Best Tent Camping near Pioneer, TN
Looking for tent camping near Pioneer? Finding a place to camp in Tennessee with your tent has never been easier. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Tennessee camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Pioneer, TN (33)
1. TVA Public Land- Fork Bend
La Follette, Tennessee11 Reviews•65 Photos•362 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River
Lancing, Tennessee12 Reviews•70 Photos•88 SavesOverview
Rock Creek Campground is located near the Emory River in the Obed Wild and Scenic River.
Recreation
Whitewater paddling is available seasonally in the Obed WSR. Rock climbing is another challenging activity, as is boulder climbing. The Obed WSR sports several unique trails for hikers, most notably the Point Trail and a portion of the Cumberland Trail. Those who like to fish will enjoy the Obed WSR, as a variety of bass, bluegill, catfish and other fish populate the river. Birdwatching is also a fun activity, particularly during the migratory seasons.
Natural Features
The Obed River winds through the Cumberland Plateau offering a variety of recreational activities for everyone.
Nearby Attractions
Just a few miles from the park is Frozen Head State Park which encompasses more than 24,000 acres of forest with mountainous terrain at an elevation from 1,340 feet to over 3,000 feet. Catoosa Wildlife Management Area is an 82,000 acre preserve with a focus on hunting and fishing but offering a wealth of other recreational activities as well. Lone Mountain State Forest is 3,600 acres and has 15 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$15 / night
3. North Cumberland WMA- Royal Blue Unit
Pioneer, Tennessee2 Reviews•27 Photos•19 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Firewood Available
5. Chuck Swan State Forest
Maynardville, Tennessee4 Reviews•18 Photos•34 SavesWe have 2 primitive campsites at the entrance of the state forest as the forest itself is for DAY USE ONLY. We have 6 picnic areas, 4 of which have lake views and one having a spring and the other one having a 100 foot firetower adjacent to it.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Alcohol
6. Backcountry Site 1 — Norris Dam State Park
Lake City, Tennessee1 Review•2 Photos•1 SaveNorris Dam State Park has three backcountry campsites.
There are two new backcountry sites on one of the trails at Norris Dam State Park. Backcountry Site 1 is overlooking Norris Lake and is big enough for two small tents. Capacity is four people.
Backcountry Site 2 is along Lakeview Trail, and is big enough for one tent and capacity is four people also. Both sites have fire rings with a grill attachment and a level area. No water or electric is available. The trail to get to these two sites begins at the TVA / Camp Kinchen parking area. Round trip to either site is roughly 11.5 miles.
Backcountry Site 3 is located on top of Andrews Ridge with beautiful views of Norris Lake during the winter. There is a stone fire ring. No water or electric is available. The site will accommodate up to three tents and six people.
Please practice Leave No Trace and pack everything in and everything out. Reservations may be made online, but please check in at the park office prior to setting out.
- Reservable
- Tents
7. Windrock Ridge Campground
Oliver Springs, Tennessee4 Reviews•18 Photos•18 SavesTucked in at the Base of Windrock Mountain
Welcome to the Windrock Ridge Campground, located in Oliver Springs, TN. Our beautiful campground is located at the foot of Windrock Mountain, where 4-wheeling and ATV riding is in our backyard. We have had a variety of names, but no matter what you call us, we’d love to have you stay with us! Enjoy EASY, FAST access directly from our campground to the “Mountain”, without hauling your ATV. We have a variety of accommodations that are sure to fit your needs.
Our primal campground has a stream, rolling hills, lots of flat landings and beautiful views. This is perfect for your next camping trip here in Eastern Tennessee! Whether you’re coming to hike, ride or just get away and enjoy the outdoors, we’d love for you to see what we have to offer during your next trip to Oliver Springs and Windrock Mountain. We are at the base of main Trail 2, which is easily accessed from the entrance of our campground.
