Best Campgrounds near Walling, TN

Walling, Tennessee serves as a gateway to several notable camping areas in the Cumberland Plateau region. Horseshoe Bend Marina offers waterfront tent camping with electric hookups and showers, while Rock Island State Park Campground provides a more developed experience with tent, RV, and cabin options. Bear Bluff Retreat above Center Hill Lake features RV sites and glamping accommodations. The area generally supports a mix of established campgrounds rather than dispersed camping, with most sites providing at least basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Proximity to Center Hill Lake and the Caney Fork River creates opportunities for water-based recreation at many of these camping destinations.

Road conditions throughout the region are generally suitable for standard vehicles, though some campgrounds have sites that may present leveling challenges. "The only issue we had was leveling our camper, there was a 7in difference between the sides and being new to camping we weren't prepared to have to lift one side that much," noted one camper at Rock Island State Park. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though facilities like Ragland Bottom and Floating Mill operate seasonally from spring through fall. Reservations are recommended, particularly during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Cell service varies throughout the area but is generally available at established campgrounds, with some like Rock Island even offering WiFi access at designated locations.

Several visitors highlight the waterfalls as standout features near camping areas in the region. Rock Island State Park receives consistently high ratings for its natural features, with multiple reviews mentioning the spectacular waterfalls and swimming opportunities. "This is a nice, less heard of state park that offers a lot of options for things to do," one camper noted, adding that "if you like hiking and waterfalls, there is a lot to experience." Many campgrounds in the area feature shaded sites that provide relief during hot summer months. The region's relative remoteness means campers should arrive prepared with supplies, as one review mentioned: "Make sure you have all your supplies before you get there, it is a remote area with no big cities within 50 miles."

Best Camping Sites Near Walling, Tennessee (148)

    1. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

    145 Reviews
    Spencer, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 881-5298

    $8 - $32 / night

    "Fall creek falls is one of the best recreational areas in Tennessee. The park is very large and has so much to do. The falls are amazing, and it’s a moderate hike down to the base."

    "Tons to do at one of Tennessee’s top state parks."

    2. Rock Island State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    Rock Island, TN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 686-2471

    "Rock Island State Park is situated in the middle of Tennessee. The park itself is surrounded by beautiful forest and some pretty great and easy hiking trails. The falls themselves are a sight to see."

    "Off I24 near Murfreesboro, Tn and a leisurely drive through the Tennessee countryside. Small towns, pickups and cows. Watch for stop signs, I almost missed one while looking at the scenery."

    3. Edgar Evins State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Lancaster, TN
    23 miles
    Website

    "I'm from New England and relocated to Tennessee in 2016. The first time I went camping at Edgar Evans, I had no idea what was going on!"

    "The park is a gorgeous property with a lake and hiking trails. There are ADA sights. The hills are steep and some of the sights have angle ramps."

    4. Horseshoe Bend Marina

    6 Reviews
    Antioch, TN
    5 miles
    Website

    $75 / night

    "There were restrooms at the marina, which was close by. They have a game room tent with ping pong, cornhole, jenga, etc. and they host a movie night sometimes!"

    "Located on the Caney Fork River."

    5. Ragland Bottom

    12 Reviews
    Smithville, TN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 761-3616

    $16 - $50 / night

    "Snuggle deep in Ragland bottom Tennessee this nice Corps of Engineer campground is nestled. The campground is very well-kept. With plenty of room on the camping pads for all types and sizes of RVs."

    "RV’s are at lake edge, there are several walk in tent sites near the lake too. If you have your watercraft along direct put in is possible but it’s rocky."

    6. Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake

    21 Reviews
    Silver Point, TN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 858-4845

    $24 - $50 / night

    "2nd the layout is more tent friendly (to me) with walk in sites with some nice views."

    "It was okay, but not good for anyone who cannot handle a lot of stairs. 2) There was a lot of boat traffic on the lake, even late into the night."

    7. Hammock Sway

    12 Reviews
    Beersheba Springs, TN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 259-8968

    $25 - $89 / night

    "This is a primitive camping experience in the pristine woods of Van Buren County, TN about 20 miles(30 minutes) outside of McMinnville, Tennessee. The campground borders the beautiful Rocky River."

    "Chris is very helpful, friendly and willing to show you around upon arriving. You will also be introduced to all his great dogs. After that you won’t be bothered unless you need help."

