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Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessee’s largest and most visited state parks. The park encompasses more than 29,800 acres sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. Laced with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber, the park beckons those who enjoy nature at her finest. Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Other waterfalls within the park include Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades. The park is located in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties, 11 miles east of Spencer and 18 miles west of Pikeville. It may be entered from Highway 111 or Highway 30.
In 1937, the federal government began purchasing the badly eroded land around Fall Creek Falls. The following year, the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began restoring the forest and constructing park facilities. A few years later in 1944, the National Park Service transferred ownership of the park to the State of Tennessee.
Fall Creek Falls features 30 cabins, 222 campsites, and the 85-room Lodge Fall Creek Falls. Backcountry camping is also available with a permit.
The park is home to a variety of activities suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. Hikers can opt for short or long walks around the lake and to the base of Fall Creek Falls. There are two long-distance overnight trails for adventure-seeking visitors while the day-use trails are designed to accommodate recreational and educational activities for all ages. More than 56 miles of trails can be explored.
$8 - $32 / night
Bandy Creek is a spacious and modern campground, situated in The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area--a vast and scenic expanse of land that offers visitors countless recreational activities.
Numerous trails snake through the Recreation Area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors. A swimming pool, along with on-site volleyball court, playgrounds and ball fields, make Bandy Creek an ideal spot for families. The main river of the Big South Fork is also a short drive away, offering fishing opportunities.
The Big South Fork is located in north central Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky in some of the most rugged terrain of the Cumberland Plateau. The park encompasses approximately 125,000 acres including rocky gorges and forested plateaus. Numerous pristine streams unite with the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Over thousands of years, ceaselessly moving water has carved the sandstone of the plateau into impressive cliffs, arches and chimneys, which are found throughout the park.
Located just under 20 miles from Bandy Creek is the Blue Heron Mine, also known as Mine 18, a historic abandoned mining town that has been rebuilt as an outdoor museum. Visitors can hear audio presentations from actual people who lived in the community in the 1950s.
$140 / night
This recreation area is part of Dale Hollow Lake
Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping is a unique series of 32 locations with a total of over 70 individually designated family campsites dispersed over 620 miles of shoreline. Campsites are located in both the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Primitive camping offers a unique rustic lake front camping experience. Remote locations along the shoreline offer campers a peaceful nature experience. Most designated tent sites are accessible only by boat; while a few can be reached by country road. Campers are advised that these areas are remote, primitive sites. Toilets are vault/pit type outhouses. Campers desiring on-site attendant, security and law enforcement services are encouraged to use developed campgrounds where such services are provided. These services are not provided for primitive camping.
Dale Hollow Lake, with its crystal clear water and forested hillsides, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities and holds the world record for smallmouth bass and is known as a trophy smallmouth lake. Boating and water skiing are popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake.
Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about three miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities. In the late fall through early spring, the American bald eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second-largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.
Full rules and reservation policies for fees associated with changes and cancellations can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies There is no fee to make a reservation. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A $10 service fee may be charged to changes made to an existing reservation (see full policies for when this is applicable). A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. Applicable fees, including service/cancellation fees and change fees, are non-refundable and subject to change. No refunds for recreation use fees may be made locally at the lake.
$5 / night
True West Campground is OPEN YEAR ROUND!!! We are centrally located by Big South Fork, TN with easy access to a great many outdoor adventures. Saddle your horse up and ride right out of the campground and find the Cumberland Valley Trail head just 1 mile away, there you can take a nice short ride if you wish, find an overlook to stop and have lunch or ride for miles & miles!!! Lots of bicycle trails around here and the hiking is never ending!!
Our facilities include 33 easy access, level RV and camping sites, all with water and electric, some with sewer hookups. Our shower houses are very clean and provide plenty of hot water!
For those who use it, there is WIFI all throughout the 11 acre campground offered for FREE to all our Campers.
Don't have a Camper or Living Quarters? We've got you covered! We have lodging available to rent. Many different options to choose from. There is the Marshal Suite in the main building above the Mercantile Store that sleeps up to 8 or more and the tucked-in-the-woods Miner's Shack Cabin. We also offer the unique experience of sleeping in the Conestoga Covered Wagons for 'Glamping'- with some creature comforts of home (beds & heat/air!!).
If you are in need of horse facilities, we have two large barns with a total of 67 stalls, each with 2 bucket hooks for your water and feed, a saddle rack and a bridle hook. We have two large horse wash bay areas, and a large 60' round pen.
True West Campground has MANY fun filled Events all throughout the year!! Check us out on Facebook to see what's coming up next!
True West also offers parking and the use of the common area to those just passing through for the day and needing access to the trails.
$26 - $165 / night
Pet friendly primitive campsite on 1.5 acre mini-farm. Leashed pets welcome. Water available. Stalls available for additional fee. Bring your horses and explore the local State and Federal Parks. Horse trails, hiking trails, and waterfalls nearby. Max. 2 horses. Maximum stay, 2 nights/3 days.
