Looking for the best campgrounds in Tennessee? With its diverse landscapes, Tennessee offers a wide range of camping experiences. Whether you're looking for a serene lakeside retreat, a rustic mountain escape, or a family-friendly campground, these top-rated camping sites and local favorites will not disappoint. So grab your tent, RV, or camper, and get ready to enjoy unforgettable camping adventures in the heart of the Volunteer State.

Best State Park Campgrounds in Tennessee

Tennessee is fortunate to have an abundance of remarkable state parks, making the decision for your next camping trip quite the challenge, so we're here to help you choose the best state park campgrounds to visit. These spots are the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the great outdoors, roam scenic trails, paddle across sparkling waters, or soak up some sunshine - there's something for everyone on this list.

1. Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park

• Location: Coffee County, Tennessee
• Popularity: The busy season is June-August. The best times to visit are March-May and September-November. Offseason is December-February.
• Park Info: Pet-friendly, pet area, kid-friendly, playground, recreational trails, fishing, and water access.
• Price: $21-34/night

The recently upgraded campground at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park offers 50 campsites with water and electrical hookups, along with amenities like grills, picnic tables, and hard-surface pads suitable for up to 50-foot units. A modern bathhouse and dump station add to the convenience. While one restroom facility features showers, it's closed during the off-season (December to February). The campsites are well-forested and offer separation between sites, accommodating both RVs and tents/pop-ups. Despite the secluded feel, the campground is just a short drive from local restaurants and a public pool. It's important to note that some northern campsites can become waterlogged after rain, so checking current conditions is advised before booking.

2. Montgomery Bell State Park

• Location: Burns, Tennessee
• Popularity: Busy during the summer months.
• Park Info: Pet-friendly, kid-friendly, pool, playground, camp store, cafe/snack bar, laundry, recreational trails, biking, fishing, beach, boating, golf, and Wi-Fi. The site also has pull-thru sites, big rig access, tent camping, cabins & on-site rentals, and full hookup.
• Price: Tent and RV Campsites: 10-$40/night, Cabins: $218-$466/night, Lodge Rooms: $139-$200/night

Montgomery Bell State Park is a natural oasis located just 40 minutes from downtown Nashville, TN, making it a perfect vacation destination for travelers and a peaceful retreat for city dwellers. The park features three serene lakes where visitors can soak up the sun on the swim beach shores and paddle the calm waters. The park was once the epicenter of the iron industry in Middle Tennessee, giving it its namesake, Montgomery Bell, who formed one of the largest iron industries in the state. With a newly renovated Lodge, guests can enjoy modern rooms, a full-service restaurant and bar, and 6,000 square feet of flexible event space. There are also eight environmentally-friendly modern cabins and a campground with 94 campsites available for rent.

3. South Cumberland State Park

• Location: Monteagle, Tennessee
• Popularity: A backcountry hidden gem.
• Park Info: Pet-friendly, tent camping, restrooms, showers, playground, and recreational trails.
• Price: $8-$37/night

South Cumberland State Park provides a range of camping options, including a drive-up campground called Foster Falls and four backcountry campgrounds accessed by hiking. Reservations are essential for all campsites, and be sure to book in advance to secure your spot. Each site has its own fire ring, and you will need to be able to filter water from natural sources or bring your own. Additionally, pit toilets are provided at each campground.

4. Henry Horton State Park

• Location: Chapel Hill, Tennessee
• Popularity: To avoid crowds, early spring, late fall, and winter are the best times to visit.
• Park Info: Pet-friendly, kid-friendly, Wi-Fi, camp store, cafe/snack bar, picnic shelter, playground, recreational trails, fishing, biking, golf, horseshoes, outdoor courts, water access, and firewood available.
• Price: Camping: $10-$38/night, Cabins: $135-$332/night, Lodge: $115-$125/night

Staying at Henry Horton State Park offers quite a few lodging options. The Lodge provides access to golf, hiking, swimming, canoeing, skeet shooting, and more, along with 72 guest rooms, on-site dining, and event facilities. Ideal for groups seeking an outdoor getaway with urban comforts, The Lodge is complemented by the park's cabins, an 18-hole golf course, hiking trails, paddling, and disc golf. Camping enthusiasts have excellent choices, too: RV, tent, hammock, and backcountry sites. RV sites offer hookups, while backcountry sites are beginner-friendly with a short hike in. All campsites (except backcountry) include a grill, picnic table, and fire ring. Bathhouses and an expanded camp store enhance the camping experience.

