144 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Tennessee Ridge, Tennessee is situated in a region rich with water-based recreation opportunities, primarily centered around the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and nearby state parks. Stewart State Forest offers primitive camping with marked trails throughout the area, while more developed options include Piney Campground and Paris Landing State Park. The area features a mix of lakefront sites along Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River, with both primitive tent camping and full-service RV sites available. Most campgrounds in the region are within a 30-minute drive of Tennessee Ridge, providing access to both secluded forest settings and water-based recreation.
Many campgrounds in the Tennessee Ridge area operate year-round, though some facilities like Land Between the Lakes Piney Campground are seasonal, operating from March through November. Summer months bring high humidity and temperatures, making shaded sites particularly valuable. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, especially at Stewart State Forest where campers should set GPS directions before leaving main highways. During hunting seasons (primarily fall and spring), campers at Stewart State Forest should be aware of increased activity. Water access is limited at primitive sites, with the closest store to Stewart State Forest being approximately 5 miles away in Tennessee Ridge.
The camping experience varies significantly between developed and primitive sites. Lakefront campgrounds like Paris Landing and Piney offer boat ramps, swimming areas, and camp stores, making them suitable for extended family stays. According to reviews, Piney Campground is "wildly popular among locals and travelers alike" with amenities including bike paths, playgrounds, and lake views. In contrast, Stewart State Forest provides a more rustic experience with no water facilities on site. One camper noted, "If you are looking for an out-of-the-main-drag area to go camping, try this place," adding that "there is no water, so bring plenty." Most campgrounds in the region are pet-friendly, though leash requirements are standard.
"Great easy drive from middle Tennessee with tons of great amenities and staff."
"One great thing about here is the beautiful lake nearby! My family and I spent our entire day here and had an absolute blast. The lake front views are incredible."
"Campground Review: Montgomery Bell State Park The Four Mile Campground is nestled in a hollow offering shade and creekage on one side plus several of the trailheads start nearby and you are close"
"It is a beautiful state park known as the"Queen of Tennessee's State Parks". There are 4,000 acres with mountain biking, fishing, hiking, picnic areas, kayaking/canoeing, and a golf course."
"The closest store is about 5 miles away near Tennessee Ridge. There are marked trails throughout the area."
"Boswell Landing is a quiet spot of the park with gorgeous views of Kentucky Lake where you can pull up a chair (or tent!) and relax."
"Well maintained road to get here and pretty close to a modern campground with a small store. We'll be coming back here again!"
from $5 - $12 / night
Check Availability"My only complaint is that from the sites located on the water, the bathhouse is quite a hike. Kids ride bicycles all over the park and I feel the place is pretty secure."
from $35 / night
"Piney Campground is part of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. It is wildly popular among locals and travelers alike."
"While quiet hours were observed, there was a lot of music, celebrating a Tennessee win with a golf cart parade and victorious choral singing of Rocky Top right up until 11pm."
from $40 - $600 / night
Check Availability"They are right on the water with easy access to put in a kayak. And close to a boat ramp if bringing a boat. It’s shaded. The bath house is a bit of a walk and they have restrooms only, no showers."
"It was clean and spacious with great views of Kentucky Lake."
"Located at Land Between the Lakes at the south end. This campground has about 18 sites. You can can camp near the water or back in the woods."
"There is a natural boat launch into Bards Lake. A single Vault toilet and Dumpster as well."
"Great little campground close to the Bumpus Mills Marina. Electric and water hookups with dump site at the entry/exit."
"Several sites are on the water and the rest are near it. Great for boating or kayaking. Nice bath/showerhouse if you need it.
Lots of shade!"
from $28 - $30 / night
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TravelerThe pricing policy is complicated for long term they require $25 each person for background checks. The sites in the back are pretty tight and mostly long term. They do have nice sites near the office. They are pull through.
TravelerCute little spot hidden about 5 min off of i40. Just need to call ahead and they’ll ask what time you plan on arriving. Seems to be a husband and wife that uses their land as a little campground. Mostly gravel, lots of trees for shade. Does seem to be one or two long term campers but very quiet and quaint. Water and power hook ups. I didn’t hook up as I just camp in my van(:
ScoutI live within an hour of this campground, and saw a one night opening with good weather, so trying it out. Every site is level concrete, and has a view of the river. Each site (15 total) has power and water. One dump station in campground. Bath house is good and clean. Best part, with my American the beautiful pass, its only $11 night.
