Spaces were a little tight, but not terrible. Dog park was great for our dog to run around off leash for a while.
GuideI agree with the other reviews posted so far. Nice (but small) lots, most were level. Tents and cabins are available also. Nice staff, we got there after they closed but someone still met us and helped us find our spot. Nice bath house, laundry house, swimming pool, and dog park. Very close to Chattanooga sights.
TravelerRacoon Mountain Campground is so awesome. One of my absolute favorite places to hang out for a week. Awesome view of Lookout Mountain. All the amenities you need with full hookups and wifi. Great dog park. Nice campstore. Lots of fun things to do nearby Chattanooga
GuideI stayed in spot 8 during the Coronavirus lockdown. The staff is very friendly. It’s near I-24 which makes getting places easy. It will be noisy if you are sound sensitive. It is well maintained. The laundry room is great. You can get anything you need from the store. Perfect pull through sites for a big rig overnight stop. Great sites with picnic table, fire pits for longer stays. Nice pool, sparkling clean restrooms. The dogs loved the dog park. The amenities for kids are great. Highly recommend.
TravelerThis is a beautiful park with very roomy, clean restrooms, a general store, docks, dog park, and playground. The boat ramp is used early and late, with the trailers bouncing over speed bumps which can make it very noisy, especially on the weekends. The pool and pavilion are fantastic, and the views are lovely.
LegendWe have stopped here several times in the past when it was a KOA. The new owners have fixed it up. The roads are still gravel but in better shape, the pads are nicer, and there is more room between sites. 30/50 amp electric, water & sewer. Lots of trees, there is a big dog park. The pool was closed when we were there. Bathrooms and showers were nice, but dated. Tent sites, cabins. Lots of road noise!
Tent camping and RV sites near McMinnville, Tennessee offer year-round accommodations throughout the Highland Rim region, with elevations ranging from 900-1,000 feet above sea level. The area's moderate climate makes spring and fall particularly popular for camping, with daytime temperatures averaging 65-75°F. Most campgrounds maintain extended operation hours from March through November, with reduced winter services at select locations.
Hiking to waterfalls: 1.5-mile roundtrip. The trail to Greeter Falls provides access to multiple cascades through moderate terrain. At Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, visitors can explore both natural features and historical significance. "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," notes Shelly S.
Kayaking the Caney Fork: 3-4 hour float trips. Horseshoe Bend Marina offers equipment rentals and river access points for paddlers. "You can paddle both directions with ease, and there are several waterfalls nearby, also Rock Island State Park is about 1.5 miles by water. The boat traffic is minimal so paddling is easy," writes Lori H. Most rental packages include shuttle service back to the starting point.
Archaeological exploration: Self-guided tours. The stone fort structures date back over 2,000 years. "This park is known for its archeology, but don't miss the beautiful waterfalls. Be sure to enjoy the museum and the hiking trails," recommends Nancy R. The visitor center displays artifacts and provides context for the ancient ceremonial grounds.
Level camping platforms: Unique deck-style sites. Edgar Evins State Park Campground offers an unconventional camping experience with elevated platforms. "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," says Betheny. These platforms accommodate both tents and smaller RVs with electrical hookups.
Swimming holes: Natural water access. Multiple creeks and rivers provide cooling spots during summer months. "The creek access was beautiful and peaceful!" notes Macey L. about Charles Creek Campground. Sites near water features typically book fastest during peak season.
Off-grid camping experience: Primitive options. For those seeking seclusion, certain campgrounds maintain minimal infrastructure. "We really enjoyed camping on Chris's property, it was isolated (no cell service) and private just like we wanted! Our dogs had a fun time in the river (river campsite with small hike to it) and we just got to live in the woods uninterrupted for a few days like camping should be," shares Christin about her stay at Hammock Sway.
Road conditions: Access limitations. Some campgrounds require appropriate vehicles to reach sites. "The entrance and exit is very narrow and steep even for our Sprinter motorhome, let alone something larger. Would not advise it!" warns Ron&Shirley H. about Smooth Rapids Campground. Contact properties directly about road conditions before booking.
Site dimensions: Measurements vary. Research specific site dimensions when making reservations. "Be sure to check the site measurements. Our only complaint was the site size & distance to our neighbor. We stayed at primitive site 1. Flat area for your tent, then a slight slope towards the walkway," advises Karlie about Greeter Falls Campground.
Campground age: New facilities emerging. Several camping options have opened recently or undergone renovations. "This is a young campground, about 3 months old. My husband and I stayed twelve days. Each gravel site is spacious, comes with water, sewer, electric, firepit and are set at angles so you are not looking directly at your neighbors," reports Bobbie S.
Waterfall safety: Check conditions first. Water levels at falls fluctuate seasonally. "Make sure to visit the ranger station for a map and safety rules during water releases," recommends Christy E. Most rangers post current conditions daily at visitor centers.
Playgrounds and swimming: Kid-friendly options. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground provides dedicated recreation areas for children. "Modern bathhouses located in each camping area, swimming pool, golf course and restaurant make roughing it easier for those who need more comfort while camping," explains Sandra V.
Educational opportunities: Hands-on learning. Several parks offer junior ranger programs during summer months. "The pontoon boat tour with a Park Ranger" was highlighted by Rosa B. as "very informative" at Edgar Evins State Park. Most programs run 1-2 hours and cater to ages 6-12.
Leveling requirements: Bring necessary equipment. Many sites require adjustment for RVs. "Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out," advises Richard F. about Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground.
Full hookup availability: Limited at some parks. Select campgrounds offer comprehensive RV connections. "They have rv sites with water/electric, and they have some rv's already set up for rent, so if you want to stay less primitive but don't have your own camper, it's all set up for you," notes Lori H. about Smooth Rapids Campground.
Pet-friendly RV considerations: Site-specific options. Many campgrounds welcome pets with designated areas for exercise. "We reserved one of the spots with a fenced in area for our pups that connected to the camper. They loved having a place to stretch their legs and running around in the grass after 2 days on the road," shares DeLuvPups D. about their overnight stay at Manchester KOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near McMinnville, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near McMinnville, TN is Rock Island State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 50 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near McMinnville, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 110 dog-friendly camping locations near McMinnville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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