167 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Monterey, Tennessee serves as a gateway to several established campgrounds in the Upper Cumberland region. Spacious Skies Belle Ridge offers 68 sites with accommodations for tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping options just minutes from downtown Monterey. Holpps Pine Ridge Lake Campground provides waterfront camping with both primitive and developed sites, featuring recently added hookups for RVs while maintaining tent camping areas. The surrounding area includes several Tennessee state parks within driving distance, including Edgar Evins State Park with its distinctive platform camping system and Fall Creek Falls State Park with its extensive trail networks.
Road conditions throughout the region vary significantly, with some campgrounds accessible via well-maintained highways while others require navigation through winding country roads. "Holpps Pine Ridge Lake is truly a hidden gem! This campground wasn't listed on The Dyrt, and was even hard to find in a Google search, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but the place is amazing!" Cell service can be limited in many camping areas, particularly at more remote locations like Edgar Evins State Park. Most developed campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though services may be reduced during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when waterfront sites fill quickly. The region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers and occasionally snowy winters, making spring and fall particularly popular for camping.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Monterey area. Several campgrounds provide direct lake or river frontage, allowing for fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The lake is a nice sized lake, large enough for boats and jet ski's, but calm enough for kayaks and paddle boards." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with many campers reporting deer sightings throughout the region, particularly at Fall Creek Falls State Park. Hiking trails range from easy lakeside paths to more challenging terrain leading to waterfalls and overlooks. Campers seeking more solitude may prefer the tent sites at Edgar Evins State Park, while those wanting more amenities and social camping experiences often choose the more developed campgrounds like Spacious Skies Belle Ridge with its market, electric hookups, and shower facilities.
"I seek off the beaten path places, and this campground is a gem."
"First, one advantage/disadvantage is it is located right off 40. If you are placed in one of the sites in the front it’s going to be very noisy."
from $29 - $144 / night
Check Availability"Tennessee State Parks are typically well kept and scenic."
"We chose Davy Crockery’s because of its proximity to the interstate. We spent 3 nights. We arrived after dark so the office was closed, but check in is online so it didn’t matter."
from $54 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
"The entire property is beautifully landscaped, and you instantly feel completely tucked away from the rest of the world. It is directly across from the entrance of Cummins Falls State Park!"
"I would stay away from the pull through sites by the bathroom if You prefer privacy."
"Cumberland Mountain has a total of 145 campsites, spread across 5 loops, plus a backcountry site on an 8 mile backpacking trail."
"Great spacious site with beautiful scenery all around! There’s a lake and walking trails. Descent bathrooms. Water nearby and they sell firewood."
"It is located in Monterey, TN near hwy 127, which is the site of the “World’s Longest Yard Sale”, so there’s lots of picking to be done nearby, if you’re in to that sort of thing!"
"The small camp ground has a beautiful surrounding with a farm and the lake. Nice to walk down to the lake in the morning and watch the fog lift off the water."
from $25 - $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!"
"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."
"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."
"Standing stone is a small campground that sits in a wooded area surrounded by green rolling hills and farmland."
"The state parks in Tennessee all hosted special programs for the event, and Standing Stone park rangers invited everyone to row out on the lake to watch this magnificent phenomenon."
"There is a road close by but not a major freeway. It’s one of the quieter KOA’s I have stayed at. Pool is small but very clean. The store is well stocked and you can get hand dipped ice cream."
"It does sit right next to Highway 70 into Crossville and can be noisy but it didn’t bother us. Each bathroom is a private toilet and shower, very clean, nicely tiled and plenty of hot water."
GuideWe 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.
TravelerSmooth 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.
ScoutThey 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.
ScoutLovely 5 site park on the family farm. 30/50 amp water and sewer. Exrtremly quite park
Enjoyed our stay. Debbie and Ernie were wonderful to work with. Had a cloudy night so didnt get to see sunset. But heard they are marvelous.
GuideIf you are looking for the perfect escape, this place is an absolute hidden gem! The entire property is beautifully landscaped, and you instantly feel completely tucked away from the rest of the world. It is directly across from the entrance of Cummins Falls State Park! Site 12 is THE BEST spot! The last photo shows a better view of the campground layout.
