Camping options near Springville, Tennessee cluster around Kentucky Lake's eastern shore, with most sites situated at elevations between 350-450 feet. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Several campgrounds maintain seasonal operations from March through October due to occasional winter flooding along shoreline camping areas.
What to do
Fishing access points: Boswell Landing Campground provides direct lake access with minimal facilities. "Beautiful, nice and quiet. Can camp close to the lake with beautiful views," notes John S. The campground features a boat ramp and primitive sites with fire rings.
Historical exploration: 1 mile from Buchanan Cemetery. "Within walking distance of the campground, down the paved road are a few notable things: Buchanan Cemetery, which is a civil war cemetery, and the site of Fort Henry," shares Jessica L. about Boswell Landing.
Water recreation: Multiple boat ramps within 15 minutes. Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Piney Campground offers immediate water access. "We took two different weekends at Piney Campground and both times were able to get waterside spots and drop the kayaks right in at the campsite," says Jody A.
Sports facilities: Basketball courts and playgrounds. "Has a pavilion and basketball court plus several playgrounds throughout. Well maintained, friendly staff," mentions Shelly S. regarding Piney Campground.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds offer room between neighbors. At Big Sandy, you'll find "5 Acres to Enjoy" according to host Ashley F., providing ample space for groups wanting privacy.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening opportunities. "Saw a lot of wildlife for such a big campground with lots of people traffic," shares Shy-Anne W. about Piney Campground.
Calm swimming areas: Protected coves for families. "Water was warm and calm being off the main lake. Piney cove is pretty shallow and we could walk out into the water a good 30-40ft before getting too deep. Bottom is soft mud," notes Chris R.
Shaded campsites: Important during summer months. Paris Landing-Kentucky Lake KOA offers "lots of shade which is always a plus for summer camping," according to Tanya A.
What you should know
Site access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging layouts. "Paris Landing State Park has about 70 campsites, most with water and electric hookups, but it is not easy to find a level site," warns Joel R.
Road noise: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "The spot was nice, the park was lovely, but the road noise was bothersome. We were in a spot pretty far from the road but it was very noticeable," says Sara C. about Paris Landing State Park.
Seasonal closures: Check operating dates. Some campgrounds like Paris Landing-Kentucky Lake KOA operate from "March 15 to October 30" while others remain open year-round.
Maintenance varies between facilities. Mansard Island Resort and Marina has "many positives but the big drawback is the scenery. At the time of visiting the area, the grounds were not well maintained. There was tall grass, fallen trees, and uprooted stumps scattered everywhere," reports Caleb J.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options at larger campgrounds. "Sports fields, pool, restaurant, and other activities make this a less nature-oriented campground but there's boating too," notes Kim B. about Paris Landing State Park.
Biking opportunities: Bring children's bikes. "Great place to camp with great bike trails and everything you need," shares Ronnie S. about Piney Campground, noting there are "a LOT of kids around riding bikes."
Swimming safety: Check water depths. Piney Campground offers shallow entry points where "we could walk out into the water a good 30-40ft before getting too deep" according to Chris R.
Activity planning: Non-water options for rainy days. Paris Landing State Park includes "hotel and some kind of conference center" with additional facilities when weather doesn't cooperate, says Kim B.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Bring blocks and levelers. Paris Landing State Park Campground sites can be challenging as "it is not easy to find a level site," according to Joel R.
Hookup considerations: Check amperage before booking. "Had water and electrical hook up but the 30 amp was fried. Luckily it also had 20 amp so power management was key," warns Todd M. about Paris Landing State Park.
Site selection for dog-friendly camping near Springville: Request specific areas. At Santa's Woods, "Santa's Woods is full of large trees and trails, he welcomes you to find the spot that calls to you for your camping adventure," notes Jake C., providing flexibility for those with pets.
Arrival timing: Consider check-in/out windows. "Check in/out times are good 430pm in 330pm out," notes Chris R. about Piney Campground, giving campers ample time for setup and breakdown.
Legend
