185 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Wartburg, Tennessee range from established sites with amenities to primitive backcountry areas, primarily within the surrounding national forest and state park lands. Frozen Head State Park Campground offers tent and RV camping with drinking water, showers, and toilets, while Rock Creek Campground in the Obed Wild and Scenic River area provides more primitive tent-only sites with access to hiking trails and fishing. The region also includes dispersed camping at Bi-Color Campground in Catoosa Wildlife Management Area for those seeking a more remote experience. Most camping areas are situated within forested settings with access to rivers, trails, and natural features.
Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly throughout the area, with many campgrounds requiring careful navigation on rural roads. Frozen Head State Park has a defined camping season from March 15 to November 1, while some TVA-managed areas remain open year-round. Primitive sites at Rock Creek Campground feature picnic tables, lantern hooks, bearproof food lockers, and fire rings with grills, but campers should note there is no potable water available at this location. Many visitors recommend approaching campgrounds from specific directions to avoid difficult terrain. "Don't come in from north east, too bad of rd. Wartburg is paved," noted one camper about accessing Rock Creek Campground.
Waterfront access represents a common feature in several area campgrounds, particularly along the Obed River and at TVA sites like Melton Hill Dam. Campers frequently mention the quality of hiking trails connecting to camping areas as a major draw. The sites at Frozen Head State Park receive consistently high ratings for their privacy and natural setting, with one visitor noting, "All the sites seem to be shady and have trees between neighbors." Tent campers particularly appreciate the dedicated tent pads available at several campgrounds. Though many camping areas are relatively small in size, this contributes to a more intimate experience with nature. Several visitors note that weekends bring higher occupancy rates, especially during summer months, so advance planning is recommended for prime sites.
"The campground is in close proximity to many of the trailheads. There is a nice bathhouse, but all the sites are rustic (non electric)."
"It may be the loveliest campground in Tennessee. There’s only 20 spots, and they all seem to be shady and have trees between neighbors."
"Site 1 is open so a small pull behind can fit in parking area. Tents only on sites. Lots of shade. Toilet is vaulted, no water. Easy access to Obed River and trails."
"Bearproof trashcans are located throughout the campground. A section of the Cumberland Trail begins at the campground. The Emory River runs right alongside the campground with easy access."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"You can find group sites or individual private sights tucked way back in the timber. The brewery on sight is a short walk from the campground and absolutely amazing."
"Great location (close to the obed). Friendly, happy group. They have a brewery in place with great beer options. Bathrooms are two portapottys but well cleaned."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"We really enjoyed Milton Hill dam, very friendly people , well stocked store, easy access to swimming and fishing and full hook up sites if you want them."
"We made a last minute trip to Melton Hill that was very conveniently located just outside of Knoxville. The campsite offers several options for camping along the water or in the woods."
from $18 - $31 / night
Check Availability"There was no accessible water near by so make sure you bring your own provisions. Haven’t got to explore much around the area by hiking. Found a nice creek a few miles on down the road."
"Solid location for a night or a whole weekend. There are several porta potties available and the sites are spacious. This camp is perfect for the fam as it can accommodate RV sized vehicles."
"Our site (D36) was at the end of a loop and was nearly level despite being on the edge of the hilltop."
"Family freindly, kept very clean, great hiking in Big South Fork w/some trails even starting at the campground."
from $20 - $140 / night
Check Availability"Cumberland Mountain has a total of 145 campsites, spread across 5 loops, plus a backcountry site on an 8 mile backpacking trail."
"Great spacious site with beautiful scenery all around! There’s a lake and walking trails. Descent bathrooms. Water nearby and they sell firewood."
"Off roading, shooting range, mountain bike trails, atv rentals. Very close to town if needed. The serenity and peace we feel staying there makes us never want to leave."
"Great sites, cute cabins great location."
from $18 - $300 / night
Check Availability"This has got to be the largest off road park in the country. We camped at windrock ridge and could not believe the views. Highly recommend a visit."
