Smooth Rapids Campground, near McMinnville, Tennessee, is a cozy retreat that offers a mix of relaxation and adventure right by the river. With a variety of accommodation options, including tents, RVs, and even cabins, it caters to different camping styles while providing essential amenities like drinking water and electric hookups.

Visitors rave about the beautiful surroundings, with towering pines and the soothing sounds of the nearby creek, Barren Fork. Many campers appreciate the laid-back vibe and the friendly service from Mickey, who runs the place and is always ready to help. One happy camper noted, “These are good people. And this place rocks.”

For those looking to get active, the campground is a launching point for kayaking and tubing adventures, with rentals available on-site. There are also plenty of hiking trails and local attractions nearby, making it easy to explore the great outdoors. Plus, the on-site restaurant serves up tasty meals, including local brews, so you can unwind after a day of fun.

While the campground is small and has limited restroom facilities, the charm and community feel make it a favorite among those in the know. Whether you're floating down the river or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, Smooth Rapids Campground is a great choice for your next getaway.

Smooth Rapids Campground

Searching for the best camping near McMinnville, TN? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are McMinnville campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near McMinnville, reviewed by campers like you.

McMinnville

The Best Camping Near McMinnville, Tennessee

     I spotted Smooth Rapids last year, just by chance. Our GPS took us a weird way and we saw the store/restaurant and noticed they had camping listed on the sign. It looked like a fun place so I made a note in my phone. I was so pleased with this diamond in the rough! Smooth rapids is located right on the river, and right in the town of McMinnville. Not far from several hiking areas, rock climbing spots, swimming holes and waterfalls, kayaking, etc. so many activities nearby.  Mickey is the owner, and runs the place, and he is on top of things! He knows a lot about a lot, and seems to work his tail off to make his place awesome for guests. 
  The campground Is pretty small, I believe they said 10 acres, but they have rv sites with water/electric, and they have some rv’s already set up for rent, so if you want to stay less primitive but don’t have your own camper, it’s all set up for you. We were in our camper. The campground is right on the river bank, but is also wooded. It’s really great. The tent spots are outstanding, you can choose to be right on the water or in the trees. There’s one portable toilet, and I didn’t see showers. The store/restaurant has restrooms for day use if needed. There’s a big stage in the middle of the campground where they have live music sometimes! 
  The store is where you can rent kayaks, canoes, or tubes. They also have a shuttle service for your own kayak/tubes if you choose to bring your own. They offer 3 choices of float length. We did the short float in a tandem kayak and it was a blast. They have essential items and t-shirts and such at the store, and the restaurant is there too. We had lunch there one day and it was good. They had a couple of beers on tap from a local brewery we love called Calf Killer. Great views from the deck! 
   Smooth Rapids was such a fun place with such a cool vibe. I can’t wait to go back with a few friends and float that river and camp. Hoping they will have some bands playing next time! I don’t know how enjoyable it would be for small children, but for adults, it’s great! 



The Rapids ARE actually smooth! 

Smooth Rapids is one of my best “back pocket” campgrounds to date. This is the best place you’ve never heard of. I booked a spot for July 4th, with no problem, along with a group of 12 friends. In fact, there were several open spots. My friends chose a group stop right on the river, but secluded from the other spots. There’s no shortage of great spots. I took my camper, mainly for the restroom, since there’s just a porta potty at the campground.Mickey runs the place, and he takes care of literally everything. Anything you need, he’s got you. Smooth Rapids is a kayak and tubing outfitter, so you can take a float down the river, and they have a shuttle that will drop you off. We took a river tube and a paddle and it was awesome. They have a restaurant and bar too, and the food was good. They have a selection of beers including the local favorite, Calf Killer. This place is right on the river, but also in town, so it’s easy to get to, and convenient to grab food or anything else. They also have campers set up for rent, so if you don’t want to fully be roughing it, they have you covered.

Best Kept Secret

This is such a great spot. 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. It’s January, so quiet season. I am able to walk my dog over the few acres and really enjoy the property, the creek (Barren Fork) &amp; wildlife. Mickey is the guy, if you need anything. He and his electrician really went above and beyond to get me set up. These are good people. And this place rocks. Can’t wait for kayak season.

Amazing Spot

Kyack 

The entrance and exit is very narrow and steep even for our Sprinter motorhome, let alone something larger. Would not advise it!

Photos of Smooth Rapids Campground

Real photos from real campers