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Best Tent Camping near Paris, TN

570 Reviews

Public lands surrounding Paris, Tennessee offer several tent-only camping options, with Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park providing multiple backcountry shelters specifically designed for tent campers. The park features several hike-in tent sites including Chester Hollow Backcountry Shelter #1, Red Rock Trail Backcountry Shelter, and Campground Road Backcountry Shelters. Santa's Woods, located near Paris, provides five walk-in tent sites in a more established setting. For those seeking waterfront primitive tent camping, Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area in nearby Dover offers tent-only sites with lake access.

Most tent campsites in the region are set on natural surfaces ranging from dirt to gravel. Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park's backcountry shelters require hiking in with all supplies, as they lack drinking water and other amenities. Many sites include fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Campers should bring their own water, as potable sources are limited throughout the area. Permits are required for most backcountry tent camping, with some sites being reservable while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Vault toilets are available at some locations like Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground, but many primitive tent sites have no facilities, requiring proper backcountry sanitation practices.

The tent camping experience near Paris varies significantly by location. At Ginger Bay, one camper noted it was "right on the water, no other people for 2 days," though they cautioned a four-wheel drive vehicle is needed to access the dispersed camping area. Sites at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park offer riverside locations with what visitors describe as "the best views" from their tent sites. During weekdays, many primitive tent campgrounds remain uncrowded, particularly at Smith Bay where campers reported having entire areas to themselves. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area provides additional tent camping options with varying levels of amenities and seclusion. Tent campers frequently mention the pebbly beaches and shoreline access as highlights of the primitive tent camping experience in the region.

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Best Tent Sites Near Paris, Tennessee (27)

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Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Paris, TN

6 Photos of 27 Paris Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Paris, TN

570 Reviews of 27 Paris Campgrounds

  • Vince B.
    Mar. 31, 2021

    Gatlin Point

    A Good Boondocking Spot!

    About four miles of winding hills off the paved road. Cleared and not too rough. The site has 18 designed spots, all tiered into the wooded hillside. There is a natural boat launch into Bards Lake. A single Vault toilet and Dumpster as well. The gravel camping pads are reasonably level, each with a concrete picnic table and large fire ring with grate.The hillside spots were designed for tent camping and are tight. No campers larger than 20' will fit on the hillside, however the bottom four spaces will accommodate a class A rig. A fork at the top of the hill provides a space for small campers to turn around if needed. Space number 16 has poor drainage. The area is very shady, a nice deep woods feeling. Firewood must be deadfall or bring your own "bug free" wood. The welcome center at the entrance has fresh and "potable" water, and a blackwater dump. The center also has maps, sodas, candy, etc. Great area to hike, the weird history of the area can be seen everywhere. Hundreds of very old cemeteries and homestead ruins... Att signal was two bars at all times. Overall, a big thumbs up!!!

  • C
    Aug. 27, 2022

    Taylor Bay Campground

    Amazing!

    There are about 25 sites. No reservations, all sites are first come first serve. There are about 8-10 lake front. There is also about 8-10 in the woods. There is a block bathroom. There are fire rings and picnic tables at each site. There is a boat dock. There are no shower houses, no water, and no electricity.

  • David B.
    Oct. 8, 2018

    Gatlin Point

    Five miles off paved roads and no electricity or running water.

    Located at Land Between the Lakes at the south end. This campground has about 18 sites. You can can camp near the water or back in the woods. The sites have concrete picnic tables, fire rings and gravel for parking and to set up your site. As m motioned, no electricity or running water. Nearest water point is about five miles away at the South welcome center. Vault toilet (one seat). Sites are close but not crowded. There is a small no wake lake next to the site and lake Barkley is 50 yards away. There is also a boat ramp into Lake Barkley a quarter mile away. This is a great site for relaxing and fishing.

  • B
    Jun. 8, 2020

    Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

    Well kept

    The tent sites were well kept. They are gravel pads with a grill and fire ring. They are right on the water with easy access to put in a kayak. And close to a boat ramp if bringing a boat. It’s shaded. The bath house is a bit of a walk and they have restrooms only, no showers.

  • Staci R.
    Aug. 16, 2022

    Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Redd Hollow Campground

    Redd Hollow is prime for being primitive!

    Redd Hollow is a Self-service campground in Land Between the Lakes (LBL) with improved camp sites, fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilet and trash dumpsters. Some sites are directly on the water, some are higher up, with great views of the lake.  The campsites are pea gravel based, and while some are smaller and closer together (ideal for tents or car camping) there are a few that are large enough for dry docking a small RV.  I didn't pay attention to whether there was potable water, (I haul mine in) but the Dump Station just south of Golden Pond Visitor Center has potable water.  

    The road going back to Redd Hollow is an improved gravel road that is in good condition. Easily traveled in a car, 4WD is not needed.  All sites are first come- first served, so you will want to come early.  At Self Service areas, I drive through, find my site, then walk back to the entrance and complete the registration card, place payment in the envelope and drop it in the "Iron Ranger".   A Dispersed Camping permit does not allow you to camp in a self-service campground.

    Further details for LBL's camp grounds:  https://landbetweenthelakes.us/seendo/camping/rules/

  • D
    Sep. 7, 2018

    Redd Hollow

    Tent and Small Camper Camping, Basic Sites

    Well kept campground offering a more basic camping experience as compared to the larger campgrounds at LBL. Gravel pads with concrete picnic tables and fire rings. Be mindful when picking a site that some of the fire rings are damaged, some are the older short (12" tall tops) style and still others are brand new and have the adjustable cooking grate.

