Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Waverly? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Tennessee tent camping excursion.
This primitive site has a beautiful view of the lake. From the Pilot Knob trailhead, this shelter is approximately 4 miles. It sits atop the ridges of the Campground Road Trail, overlooking Kentucky Lake. There is no water available. You should pack in what you need. The shelter is fully enclosed and provides ample room for two hikers and gear. The shelter is 8'x10'. Please call visitor center for additional details. Coordinates listed here are for the entrance to the park.
Located on the Chester Hollow Trail, this shelter sits atop a very steep hill. The trail elevation rises 150 feet in under one-quarter of a mile. Consult with a ranger if you are not confident of your ability to complete such an ascent. Water may be filtered from the creek at the base of the hill on which the shelter is located, but it is highly recommended to pack in your own. There is a fire ring. The distance to the shelter is 2.95 miles. There is room for two tents and an eight person limit. Please call visitor center for additional details. Coordinates listed here are for the entrance to the park.
It is 4.50-miles to this shelter from the Pilot Knob trailhead. The nearest creek is 5/8th of a mile away. It is highly recommended to pack in your water. There is a fire ring. There is a 14 person limit and room for five tents. Please call visitor center for additional details. Coordinates listed here are for the entrance to the park.
This primitive site has a beautiful view of the lake. From the Pilot Knob trailhead, this shelter is approximately 3.75 miles. It sits atop the ridges of the Campground Road Trail, overlooking Kentucky Lake. There is no water available. You should pack in what you need. The shelter is fully enclosed and provides ample room for two hikers and gear. The shelter is 8'x10'. Please call visitor center for additional details. Coordinates listed here are for the entrance to the park.
21 acres of your choosing to set up your primitive camp. This is an old, growth wooded area. There are a few areas in which a tent can be set up. There are plenty of beautiful trees to place a hammock or bring a tarp to set up a camp, maybe even sleep under the stars. You will have to hike in, or Santa can possibly use his Jeep to bring you as close as possible.
Santa would love for you to visit his southern part of his woods. There are many wild critters he loves to share his woods with. White Tail Deer, Wild Turkeys, Raccoons, Foxes, all woodland critters to possibly spot.
Santa has some trails for hiking, mountain biking, even some 4x4ing he loves to share.
$15 / night
STEWART STATE FOREST This Forest is located in northwestern Tenn-essee, in south-central Stewart County. State Highway 49 was an old rail bed that connected iron furnaces, that now bisects the forest. It is south of the western boundary of the Cross Creek National Wildlife Refuge. The Forest was acquired from a larger tract of land that was the Leech Estate, it became State land in 1933 in lieu of taxes. In 1935 governor McAllister declared it a state forest. There also are many sites of historic or cultural interest on the forest, including hundreds of areas where charcoal was produced, an iron ore pit, and several old house sites and stills. There are also several small areas where prairie grasses have been established. The 101st Airborne Division of Fort Campbell Military Reservation utilizes the forest on a renewable permit basis for training purposes on a biannual basis. Hunting has been a traditional use of the forest. Other recreational activities on the forest include hiking and some mountain biking. A large proportion of the forest has received salvage cutting due to blow down of older age class stands in 1983, 1991, and 2000. Approximately 96% is in hardwoods and only about 3% is in pine. The dominant hardwood type is oak/hickory and is generally even aged (70-95 years) containing mostly mature to over-mature hardwood.
A permit is required to camp here.
A Basic Camping Area is an open field area without defined campsites. Amenities might include a vault toilet, trash removal, mowed areas, and a boat ramp. However, they may or may not have picnic tables and fire rings and/or grills. You may camp anywhere within the camping area with a Basic Camping Permit. Basic Camping Areas include:
Demumbers Bay
Pisgah Point
Ginger Bay
Neville BayYou may camp almost anywhere in Land Between the Lakes (LBL). A Basic Camping Permit is required for each person 18 and over when camping in Basic Camping Facilities. A Dispersed Camping Permit is required when camping in non-designated areas of the recreation area. Both permits currently cost $50 for annual permit and $10 for a three-day permit and can be purchased https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/reservations/ or any LBL facility. Please note that these permits do not apply when camping at Self-Service Campgrounds.