Ginseng farming is NOT allowed on this property
- Most of the roads require AWD or Off Road vehicle
- Reservable
- Tents
$20 - $49 / night
8. Rabbit Road Campground — Indian Mountain State Park
Jellico, Tennessee1 Review•17 PhotosOur Rabbit Road Campground hosts ten primitive hike-in campsites along the Airplane Pond Trail. These sites are the perfect place for tent camping and peaceful relaxation. Each site hosts a tent pad, a fire pit, and is partially or fully shaded. These sites do not offer electric or water hook-up points. A bathhouse for campers is located in the parking area, which offers hot showers and restrooms.
Please note that the Rabbit Road Primitive Campground is only open March - October.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Dispersed
9. Lilly Pad Campground
Lancing, Tennessee5 Reviews•67 Photos•44 SavesTrails from the brewery lead to the Lilly Pad Campground. There are several acres of primitive sites in a wooded setting along the outskirts of the Obed Wild and Scenic River. The national park is within walking distance and hosts some of the most beautiful scenery, amazing rock climbing, and challenging kayaking in East Tennessee. The campground is open all day every day. It is 5.00 per person, per night. Water and porta-potties available. Firewood is provided for fires at designated sites only. Reservations are not required. We cannot accommodate RVs or large pull behinds. Tear drops and small pop ups are fine. Thank you!
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$30 / night
10. Tranquility Creek
Williamsburg, Kentucky1 Review•13 Photos•1 SaveLocated 15 minutes NW of Williamsburg Kentucky, Tranquillity Creek Campground offers 8 acres of beautiful woods with a creek for a peaceful get away to relax and be one with nature. Close to stores and area attractions in SW Kentucky.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$60 - $100 / night
Recent Tent Reviews in Pioneer
729 Reviews of 33 Pioneer Campgrounds
Stoked C.
Scout
Windrock Ridge Campground
Wooded Dispersed Tent Sites For Spaceo
First time at Windrock Campground. very nice property and has spots for all types of outfits and campers. I’m in a truck camper with a rooftop tent. The wooded tent sites where perfect not all are level so ask to drive through and preview avails before booking. fire ring, table provided. the only down side is that there is heavy SxS traffic on camp roads until late evening. otherwise pretty swanky place to camp. There are open sky spots around the bathhouse if you need solar or satellite. Those are all flat.
- T
Teresa D.
Traveler
Bandy Creek Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Beautiful, well kept campground…
We loved Bandycreek campground for it{s scenic beauty….we were there in late October. They leaves were brilliant! The campground was pristine as well as the shower house and bathrooms. So many trails to walk…just make sure you know how long they really are and if they truly are a loop before you head out and take water! The campground was quiet, there was a bustle of activity every morning of park staff cleaning the shower house, emptying the bear boxes and doing general maintenance cleaning up downed branches etc. All staff were met were very friendly. The visitors center was close with staff who were very helpful in answering questions about the area. Our only concern about the place was that it is difficult to navigate if you have a large rv. Ours is a 43 foot fifth wheel. We had a lot of difficulty backing into our site with all the little obstacles but with the assistance of a fellow camper we finally got in. Also the drive into the campsite is treacherous if you are coming from Oneida. It is harrowing to say the least and I would not recommend it if you have a large rv. Hairpin turns and switchbacks, low hanging rocks, and narrow road. We came in the back way which consisted of driving on a well maintained gravel road with barely enough room for two vehicles to pass. So be warned and do your research before you drive in…plan your route! I feel like we barely survived! Ha. But it was worth it and we did survive!
- Pam B.
Guide
Holly Bay
Beautiful setting
The sites are nice and wooded. There is plenty of space between sites to give each camp a little privacy. We were a drive up, no reservation camper. They only took cash or check on-site. Camp host was very nice and helpful.
- Pam B.Guide
Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1
Jellico Creek 1
There are three dispersed camp sites along this road. We stayed at the first and largest of the three. This first site has room for two groups. It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing.