    The actual gravel pads that we saw were for the most part in good shape. One or two sites suffered a bit from heavy wash running across them and rutting or washing gravel off the pads.

    About half the sites are on the left hand side when you drive in and you can pick from sites tucked back in the woods a bit or sites nearer the water. Farther into the campground the road passes the vault toilet and boat ramp and goes uphill to higher up sites still. Sites in the woods with a longer walk to the lake but potentially better views and breezes.

    We found that campers here did not limit themselves to staying on the defined tent pads. They would park on the pads and set up tents around the true camp site. Not a super big deal but it made getting down to the water a little awkward because you had to walk a little too close to someone else's tent for my liking.

    The Forest Service could stand to go in and add some of the timber framing or bigger rip-rap bordering around the sites and maybe a splash of the smaller sized gravel to help level out the pads. You do need watch to make sure you get a level site.

    If there are say 30 sites here, only about 15 were occupied over Labor Day weekend. Way less than what we expected for a holiday but it was exactly what we were hoping for, avoid the crowds at the larger, more amenity-filled campgrounds.

    Last thing regarding the lake. The back end of Redd Hollow is shallow. Nice place to wade for kids. However, when they start pulling the lake down what were water access sites become gravel and mud bar access sites. In the dead middle of the summer the back end of the cove is probably full of water. Early spring and late summer early fall it is not. I suspect you can use the boat ramp year round though.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2020

    Cravens Bay Campground

    Secluded and beautiful

    Arrived on a late Saturday afternoon expecting other campers, and not a single one! Stayed two nights right on the water. All spots have fire rings and concrete picnic tables. No host, I assume, during winter hours. All spots are clean looking and $12/night. You pay at the pay station and no permit required for this camping site. Be sure to pay, had a ranger swing by Sunday morning to confirm our stub #. Did have some hunters driving by daily, heading further back along the lake but no other campers. Lots of down wood to use for fires. Be sure to pack everything you need for this trip, no close towns for restock. Has very clean vault toilets and a water pump, but unknown if potable or not. Cell service varies between 2-3 LTE for AT&T. Cold winter nights but boy, that sunset is beautiful. Would definitely stay here again!

  • Joel H.
    Sep. 25, 2020

    Nickell Branch Campground

    Great time

    Nickell is the northernmost campground in LBL. It is a self-service campground with 11 designated sites. The access road FR-102 is gravel and in pretty good shape aside from some large potholes. There is a large loop with a big open grassy area once you get to the pay station. From there, 3 short offshoots A, B & C - A is the boat ramp area and site #1; B is where the single vault toilet is located and sites #2 & #3; C loop has the remaining sites #4 - #8 which are for small to medium RVs, and sites #9 - #11 are grass tent sites. There are picnic tables and very nice fire rings at each site. Besides the toilet, boat ramp, and a new dumpster, those are the only amenities.

    The 11-mile Canal Loop Trail crosses the road just before the pay station for hiking and biking (it connects to the North-South Trail). The campground is near the Barkley Canal that connects the two lakes making for lots of boating and paddling options. The North Welcome Center has fresh water and a dump station just a few miles away.

    The cell reception is great - I got download speeds of 18-34 Mbps. Also, several OTA TV channels. These sites are all situated in the woods near the water so none are particularly good for solar. But otherwise, for the price this is pretty sweet dry camping.

  • Abigaile J.
    Jun. 30, 2021

    Turkey Bay Vehicle Area & Campground

    Nice campground for a fast stop, not really a week long area

    YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE VISITOR CENTER TO PAY FOR A CAMPING PERMIT AND OHV USE!

    For the Turkey Bay OHV area each site is just a picnic table and a fire pit and the sites are not numbered- it’s more a first come first serve. The sites though are close to the entrance and you park right next to the site. This site also is for RVs and tent camping but there is no water or electric access but is within walking distance of the gatehouse. The gatehouse has ice and sodas for sale to each camper.

    OHVs for rent at the visitor center (just about 2 miles down the road) and trails marked specifically for them, also a couple hiking trails nearby! Bathrooms and trash onsite!

    There is a dump station and potable water about a mile or so up the road near the Hunters Check Station and it’s only about 2 miles out from the Golden Pond planetarium and trails! Great area!

Guide to Paris

Tent camping near Paris, Tennessee offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from private woods to public parks, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers should check out Santa's Woods

  • Experience the tranquility of nature at Santa's Woods, where large trees and trails create a perfect backdrop for your camping adventure.
  • This campground allows pets, making it a great choice for those who want to bring their furry friends along for the trip.
  • With only five sites available, you can enjoy a more intimate camping experience away from the crowds.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Some prices for tent camping range from free to $20

  • Camping at Rushing Creek is free, but be prepared for a more primitive experience with no amenities.
  • The well-reviewed Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground offers a great value with sites available for around $20, featuring picnic tables and trash disposal.
  • For a unique experience, consider Dyers Creek, where you can enjoy a quiet, secluded environment for a small fee, perfect for fishing and relaxing by the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Paris, TN is Santa's Woods with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Paris, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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