$10 / night
Dyer's Creek boasts fantastic views of on the sparkling Lake Barkley in the wooded rolling hills of Tennessee. Whether it's a family picnic and a BBQ with friends, the recreation area provides the perfect setting for a relaxing get-together.
Visitors here enjoy boating, fishing, wildlife watching and swimming. Bring the binoculars and search for wildlife like the white-tailed deer, raccoons and bald eagles. Fishing is popular, and during warm months bass and catfish are abundant.
The park provides a playground, volleyball court, flush toilets and a boat ramp. The shelter accommodates up to 100 people and 50 vehicles. Ample paved parking is also available.
Lake Barkley, the westernmost lake on the Cumberland River is connected by canal to Kentucky Lake, forming one of the greatest freshwater recreation complexes in the country. Between both lakes sits the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the largest inland peninsula in the United States. Here visitors have access to boat ramps, many miles of hiking trails, wildlife viewing and off highway vehicle riding.
Visit the Lake Barkley State Resort Park for miles of hiking trails and horseback riding stables.
$35 / night
From the Pilot Knob trailhead, this shelter is approximately 2.95 miles. There is no water available. You should pack in what you need. The shelter is fully enclosed and provides ample room for two hikers and gear. The shelter is 8'x10'. Please call visitor center for additional details. Coordinates listed here are for the entrance to the park.
Legend
We found this highly rated campground (CG) while looking for a different route back to our home base and wanted to check it out. We followed our RV GPS north on TN-22 to the CG, which is about a mile and a half past I-40. We checked in and was then escorted to pull through site 12 with FHUs. It is a narrow road and a 90 degree turn into the site. Because of the slight incline on the side of the site, you can't really go wide. We had to maneuver several times so we could get straight on the site and get our sewer lined up. We also had to make sure our steps could come out on the small deck. We would have positioned again so we didn’t have to get out 25’ of sewer hose to dump our back tank, but there’s a ditch in front of the site that would prevent an easy back in to hitch back up. We soon found out the site is not level and had to put leveling blocks under our door side wheels as they were off the ground after auto level. Disclaimer here as not all sites in this CG are the same and some are quite nice with room between them. We were here for two days and placed in the row where they place shorter rigs for overnighters. The sites are cut into a hill and are very close together. These sites have a small deck with most having a patio table and two chairs. Site 12 has a picnic table, which in our opinion was to too large for the space. There is also a several foot drop off that if you are not very careful could cause harm(not safe). The site was not long enough for our 40’ 5th wheel plus F450 and we were instructed to park across the road. There’s a fire pit in these very narrow sites. The truck parked in the site next to us was too close to safely enjoy a fire in the tiny sliver of lawn with the fire pit. During our briefing after being escorted to our site, we were told to use a reducer as their water pressure is high. They claim to have good internet and the speed test and usage confirms the internet here is good. We were able to get a clear shot north for Starlink. The CG does have mature trees in and around some of the sites. They have cable but we didn’t use it. We got 4 bars on Verizon. As we and others were setting up, the staff rides around in golf carts and stops by to check on you. While a nice touch, commenting“you look perplexed” and nothing more as I was finishing putting out 25’ of sewer hose was not helpful nor necessary. There are nice amenities here to include the big pond area. There are four washers($2.75) and four dryers($.25 for 10 minutes and$1.00 got our load dry). There is one additional dryer for dog bedding only. As we were here for a couple of days, we wish we had a better site versus site 12 that other reviewers had mentioned had issues. When we asked how we could get into one of the sites in the 29- 35 area, which had plenty of open sites during our stay, we were told those were for big rigs 40' and over. We reminded them we were a 40' rig. Had we been placed in the 30s area, our review may have been better.
