Camping sites near Collinwood, Tennessee offer diverse terrain options ranging from riverside spots along the Buffalo River to lake settings on Pickwick Lake and the Tennessee River. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations between 400-600 feet above sea level, creating moderate temperature swings between day and night even during summer months. Water levels at riverside camping areas fluctuate seasonally, with spring typically bringing higher water conditions that affect site selection and access.
What to do
Disc golf at multiple courses: Tishomingo State Park Campground provides three different disc golf courses for varying skill levels. "We visited in March for the Vintage Camper weekend and had an excellent time... The trail we took was a little rough, definitely technical but plenty of cool things to keep my granddaughter interested in the next turn," notes one visitor at David Crockett State Park Campground.
Explore historic sites: Visit the Meriwether Lewis gravesite near Thousand Trails Natchez Trace. "Meriwether Lewis death/gravesite was nearby and interesting to check out. Not a whole lot else to do in the area," shares a camper who stayed at the park. The area also provides access to Shiloh National Battlefield, about a 20-minute drive from several camping areas.
Kayak the Buffalo River: The Buffalo River provides excellent paddling opportunities with rental services available at many locations. A visitor to Bruton Branch mentioned, "We spent a weekend here at the beginning of may. The weather was perfect. There are a good number of trees for shade. Our campsite was right on the water which was good for views."
What campers like
Lakeside camping spots: At J.P. Coleman State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the waterfront sites. "We stayed on campsite #55. It was back away from the water but we had a clear view to the water. Beautiful park," writes one camper. Sites directly on the water tend to fill quickly during peak season.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses. At Meriwether Lewis Campground, campers note the exceptional maintenance. "Free to camp...It is a first come site but well worth checking out. The couple that stays at and maintain the camping area are nice and do an amazing job," reports one visitor.
Concrete pads: Level parking areas make setup easier at several campgrounds. "The campground and park was immaculate! Sites were level and easy to back in. Bathrooms and showers were wonderful," notes a camper at David Crockett State Park. At Tishomingo State Park, a visitor observed, "All sites are level concrete but narrow. No room for error on either side."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Natchez Trace, a camper reported, "The park does not have good TMobile or AT&T and other campers stated that Verizon is ok but not streamable." Prepare for limited communication capabilities at most sites.
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds feature uneven terrain that requires preparation. "The campground is sort of a double loop design, down hill, so makes for a good walk," notes one camper at David Crockett State Park, while a J.P. Coleman visitor mentioned, "Campground is fairly hilly and our spot was far from level."
Bridge height restrictions: Access to some areas requires attention to vehicle clearance. "They have a low bridge right outside of their park that prevents you from getting here the easy way. The bridge is at 12ft if I remember correctly, it is too low for most 5th wheels and many class As," warns a visitor to Tishomingo State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated quiet areas: Some campgrounds offer separate areas for family camping. "Has a family side and another rowdy side across the river. Family side quiet time begins at 10 pm," explains a visitor to Crazy Horse Recreational Park. This separation helps ensure restful nights for those with children.
Visit during off-peak times: Weekdays typically see lower attendance and more site availability. "I stayed here on a Thursday evening and I literally had the whole place to myself. It was nice," shares a visitor to Bruton Branch Recreation Area.
Pack water for primitive sites: Not all campgrounds offer potable water. "There are flush toilets and showers, but no potable water, so plan ahead!" advises a camper about Bruton Branch. Bringing adequate drinking water ensures family comfort during your stay.
Tips from RVers
Use towing assistance when needed: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Twisty, steep and narrow roadway into campsite...not for novice rig drivers," warns a camper at J.P. Coleman State Park, suggesting that less experienced drivers might want to request help when backing into sites.
Prepare for limited hookup options: Full hookup availability varies by location. "They have a variety of types of sites, some are full hookup, some are not. The park looks like it is in the middle of expansion but not actively being worked on," reports a visitor at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace.
Research site dimensions beforehand: Site sizes differ significantly between campgrounds and even within the same park. "Due to short campsites, tow vehicles had to be creative with parking, sometimes blocking most of the campground road," notes a J.P. Coleman visitor, highlighting the importance of confirming your site can accommodate your specific setup.
