Best Tent Camping near Norene, TN

Tent campsites near Norene, Tennessee include several established options, with Long Hunter State Park Campground offering primitive tent sites directly on the water. The park maintains year-round tent camping areas that require reservations and allow for drive-in, hike-in, or walk-in access. Additional tent camping can be found at Holleman's Bend Camping Area, which provides free dispersed camping opportunities approximately 30 miles from Norene.

Tent sites at Long Hunter State Park feature fire rings and some sites include benches. Most areas lack showers and flush toilets, though drinking water is available at certain locations. The primitive tent campsites are set on varied terrain, with sites positioned near Percy Priest Lake offering water access. Summer visitors should prepare for ticks, especially around fire pit areas. One camper noted that Primitive Campsite 1 has "3 long log benches and a grill. It is located directly by the water, so you have a water filtration source at your finger tips."

For those seeking more secluded tent camping experiences, Holleman's Bend provides a natural setting on a peninsula with limited amenities but beautiful waterfront views. The area features drive-in access to tent sites where fires are permitted, and pets are allowed. Most tent campsites in the region offer varying levels of privacy, though some sites may experience increased noise from watercraft traffic. One visitor described Holleman's Bend as "a cute little peninsula to camp on! The water is BEAUTIFUL, though you'll hear fish splashing all night." Campers at most primitive tent sites throughout the region should plan to bring all necessary supplies and practice leave-no-trace principles, as trash service is generally not provided.

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Best Tent Sites Near Norene, Tennessee (22)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Norene, TN

710 Reviews of 22 Norene Campgrounds


  • Christy E.
    Jun. 14, 2018

    Rock Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful area with many activities

    I stayed in the tent-only loop - a small group of 10 sites. It was quiet and had many trees for hammocks. Thus site offers level tent pads, a grill, fire ring, and picnic table. Clean bathrooms and hot showers available. The nearby swimming beach was great for the kids. Many short hiking options available. Make sure to visit the ranger station for a map and safety rules during water releases.

  • Greg S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2025

    Anderson Road Campground

    4.5 stars

    Stopped for one afternoon and night on our way through. Driving in through da hood you get a questionable feeling but, once through the gate and checked in this is a fantastic little campground! We picked an awesome site- number 8 is a huge pull through with water and electric, a grill, prep table, picnic table, and fire ring with grill. The site has its own path and private lake access. The lake is rocky here but we had no trouble walking in and swimming with our Crocs on. All sites in this small loop campground are great and very large. There is some erosion and there was some trash near the lake that we gladly cleaned up. Overall a fantastic place to camp.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2019

    Edgar Evins State Park Campground

    A Campground with Lots to Do but with Interesting Tent Pads

    Edgar Evins State Park is a large park with lots of activities for young and old. However, if you want to stay in the campground, make sure to take a freestanding tent unless you have creative ways to keep your tent up. Most of the sites have wooden platforms, and the fire pits are beside the road. Perhaps most people like that sense of permanence, but I personally prefer solid ground or even gravel pads. Fortunately, the one I used was a free-standing tent. There is another option, and that is to stay in the primitive camping area. Of course, they are walk-in sites, but they are not far from where you park. I would normally choose the primitive camping area for a couple of reasons. There is a little more privacy, and you have soft ground on which to pitch your tent. Obviously, if you are an RV camper, staying in the primitive area does not apply. Unfortunately, it was better this time to choose a site that you don’t have to walk to. Out of all the state park campgrounds I have visited, the bath rooms in this state park are the best. They are modern with tiled floors, and the showers resemble ones you would find at privately owned campgrounds. There are several different activity options—volleyball, horseshoes, playgrounds, hiking trails, etc. There is also an aviary, a marina, a restaurant, and a couple of boat ramps. For the children, there is the“Storybook Trail.” For other overnight options, there are also cabins that you can rent. In retrospect, the primitive area would have been a better choice. It definitely would have been more quiet. No matter whether you stay in the primitive area or the regular camping area, you will encounter hilly terrain. The camp store is fully stocked with most of your camping needs, and there is also a laundry. Overall, Edgar Evins State Park was a good place to spend time, but again, I have my doubts about the wooden platforms.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 24, 2019

    Edgar Evins State Park Campground

    Sorta like a treehouse

    Edgar Evins SP is unique in that the campground sites are decks, which is actually pretty cool. Now the one down side is that certain sites can be a challenge to back into. If you are a talented backer upper shouldn’t be an issue. However if your backing up could use some practice, and/or causes fights with your spouse you may want to call and ask the easier sites to set up in...just saying, less stress. The bottom sites are along the lake and you are across from the marina. Another thing is your cooking area is off the side of your deck with your picnic table. The primitive sites are walk in and have some pretty sweet views of the lake. Downside your walking up and down a slope with your gear. Speaking of slopes, the whole campground is on a slope so your pretty much either going up or down. Cool stairways to use and strategically placed facilities. The store and trash are located wheee you park for the primitive sites at the entrance. There’s a trail in the campground that gives you a quick route to the beach area.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 25, 2025

    Rock Island State Park Campground

    Waterfalls!

