Smithville, Tennessee offers varied RV camping options within 40 miles of Center Hill Lake, a 18,220-acre reservoir with 415 miles of shoreline. The region features limestone bluffs, mixed hardwood forests, and elevations ranging from 650 to 1,500 feet. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder camping conditions.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 1.2 miles round-trip. At Greeter Falls Campground, campers enjoy direct access to waterfall trails. "Very clean bath house and grounds. Friendly staff inside small camp store. Spacious sites. Walk or drive to Greeter Falls trailhead for a beautiful waterfall hike," notes Jennifer U.
Disc golf: 9-hole course. Bigfoot Adventure RV Park & Campground provides outdoor activities beyond standard camping. "Had a blast fishing in the ponds. Didn't get a chance to zip line but looks like a blast. They seem to be adding things… disc golf maybe. Great park with clean facilities," reports Frank A.
Water sports rentals: $30-50/hour. Percy Priest Lake offers jet ski and kayak rentals through marinas. "We only stayed for two days but it was a great experience. We rented the pontoon and enjoyed the beautiful lake. Highly recommend bringing bug spray for your RV because at night they are all over the door and walls," shares a Four Corners RV Resort visitor.
What campers like
Upgraded bathroom facilities: code-access. Paradise on the Mountain RV Park receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "The bathrooms are spectacular and sparkling clean. They have a hand built fireplace under a large overhang near the office. Great space for grilling or hanging out," according to Jessica D.
Pet amenities: enclosed dog parks. Many campgrounds accommodate four-legged travelers with dedicated areas. "We are a week into a month long stay and I can't say enough great things about this park. There is a great dog trail and a fenced dog run. Close to the interstate, but not too noisy," notes Jason W. at Paradise on the Mountain.
Lakefront camping: concrete pads. Waterfront sites provide direct lake access for swimming and boating. "We spent a week on a Lakefront site with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Additionally, we were right next to one of the courtesy docks where our family members picked us up on their boat," explains Erich H. from Four Corners RV Resort.
What you should know
Seasonal insect activity: May-September. Mosquitoes can be problematic near water. "Pros - the site itself looks brand new. Everything is up to date, and there were no issues at all. Cons - MOSQUITOS! The first and last night we stayed the mosquitos were so bad we couldn't be outside," warns Chris L. about Four Corners.
Site specifications: measure carefully. Some campgrounds have strict size limitations. "Be sure to check the site measurements. Our only complaint was the site size & distance to our neighbor. We stayed at primitive site 1. Flat area for your tent, then a slight slope towards the walkway," explains Karlie from Greeter Falls Campground.
Tent camping restrictions: verify before booking. Some RV parks prohibit tent camping entirely. "Couldn't even stay here because I have a roof top tent/camper was super excited. Nice lady I talked to when I tried to book but apparently the owners allow no types of tents," shares Steve H. about his experience with Four Corners.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: recently built facilities. R&R RV Campground welcomes families with kid-friendly amenities. "There a few pull throughs sites that have full hookup then a row of electric & water sites. Dogs allowed but like always you have to clean up after and be a good dog owner. There's also a scavenger hunt he put out that's super fun!!" reports Elizabeth L.
Swimming options: beach areas with rocky bottoms. Several lakeside campgrounds offer swimming areas. "The swimming pool and laundry facility were clean. The only 2 things that need improvement are the beach area, possibly some more sand, and extending the swimming boundary. Rocky Bottom must wear water shoes," advises Erich H.
Adventure activities: zip lines for ages 5+. Activities beyond standard camping provide entertainment for energetic children. "Great weekend get away. Clean, great walking trails, fun zip lines. Clean bath house only one shower but it wasn't a problem getting in," writes Felicia about Bigfoot Adventure RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Overnight convenience: pull-through access. Shady Acres RV Park provides efficient options for travelers passing through. "This is a perfect spot for passing through town. It was a pull through spot close to the bathrooms. We were able to use just electrical hook up for the night to rest. It's a few minutes off I-40 and lots of gas options close by," notes Laura D.
Site leveling: bring blocks. Some RV sites require minor adjustments for comfort. "Sites were fairly level. I had to use 2 yellow flat blocks on site 1. Restrooms and showers were closed due to Covid-19 restrictions," explains Chris H. from a stay at Spring Lake RV Resort.
Supply access: proximity to retailers. RV camping near Smithville provides convenient access to necessities. "Local camping supply store across the street and a walmart just down the road that came in handy. Love the scenic views. Campground owner is helpful and responsive," shares Jody C. about R&R RV Campground.