Best Beach Camping in Tennessee

Tennessee might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beach camping, but the state offers some unexpectedly beautiful and serene beachfront camping experiences. With its stunning lakes and reservoirs, Tennessee provides campers the chance to unwind along the shores, take in water views, and enjoy outdoor activities. From sunset bonfires to swimming and boating, beach camping in Tennessee offers a unique way to connect with nature.

5. Cove Lake State Park

• Location: Caryville, Tennessee
• Popularity: Lesser-known state park and hidden gem.
• Park Info: Kid-friendly, pet-friendly, firewood available, picnic shelter, pool, playground, recreational trails, fishing, biking, and water access.
• Price: $29-$39/night

Spread across 606 acres in a scenic mountain valley on the Cumberland Plateau's edge, Cove Lake is a haven for outdoor lovers. The park has scenic nature trails that wind through diverse wetlands and woodlands. A paved walking and biking trail offers convenient access to park amenities. Whether fishing or simply soaking in the breathtaking views, Cove Lake provides a serene backdrop.

The state park also has 100 campsites featuring water and electrical hookups, grills, and tables, along with tent-friendly options. Modern bathhouses with hot showers, a dump station, and a camp store round out the amenities.

6. Mousetail Landing State Park

• Location: Linden, Tennessee
• Popularity: An intimate state park, the ideal time to visit is in the summer to take advantage of the lake activities.
• Park Info: Pet-friendly, kid-friendly, pet area, firewood available, picnic shelter, playground, recreational trails, fishing, beach, biking, boating, outdoor courts, and water access.
• Price: $9-$29/night

Immerse yourself in the delightful Mousetail Landing State Park. Spanning 1,247 acres along the scenic Tennessee River, this park has a fascinating backstory – legend has it that the park got its unique name from a Civil War incident, where fleeing mice from a burning tannery created quite a spectacle.

And with its prime location on the river, fishing is a beloved pastime here. Bass, bream, crappie, stripe, and catfish are yours to catch. Campers, you're in for a treat too. Whether you're up for primitive camping or sites with hookups, there's a spot just for you. The main campground boasts modern amenities, including a bathhouse, laundromat, electric/water hookups, and a dump station.

7. Edgar Evins State Park

• Location: Silver Point, Tennessee
• Popularity: Busiest March-October for kayaking, canoeing, boating and hiking.
• Park Info: Wooden platform-type sites that are built around the slopes of Center Hill Lake. Pet-friendly, kid-friendly, laundry, camp store, firewood available, picnic shelter, playground, recreational trails, fishing, biking, boating, and water access.
• Price: Camping: $13-$40/night, Cabins: $98-192/night

Nestled by the stunning Center Hill Lake on the Eastern Highland Rim, Edgar Evins State Park is a paradise of outdoor fun spread across 6,000 acres. With cabins, inviting campsites, and a bustling marina featuring a restaurant and shop, it's the ultimate Tennessee getaway.

The campground has 60 tent and trailer sites with water and electrical hookups, picnic tables, grills, and fire rings. Bathhouses with hot showers are conveniently scattered throughout the campground, and a central sewage dump station adds convenience. Additionally, nine primitive walk-in campsites are near the camp building and community fire circle, offering central water access but no electricity.

The cabin design is reminiscent of condos, featuring a split-level layout with a kitchen and living area on the upper level, while the bedroom is on the lower level, adjacent to the bathroom. These well-equipped suites include linens, appliances, cooking utensils, satellite TV, central heating, air conditioning, and balconies.