Here is what made it a 5-star stay for me:
The bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean and well-maintained.
The grounds are immaculate and peaceful to walk through.
A general store with a little deli. Super convenient for grabbing a quick, delicious bite, souvenirs, and snacks
Everyone working here was incredibly kind, welcoming, and helpful.
It is rare to find a spot that feels this peaceful and secluded while still being so well taken care of. 10/10 recommend!
I had no issues with cell service: T-mobile There is wifi, but it is spotty and not too strong.
TravelerWe loved it here! There are some very private spots for tent camping right at the water. We were in a more tight, less private rv spot, but it was still beautiful. And we ended up having a pull through site, which was great. Bath houses were well maintained, great swim area in the lake.
LegendThis brand new campground is on the grounds of the Historic Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. The campground offers an on site pizza restaurant and general store. The rear side of the restaurant and store has multiple private shower/bathroom combo rooms that must have a code to be entered. These bathrooms are nice! The campsites itself are level pads. Trees have been planted between each site, so that is going to be nice in a few years once they get some size to them. It appears that most campers staying here are here to ride the local OHV trails. This place is friendly for parking your SXS at your campsite and offers a large adjacent lot to be able to park your trailers. We are here for a concert at the prison and a tour. What a unique venue for a concert!
GuideArrived late, but had no problem finding a nice flat spot in the grass. Very quiet. Two clean porta potties as well as trash cans and picnic tables, everything well maintained. Perfect spot with the dog. Only drawback was minimal service with Verizon. Bonus is the super cute town of Granville (world’s largest decanter collection and town is decorated as Little Mayberry). Would definitely stay again.
GuideBeautiful stocked pond, catch and release. Free firewood. Good space between sites and quite.
Camping sites near Monterey, Tennessee offer diverse terrain from the rugged bluffs of the Cumberland Plateau to sheltered lake coves at 1,800-2,000 feet elevation. The area's karst topography creates unique camping conditions with limestone formations, natural springs, and varying campsite elevations. Winter temperatures typically drop to the 20s at night, requiring proper insulation for cold-weather camping.
Hiking to waterfalls and caves: At Virgin Falls State Natural Area - Primitive, campers access multiple waterfalls through moderately challenging terrain. "I hiked out to the Caney Fork River Campsite with the Nashville Backpacking Meetup. The trails were really clearly marked, so they were easy to follow despite all the leaves on the ground, and there were plenty of signs indicating where to go," notes Joshua C.
Swimming in natural pools: During summer months, the water features become popular swimming destinations. "Took my kids swimming here last weekend. We got a day use pass pass $5 per adult. Kids under 6 are free to get in so all my kids were free. The kids had the best time," shares Drew E. about Spacious Skies Belle Ridge.
Fossil hunting: Several creekbeds near camping areas contain marine fossils from when the region was underwater millions of years ago. Scout the creek areas after rain when new specimens are exposed. "We had a nice big open site, felt very private. Lots of wooded spaces. I want to say we had a site near a trail that took you to a water overlook," reports RL about Davy Crockett Campground.
Paddling on peaceful lakes: Most area lakes allow non-motorized boats with designated launch points. "We rented kayaks to take out on the lake. The rental price was reasonable and the lake was spectacular. There is even a kayak launch under the dock," writes Sonyia W. about Standing Stone State Park Campground.
Private lakes with fewer restrictions: Smaller, private lakes offer a more controlled experience. "A private, family owned lake, which was built by the family in the 50's or 60's. The family lives on site, and runs the place, and they are some of the nicest people you'll find! The campground is not crowded, and I was able to reserve two lakefront sites a week before arrival in July!" shares Lori H. about Holpps Pine Ridge Lake Campground.
Well-spaced campsites: Many campsites provide better separation than typically found at more crowded destinations. "The sites were level, large, gravel with picnic tables and fire rings.spaced far enough apart you didn't feel crowded at all," notes Brenda L. about Spacious Skies Belle Ridge.
Hiking trails with varied difficulty levels: Trail systems accommodate different skill levels within walking distance of campsites. "We loved our stay at Belle Ridge! We had a concrete site in E-loop that allowed us to level with no trouble! The dogs enjoyed the huge field next to the sites and we enjoyed hiking the trails (and taking in the spectacular views of the Plateau)!" explains Charlene.
