Camping near Crab Orchard, Tennessee provides access to the diverse terrain of the Cumberland Plateau, which rises 1,000 to 2,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. The region's karst topography creates unique underground drainage systems and features numerous caves, sinkholes, and rocky outcroppings that influence camping conditions. Sites throughout the area sit at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 4 miles of trails lead to multiple cascades at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground. "Many adventures offered from skeet shooting to hiking to waterfalls," mentions Vanessa S. in her review. The park features Tennessee's highest free-falling waterfall at 256 feet.
Bouldering access: Short walk from campsite at Rock Creek Campground. "The Obed area is very inviting for fishing, hiking, and rock climbing. There are trails that start right from the campground," notes Katrin M. The Obed boulder field contains hundreds of climbing problems ranging from V0 to V10 in difficulty.
Dark sky viewing: No light pollution for astronomy enthusiasts. "This is a dark sky park, a neat thing to experience," writes Larry about Rock Creek. The campground sits within the designated Dark Sky Viewing Area where night sky programs are held monthly during summer.
Kayaking and fishing: Direct access to water recreation. "Easy water access. Cumberland trail access. Good 14+ mile hike to great swimming at Devil's Breakfast Table," says Jay B. about Rock Creek. Paddle craft can access class I-IV rapids depending on water levels and paddler experience.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Modern bathhouses at Frozen Head State Park Campground. "Bathhouse is beautiful with cedar stalls. Lots to do with the hiking. Waterfalls were beautiful and everyone we talked to was super helpful and nice," reports Brittni F. Bathhouses are cleaned twice daily during peak season.
Wildlife encounters: Regular deer sightings in camping areas. "My daughter (9 yrs) brought her bike and was able to ride all around the camp site & have a blast. Being a Ultra Runner fan girl I of course had to take a picture of the infamous Barkley Marathon yellow gate," shares Liz A. about her stay at Frozen Head. The park hosts the challenging Barkley Marathons ultra-distance race each spring.
Private accommodations: Spacious pull-through sites available at Bean Pot Campground. "Really enjoyed my time at the bean pot. Check in was easy, and the campsites were all pull through. Comes with picnic tables and a fire ring," notes Journey in their review. Sites average 60-70 feet in length with 30-foot spacing between neighbors.
Aquatic recreation: Pool and lake access at multiple locations. "Great spacious site with beautiful scenery all around! There's a lake and walking trails. Descent bathrooms. Water nearby and they sell firewood," writes Alicia F. about Cumberland Mountain State Park. Swimming areas typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Check operating schedules before planning trips. "While this campground is beautiful, the gate is still closed for the season. Website says it will open mid-April, so should be available soon!" cautions Drew S. about Rhea Springs Recreation Area. Many smaller campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October.
Uneven terrain: Bring leveling blocks for camper setup. "Check to make sure they are open. Showed up on Easter weekend and this place was closed. So after 11/2 hr drive, we ended up camping up on the hill above the boat ramp," shares Ky N. about Rhea Springs. The Cumberland Plateau's rolling terrain means many sites require 2-4 inches of leveling adjustment.
Limited connectivity: Spotty cell service throughout the region. "No wifi and no cell phone reception," notes Mary D. about Frozen Head State Park. Most campgrounds are located in valleys or hollows where signal is unreliable, with Verizon offering best coverage.
Water access rules: Restrictions on watercraft at some locations. "When I requested a boat with a motor I was told I couldn't unless I was fishing. When asked why only was told that's a rule we go by," explains Matt A. about his experience at Cumberland Mountain State Park. Each water body has specific regulations posted at access points.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Multiple play areas for children at Crossville I-40 KOA. "We had a blast at this KOA! The sites were clean and beautiful. Big bathhouse rooms. I really appreciated the family management. We stayed during Halloween and they organized sites for trick or treating and had hot chocolate and candy in the office," shares Theresa W. The campground hosts scheduled children's activities every weekend during summer.
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Short trails suitable for first experiences. "A great place for novice campers due to the fact that the facilities are very nice. Modern bathhouses located in each camping area, swimming pool, golf course and restaurant make roughing it easier for those who need more comfort while camping," explains Sandra V. about Fall Creek Falls. Backpacking routes range from 1-5 miles to designated sites.
Animal encounters: Farm animals visible from some campgrounds. "Super simple, not many trees or landscaping. No shade so super hot in summer. The farm next door had donkeys that visited," mentions Katie C. about her stay at Crossville I-40 KOA. Several nearby farms offer scheduled tours where children can interact with livestock.
Swimming options: Multiple water facilities available for hot days. "This camp ground is perfect for weekend camping! It has a pen that hold 2 mules and the view of the mountains is amazing!" reports Riley from Crossville I-40 KOA. Swimming areas include both natural features and constructed pools with varying depths.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Check spacing carefully when booking. "Clean Park Friendly Staff. Very nice campground! The lawn was cut and well kept and the staff was very friendly and courteous!" notes Brad S. about Crossville I-40 KOA. Sites on the eastern edges of most campgrounds receive morning shade while western sites receive afternoon shade.
Level challenges: Some sites require significant adjustment. "A Beautiful campsite, a ton of activities for the grandkids, lots of amenities. We had a gravel back in site, it did have a little slope front to back but was zero issue getting level," shares Todd L. about Crossville I-40 KOA. Bring extra leveling blocks as many sites have 3-5% grades.
Wi-Fi availability: Service quality varies throughout region. "WiFi and Cable TV were outstanding. Strongly recommend," reports Rich G. about Crossville I-40 KOA. Most campgrounds offer Wi-Fi near their main offices with signal strength diminishing at distant sites.
Full hookup locations: Limited availability at certain times. "The office is beautiful. The kids playground is great. The bathhouse is amazing!! I've stayed at many campgrounds and I think this is the cleanest bathhouse I've ever seen," writes Sara E. about Paradise on the Mountain RV Park. Reserve full hookup sites 2-3 months in advance during peak season (May-September).
