Camping near Rickman, TN

Camping sites near Rickman, Tennessee offer diverse terrain ranging from waterfront sites at an elevation of 900-1,500 feet to wooded highlands on the Cumberland Plateau. The region experiences significant rainfall year-round, with summer highs averaging 85-90°F and winter lows often below freezing from December through February. Many campers report reliable cell service at lower elevation campgrounds while plateau locations have more limited connectivity.

What to Do

Swimming at natural spots: Old Mill Camp and General Store is located directly across from Cummins Falls State Park, which features what one camper called "the single best swimming hole in the US." For those preferring maintained swimming areas, check out the sandy playground and swimming lake at Spacious Skies Belle Ridge.

Fishing opportunities: Catch rainbow trout near Dale Hollow Damsite, which parallels the Obey River. "Plenty of fish opportunities from boat, kayak, wading and shoreline," reports one visitor. The campground is also near a fish hatchery, making it a prime spot for anglers.

Hiking trails: Spacious Skies Belle Ridge offers hiking with spectacular views. "We enjoyed hiking the trails (and taking in the spectacular views of the Plateau)!" mentions one camper. The campground has a waterfall hike described as "really lovely" by visitors.

What Campers Like

Well-maintained facilities: Standing Stone State Park Campground receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "The bathroom is clean and maintained," notes one camper. Another adds that "you can drive right up to the cabin and park" with "full amenities and lots of room, depending on which cabin you choose."

Water recreation: Holpps Pine Ridge Lake Campground offers a private lake perfect for multiple water activities. One visitor explains, "A private, family owned lake, which was built by the family in the 50's or 60's... large enough for boats and jet ski's, but calm enough for kayaks and paddle boards."

Natural features: Edgar Evins State Park Campground offers unique platform camping. "We stayed in the primitive camping section which has a parking area up top and you hike with your equipment down some stairs into a wooded area... We could see and hear the lake from our campsite," writes one camper.

What You Should Know

Site layouts vary dramatically: Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake has waterfront sites with challenging access at some locations. "Some of the campsites towards the back of the campground have a good amount of stairs. It was okay, but not good for anyone who cannot handle a lot of stairs," reports one visitor.

Reservations crucial for waterfront: Popular lakefront sites at Holpps Pine Ridge Lake Campground fill quickly but can sometimes be booked on short notice. "We were able to reserve two lakefront sites a week before arrival in July!" shares one camper.

Highway proximity considerations: At Spacious Skies Belle Ridge, road noise can be a factor. "If you are placed in one of the sites in the front it's going to be very noisy. We were in the middle of the campground and it was occasionally loud, but not terrible."

Tips for Camping with Families

Kid-friendly water options: Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground offers multiple swimming opportunities, including cascades near the nature center. One visitor advises families to "swim in the cascades next to the nature center" as a must-do activity.

Nature exploration: Standing Stone State Park provides outdoor education opportunities with its fish hatchery and historic structures. "The park has lots of great hiking trails, a playground, and a pool with concessions," notes one visitor.

Playground access: Many campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Old Mill Camp, "Each tent and RV stall has its own picnic table and fire pit, spacing out each stall so it has fair privacy," with easy access to the state park across the street.

Tips from RVers

Platform considerations: At Edgar Evins State Park, RVs park on wooden platforms. "Parking sites are on wooden platforms which was fine for our Winnebago Revel," explains one RVer, though this requires advance planning for stabilization.

Access challenges: Some campgrounds have tight turns or narrow roads. At Standing Stone State Park, "my very experienced in driving a trailer husband had to take several attempts to back in due to trees closely lining the road and drop offs on the side of the road."

Hookup availability: Davy Crockett Campground offers full hookup sites with trash cans at each location. "Sewer at every site. No picnic tables but did have fire ring," notes one RVer, though the layout receives mixed reviews.