8. Bledsoe Creek State Park

• Location: Gallatin, Tennessee
• Popularity: Peaceful, spacious, and not overly crowded.
• Park Info: Pet-friendly, kid-friendly, laundry, camp store, pet area, pool, playground, recreational trails, fishing, beach, boating, horseshoes, mini golf, outdoor courts, and water access.
• Price: Camping: $16-$41/night, Cabins: $98-192/night

Bledsoe Creek State Park provides 58 paved campsites featuring fire rings, grills, and picnic tables, all equipped with water and electric hookups. Additionally, three primitive hammock-only hike-in campsites are tucked behind the main campground, offering a serene escape with amenities like picnic tables and grill/fire ring combinations.

Bledsoe Creek is also a haven for water enthusiasts, boasting two boat launch ramps and fishing opportunities on Old Hickory Lake. With a range of activities, including park programs and picnicking, Bledsoe Creek State Park offers an immersive experience for all.

Top Glamping in Tennessee

Ready to take your outdoor adventure up a notch? Look no further than the best glamping spots in Tennessee. Get ready to ditch the traditional tent for something a bit more extraordinary. Think cozy cabins, chic safari tents, and retro campers – all wrapped up in a camping experience you won't forget. Get ready to unwind, unplug, and upgrade your camping game in the Volunteer State.

9. Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort

• Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
• Popularity: Open from March to the second week of December. Reservations available two years ahead.
• Park Info: A heated pool, games, playground, store, laundry, and trolley stop on-site. Just 4 miles from downtown, right next to the Great Smoky National Park.
• Price: $38-$216/night

Just four miles from downtown Gatlinburg and bordering the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, Camp LeConte offers the ultimate camping experience. Stay in a luxurious treehouse, a European safari tent, a retro 1960s camper, or bring your RV or camper to one of their full-hookup sites. They've got 20, 30, and 50 amp service, water, sewer, cable, and free Wi-Fi. For true adventurers, they also offer primitive tent sites.

10. Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort

• Location: Sevierville, Tennessee
• Popularity: July is the peak month and October the second busiest. The times to avoid are late winter to early spring (March) and pre-Christmas (November).
• Park Info: They offer rental golf carts for those unfamiliar with the hilly terrain.
• Price: $99-$199/night.

Discover Sevierville's premier glamping destination, Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort. Experience luxury in Sioux-style tipis, Conestoga-covered wagons, a tiny cabin, and soon-to-come yurts and treehouses. Each unit boasts modern amenities, including electricity, heating, air conditioning, king-sized beds with plush mattresses, linens, towels, and a stocked coffee bar/kitchenette. The unique camping experience they offer sets them apart from the rest. It's a walk-in/walk-out resort, enhancing the glamping ambiance. They take pride in maintaining a rural camping area, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in the soothing sounds of nature.

11. Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

• Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
• Popularity: The best time to visit is April through December, when the weather is comfortable.
• Park Info: Pet-friendly, fire pit and s'mores, organic bath products, on-site dining, adventures concierge, complimentary camp activities, USB battery packs, and housekeeping upon request.
• Price: $188-$244/night.

Recognized as a 'Best Resort in the South' by Travel + Leisure and a 'Top 20 Resort in the U.S. – South' by Condé Nast Traveler for consecutive years, Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains is situated a mere 10 miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Nestled across 182 acres of verdant woodlands near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this destination invites adventurers to immerse themselves in Tennessee's timeless mountains and serene blue panoramas. With safari-inspired lodgings, Under Canvas provides an unmatched outdoor retreat in the heart of "The Land of Blue Smoke."

12. Sassy Springs Retreat

• Location: Morrison, Tennessee
• Popularity: Best time to stay is March-October.
• Park Info: Pet-friendly, Wi-Fi, parking on premises, and lake access.
• Price: $25-$75/night.

Sassy Springs Retreat, situated between Chattanooga and Nashville, is the ultimate glamping destination. Choose from converted RVs, unique yurt-style bell tents, or the classic charm of primitive tent camping. Delve into outdoor exploration with activities like fishing at their stocked pond, complimentary kayaking, playground fun, and relaxing in the hammock grove. Indoors, Sassy Springs Retreat's community center offers an indoor play area for kids, games, books, and a fully-equipped kitchen. Additionally, you can unwind with cornhole, a bar area, large TVs, and more.

Best RV Camping Sites in Tennessee

If you're a seasoned RV enthusiast or new to the world of mobile camping, Tennessee's diverse landscapes and top-notch amenities will ensure a memorable and comfortable stay. Get ready to discover the best RV camping sites that this state has to offer.