$10 - $20 / night
Traveler
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!
Guide
We stayed here on a KAT section 2 trip. Super friendly and helpful staff. They had campsites, covered wagons, and cabins. The had a small camp store and sold firewood
GuideWe stayed there while running the KAT section 2. Great staff. Lots of room for horses. They had campsites, covered wagons and cabin space.
Ranger
We arrived and we got to pick out our own campsite. Thanks to the friendly and helpful staff. Bathrooms were clean and the showers were warm water beautiful tall trees provided shade. Scenic Drive was stunning.
Scout
Great spot. Full hook ups at many spots. Sites are in cul de sacs. Lake is beautiful and really close. Staff is super nice and helpful. Nice playgrounds and pools. WiFi is not currently working. AT&T and Verizon service is good. Lots of wildlife around. Nice hiking trails.
TravelerWe did a brief overnight stay when passing through the area but will absolutely make a return visit to explore this gem! Our site (D36) was at the end of a loop and was nearly level despite being on the edge of the hilltop. The site was huge, honestly - ample space for our 21’ campervan with an even larger gravel pad adjacent. Clean bathrooms were a short walk away and had ample hot water for showers. We didn’t have time to explore the trails, enjoy the facilities, or take in the sights but will definitely return!
GuideGreat amenities, Great sites, Great Park!! No complaints!!
GuideOur spot was near bathroom and the area was clean. Good hikes nearby. I had good cell reception as well with Verizon so was able to watch a little college football on Saturday.m
GuideWonderful place, hot water, clean sites. They have a daily trash service and several stores to visit
ScoutBeautiful campground, nice level spots that are easy to get in and out of, dump station on site which was very easy to get to. Barns are well kept and clean. Bathrooms/bathhouses were spotless! Free sawdust to campers for their stalls. Water all throughout the barn and easy to get to. The location is great, just 20 minutes from Jamestown for a quick trip to Walmart or the Dollar store. Nice little restaurant just 4 miles down the road if you don't want to cook. Picket state park is only 30 minutes down the road for some nice hiking and other activities, Scott State park is just a few miles the other way. Endless hiking, lots of trails to ride as well!
ScoutNice barns, clean bathhouses, and very friendly staff
GuideBeautiful park with lots of activities for kids. The hiking trails were well maintained but vary in difficulty (easy to moderate; side trails to overlooks steep and rocky). Over 200 rv sites, most are close to each other; plan ahead to get a good site. We reserved a year in advanced and at that time no full hook ups were available. The park is a top visited park in TN - it’s crowded.
Legend
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
70 yr olds in 17’ trailer:
Overall Rating: 4.5
Price: $16 w senior annual pass
Usage during visit: 70% during weekend
Site Privacy: 4 - best sites
Site Spacing: 4
Site surface: blacktop
Reservations: Yes
Campground Noise 5 some children having fun. That’s fine. No adult noise
Road Noise: 5. Some sites near the park road will have some, however traffic is light during our stay.
Electricity: Yes, but not tent sites.
Water: Yes
Sewer: No
Dump Station : Yes
Bathroom: 4. Clean and heated.
Pull Throughs : Some
Cell Service (Verizon): 3 hit and miss
Setting: in pine/ deciduous forest
Weather: 3. Mostly chilly and intermittent rain.
Bugs: Mosquitoes, but very few right now
Solar: Doesn’t look like it will be very good
Host: inconspicuous
Location: Pine/ deciduous forest with many dogwoods flowering.
Extra Notes: some sites back up close to sites in other sub-loops. Watch for that when you study th CG map.
ScoutWe were there in March and it was very quiet. The roads and some trails are fun on our bikes
Legend
I only spent 3 nights at Kemper Flats primitive campground for a fishing trip. We reached Kemper by pontoon boat from Willow Grove Marina a short 20 min ride. Nice site primitive cabin toilet no water faucet. Bring it in, take it out.
LegendI camped at Eagle Point for a quiet relaxing few days , but due to a group of young lads who camped near me that was not going to be the case. They were loud and annoying and did not care for anybody else's privacy.
The camp site was ok , reached down a very bumpy track not suitable for RV or similar.
There was a porta toilet which was a bonus but lots of trash left behind by other campers.
The site is on the top of a high cliff so no water swimming was possible. Very shady area. There is a boat ramp next to the site which was in constant use day and night.
RangerAbsolutely loved this park! Our site was an ADA and it was excellent. Lots of trails, waterfalls, and a great nature center.
Legend
Jake here with the Dyrt! I had the chance to speak with Laura, the owner at King's Coach Stop, and hear about the little oasis she has setup for campers. There are spots to fit up to a 50' RV and on the property as well! Check it out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!