- Pam B.Guide
Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road
Small Campsite on the shores of Rock Creek.
One picnic table and fire pit. Dispersed camping. We took our portable firepit and sat by the creek for a beautiful evening.
- Pam B.Guide
Indian Mountain State Park Campground — Indian Mountain State Park
Pretty site
Beautiful lake and clean bathhouse. Sites are close together, not really tent friendly
- AA D.Scout
Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
CLOSED.
I rode all the way over here from Greeneville to check out the area in order to bring a group of friends camping next weekend.
BUT the entire campground is closed. When I pulled up to the iron gate and saw the sign, it read "CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC DUE TO VANDALISM AND UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITY"
Tripp A.ScoutPalmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Closed to Public
I drove over an hour to get here to find that it is “closed to public for vandalism”. I was very upset by this but obviously nothing I could do. Just wish I knew how to check before driving all the way. But the drive! Woah! So beautiful, I wish there was a way I could find out when it opens back up because I was very much looking forward to camping here.
- Gary D.Traveler
Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park Campground
Noisy
Loud Carson road and kids playing basketball til 11:00 pm. They were very loud and vulgar.
Site had lots of room though. We left after the first nite. Lost our next 2 nites fee but worth the loss not having to stay any longer.
Staff somewhat indifferent.
- Susan B.Traveler
Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Clean, quiet campground
Campsites are spacious with gravel campsites and paved rv parking at campsites. Water and electric at each site. Clean bathrooms with showers.
- mmichealScout
The Crosseyed Cricket
I like it
I prefer playing cricket for physical exercise rather than virtual games like Nulls Brawl. It's a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, especially in beautiful locations like The Crosseyed Cricket Campground in Tennessee.
brody2219 J.Scout
Obey River Park
Beautiful and family friendly
This is a beautiful campground! Very Family oriented. The park attendants are so nice and welcome families and will help you in any way! We love going here and feel so safe because the sheriff department along with the attendants are always coming through. Some of the nicest attendants, always has a smile and willing to help in any way!
Shelly S.
Legend
Williamsburg, ky
Wave!
Spent 2 nights in July at Kentucky Splash Park Campground. Only reason it didn’t get a 5 star is first needs more shade (there are new trees growing ) and the cut through road is busy in the evening from local traffic. Nice size sites with cement or gravel parking. Cement pads with picnic tables and strangely deep fire pits.
The showerhouse is in well maintained shape. Plenty of room and hooks to hang your stuff from. Hot water and large shower heads.
Small playground and pavilion to use.
Easy walk across the parking lot to the water park. Price not included in site cost. If you get a wrist ban you can get back in for the day.
- KKaren P.
Ranger
COE Lake Cumberland Fall Creek Campground
Beautiful and quiet
We arrived on a Tuesday and left on Friday. This campground has 10 sites on a hill. It is quiet and away from towns. Some sites are close but not bad. The shower/bath house is fairly new and clean. Being on the hill, to get to the lake is a steep walk. They have a set of steps going down the back side of the hill if you want to leave your boat in the water down there. It’s in a hollow off the main lake. The only drawback would be that the dump site was too tight and unlevel for me to feel comfortable trying to dump.
Jim L.ScoutThe Crosseyed Cricket
Great
Nulls Brawl likely offers a way to share game progress or resources with others. You could generate links or codes to give them access, allowing you to play or team up with friends more easily. https://nullsbrawlapk.de/
L&A C.Legend
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Small but Nice!