ScoutTHEY WILL STATE YOU DIDN'T STAY HERE IF YOU LEAVE A NEGATIVE REVIEW! The river is beautiful along with all the wildlife.(Wild turkeys, cows, horses, deer, donkeys and goats) Pizza and cookies at the store are fantastic. The girls work very hard in the office and are always cheerful and helpful. Location gets a 3 only because it's really in the middle of nowhere. Not necessarily a bad thing! Now for the actual bad. I lived here over a year and things changed so much and its the main reason we just left. Incessant dog barking with no consequences. Way too much dog feces in the park which could so easily be fixed with a cheap camera and lights. Suppose to be gun and drug free. Neither are even close to true. Rules are not enforced at all! Needs new management. When you make a special trip to the office to inform management that there is water pouring out of bottom of rv that the people aren't there and it takes 7 hours for them to walk over and shut the water off?? And these was damage to rv. Fact! Loose dogs running around scaring guests, ripping into garbage, bothering guests kids and dogs. 10 year rule? 20 year rule? Freezers outside campers? This place could be a 5 star with better management and not a family running it like it's their own property. No Christmas or Halloween decorations? Lastly there's a bad review left a few months ago that I was accused of leaving called into the office and ordered to remove by management
TravelerStayed at Taylor Bay on a trip up to see the Elk & Bison Prairie (very close, perfect for going during their peak activity time). I usually prefer to camp at a site with a water spigot, so it was a change not having one. Pack in plenty of water for drinking and rinsing plates. Can't bring in any wood from outside Land Between Lakes, but you're able to use anything dead or downed around the area. I drove through a couple nearby campsites and picked up some dead wood off the side of the road and we were plenty set. Standard racoon business, they're there and they want your stuff. Drive-in sites were helpful for storing food in the car overnight, but I'd recommend a bear bag contraption of sorts to avoid racoons getting in your trash. Ticks were a bit present, but that's mostly the season and this particular year's high. One bathroom situated in the center of the site, no light inside so bring a flashlight! Lots of TP inside which was appreciated. For tent campers, I recommend staying back in the shadier campsites away from the lake. Most of the sunnier, lake-front sites were already claimed by RVs, but the back sites were more private for chatting/changing in a tent or staying up late without the sound insulation of RV walls. Great lake with a soft silt bottom (and lots of rocks to stand on if you hate that), friendly fellow campers. My friends had never camped before and had a fantastic time. I'd stay again-- just bring more water!
GuideGot down here. If you’re on a Harley, don’t do that. Besides that it’s super secluded and right on the water. Not too many bugs.
ScoutDuncan Lake is a small inland Lake located in the Kentucky portion of LBL. The campsite area is located at the end then up around the corner of the first of two access roads to the lake. There is a small boat ramp not far from the site. It is close enough to carry kayaks back and forth. The lake is small and shallow except near the outlet. Great for paddling around and doing some fishing. We have seen bald eagles both times we camped. There is also a beaver community on the lake, they might give you a tail slap on the water if you get to close.
There are enough level spots to accommodate 3 or 4 tents. There is a stone fire ring and that is abut it.
It is a popular bird watching area and both times we camped there were people that used the lake each time. The boat ramp is just far enough away from the camp site that it really didn't affect us at all. If there is a breeze it sounds really nice as it blows through the tall pines.
We generally bring our bikes and do a loop from the camp to the Nature centre and back.
The Lake is closed from Nov. 1 through March 15 to protect wintering waterfowl. no camping or access at all.
There is no cell service but there is a clear view for a starlink setup.
GuideNicely laid out sites that are expansive and well kept. Great views of the lake.
Scoutthe campground was great, staff was very nice and helpful, great activities for kids and adults, free paddle boats and canoes, cable tv, indoor and outdoor pools, really great place!