Ranger
Came in on a Tuesday in late October and found about 10 campsites occupied, so lots to choose from. The campsite has two adjoining loop roads. The lower loop has a bathroom with flush toilets and sinks.
The campground appears to be very well maintained. There is not much privacy between campsites as there are only a few trees and no shubbery between campsites.
We met two other camping groups that were simply delightful Americans.
TravelerI was really looking forward to this place on my way to Arkansas. However, as soon as I turned into the camping area I was “greeted” by not one but TWO off leash dogs barking and running toward my van (they were not together). Fortunately, I took vinegar spray with me when I took my dog for a walk. It was a useful deterrent when one of the loose dogs ran at us. I yelled to put the dog on leash but of course nobody emerged from the van. On the return trip I made sure to have my spray and body pointed straight toward the dog who was just waiting for me to turn around so he could attack again. If you want a flat spot, a pull through spot, or one that you can’t smell the toilets, get there early! I got there around noon and maybe 15 people were there. By sundown most spots were taken…on a Tuesday. Restrooms toward the entrance were nice with running water and flush toilets.
Scout
We cook, kayak, camp, & fish. It has a peaceful family atmosphere, beautiful sunsets*, clean grounds & bathhouse , safe & secure sights, gated at night and patrolled daily by Sherrifs Dept.
Scout
Pet friendly great place to stay 50 and 30 amp full hookups free WiFi
ScoutThe owners are super helpful
Ranger
It’s a large campground with a lot of full time campers on site. Nice lake at 102 sq acres in size. Did have an issue that most sites are only 50 or 30amp hookups only, so I had to borrow a 30 to 120 adapter. The hiking trails were closed which sucked since I was looking forward to a hike with the dog. They are building a new pool. Good luck getting a lakeside site since I was told only 8 are available and are full most of the time.
Guide
We stayed one night. It was very nice. Cash or check only. Veteran and other discounts. Inexpensive. Check in after 12:00 Check out 11:00. Pull through full hookup 30/50A service. Fast friendly check in. Some sites gravel, some asphalt. Older building for restrooms and laundry, but meticulously maintained. Level enough that I didn't unhook, just lowered jacks for stabilization. I don't see where the complaints about space come from. All of the tight spaces are taken by full time residents. We had more than enough room for a 36' 5th wheel with 3 slideouts, a cargo carrier on the back, tow vehicle (which I didn't have to unhook) and a second vehicle. We could have fit another car if needed. The person behind us parked his truck between his rig and ours. In front was a fire ring on a 12' wide patch of grass. There are full time residents here, but most of the rigs look a lot nicer than other places we've seen. Beautiful area. Was surprised how low the road noise is being so close to an interstate. We wouldn't even hear it if our door was shut. Very quiet. We would definitely stay here again. Thank you for recognizing veterans and offering a discount.
Guide
Close to the marina it's a hard walk uphill both ways to the bathroom but they are very nice and well kept. Big open areas for children to play overall very good state park campground
Guide
Beautiful view of the river and water access but the bad smells coming from the factory across the river is almost unbearable at times the EPA needs to. come do an air quality test when they release whatever it is
Traveler
It's just numbered spots with fire rings and picnic tables. I tent camp so it was perfect for me and I really liked it.
RangerNice first come free camping location just off the Trace. Grounds seem to be keep up on every time I’ve been there.
Guide
A few sites at a boat launch area.
One large site before the main turnaround point and a couple by the water.
Not a ton of space.
4x4 or awd may come in handy leaving the sites (going back up the gravel hill)
GuideNice location just off the Trace! Nice free getaway spot with plenty to do around.
Guide
Piney Campground is part of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. It is wildly popular among locals and travelers alike. Lots to do for kids - bike paths, basketball court, multiple playgrounds, etc. Beautiful views of Kentucky Lake/Tennessee River, nice campground store.
Scout
Senior Pass $12/night. Wide, level campsite on the water. Very nice and well kept. Great Starlink access.
