Karen and Joshua W.
Scout
ScoutKing's Coach Stop
Nice
We had a great time. Nice people who are friendly and helpful.
Best Campgrounds in Tennessee
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 (940)
1. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground
145 ReviewsSpencer, TNWebsite+1 (423) 881-5298$8 - $32 / night
"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
125 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
98 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
73 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 (615) 797-9052"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
57 ReviewsLancaster, TNWebsite"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
57 ReviewsHarrison, TNWebsite+1 (423) 344-6214$22 - $28 / night
"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
55 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
1456 Photos of 940 Tennessee Campgrounds
Lori H.
GlampKnox
Gregg G.
Riverpark Campground
B N.
R&D Campground
Sheila M.
Primitive Camping on Little River
Victor S.
Sourwood Campground
Robbie M.
Stone Door Campground — Savage Gulf State Park
Amy L.
Floating Mill Park
Kirsten J.
Black Bear Resort
Buddy G.
Evans Loop Backcountry Site — Tims Ford State Park
Luke W.
Boots Off Hostel & Campground
Joseph R.
Quail Run Farm
Erich H.
Eagles Nest RV Park
Recent Reviews in Tennessee
4780 Reviews of 940 Tennessee Campgrounds
Alexandria C.
GuideBi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
CLOSED!
I drove quite a ways to get here. I’ll need to find a locked gate and assigned saying that the area was closed for hog hunting. Despite it being the last day of February and the sign dating to December, it did seem to be inaccessible.
Seth M.
TravelerFoster Falls Campground
Nice pads, great layout, outstanding shower house!
Given that our visit was out of season, campground options in the area were limited, so we decided to stick to state parks. The night before, we were in Southern Illinois and only saw one other camper in the entire park, so we expected very few other campers in this park as well, but there were a surprising number of campers around us. However, there were few enough to have five or six spaces between us and our neighbors.
The pads are gravel, well maintained, and perfectly flat. Our site had an awesome layout with plenty of room for parking, a large pad, and a fire ring with a grill in the corner furthest away from the road. A previous camper was nice enough to leave us dry wood, but there is tons of dry wood laying around within the surrounding woods.
The best part of the campground was the shower house. I would assume from the immaculate condition that the building is not that old or went through a recent remodel. The bathroom/shower stalls are family style, with each locking room containing a flushing toilet and an ADA compliant shower with a high and low nozzle, and shower chair. The best part is that the rooms are heated! On the cold morning when we were there, this was a welcome gift for a long overdue shower.
- JJoy K.Guide
Shellmound RV Resort & Campground
Quick trip on our way through
We went through the area on our tour of the southeastern and southern coast. Due to technical issues we arrived well after dark. The owners were available and gave us choices on sites. The bathrooms/shower areas were convenient and clean. We left early the next morning so didn’t get a chance to really check out the campground, but what we saw was nice. Easy to find in a really beautiful area of the country. Wish we could have stayed longer!
Jeff C.GuideTims Ford State Park Main Campground — Tims Ford State Park
Nice campground
Tim's Ford State Park is a nice place to relax and take in the quiet. We stayed in the main campground - other campgrounds in the park were still closed for the season. The sites are all fairly level and have some space between them. Each site has a place to park one's camper or trailer, a picnic table, fire pit, and a pad to place a tent. There are also some great trails for hiking, as well as a bike path. The bathroom/shower facilities were very clean and the one closest to our site had heated private restroom/showers! Great water pressure and nice hot shower. Lots of deer roaming around at night too.
- ddonna H.Scout
Whispering River RV Resort
Peaceful along river and close to Smokies
Very nice, peaceful campground along Little River. Well maintained and great launch point for Smoky Mountain exploring and the whole area. Be warned about heavy stink bug season in September/October
Amber W.GuideBig Creek Primitive Camping Area
Open spots next to the water
We stayed at the first campsite of your entering with west. Creek close by and river on the other side with additional campgrounds. Large open sites, fire pit and this site has a tree down next to it that’s multi purposed into a table/bench. And of course, the stars ⭐️
Cari E.
RangerElkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Best site of my life?
If it’s not the best site of my camping life, site L04 is at least the best in Elkmont if you want to be by the water. We had 2 nights here in May after a lot of rain, so the river was full and drowned out the noise from an equally full campground. Another perk is that this site was uniquely set apart (just slightly) from your neighbors due to the shape of the riverbank. We loved it so much we hardly even explored the park until after we checked out.
There is no cell service and the bathrooms are serviceable, but there is a small camp store run by an outside vendor with some food and camp necessities.
- Ryan S.Guide
Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground
Meh
The sites are not very level. This is an old Campground and it doesn't look like it's been upgraded for a very long time. The bathrooms were clean but old. The first sight they gave me was extremely unlevel, so they moved me to a different site that still wasn't level but better than the first.
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.
Keep Exploring