Camping sites near Tennessee Ridge, Tennessee provide a mix of primitive forest settings and developed lakeside camping options. Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the region with most sites within a 15-mile radius of Tennessee Ridge. Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley dominate the landscape, offering water access at most camping areas with elevations rarely exceeding 500 feet. Summer humidity levels typically reach 70-80% during peak camping months.
Kayaking at Boswell Landing: Launch directly from campsites at this primitive camping area on Kentucky Lake. "We were 100ft. From the lake and had so many trees to use for our hammocks. One of the best camping sites I've had in a long time!" notes Brooklyn L., who appreciated the convenient boat ramp and inherited firewood from fellow campers at Boswell Landing Campground.
Hiking near Montgomery Bell: Explore historical sites throughout this 3,850-acre state park. "There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church," shares Faith S. about Montgomery Bell State Park Campground, which features multiple trail options suitable for different skill levels. Tammy P. adds, "The park has tons of activities and good hiking trails. Children can wade in the creek all day, why parents enjoy sitting outside under all the shade trees."
Basketball and recreation facilities: Enjoy structured recreation at Piney Campground with multiple sports courts. According to Shelly S., the campground features "a pavilion and basketball court plus several playgrounds throughout" making it ideal for active campers seeking organized recreation spaces.
Direct water access: Many campers value Kentucky Lake proximity with swim-friendly areas. Michael W. found Boswell Landing offers "shade was great. Lake is beautiful spots are gravel pads with fire ring" with easy water entry points for cooling off during hot summer days.
Spacious sites at Piney Campground: Campers appreciate the room to spread out at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Piney Campground. "HUGE lakeside campsite. Only downside is no water so come prepared," notes Michael L., while Rob T. explains there are "multiple areas with community water spigots. Fill up your freshwater before you get to your site!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Despite being developed, many campgrounds maintain natural settings. Shy-Anne W. was impressed that at Piney Campground she "saw a lot of wildlife for such a big campground with lots of people traffic," indicating good habitat preservation despite camping infrastructure.
Water availability varies dramatically: Stewart State Forest requires complete self-sufficiency. Douglas K. advises campers at Stewart State Forest that "there is no water, so bring plenty. There is a spring, however you have to know where it is. The closest store is about 5 miles away near Tennessee Ridge."
Factory noise at some lakefront sites: Be aware of industrial sounds at certain campgrounds. Jeff F. cautions about Lakefront Campground: "Beautiful view of the river and water access but the bad smells coming from the factory across the river is almost unbearable at times."
Seasonal hunting activity: Prepare for increased forest use during hunting seasons. Douglas K. notes about Stewart State Forest: "Please be aware that hunting is allowed in this area, so deer and turkey seasons could present issues for those who are looking for peace and quite."
Child-friendly water areas: Several campgrounds feature calm water access. Chris R. notes about Piney Campground: "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."
Playground access: Paris Landing State Park Campground offers multiple recreation facilities for children. Kim B. explains the park has "sports fields, pool, restaurant, and other activities make this a less nature-oriented campground but there's boating too."
Bicycle-friendly campgrounds: Many children enjoy biking at certain campgrounds. Ronnie S. rates Piney Campground highly: "Been going here since I was a kid. Its a great place to camp with great bike trails and everything you need."
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. Joel R. warns about Paris Landing State Park: "Paris Landing State Park has about 70 campsites, most with water and electric hookups, but it is not easy to fine a level site."
Direction accuracy concerns: GPS reliability can be questionable in rural areas. Gary P. advises about Lakefront Campground: "Do NOT follow your gps!!! Go to Camden then follow the state park signs (Hwy 191) 8 plus miles to the park."
Campground layout complications: Some campgrounds have confusing traffic patterns. Todd M. explains his experience at Lakefront Campground: "It's a tight fit and our rig is only 22.5' TT. Our back in site was to the left on a one way road that I had to turn around and go opposite way so we could get in."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Tennessee Ridge, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Tennessee Ridge, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 144 campgrounds and RV parks near Tennessee Ridge, TN and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Tennessee Ridge, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tennessee Ridge, TN is Piney Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tennessee Ridge, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Tennessee Ridge, TN.
What parks are near Tennessee Ridge, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Tennessee Ridge, TN that allow camping, notably Barkley Lake and Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.
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