Best Dog-Friendly Camping in Tennessee

Campers venturing across Tennessee have access to hiking, boating, fishing, biking, rock climbing and picnicking across 56 state parks, enough variety to satisfy any adventurer’s soul. With terrifically high Appalachian peaks and plunging caverns, Tennessee travelers can get a sense of the sublime landscape that inspired music legends from Nashville to Memphis by camping in Tennessee.

East Tennessee is home to a part of the oldest mountain range in the world, the Great Smoky Mountains. As the name suggests, the peaks are often shrouded in fog, but that doesn’t make the view from Clingmans Dome any less spectacular. At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome towers as the highest point in Tennessee and the third highest point east of the Mississippi River. Make sure to say hi to the hardcore hikers, many people hiking the entire Appalachian Trail will stop at this unforgettable lookout.

A clear day at the dome observatory provides views as far as 100 miles. But explorers camping in Tennessee should plan on hiking their way up to the point, the roadway that leads to the observatory closes during inclement weather and from Dec. 1 to March 31 every year.

If you’re camping with the kids and they’re looking for more occupation than your campsite offers, many of the natural attractions in Tennessee are also family friendly. Lookout Mountain is only minutes from Chattanooga and offers several world-famous sites like Rock City and the See Seven States point.

All the mountain peak trails may leave the heights-averse camper less than enthused. But Tennessee has something for everyone. Also at Lookout Mountain, but plummeting beneath ground level, is where you’ll find Ruby Falls, the largest and deepest underground waterfall in the nation.

Scenic views and dramatic natural landscapes are part and parcel for any Tennessee camping adventure, as long as you know where to look. Camping in Tennessee can be done right with The Dyrt to guide you along your trails!

Best Dog-Friendly Sites in Tennessee (606)

    1. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

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

    $8 - $32 / night

    "Our site was surrounded by trees and felt very private."

    "The Tennessee countryside is an enjoyable backdrop to this meandering road trip and you are very close to several other excellent Tennessee SPs."

    2. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    123 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "Pets are allowed in the campground, but not on the trails.

    This campground has great access to hiking and fishing, as well as wildlife viewing."

    "I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."

    3. Cades Cove Campground

    97 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "You can easily bike through the loop, or drive. Nice spot to see wildlife as well. Cades Cove is well known for spotting bears, deer and turkey."

    "Pros:

    • beautiful and scenic
    • Near great trails
    • lots of wildlife - saw a bear!"

    4. Greenbrier Campground

    70 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    Website

    $35 - $258 / night

    " Greenbriar campground is located in Pittman Center, west of Gatlinburg, adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains. The campground is certainly one of the nicest camping spots I’ve n the area."

    "The dog park is near this area as well as a swimming area on the river. It’s a short walk to the office/store and all the activities they offer."

    5. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    70 Reviews
    Cosby, TN
    Website
    +1 (423) 487-2683

    $50 / night

    "Drive in is a nice paved road, got our information on where our sites where from the Camp Host, Who was super informative."

    "Cosby is about half an hour outside of Gatlinburg and worth every minute.

    A16 was big and shady. There were a few steps down to it. Plenty of trees and distance to the nearest neighbors."

    6. Montgomery Bell State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Burns, TN
    Website
    +1 (615) 797-9052

    "Camping at the Wild Cat Backcountry site is AWESOME!! It's about a 1.7 mile hike which is not too bad!! Totally secluded and enjoyable!"

    "Campground Review: Montgomery Bell State Park The Four Mile Campground is nestled in a hollow offering shade and creekage on one side plus several of the trailheads start nearby and you are close"

    7. Edgar Evins State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Lancaster, TN
    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."

    8. Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    54 Reviews
    Harrison, TN
    Website
    +1 (423) 344-6214

    $22 - $28 / night

    "Harrison Bay is a huge park, with four camping loops (3 for RVs, 1 for tents), and a large marina, located on the Chickamauga Reservoir of the Tennessee River."

    "This is a great family campground and Tennessee State Park located on Chickamauga Lake of the Tennessee River. Good playground for the Grandkids and bicycle paths."

    9. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    54 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-7903

    "Very kid friendly, pet friendly (Kamp K9), lots in the area to go do and see. Pools, hot tub, kitchen, firewood for sale, fishing access, snack bar, cable tv, and WiFi."

    "Also adjacent to a massive open field park that’s great for the kids or dogs. Super close to Dollywood."

    10. Rock Island State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    Rock Island, TN
    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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 606 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in Tennessee

4613 Reviews of 606 Tennessee Campgrounds



Guide to Tennessee

Tennessee offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions. From scenic parks to well-equipped campgrounds, there’s something for every pet owner.

Pet owners like the amenities available at these campgrounds

  • The Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground features electric hookups, drinking water, and clean restrooms, making it a comfortable stay for both pets and their owners.
  • At Greenbrier Campground, you’ll find spacious sites with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for enjoying meals outdoors with your pet.
  • The Cades Cove Campground offers a serene environment with access to nearby trails, ensuring your pet has plenty of space to explore.

Tips for camping with dogs near Tennessee

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Tennessee

  • Enjoy hiking with your dog on the trails at Cosby Campground, where you can explore the beautiful scenery together.
  • Take your pet for a swim in the nearby lake at Rock Island State Park Campground, which offers a great spot for both you and your dog to cool off.
  • Participate in family-friendly activities at Anchor Down RV Resort, where you can enjoy water sports and other fun events that welcome pets.