LegendWe took a pontoon boat out to Kemper Flats on Dale Hollow lake for a few days relaxing fishing. Primitive site, island with a porta toilet. Camp right on the side of the lake, very quiet and peaceful
LegendTaylor’s Ford primitive campsite is down a steep windy track not suitable for big rigs. There are about 4 lakeside sites available all with good lake views
LegendCove Creek at Dale Hollow lake in TN is a primitive campsite with lakeside camping. There are water faucets for drinking water and a pit toilet available. Great views of the lake and plenty of sites available
LegendBandy Creek CG Sep 16-18 Site D19
We have camped at Bandy Creek Campground in Big South Fork National River and Recreation several times, seasons and for several reasons in addition to camping.
It is central to several possibilities to include hiking, fishing, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, climbing , etc. and the history of the area is very interesting.
This trip we came for the Story Telling. A full day of entertainment by several orators to finish with spooky tales in the evening.
We stayed at D19, our first time in the D loop. Over the years they have upgraded the sites with bear/critter food lockers and there are several bear/critter safe trash collection sites.
D19 is in a dead end loop so little to no vehicles drive through . The bathhouse is a bit of a walk, the buildings are newer and well maintained. I’ve never gotten the creepy vibe (lol)while using them . There is a trash receptacle right in front of the site.
Two cons are the main road to the area is right behind this site, though it gives you easy access to the road/visitor center area. And E loop, group camping is in the woods directly across. So it can be a little noisy if occupied. (There were screaming children all afternoon…) WiFi is available at the visitor center otherwise I had a steady one bar while in the campground. There is a swimming pool, volleyball court and playground right by A loop which is primitive camping and there are several trailheads in that area also. So A loop would be a perfect base camp setup if you don’t need power. As I said the visitor center is right across the road and a horse stable behind that . There is a horseback trailhead right across from A loop with a hiking and bike trailhead too.
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is nearby by Jamestown, Tn and Oneida, Tn is about 30 minutes to the East. Both have fuel, grocery , etc. Charit Creek Lodge is an original homestead that can be hiked to from several start points. They offer a unique experience in the woods, overnight accommodations and meals by reservation. You can visit if your hiking/riding through but I don’t know if they still offer any walk in food/beverage.
TravelerThere are a lot of very different camp sites. It’s good to do your research to see for the site is laid out. Some are drive through and others are back in. It is very close to excellent hiking. Bring your bikes to discover more of the park.
GuideBeautiful park with great natural features and a mining history. Nice flat paved sites.
LegendBandy Creek CG Sep 16-18 Site D19
We have camped at Bandy Creek Campground in Big South Fork National River and Recreation several times, seasons and for several reasons in addition to camping.
It is central to several possibilities to include hiking, fishing, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, climbing , etc. and the history of the area is very interesting.
This trip we came for the Story Telling. A full day of entertainment by several orators to finish with spooky tales in the evening.
We stayed at D19, our first time in the D loop. Over the years they have upgraded the sites with bear/critter food lockers and there are several bear/critter safe trash collection sites.
D19 is in a dead end loop so little to no vehicles drive through . The bathhouse is a bit of a walk, the buildings are newer and well maintained. I’ve never gotten the creepy vibe (lol)while using them . There is a trash receptacle right in front of the site.
Two cons are the main road to the area is right behind this site, though it gives you easy access to the road/visitor center area. And E loop, group camping is in the woods directly across. So it can be a little noisy if occupied. (There were screaming children all afternoon…) WiFi is available at the visitor center otherwise I had a steady one bar while in the campground. There is a swimming pool, volleyball court and playground right by A loop which is primitive camping and there are several trailheads in that area also. So A loop would be a perfect base camp setup if you don’t need power. As I said the visitor center is right across the road and a horse stable behind that . There is a horseback trailhead right across from A loop with a hiking and bike trailhead too.
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is nearby by Jamestown, Tn and Oneida, Tn is about 30 minutes to the East. Both have fuel, grocery , etc. Charit Creek Lodge is an original homestead that can be hiked to from several start points. They offer a unique experience in the woods, overnight accommodations and meals by reservation. You can visit if your hiking/riding through but I don’t know if they still offer any walk in food/beverage.
RangerWe were here during the week and it was almost empty. The campground is set up in “pods” with 8 sites per pod. Would be great for family and friend camping together. Bath house was clean!!!
TravelerExcellent facilities on the primitive side, as secluded as possible, very clean and well maintained bathhouses, clean spacious campsites with everything and close dumpsters and water always within reasonable distance. Surrounded by many hiking trails.
Tennessee offers a fantastic experience for horse camping enthusiasts, with a variety of well-reviewed spots that cater to both equestrians and nature lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Pleasant Hill, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Pleasant Hill, TN is Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 144 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Pleasant Hill, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Pleasant Hill, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.