Easy to find, well marked. It’s has many (12) trails and many falls. Would definitely recommend shopping before camping, it’s several miles, and mountains, to get to stores. There are several lodging options…cottages, The Lodge, (which is beautiful) tent and RV camping. There are 2 small campgrounds ~ 1) Ridgeline which accommodates RVs up to 26”, water and 10/30/50 amp hook ups. Sites have a fire ring and picnic table. WiFi is available, and there is a dump station. A small playground, office/campstore, and a bathhouse and laundry next to it. 3 sites are walk-in. Big rigs would have to stay elsewhere. 2) Clifty Campground is tent camping only 7 sites offer electric and water. WiFi is also offered. There is a bathhouse and a playground, and these CG’s are pet friendly. (Falls Creek is a few miles up the road…they have pull through and back ins. For bigger Rvs. They also have tents, wagons, cabin rentals, and primitive sites) We had no T-Mobile service, or satellite service in our vehicle. The trails and Cumberland falls were awesome. The horse rides looked amazing, and the Pool was big, with a diving board, and a small fee for campers to use it.
- L&A C.Legend
Ride Royal Blue ATV Resort and Campground Pioneer, TN
RV Heaven for ATV/OHV/SxS Camping!
Approximately 4 miles off of exit 144, from I~75. Easy to locate, and a well maintained RV campground! Website has all the info on the different types of sites, cabins and ATV’s. Resources for permits, pricing, and other requirements are also listed. The trails are accessible from the CG. FHUs on Back in and Pull-throughs,bathhouses, on site fishing pond, playground, and Ohhh yes….the ATV wash station! General store is on the right from the entrance, which is awesome! They sell firewood and ice, as well as extreme OHV sporting equipment/gear, snacks, souvenirs….to list a few. Rental cabins are available nearby, for larger families or groups. I believe they thought of almost everything! I would love to come camp here in the fall, as I can imagine that the views are spectacular! They provide WiFi, but my T-Mobile reception was good, at 3 bars.
- L&A C.Legend
Rabbit Road Campground — Indian Mountain State Park
Primitive camping at its best!
Primitive isn’t our mode of camping, but we rode our bikes up the road to check out this beautiful campground. Easy to find, marked with a sign. The road to the campground forks to the left, past the State Park entrance sign. There are plenty of picnic tables and trash cans, before the trails. There is also a mutt mitt station. And an info board, with trail & State Park map.The state park offers 5 trails, pavilions, as well as playgrounds and a lake. Since it’s extremely hot, and there were several areas along the trail with ponds, the biting flies and mosquitoes were active! The camping path and sites were well marked, and sites started at #10, next to the parking lot, and family bathhouse. There are fire pits at each site. The sites are semi private, and 1-9-10 are the most popular sites used, according to the Ranger. No one was camping when we were there on a Sunday afternoon. I posted a video of us biking out of the trail campsites, getting #8, on the right, 9 on left, #10 last, then back at the beginning, to the bathhouse and parking lot.
- L&A C.Legend
Indian Mountain State Park Campground — Indian Mountain State Park
Mountain View Galore!
Back-in site, FHUs, concrete pad, some shade. Fire pit and picnic table at each site, ours is located behind our site. There are 2 playgrounds, Disc golf course, volleyball area, a beautiful lake(with rental paddle boats for $14 hr) We Bought fire wood and Disc Golf sets, at the campground store. Clean with coded entry Bathhouse, by one of the playgrounds. There is an 18 hole Disc Golf we will be playing. We Love the views, and are looking forward to trying out the 5 trails this weekend! The lake is beautiful with geese and ducks hanging out! We used our Starlink over 100Mps, and our T-Mobile had fair reception. There are also 2 playgrounds at the SP!
Tammie P.Scout
Bean Pot Campground
Awesome!
We've been traveling full time for the past year and Bean Pot campground is by far the best. Beautiful sites, great owners and staff and alot of amenities. They also have fun activities. Definitely will be back!
Alyssia C.Scout
Eagle Rock Resort & Campground
Amazing Area
Eagle Rock Resort & Campground is amazing. If you are looking for a place to ride trails and relax, this is the place. You could seriously come here multiple times a year and still not see all of the different trails. The site manager, Jeff, and his staff was extremely nice and helpful. Always there to please and help make your experience one to remember. I am not the camping type so the condos they have for rent was perfect for my group. Spacious and clean with everything you need. We even had very comfortable king size bunk beds, never seen anything like it before. Cannot say enough great things about this experience. Definitely worth a stay!!!