Guide
If you want a small affordable campground this is your place. The shower house could use for some regular cleaning. I’m not sure it was cleaned at all the time we were there. Not much to do in the area but fish unless you really want to explore outside of the campground.
I learned after our time there our site is the worst with bugs. I thought the bugs were just extra because it had rained a lot but a friend told me to never book that site bc the bugs are always backs there. Our site also gets all the rain drained from the upper site. When we checked in the host did prepare us our site would flood for a few areas since rain was expected.
The sunsets were fabulous!
Guide
This campground has become our favorite. The campground is amazing, the bathrooms are cleaned everyday on weekends and every other day during the week. Completely cleaned!
The site has 77 sites full hook-up with sewage. Every site has grill, fire pit, table and lantern hook. We were #38 it was easy to back into and pretty level. The campground also have small cabins with bunk beds to rent. There is no indoor water just beds, electric and air for a great price. There is a small swimming area too at Pin Oak.
There are a few lakes in the area. Pin Oak is the only motor lake. Cub lake has a larger swim area with paddle boat, Jon boat and kayak rentals. The rentals are only weekends. Browns Creek Lake also has honest system rentals of Jon boat but for fishing purposes only and you have to pay for a lake permit.
The park is great! Lexington is close for quick runs for anything you need. We loved this park so much we may be changing our family BBQ to this park next year.
Guide
For a State Park, Montgomery Bell is pretty great. We had a decent sized level site with large trees and a view to the creek. We walked a couple of the trails through the woods which were perfect after a long drive. The bathroom/showers were clean and the water was hot. A strong storm came up suddenly and the staff came by to check on every camper to make sure we were all inside and safe. After the storm passed, they came by again checking on every camper. The power went out for two hours, and the staff came by once more to keep us informed. The park is beautiful, but it's the super competent staff earned the excellent rating I gave this park.
Ranger
Had a premium FHU site right on the late near the dock. Beautiful views of the lake. Bath house was immaculate and laundry on site. Lots of availability during the week.
Traveler
Stayed 2 nights. Nearly empty, but we’ll kept camp. Best sunsets!!! Lake is beautiful. Many many lakeside spots. Lots of room.
ScoutCampground is well marked and super friendly people. Fire pits at every spot.
Ranger
The sites themselves here are really nice, but they’re very close together so you only get privacy when it’s empty. Bathhouse currently closed indefinitely for repairs but they’re still charging full price, looks like it does have laundry when it opens. Campground is on top of a big hill so hard to get to anything else in the park without driving.
Decent cell service, if you ask rangers will bring firewood to your site for $8/bundle.
RangerWe stayed one night at the Oak Campground. We drove straight to our site (per the Visitor Center’s instruction) - it’s about 15 minutes off I-40. The site was in great shape, there was wood left for us, and the bathhouses were super clean. The campground landscape is rolling hills so everyone has a different view of the lake. Our kids enjoyed riding their bikes and playing on the small beach. There was a playground for smaller kids and several people were fishing and boating. The campsites are not super private, but they are nicely spaced, everyone was pleasant and it was quiet in the evening. Lots of folks w pups, but they were all leashed or fenced. The lodge was over a mile away so we didn’t make it over there and if you are looking for amenities, there really aren’t any. There are other campgrounds in the Park, as well as a Visitor Center. For a nice and reasonably priced overnight, I would strongly recommend.
GuideThis is pinned wrong on Dyrt. If you clicked Waze directions on the other pin and you’re heading down Jennie Smith road, you’re heading the wrong way.
Sites a little closer than I like and no showers, but the ride in was beautiful and it’s free. Good place for a stopover.
GuideSomething for everyone! Tent spots, RV spots, cabins, back country spots! Lots of recreation opportunities here too! The lakes are great!
GuideOn the gorgeous Piney River! Tent camping and RV spots. Gets busy during holiday weekend and middle of summer but still a great place and worth a visit! Also a kayak rental company so you can camp and float the river.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Waverly, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Waverly, TN is Campground Road Backcountry Shelter #2 — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Waverly, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Waverly, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.