Clean bathhouses: Several campgrounds feature updated bathroom facilities. "Large wooded sites, HUGE well kept showers. Cute store that serves sandwiches and ice cream," reports Mary V. about Old Mill Camp and General Store.
Seasonal fluctuations in water levels: Water features change significantly throughout the year. "We tarped rainwater the first night and hiked the half mile down to the creek on the main trail the next day for water. Finding a good tree to hang the food was no problem here," explains Michele M. about Virgin Falls.
Road access varies significantly: Some campgrounds require careful navigation. "The south entrance is a single lane bridge with a sharp turn so longer rigs need to come in on the north end," cautions Sonyia W. about Standing Stone State Park.
Limited cell coverage: Most campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. "There is little to no cell service in the park. You're about 10-15 minutes from the grocery store," notes Sonyia W. about Standing Stone State Park Campground.
Campsite positioning affects experience: Location within campgrounds impacts noise levels and access. "Be wary of the speed bumps throughout the campground, they are closely spaced and rather abrupt, take them very slowly. The sites are all elevated platforms due to the steep slope to the lake," advises Ray & Terri F. about Edgar Evins State Park Campground.
Water recreation options: Choose campgrounds with swimming areas designed for children. "The swimming beach was great for the kids. Many short hiking options available," recommends Christy E. about Rock Island State Park Campground.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature modern play equipment. "My kids loved playing at the playground. The whole park was just really well kept," shares Jon S. about Rock Island State Park.
Educational ranger programs: State parks often offer structured activities. "We don't need much space, we have a tiny tent and don't have any other gear, and it was still tight," cautions Andrea S. about Fall Creek Falls State Park, suggesting careful site selection for families.
Swimming areas with safety features: Look for designated swimming zones with minimal current. "We have made this our yearly campground we go already once. This place is great they have everything campsite are big, bathroom and showers are together located in the middle of the grounds," mentions Bobby D. about Old Mill Camp and General Store.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require additional equipment for leveling. "The site was very unlevel as well. It was list to have a 'slight' grade and I'd beg to differ on that. We were backed up to overhang the site and maxed out our tongue jack and was barely able to get level," warns Beth H. about Standing Stone State Park.
Tight turns and narrow roads: Larger rigs face navigation challenges. "Be mindful of the notice on the website about entering the park via Hwy 52. That's a legit warning. Thankfully we were aware of that because our GPS tried to take us that way," shares Beth H.
Power reliability considerations: Some campgrounds have more reliable hookups than others. "Hook-ups and WIFI were good," notes Angela C. about Spacious Skies Belle Ridge, while others report intermittent service during peak usage.
Dump station access: Plan for end-of-stay waste disposal. "They have great dump station but prefer to have that taken care of before we pull out," advises Betheny about Rock Island State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find campgrounds in Monterey, Tennessee?
Monterey and the surrounding area offer several camping options. Spacious Skies Belle Ridge is located in a quiet forest just ten minutes from the mountain town of Monterey, making it an excellent base for exploring the Upper Cumberland region. Another nearby option is Belle and Beau Acres, which provides a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path camping experience. Within driving distance, you'll also find additional options like Old Mill Camp and General Store near Cookeville and Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground near Crossville.
What amenities are available at Monterey, TN camping facilities?
Camping facilities near Monterey offer varied amenities to suit different needs. Ragland Bottom features well-maintained camping pads accommodating all sizes of RVs, located in a stunning area close to Sparta. COE Cordell Hull Lake Salt Lick Creek Campground provides creekside sites and a beach area for swimming. Other campgrounds in the region typically offer basic facilities like water access and toilets, while state parks may provide additional amenities such as shower facilities, hiking trails, and recreational areas. Most campgrounds in the area are designed to accommodate both tent camping and RVs.
What camping is available near Monterey, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Monterey, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 167 campgrounds and RV parks near Monterey, TN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Monterey, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Monterey, TN is Spacious Skies Belle Ridge with a 4.5-star rating from 14 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Monterey, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Monterey, TN.
What parks are near Monterey, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Monterey, TN that allow camping, notably Center Hill Lake and Dale Hollow Lake.
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