Jess S.Traveler
Patrick’s Point River Camp
A great little getaway spot!
We will absolutely be back! I’ll be honest, as a visibly queer person with rainbow hair I was a bit nervous about the Bible verses and Christian flag due to past experiences, but Patrick and Angelica were welcoming and friendly the entire time!
The RV spot with shade was great! It’s right next to the bathroom but everyone is spread out enough it wasn’t an issue at all.
Strong WiFi, pet friendly, and a beautiful, peaceful spot with very friendly owners!
JC J.ScoutPalmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Pretty sweet
Great location. Not crowded. But could use a cleaning. PortaJons are nasty.
- hhannah P.Guide
Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Not too shabby for the south
Lots of lil cozy pull offs on an easy gravel road. Lots of longer term people staying it seemed like (or just really full send camping friends lol). Many fire rings and spots by the lake. Unfortunately the other reviews are right - A decent amount of trash. There are trash cans and porta potties. I’ve seen worse porta potties at festivals but there were a few stinky ones.
Greg L.Traveler
West Campground — Norris Dam State Park
Site #2
We stayed at site #2 which was nice but had soft ground from prior rain (when other sites had already dried up well). There were a lot of headlights on us from traffic entering the campground, even up til MIDNIGHT on Saturday. I would stay here again but would choose a site more towards the backside of the loop for less traffic going by your site
Lucy P.Ranger
Wilderness Road State Park Campground
Very mixed bag
This campground had some good features: hookups and bathhouse were good, location is very pretty, staff clearly take good care of things. Mostly older folks mid week so pretty quiet.
But for some reason there is a path that goes through several campsites. We booked one of these sites without knowing (B12), which meant we had strangers walking through our campsite all the time. Our dogs hated it and so did we! Also sites are close together, most aren’t level, and some are in clear disrepair. They also do a good job cleaning the bathhouses, but they do it from 8-9am which is also when many people are trying to use them.
Casey L.RangerBlue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Nice sites, some far from bathroom
Sites are level and pretty spacious, if not some a little tight together. My only complaint was that the restroom wasn’t marked on the map that I could see so I ended up being very far away from it. So more of an issue with recreation.gov than the campground itself. The restroom was nice and clean.
Guide to Pioneer
Tent camping near Pioneer, Tennessee offers a blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere at TVA Public Land- Fork Bend, where you can explore remote campsites and hike through beautiful landscapes.
- Experience the thrill of off-roading at Windrock Ridge Campground, known for its extensive trails and vibrant ATV community.
- Discover the breathtaking scenery along the trails at Burnt Mill Bridge Loop, featuring rock formations and waterfalls that make for a memorable hiking experience.
Tent campers should check out the amenities
- North Cumberland WMA- Royal Blue Unit offers ample camping spots with fire pits and the chance to spot elk, making it a great choice for wildlife enthusiasts.
- At Rabbit Road Campground — Indian Mountain State Park, you'll find well-marked sites with picnic tables and trash cans, ensuring a clean and comfortable camping experience.
- Backcountry Site 1 — Norris Dam State Park provides a primitive camping experience with good spacing between sites and access to bathhouse facilities.
Tips for tent camping near Pioneer
- Be prepared for rough terrain at Honey Creek Overlook Backcountry Camping, where hiking in is required, but the stunning views make it worthwhile.
- Bring your own water and supplies when visiting Backcountry Camping, as amenities are limited and it's a true backcountry experience.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife at Backcountry Site 2 — Norris Dam State Park, where the natural surroundings provide a chance to see various animals in their habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pioneer, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pioneer, TN is TVA Public Land- Fork Bend with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Pioneer, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Pioneer, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.