"The wooded tent sites where perfect not all are level so ask to drive through and preview avails before booking. fire ring, table provided. the only down side is that there is heavy SxS traffic on camp"
from $20 - $49 / night
Check Availability"Great location just off I75, close to easy shopping (Walmart), Urgent Care facility just minutes away, nice BBQ place right in the park, local eatery’s just up the way (less than 2 miles)."
"Our site is nice and right on the lake but it’s a little odd the way the sites are. Our neighbors site is next to us but there table and fire pit are behind our rig."
ScoutBeautiful view on the water. Not very full, which was nice. I came for some quiet and privacy and while it worked, there were just some that were very social. Haha
TravelerThe lakes are way low, so our lakeside campsite was not really. With no flow, the lake stunk and had a slimey feel. Too many motors to paddle, too loud, no privacy. I’ll not visit this one again.
TravelerMe and my cousin and my dog absolutely love staying here, we will be back. It has beautiful views from our campsite, and down a little trail to the quarry. It’s super clean and peaceful. Has a little bit of road noise, but honestly, I like a little bit of white noise
ScoutThis was a very nice campground! The tent areas are partially gravel so it helped the area be less muddy after rain. Beautiful view of the river and would be a great place to fish! Bathrooms are very nice! Comes with a nice fire pit and didn’t have to use own grate! Pet friendly! Staff was very nice and helpful!
Only complaint was some of their quiet hours were confusing. The quiet hours on the email said 10pm to 7am but then sign posted at bathroom was 11pm-7am for quiet hours.
GuideThis is our number one favorite place to camp. We are from Knoxville, TN and if we are wanting to camp for the weekend but avoid the drive, this is where we come! Area 1 site 25 is our favorite and we are super excited to stay at 108 and 109 in the future. The campground is beautiful. Area 1 is shaded with plenty of trees around making it feel like you're in a little forest, and of course fall is wonderful. Some sites have sewer. I have T-mobile cell phone and I have 3 bars at 5g and my husband has xfinity and has 2 bars at 4G.
Love this campground!
ScoutIt was such a great weekend getaway!! The bathrooms were nice and clean. We stayed in spot 20 and it was perfect! The staff were so kind and helpful. Overall great campsite
GuideOwners were very welcoming, the campsite is beautiful and spacious. With amazing views of the lake , a lot of mosquitoes during the late summer but that’s expected.$20 a night, no reservations required.
GuideThis looks like a nice campground, but I just needed to sleep. I asked for the least expensive site and was told $70. The WiFi didn't even work. Under new ownership and was told it would be getting better. They claim to be the friendliest dog RV Park in America, but they don't even have a dog park so I don't know why they think they're the best.
GuideLevel paved spot, partial shade (site 140), quiet, sites not too close together, cooler evenings than LA (lower AL). Nice staff. Not crowded.
Camping sites near Wartburg, Tennessee include both front-country and remote options situated within the Cumberland Plateau region, which sits at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 feet. This topography creates varied camping conditions with cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, particularly during spring and fall when overnight temperatures can drop below 50°F even when daytime highs reach the 70s.
Hiking trails access: At Frozen Head State Park Campground, visitors can explore multiple trail systems directly from camp. "There is excellent and serious hiking and backpacking here. The campground is rustic but taken care of and I'm told it was renovated recently. Like most of this area it's very wooded, green, and lovely with streams, waterfalls, etc. Park rangers were particularly helpful choosing hikes," notes Dan N.
Rock climbing opportunities: Freedom Hills Campground provides access to nearby climbing routes. "Had such a good time here. Chad, the owner, was incredibly nice and a great host, helping us with whatever we needed. He runs Freedom Hills as a non-profit with a vision to bring climbers and the community together," explains Collin S.
Whitewater paddling: The Obed River system offers technical rapids for experienced paddlers. "Our friends who are avid whitewater paddlers took us here. It's a small campground with simple amenities, amazing old growth forest. There are some areas with similar names further east near the Appalachian Trail," shares a camper from Rock Creek Campground.
Dark sky viewing: The Wartburg area offers exceptional stargazing conditions. "This is a dark sky park, a neat thing to experience," writes Larry about Rock Creek Campground. Bring red-light headlamps and allow 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to darkness for optimal viewing.
