The Cumberland Plateau near Tracy City, Tennessee sits at elevations between 1,800 and 2,000 feet, creating a climate that's typically 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. This geographical feature makes camping in the area particularly comfortable during summer months when temperatures rarely exceed 85°F. Campgrounds in the region often feature limestone formations, sandstone bluffs, and dense hardwood forests characteristic of the plateau's unique ecosystem.
What to do
Zip line adventures: Bigfoot Adventure RV Park & Campground offers an on-site zip line course popular with families. "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," notes one camper at Bigfoot Adventure RV park & Campground.
Waterfall hiking: The area features numerous waterfalls accessible via well-marked trails. A camper at Greeter Falls Campground shares, "Walk or drive to Greeter Falls trailhead for a beautiful waterfall hike." The campground's proximity to the falls makes it convenient for day hikes without moving your vehicle.
Rock formations and caves: Camp Chet offers unique geological features for exploration. "My boys love climbing the rocks and discovering all the neat caves and nooks," states a visitor who appreciates the "clearly, well marked out" trails that make navigation straightforward even for families with children.
What campers like
Quiet mountain atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the cooler temperatures and peaceful settings. At Camp Chet, visitors mention the tranquility: "We have written parts of books in quiet places under a dense canopy of trees beside a stream." The camp's location provides a sense of isolation without difficult access.
Fishing opportunities: Several rv sites near Tracy City, Tennessee offer fishing access. At Twin Creeks RV Resort, a reviewer notes "Boat ramp just down from campsites. Pretty good fishing." The lakeside location provides convenient water access directly from the camping area.
Community fire pits: Some campgrounds offer communal fire areas as alternatives to individual site fire rings. According to one camper at Twin Creeks RV Resort, "No fire rings...but there are 10 communal ones near the water and wood is provided at no cost."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region operate on seasonal schedules with varying availability. "We are here on our Honeymoon. It was a late minute lets roll the dice and see where God leads us. It was late And we called at 9:30pm to see if we could book a reservation and pay with cash," reports one couple who found Greeter Falls Campground accommodating even for last-minute stays.
Site conditions vary widely: RV camping sites around Tracy City range from basic to fully-developed. At Shellmound RV Resort & Campground, facilities include "Water, power, no sewer but there is a dump site here. Garbages conveniently placed throughout & well maintained grounds."
Limited shower facilities: Some campgrounds have minimal shower facilities despite their overall quality. A Bigfoot Adventure visitor mentions, "Clean bath house only one shower but it wasn't a problem getting in," suggesting guests should plan accordingly during busy periods.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "The playground for the kids was awesome! You're next to a dock on the TN River, so water activities were easy & fun!" notes a family who stayed at Shellmound RV Resort & Campground.
Educational opportunities: Some camping areas offer learning experiences alongside recreation. At Camp Chet, families can explore the ecology of the Cumberland Plateau together. "We hiked to the top of the red trail and hung our hammocks as we enjoyed the blue ridge vista in the sunshine. Absolutely stunning!" reports one visitor about the accessible viewpoints.
Equipment sharing: Check if campgrounds offer communal equipment to reduce what you need to pack. "They also had a shed filled with tools, extra paper products, fire starting equipment, various kitchen supplies (like pots and pans!), and so much more," explains a River Life RV Resort visitor who appreciated not having to bring everything from home.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: RV sites near Tracy City, Tennessee often feature specific hookup layouts. "Electric and water hookups are on left side of campsite," notes a Twin Creeks RV Resort camper, highlighting the importance of checking site layouts before arrival to ensure proper rig positioning.
Road considerations: The mountain terrain requires careful driving. "There is a cute trading post that carries convenience items and has restrooms. All sites are pull-in with full (50 amp) hook-ups on the left side," describes a visitor to Twin Creeks RV Resort, explaining the importance of understanding the pull-in (rather than pull-through) configuration.
Storage options: Some campgrounds provide ways to leave supplies for future visitors. A visitor to R&R RV Campground shares this community aspect: "There is a storage area near the primitive cabins that has everything you could think of and we often leave supplies for the next crew," demonstrating how RVers help each other in the area.