    8. Smooth Rapids Campground

    6 Reviews
    McMinnville, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 452-9251

    $15 - $85 / night

    "Affordable, walking distance to town and yet the grounds make you feel like you’re in a park far away from everything. Beautiful pines on property and lots of local hiking nearby."

    "Smooth rapids is located right on the river, and right in the town of McMinnville."

    9. Bear Bluff Retreat above Center Hill Lake

    1 Review
    Walling, TN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 254-1837

    $40 - $150 / night

    "We were there last weekend, lots to do around the area if you're into hiking kayaking walking, visiting old shops etc."

    10. Virgin Falls State Natural Area - Primitive

    7 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, TN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 881-3297

    $10 - $35 / night

    "The trails were really clearly marked, so they were easy to follow despite all of the leaves on the ground, and there were plenty of signs indicating where to go."

    "There are two ways to get to the Point: the main trail (white blaze) and the Upland Trail (blue blaze)."

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Recent Reviews near Walling, TN

905 Reviews of 148 Walling Campgrounds


  • Mary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground

    Our favorite!

    Cumberland Mountain State Park is one of our favorite places to camp. We have a little cargo conversion camper and love sites 25 and 101. Water and electric at both. The restaurant nearby is a huge plus! This is a beautiful park, especially in October!

  • B
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    beautiful and peaceful

    It was perfect weekend getaway, the camp ground wasn’t full, bathrooms clean, the camp ground was clean. The sites along the water were amazing, and the sites were level.

  • greg S.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake

    Beware of host

    My family has camped here for years with no issues and we usually stay for at least 3 days if not longer at a time. On holidays we usually stay for a week or more at a time. The last 3 times we've camped there the host were horrible. They police you from the time you check in til you leave. They are very discriminating depending on who you know at the campgrounds. They charge some people to visit and not others. If you have kids they better walk the line during thier time there or they will threaten to have you leave. They have treated my family like we were second class as best. Talked to us like we were ignorant.  Not there to help at all. On a power trip for being the host. When you spend your hard earned money and time to relax and spend time with family and friends you shouldnt have to be harassed and watched over to the point you cant enjoy yourslves for your vacation. Not an enjoyable experience at all. We will not be back until they are no longer the host. Never been treated like that by host.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Rvino - The Broken Banjo

    Convenient and well maintained

    This park is located in Manchester, TN right next to I-24, so if you are in the pull-throughs on the front row, you will hear the traffic.

    The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. They lead you to your site and stay to make sure you don't have any questions. Nice little store, well stocked with conveniences and RV needs, as well as souvenirs.

    Gravel roads and level pads. We stopped overnight and did not have to disconnect, as we were perfectly level. Heated swimming pool and splash pad at the entrance, with other "entertainment" for kids in the back of the park (giant chess board, putting green, playground, etc. next to the small lake)

    We were amazed to see park staff cleaning and picking up until 1900 at night. One was literally filling bags with pine cones from the road and sites.

    The "Premium" sites, such as site 2, has a concrete patio with wrought iron table and chairs, along with a fire-pit and grill.

  • Peyton P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    A few pull offs

    You can stay at either Hunter’s check campground or Davis Pond. If you want to stay at davis pond you have to get there before dark, and there is not access for vehicles to get into the campground so it’s just tents (no overlanding, unless you’re comfortable in the parking lot). I pulled off just off one of the trails and set up. It was quiet and private. Not buggy

  • Kc K.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    Amazing site! See note on hook-ups

    This campground is great. The hosts/camp store workers are so nice. This site is big and has easy walk-in access to water for swimming or fishing. **Only weird thing is the hookups are on the opposite side of the site. Take a 50 ft water hose and a 30 amp extension - ours was 50 ft but I think a 30 ft would work. **

  • Tucker K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    Not as quiet as I thought

    There’s some good spots in the backcountry if you can find them, but be prepared to search quite a bit. The roads are pretty dense not many places to pull off. Night time is great but gunshots started at 6:30 at a nearby gun range and dirt bikes started hitting the roads not much later.


Guide to Walling

Camping near Walling, Tennessee offers diverse terrain with elevations between 900-1,500 feet along the Cumberland Plateau's eastern edge. The area sits at the convergence of the Caney Fork River and Center Hill Lake, creating unique camping opportunities with abundant limestone formations. Water levels can fluctuate by 5-15 feet seasonally, affecting shoreline camping spots.