Whether you have your own RV or opt to rent one through services like RVShare, these RV campgrounds truly enhance the camping experience.

13. Fall Creek Falls State Park

• Location: Spencer, Tennessee
• Popularity: Rather crowded in the summer and busy on weekends.
• Park Info: Pull-thru sites, big rig access, dump station, full hookup, electric 50 AMP, electric 30/20/15 Amp, sewer, central water spigot, water, pet-friendly, kid-friendly, pool, playground, recreational trails, rec room, fishing, biking, boating, outdoor courts, and water access.
• Price: Camping: $9-$42/night, Lodge: $200-$290/night, Cabins: $213-$389/night

Situated atop the Cumberland Plateau, Fall Creek Falls State Park spans 29,800 acres of stunning natural beauty. With cascades, gorges, and waterfalls like the impressive 256-foot Fall Creek Falls, it's a favorite for nature lovers. The park offers 202 campsites with essential amenities like water and electricity, six bathhouses, and even RV sites (up to 65 feet) with sewer connections. If you're seeking more options, there are 12 tent-only sites, rooms at the Lodge, and cabins. Don't miss the chance to explore this magnificent landscape and enjoy convenient amenities like eateries, groceries, and gift shops as well.

14. Anchor Down RV Resort

• Location: Dandridge, Tennessee
• Popularity: Very popular and busy family-friendly spot.
• Park Info: Pull-thru sites, big rig access, full hookup, electric 50 AMP, electric 30/20/15 Amp, sewer, central water spigot, water, pet-friendly, kid-friendly, pet area, clubhouse, pool, playground, rec room, fishing, beach, biking, boating, outdoor courts, pickleball, and water access.
• Price: $99/night.

Nestled by Douglas Lake in Dandridge, Tennessee, with a stunning backdrop of the Smoky Mountains, Anchor Down RV Resort's campground offers 170 full hookup campsites, from lakefront to buddy sites. Luxurious amenities like fire pits, concrete pads, and free Wi-Fi enhance your stay. Enjoy freshwater and saltwater pools, pontoon rentals, and recreational activities. Pets are welcome, and essential facilities like restrooms and laundry are available. Explore nearby attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood, and Cherokee National Forest.

15. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge - Pigeon Forge

• Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
• Popularity: Very popular and busy family-friendly spot.
• Park Info: Big rig access, full hookup, electric 50 AMP, electric 30/20/15 Amp, sewer, water, pet-friendly, kid-friendly, camp store, cafe/snack bar, pet area, clubhouse, pool, playground, rec room, and pickleball.
• Price: $59-$167/night.

Check out Camp Margaritaville, the ultimate destination in the Great Smoky Mountains. With options for RV Resort or Lodge stays you can choose your ideal way to relax in true Margaritaville style. Enjoy year-round and seasonal recreation, including pools, Pickleball courts, planned activities, and the new indoor Fin City Entertainment Center. Whether you opt for The Lodge's hotel amenities or bring your RV for a home-away-from-home experience, Camp Margaritaville promises the perfect getaway with a touch of island-inspired relaxation and Appalachian charm.

16. Lakeview RV Resort

• Location: Bluff City, Tennessee
• Popularity: September is a popular month to stay due to the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion and the Bristol Motor Speedway events.
• Park Info: Swimming pool, playground, Lakeview Grill, fishing, board games, cornhole, campfire, scheduled events, camp store, showers, laundry room, propane refills, and firewood are available.
• Price: $74-$202/night.

Tucked in by the scenic Boone Lake against the backdrop of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, Lakeview RV Resort in Bluff City promises an unforgettable camping experience. This family-friendly and pet-welcoming destination provides access to Tennessee's captivating history, natural wonders, and exciting attractions all year round. Their well-maintained RV sites offer full hookups with water, sewer, electricity, and free Wi-Fi. For added comfort, you can also opt to rent a cabin or deluxe cabin, ensuring a delightful stay near Bristol, Tennessee.

