Tent camping around Monterey, Tennessee gives visitors access to the Cumberland Plateau region at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with winter lows frequently dropping below freezing and summer nights cooling to the 60s even when daytime temperatures reach the 90s. The region's sandstone geology creates unique camping opportunities near waterfalls, bluffs, and rivers with camping options ranging from basic primitive sites to more established grounds.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: Tuscarora Glade in Pickett County offers exceptional night sky viewing. "This site is perfect for primitive tent camping and laying back to look at the stars. Pickett County Tennessee is one of the few places in the world with a Dark Sky rating, meaning there is little to no light pollution," notes Ralph M.
Kayaking and paddling: The rivers near Monterey provide excellent paddling routes. At Horseshoe Bend Marina, campers can enjoy easy water access. "You can paddle down to Rock Island State Park or up the other direction to a few smaller streams that take you back to breathtaking waterfalls!" shares Nate H.
Hiking the Cumberland Trail: Several campgrounds connect to the Cumberland Trail system. One camper at Rock Creek Campground noted, "There is a restroom for campers with pit style toilets. No potable water available, but there is plenty that you can treat... A section of the Cumberland Trail begins at the campground."
What campers like
Brewery access: The Lilly Pad Campground offers a unique camping experience with an on-site brewery. "The brewery serves beer that's brewed on site, with hops also grown on site! Super cool! They have a food truck there too, where they serve pulled pork sandwiches, nachos, hot dogs and sausages," reports Lori H.
River camping spots: Holleman's Bend Camping Area provides free waterfront camping. A camper shared, "I woke up early enough to see the sunrise and the fog coming off the river. Simply magical." Another noted it's "a cute little peninsula to camp on! The water is BEAUTIFUL, though you'll hear fish splashing all night."
Art and creative spaces: Reflection Tree Art Farm combines camping with artistic experiences. "My favorite thing about the farm is the solitude and peace that comes with the rural nature of the farm. I could sit on the porch forever enjoying listening to the birds, insects, and the buzz of life uninterrupted," writes Sarah G.
What you should know
Limited facilities at free sites: The free sites have minimal amenities. At Holleman's Bend Camping Area, one camper explained, "There was a dispersed site along the road before you get to the water, and then its basically a parking lot, with a small patch of grass and a firepit by a loading dock into the river."
Cell service limitations: Many campsites have poor or no cell coverage. A camper at Holleman's Bend noted, "No Service (showed me how addicted i am)." Similarly, at Horseshoe Bend Marina, a reviewer mentioned, "NO CELL SERVICE for ATT. It's about 20 mins from Rock Island State park."
Bug preparation: During summer months, insects can be problematic. One camper at Lilly Pad Campground warned, "The mosquitoes were BAD. I sprayed down in deet multiple times and still had at least a dozen bites. Could be from the construction of new spots and the really wet weather recently but I'd recommend bringing lots of bug repellent stuff to help."
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with amenities: The best tent camping near Monterey, Tennessee for families often includes at least basic facilities. At Rock Creek Campground, "Each site has a picnic table, lantern hook, bearproof food locker, fire ring with grill, and a tent pad. Bearproof trashcans are located throughout the campground."
Pack extra footwear: The creek crossings require preparation. One camper advised, "Many beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails. Bring extra shoes because the trails cross creeks and streams!"
Consider walk-in tent sites: The Breathtaking Waterfall and Campground offers walk-in tent sites. While requiring a short hike from parking, these sites reward families with proximity to water features and more privacy than drive-up sites.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Most tent camping areas near Monterey, Tennessee cannot accommodate large RVs. At Lilly Pad Campground, a camper observed, "It's perfect for tents. We were limited on site selection with our rooftop tent, and I saw a couple teardrop campers, but you can't take anything larger."
Consider electric sites: Some campgrounds like Sutton Camping & Cabin Rentals offer electric hookups for smaller RVs and camping trailers, providing more comfort during extreme weather conditions common to the Cumberland Plateau region.
Leveling challenges: The terrain in this region can make leveling difficult. One RV camper at Horseshoe Bend Marina reported, "We are on site 9 and it's not the most leveled spot. We have a 25ft class C."