What to Do

Kayaking the Caney Fork River: Multiple access points near Horseshoe Bend Marina provide easy river entry. "You can paddle both directions with ease, and there are several waterfalls nearby, also Rock Island State Park is about 1.5 miles by water. The boat traffic is minimal so paddling is easy," notes Lori H.

Hiking to waterfalls: The Virgin Falls trail system offers challenging but rewarding hikes. "There are several spots along the way to camp if you want including a creekside, bluff view, and directly next to the falls. Pack a water filter and pack in/out everything," advises Tyler J. about Virgin Falls State Natural Area.

Swimming holes: Numerous natural swimming spots dot the region's waterways. "Make sure you visit the ranger station for a map and safety rules during water releases," recommends Christy E., highlighting the importance of checking water conditions before swimming at Rock Island State Park.

Night sky viewing: The rural location offers excellent stargazing opportunities. "Very dark at night time, especially with little moon, the stars were jaw dropping," reports Joseph M. about his experience at Fall Creek Falls State Park.

What Campers Like

Platform camping sites: Edgar Evins State Park offers unique elevated camping platforms. "We love the platform sites that are so spacious and private. Easy access to dump station and bath houses. Almost all sites have view of water," shares Betheny about Edgar Evins State Park Campground.

Waterfront access: Many campsites offer direct lake or river frontage. "The tent only sites are at the back of the campground and are along the water. You have to take steps down from the parking lot to get to your campsite," explains Clinton N. about Floating Mill Campground.

Diverse accommodation options: The region provides everything from primitive sites to glamping. "Horseshoe Bend Marina has both tent and RV sites available, plus several 'glamping' style tents. They sell wood at the campground, in addition to fishing bait and kayak rentals," notes Ryan F.

Wildlife viewing: Many campers report regular wildlife sightings. "Daily deer sightings, a lovely fishing lake and bike trails and you have a park that appeals to many!" explains Sandra V. describing her experience at Fall Creek Falls.

What You Should Know

Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "No service for T-Mobile sprint. We are on site 9 and it's not the most leveled spot. Marina staff was super friendly," reports one reviewer about Horseshoe Bend.

Water release schedules: Dam operations affect water levels and safety. "Rock Island has some nice trails and wonderful falls in the area. The site was great with everything out back," notes Beth LeVar L. at Rock Island State Park Campground.

Campsite reservations: Book early for waterfront sites, especially during summer. "Ragland Bottoms is such a fun place to camp! I know that sites 1-15 are all lakefront sites with electricity and water, and they book up fast," explains Lori H.

Seasonal facilities: Many campgrounds operate limited schedules. "The only amenities we used were the dump station and restrooms. Restrooms were clean and heated," shares John B. about his November visit to Edgar Evins State Park.

Tips for Camping with Families

Choose developed campgrounds for amenities: Some parks offer substantial facilities for children. "Modern bathhouses located in each camping area, swimming pool, golf course and restaurant make roughing it easier for those who need more comfort while camping," advises Sandra V. about Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground.

Plan for hiking difficulty: Trail ratings vary widely in the region. "One of the best hiking parks I've ever been to. Miles and miles of trails; short, long, loops, overnights. This place has it all," explains Myke C. about Fall Creek Falls State Park.

Pack for water activities: Most family-friendly sites center around water recreation. "The tent sites were really nice. I love how close you are to the water. It also includes two swim areas which is nice," notes Haley B. about Floating Mill Campground.

Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. "We visited during the summer. I really enjoyed our stay. A couple of things caught a us by surprise... There was a lot of boat traffic on the lake, even late into the night," warns Shy-Anne W.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require leveling equipment. "The campsites are easily accessible and roomy. We were there only couple days but would love to go back," shares Betheny about Ragland Bottom.

Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging for larger rigs. "Be wary of the speed bumps throughout the campground, they are closely spaced and rather abrupt, take them very slowly," cautions Ray & Terri F. about Edgar Evins State Park.

Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "FYI there are some sites with sewer. I didn't realize this when I reserved. They have great dump station but prefer to have that taken care of before we pull out," advises Betheny about Rock Island State Park.

Campground layout considerations: Site configurations vary dramatically. "The sites are all paved but vary in length from 18 to 51 feet. The width of some can also accommodate two cars side by side. Not all are completely level," notes Lee D. about Rock Island State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Walling, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Walling, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 148 campgrounds and RV parks near Walling, TN and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Walling, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Walling, TN is Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 145 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Walling, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Walling, TN.

What parks are near Walling, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Walling, TN that allow camping, notably Center Hill Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Lake.