Best Primitive Tent Camping in Tennessee

Ready to trade modern conveniences for a more authentic camping experience? Look no further than the best primitive tent camping spots in Tennessee. These places offer a chance to unplug, unwind, and truly connect with the wild side of the state. Get ready for campfires, starry nights, and a whole lot of outdoor adventure!

17. Frozen Head State Park

• Location: Wartburg, Tennessee
• Popularity: A very quiet place to camp.
• Park Info: Bring everything you need. Showers and water are available.
• Price: $10-$35/night.

Situated within the Cumberland Mountains, Frozen Head State Park showcases the region's towering peaks. The park features three campgrounds, each progressively embracing a more natural and primitive ambiance: Big Cove, Flat Fork Primitive, and Backcountry. For larger groups, there are eight primitive group campsites, supported by a modern bathhouse offering hot showers. Campsites are well-equipped with parking spaces, picnic tables, grills, lantern hangers, and fire rings. Amenities like electricity, water hookups, and dump stations are absent, giving you a true camping experience. Frozen Head State Park boasts an impressive network of over 50 miles of backpacking trails, with nine designated backcountry campsites, including four group sites. Hiking is a prerequisite to reach these sites, each furnished with a fire ring. However, water availability varies seasonally and will require filtration from natural sources or carrying in your own supply.

18. Big Ridge State Park

• Location: Maynardville, Tennessee
• Popularity: Trails open year-round. Backcountry camping typically isn't busy, but you do need to make a reservation.
• Park Info: Bring everything you need. Your reservation receipt doubles as your permit.
• Price: $10/night.

Set by Norris Lake, Big Ridge State Park is your camping hub, with 50 campsites catering to RVs, trailers, tent campers, and even cabins. Explore over 15 miles of hiking trails that lead to three designated backcountry campsites. These secluded sites require hiking, with each having a designated fire area with a rock fire ring. Adequate water planning is essential, as water must be treated, filtered, boiled, or carried in.

19. Savage Gulf State Natural Area

• Location: Beersheba Springs, Tennessee
• Popularity: Local favorite. Backcountry camping typically isn't busy, but you do need to make a reservation.
• Park Info: Bring everything you need. Pit toilets are available.
• Price: $10/night.

Savage Gulf, the newest addition to Tennessee's state parks, sprawls across Grundy and Sequatchie counties, expanding the state's park count to 57. Encompassing the stunning 19,000-acre Savage Gulf State Natural Area, this park offers around 60 miles of hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, cascading waterfalls, and historic sites. The park boasts nine backcountry campgrounds with a total of 62 individual sites and eight group sites. All sites require a hike for access, ensuring a true wilderness experience. Remember to confirm water availability with the ranger stations and utilize natural sources or carry water. Each campground features designated fire areas and pit toilets for convenience.

20. Fort Pillow State Historic Park

• Location: Henning, Tennessee
• Popularity: Trails open year-round. Backcountry camping typically isn't busy, but you do need to make a reservation.
• Park Info: Bring everything you need. The campground is trashcan-free but offers a dump station, dumpster, recycling bins, and gray/black water disposal at the entrance.
• Price: $10/night.

Located on the western fringes of Tennessee, approximately 40 miles north of Memphis, Fort Pillow State Historic Park's family campground offers an inviting setting with 32 sites, six of which can accommodate RVs.

Additionally, the campground features nine primitive campsites that lack electrical or water hookups but provide easy access to water sources and two bathhouses. Each primitive campsite has essential amenities like grills, picnic tables, lantern holders, and pea gravel areas for setting up tents.

Notably, the park offers a designated backcountry campsite along the Blue Chickasaw Bluff Trail, accessible through a moderately challenging hike of less than one mile. This backcountry area has benches, a fire ring, and a newly built outhouse.

Have you stayed at any of these camping spots in Tennessee? Think they’re the best places to camp in Tennessee? What are your favorite places for Tennessee camping? Are they in Tennessee state parks? Whether you’re looking for primitive sites that require hikers to hike in, affordable campsites, or top-rated spots like Cades Cove Campground, we'd love to know what you think - let us know!

Before embarking on your outdoor adventure, be sure to take a look at our ultimate outdoor essentials packing list!

Looking for even more travel inspiration? Check out this stunning footage of Roan Mountain State Park: