Nate S.
Traveler
TravelerNorth River Campground
Secluded
This site has become a tradition to visit for a week once a year. I love this location.
Best Campgrounds in Tennessee
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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 (980)
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
126 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
99 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. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
72 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."
5. Greenbrier Campground
71 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."
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
59 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
56 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
1474 Photos of 980 Tennessee Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews in Tennessee
4916 Reviews of 980 Tennessee Campgrounds
- Nate S.Traveler
chester frost campground tennessee
Small
They sure know how to pack people in; it's an extremely small site.
Rikki H.TravelerLook Rock Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Look Rock Camp! Beautiful Views up here!
This top of the mountain campground is amazing. There was barely anyone here and just a short/walk drive down the road are tons of overlooks and a short hike to a watch tower. I definitely recommend this place.
- S
Sara M.
GuideDoe River Landing
What a fantastic find - small, family-owned campground in mountain heaven
Doe River Landing is a small, delightful RV and cabin camping park that sits on the banks of the Doe River in the Roan Mountain valley of TN. We enjoyed our stay enough that we extended a few extra days. Five shaded, landscaped RV sites offering water/electric are located about 20 yards from the river’s edge. An additional site offers a fully-outfitted rental RV. Sites are pea gravel and mostly level. Luxury rental cabins(5) are available along with a truly awesome rental pavilion outfitted for larger group gatherings. The friendly hosts live in a home nearby and were around daily during our stay.
For a small family campground the amenities are super nice. The top-notch children’s playground and toy shed obviously delighted guest’s children. Wi-Fi signal is strong enough for streaming. Nice, clean bathhouse. Public grills are available. Hiking trails meander along the river and up through their woods.
There are few places we enjoy more than the Roan Mountain area for camping. The location is fantastic and even peak summer temperatures are usually comfortable. Roan Mountain State Park is minutes away for hiking and a slew of activities, while the top of Roan Mountain houses the famous wild Rhododendron Gardens. The AT and multiple hiking trails run along the top of the mountain.
There were only a few considerations with this venue.
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The sites are mostly level although we needed two OxBlocks in each of the sites we stayed in. One needed leveling front-to-back, the other side-to-side. When Hurricane Helene scoured the area it likely left some dips in the parking pads.
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The bathhouse contains one toilet and shower, both housed in the same room which can tie them up for long periods.
3) There may be some day and night traffic noise as large trucks involved in repairs from Hurricane Helene are still active.
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The approach is rather challenging. New lighted signage helps identify where their single-lane entrance road takes a HARD fork off US-19E. Be sure to check the Directions tab on their website. If you are arriving from the north (through Elizabethton) you will be able to pull directly onto Bob Ray Rd.(entrance to the right of the little Bible church). Approaching from the south on US-19E is more difficult. Bob Ray Rd basically runs parallel to US-19E which requires essentially a U-turn across 2-3 lanes to accomplish. The host suggests turning through the closed fruit stand parking lot(on the left within sight of the entrance) but we weren’t sure about it given on-coming traffic. We elected to drive~ 2 miles further down 19E and U-turn across the left shoulder.
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Bob Ray Rd is a single-lane road. Based on timing for check-in/check-out you are unlikely to meet another RV coming at you(thankfully!)
Multiple choices for food in the area. The Whiteway Grill– less than 5 minutes away- offers fabulous breakfasts. Smoky Mountain Bakers is beyond awesome! Wood-fired pizza for dinner and breakfast plates from simple sandwiches to breakfast burritos, pancakes and French toast. We find excuses to eat here during the week. Every meal we’ve had at Puerto Escondido Mexican restaurant was huge(as in leftovers) and tasty.
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Devin
ScoutSoaring Eagle Campground
A nice, convenient campground
They have a pool, a lake with boat ramp and dock, and picnic tables at all spots. There are a few rows of permanent spots but didn't seem ran down. The office workers were nice and easy to communicate with.
Moishe F.GuideDavy Crockett Campground
Tent camping
We had a decent tent camping experience here. They have all the amenities. The showers were great, but I saw a rat in the pool. The tent camping was a bit creepy, with very dim lights, and the picnic tables were quite dirty.
Tim S.TravelerSmooth Rapids Campground
Favorite spot
Smooth Rapids is hands down one of our faves. We like to rent 19 & 20 together. It gives elbow room and lets us pull power and water from Lot 19 over to where we park our little teardrop on Lot 20 (which has no power or water itself). The staff team is just terrific. We like to kayak. They rent yaks or if you BYO you can also pay to shuttle. We do both depending whether we want to haul our kayaks. They have a really good bath house and a restaurant. Kids have a playground on one end but we are past those days now. You get a mix of fellow campers. This time of year is busy but even then it is usually a nice time. Folks there tend to be friendly. The Barren Fork River runs right along the entire stretch of campground and behind the restaurant. We typically do the medium length run that takes 2.5-4 hours depending on how aggressively you row. You feel like you are away in the wilderness but you’re really just tooling through McMinnville. We highly recommend it.
Christina M.ScoutWindrock Ridge Campground
Great Campground
Cabins and Campgrounds are very clean
- JJason S.Scout
White Oak Ranch
Not safe for children
They are dishonest and it is not a safe place for children. I have attached a picture of the caboose of their“train”(my son is in the background) with crowbars, trash, debris, etc. that they were allowing children to ride in. I witnessed open slices of cheese sitting on the counter in the heat for the entire day, employees handing people this cheese with their bare hands without washing them. The playground equipment was half painted and falling over. The paint cans as well as cans of wasp spray were underneath where children play for any child to access. Over half of the amenities promised were either closed, hazardous, or not available. Only excuses from the owner. No accountability and no professionalism at all. Stay far away. There many other places that are fun and safe for your children.
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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