Camping near Savannah, Tennessee centers on the Tennessee River basin with numerous campgrounds within 30-40 minutes of town. The area sits at roughly 400 feet elevation with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-90°F and mild winters rarely dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds experience increased visitation from April through October, with fishing tournaments creating periodic surges in occupancy.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Tishomingo State Park Campground has three separate disc golf courses with varying difficulty levels. "Love this little place. Great for families with many hiking trails and 3 disc golf courses," notes one visitor who appreciated the recreational variety.
Military history exploration: Located 20 minutes from Savannah, Shiloh National Military Park provides a full day of historical sites. A camper at Pickwick Landing State Park Campground remarked, "The Shiloh Military Park nearby kept us busy for a whole day and we spent the evening swimming (real pool, not just a lake) and grilling and campfire at this campground."
Boating access: Multiple ramps and marinas allow direct water access. "Pickwick Landing offers boating, fishing, hiking, golf course. Cabins, campsites and Inn w restaurant. Activities offered all year round," reported one visitor about the marina facilities.
What campers like
Lakeside camping: Waterfront sites allow direct access for fishing and water activities. At Bruton Branch Recreation Area Campground, visitors enjoy the prime location: "We love Bruton Branch. Specifically sites 28&29 they are the last of the site but it allows you to have your own little slice of fishing heaven as you are separated from the majority of other people."
Renovated facilities: Recent upgrades at Pickwick Dam Campground have impressed campers following 2019 flood recovery. "This place has been totally rebuilt by the TVA after flooding in 2019. I don't know what it was like before, but wow it's really nice. All the sites are level, plenty of room for a tent and RV on all 92 sites," notes a visitor.
Shade coverage: Tree canopy provides relief during hot summer months. One camper at Pickwick Landing noted, "The campsites are very shady & they just improved the bathhouse. The park itself is very spread out. The marina is beautiful & you can rent pontoon boats."
What you should know
Unlevel sites: Many campgrounds in the region have significant grading issues. A reviewer at J.P. Coleman State Park Campground mentioned, "Campground is fairly hilly and our spot was far from level. It was the last spot available and I understand why!"
Non-camper traffic: Some recreation areas experience unwelcome visitors, particularly at night. One camper at Bruton Branch noted issues with "individuals driving to the campsites throughout the day and night utilizing the park's amenities without paying."
Facility variations: Bathhouse quality differs significantly between parks. One visitor to Chickasaw State Park mentioned, "The bathhouses have a lot left to be desired but the sites are all paved with fire rings, grills & picnic tables."
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Chickasaw State Park Campground offers classic summer camp amenities for kids. A visitor shared, "It reminds me of the classic summer camps I saw on television as a kid: beautiful lake, horses, stables, paddle boats and canoes, and even a well maintained swimming hole."
Bathroom proximity: Select sites close to facilities when camping with children. At Tishomingo State Park, "Showers were very hot and the bathrooms were very clean," making family camping more comfortable.
Wildlife education: Some parks feature educational exhibits. "Be sure to check out the wildlife rehab near the front office," suggests one Pickwick Landing camper, offering an educational opportunity for children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require significant leveling equipment. At Green Acres RV Park, all sites accommodate large rigs but still need adjustment: "Our Super C Class did require more blocks for leveling in the front on Site 6."
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies throughout the area, impacting remote work capabilities. A camper at Tishomingo State Park noted, "Cellphone coverage is not good here for Verizon or AT&T. Better at front of camp."
Perimeter site preference: For more privacy in busy campgrounds, select outer sites. At Pickwick Dam Campground, "The perimeter sites are roomier, offer more privacy than the interior ones," which helps create buffer space for RVs.
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