    General: Three distinctly different areas: tent only section, cabin area, and the main campground. I didn’t see the inside of the cabins, but they looked very luxurious from the outside, so I am sure they are very nice. The tent area also looks nice. This review focuses on the main campground. 

    Site Quality: Camper pads are all paved but vary in length from 18 to 51 feet. The width of some can also accommodate two cars side by side. Not all are completely level. Each site has a picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring, and grill. All sites have electricity and water, and eight of the 50 sites are FHU. There are many trees to provide separation and privacy, and sites are spaced a decent amount of space apart. Some sites can accommodate tents, and these are indicated on the post. 

    Bath/Shower: Very clean. There was a sign saying the bathrooms are cleaned twice per day. Soap, paper towels, and utility hooks are all appreciated as was instant hot water from the taps. 

    Activities/Amenities: Many outdoor activities including tennis, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, and a playground. There are two hiking trails accessible from the campground. I hiked a short distance on the Bluff Trail until it became narrow and overgrown. There are other hikes that require a drive from the campground. The best hike is in the Twin Falls area but that is a 10-15 minute drive from the campground. There is also a swimming beach with a rentable pavilion and picnic tables. It is possible to walk there but easier to drive. We also saw people kayaking on the lake and fishing is permitted. Each bathhouse also has one washer/dryer for a reasonable price. Free WiFi with a good, strong signal. 

    We enjoyed our two-night stay at this campground and for us, it was a five-star stay but I gave it four stars due to some sites not being completely level and the necessity to drive to the best hike.

  • CC C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2021

    Nashville I-24 Campground

    Lovely stay

    We are RTT campers and chose this place on a whim as the rest of the local tent camping spots closed on October 1st. We were lucky to find they had space available. However, it should be noted that this is more of an RV campground, the traditional tent sites are right by the gate and not very private. The RV slot we were given backed up to a green space that has grazing deer from time to time. The site did not have a fire ring or a picnic table and was a little far from the bathrooms, but it did have power and water available. That being said the bathrooms were extremely tidy, well heated, and the water pressure in the showers was amazing! The other RV’ers were super friendly and the staff was very helpful in our stay and responsive to our request for availability.

  • T
    Sep. 26, 2021

    Rock Island State Park Campground

    Rock Island State Park

    Beautiful state park! Unbelievable waterfalls with many of hiking trails! There is a lot of history in the park! Tent campground was nice and level! Each tent site had a tent pad, lantern pole, fire ring and sturdy table! The bathhouses was clean and warm water! Wood is sold in the near by town or at the park visitor center!

  • Benjamin C.
    Oct. 10, 2021

    Cedar Point Campground

    Group Tent Camp!

    We went to camp here with our AHG group. We tent camped to complete one of their badges. We camp often and we enjoy it. The place is clean and organized well. The tent sights are elevated slightly which allows a nice “overlook” of the camp ground. Some tent spots were kind of sloped so be mindful of finding a good flat spot. Bath houses were clean and functioning. Good water front locations. We had a great time and recommend for a short stay.

  • Dan R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2020

    Poole Knobs

    Great place for Labor Day weekend

    Spent two nights here for Labor Day 2020. We stayed on the center strip in the primitive area. The facilities were well maintained and clean. Each site has a concrete picnic table, fire ring, and a moveable lantern hook. The primitive area has several water spigots to use (near each restroom and a few in between).

    The outer loop sites all have electric and water hookups, but the restrooms are all on the upper level where the primitive sites are. If you don’t have your own bathroom, it’s a bit of a hill to climb and there’s only a couple spots to do it.

    Overall, we loved it and we’ll be back for sure.


Guide to Norene

Tent camping near Norene, Tennessee offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. With well-maintained sites and access to beautiful landscapes, campers can enjoy a memorable experience.

Tips for tent camping near Norene

  • Long Hunter State Park Campground provides a primitive camping experience right by the water, perfect for swimming and fishing.
  • Smith Springs features well-kept grounds and is ideal for families looking for a peaceful spot to relax by the water.
  • At Turnhole Backcountry Campsite, expect a secluded environment with a pleasant hike in, making it a great choice for those seeking solitude.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The highly rated Long Hunter State Park Campground allows pets and has fire pits, enhancing the camping experience.
  • Laguardo offers drinking water and clean facilities, making it a convenient choice for campers.
  • Stones River Getaway features picnic tables and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $30

  • Camping at Cook - J. Percy Priest Reservoir is budget-friendly, with no reservation fees and basic amenities available.
  • Lone Branch offers affordable tent sites with electric hookups, making it a practical option for those needing power.
  • Tailwater Rec Area provides a nice camping experience with water hookups, all at a reasonable price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Norene, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Norene, TN is Turnhole Backcountry Campsite — Mammoth Cave National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Norene, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Norene, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.