Shawanee, Tennessee camping spots sit within the Cumberland Gap region at approximately 1,300 feet elevation where Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia meet. The area features a mix of highland forests and lowland river valleys with moderate summer temperatures averaging 85°F and cooler spring and fall camping seasons. Several campgrounds remain open year-round while others operate seasonally from March through October.
What to do
Hiking at Big Ridge State Park: The park offers multiple trail difficulties across 15+ miles of paths. "Pretty park. Sites are wooded and not too close together. Most sites need leveling blocks. There are lots of hiking trails and a great visitor center," notes elizabeth L. about Wilderness Road Campground.
Water activities on Norris Lake: Several campgrounds provide direct water access for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. "Located on the beautiful Norris Lake. Our tents were right on the water and a short swim/walk to paddle boats and kayaks!" shares Crissy T. about Loyston Point Campground.
Historical sites exploration: Visit the Cumberland Gap visitor center and nearby historical landmarks. "Located in the Cumberland Gap where TN, VA and Ky touch borders. Very beautiful mountains with hiking trails from short distances to overnight primitive camping trials," explains Linda S. who stayed at Wilderness Road Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain their bathhouses regularly. "The bathhouses were super clean and maintained... Lots of hiking in the area," Kenny P. mentions about Wilderness Road Campground.
Spacious, level sites: Some campgrounds feature concrete pads for easier setup. "Sites are close together but very level. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Beautiful waterfront sites," reports Shawn L. about Indian Mountain State Park Campground.
Privacy between sites: Select campgrounds offer more secluded settings. "I had a very cute camp spot up in the woods away from the road it was number 50... It also had two fire pits one up by the tent area and one down by the picnic table," writes Jennifer M. about Panther Creek State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Check opening dates before traveling. "Love the park. Only a few campers this time of the year. Only 1 bathhouse open," reports Shawn L. who camped at Wilderness Road State Park in winter.
Site leveling needs: Many campsites require leveling equipment. "We only stayed 2 nights, so my review is limited. The only downside is the horrifically unleveled sites," notes Michelle S. about Loyston Point.
Primitive options available: For those seeking solitude, Chuck Swan State Forest offers basic sites. "If you like primitive camping out in the middle of nowhere with a view, this is a place for you! Chuck Swan State Forest is just that, a Forest, nothing more. There are two camping areas that are FREE," explains Shelly S.
Wildlife presence: Bears and other wildlife frequent the area. "They have signs up that warn bears are very active in the campground right now so I have not walked around much, but it is beautiful here," mentions Overland 1. about Wilderness Road.
Tips for camping with families
Choose developed campgrounds: Families tend to prefer sites with amenities. "This campground is very clean and well maintained. With my lifetime interagency pass, my site with electric cost $12," notes Overland 1. at Wilderness Road.
Water recreation access: Kids enjoy lakefront campgrounds. "Great place for kids to hang out, play in the water, and pull the boat right up to our camp site. The bathrooms were always very clean and had nice hot water showers," explains Andrew B. about Loyston Point.
Road safety within campgrounds: Parents appreciate enforced speed limits. "The roads were great for the kids to ride bike and they enforced the slow speed limit for cars which was awesome," shares Ben S. about Mountain Pass Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Review site details before booking. "It can get lively throughout the day, but most people are respectful and keep the noise down at night," mentions Dusty W. about Panther Creek.
Utility options: Many campgrounds offer full hookups. "This campsite was a lot closer to town than expected. The campsites themselves were very clean and well kept. Beautiful views," notes Shy-Anne W. about Indian Mountain State Park.
Access road challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. "Site 43. Big site. fairly flat. Just have levelers on one side. Roads are a little narrow in the campground, made it a little hard to back trailer in - the front of the truck was the issue hitting rocks on the side of the road," explains Kc K. about Big Ridge State Park.