Private wooded sites: The campgrounds near Wartburg feature forest settings that create natural separation. "All the sites seem to be shady and have trees between neighbors," says a camper at Frozen Head State Park. Another camper adds, "We had a great time. The gates get locked so make sure you arrive early. We got locked out and couldn't contact anyone."
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses. "Bathrooms are always clean and in working conditions. Be advised, the last two years there's been baby copperhead snakes that hang around outside the bath house at night," notes Laura D. about her experience at Frozen Head.
Bear-safe storage: Most established campgrounds provide secure food storage options. "Each site has a picnic table, lantern hook, bearproof food locker, fire ring with grill, and a tent pad. Bearproof trashcans are located throughout the campground," explains Davina B. about Rock Creek Campground.
Dispersed camping options: For those seeking more remote experiences, the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area offers primitive sites. "This area is beautiful almost all times of the year! Plenty of wildlife and lots of shady areas. Alcohol is allowed in designated camping areas. Only saw one other camper on our trip this weekend so it was very peaceful," reports John B. about Bi-Color Campground.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. "A short hike to several backcountry sites. Our original spot was Panther Gap Rockhouse. Unfortunately this site was wet! Everything was wet! There was a fire ring and tables available at this site. But we moved to Tub Springs which was amazing! Very windy but dry!" explains Carissa D. about the backcountry camping at Frozen Head State Park Campground.
Limited water availability: Not all campgrounds provide potable water. "No potable water available, but there is plenty that you can treat," notes a camper about Rock Creek Campground. Always check water availability before arrival.
Wildlife encounters: The area hosts diverse wildlife including venomous snakes and bears. "The campsites have a fire ring, picnic bench, and lantern pole. Each campsite has their little parking space except site 9, 10, and 11. It is one parking spot for 3 cars and you have to walk about 100 feet," explains Katrin M. about Rock Creek.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require careful navigation. "Didn't stay. To far out for me. Lots of knats. Dirt rd I, washboard out was north to Rock Creek campground steep downhill grade narrow. My opinion not for 5th wheel," cautions Michael W. about roads near Bi-Color Campground.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer designated play areas for children. "We stayed at campsite 8 (primitive section) we loved the site, it was huge, and we had a great time. The water was almost all dried up but there was still enough left behind out camp site to lay & play in. My daughter (9 yrs) brought her bike and was able to ride all around the camp site & have a blast," shares Liz A. about Bandy Creek Campground.
Swimming options: During summer months, swimming provides welcome relief from heat. "There is a nice bathhouse, but all the sites are rustic (non electric). There are also many well kept backcountry sites with fire pits if you are backpacking. The surroundings are gorgeous: the foothills of the Appalachians and the hiking is superb and challenging," explains Jessica L. about Frozen Head State Park.
Site selection for families: Some camping areas better accommodate families with young children. "The sites are pretty private and mostly wooded. There were acorns everywhere that our littles kept getting ahold of, and most of the trails are much longer than 2 miles, so there wasn't much to do with our two toddlers," observes Chelsea D. about Bandy Creek Campground.
Site leveling requirements: Many RV sites require adjustment for level placement. "This campground had about 10 sites all very close together except site #1 which was right near the main parking lot the volt toilets stunk bad worse one I've been in we stayed for 2 nights and it wasn't cleaned at all," reports Melanie about Rock Creek.
Size restrictions: Several campgrounds have limitations on RV length. "Great location (close to the obed). Friendly, happy group. They have a brewery in place with great beer options. Bathrooms are two portapottys but well cleaned," explains Bruno G. about Lilly Pad Campground, where RVs are limited to small trailers or teardrops.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary widely throughout the region. "Tight quarters, flat site, water and 30a electric but a delightful setting on the lake. Note a few late night train whistles and nearby highway traffic noise," notes Larry S. about Cove Lake State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Wartburg, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Wartburg, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 185 campgrounds and RV parks near Wartburg, TN and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Wartburg, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wartburg, TN is Frozen Head State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wartburg, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Wartburg, TN.
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