Camping in Tennessee: Experience the Great Outdoors Like Never Before

Tennessee offers a diverse range of camping experiences, from the rugged peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to tranquil lakeside retreats and peaceful forests. Whether planning a solo adventure or a family getaway, this guide covers everything you need to know about the best camping spots, essential gear, and how to make the most of your trip. Now, let’s dive in so you can get out and experience the great outdoors like never before.

Top 10 Camping Destinations in Tennessee 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park. It straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee and is renowned for its plant and animal diversity, ancient mountains, and remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. 

The park offers several campsite styles, including primitive backpacking areas, front country camping with a picnic table, fire grate, and access to restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets, with options for groups of 8 people or more. Small primitive campgrounds, accessible by vehicle, also offer hitch racks for horses and access to the 550 miles of equestrian-friendly trails. 

Bring your EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank to recharge your phone for trail maps and photographs while hiking. 

• Check the Great Smoky Mountains website for seasonal rates.
• Some roads and campsites have seasonal closures. 
• Learn about backcountry safety before you go. 

Peaceful Hills Retreat

This tranquil retreat is nestled in the hills west of Centerville on 97 acres of forested land, just 14.6 miles off the I-40. The spacious and private campsites are all surrounded by nature without neighbors nearby, so it feels deep in the wilderness. Some sites are best for tents only, while others accommodate RVs without hookups. All sites have a picnic table, fire pit, access to non-flush toilets, and potable water. It’s popular for solo campers, families, and groups. They can also accommodate outdoor weddings, offering the Honeymoon Cottage to rent.

The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W) is perfect for camping without power, especially van camping. It’s compact, lightweight, and has an efficient 45W solar panel for quick recharging. 

• Affordable camping with fees from $11 to $25 per night. 
• Cell service works at the campsites higher up the hill.
• Book reservations online at Hipcamp. 
• They donate a portion of their profits to A Soldier’s Child Foundation.

Big Hill Pond State Park

Big Hill Pond State Park is located in southwestern Tennessee, within a 1.5-hour drive from Memphis, where you can escape the crowds in this beautiful, under-utilized park. It offers 30 miles of overnight and day-use hiking trails and 14 miles of horseback riding and mountain biking trails. It has 28 campsites for tents and small RVs (no hookups) with picnic tables, grills, and firewood for sale on-site. There’s potable water and a bathhouse with hot showers available. Four backcountry camp shelters are available on a first-come-first-serve, but pets are prohibited. The Big Hill Pond is also a great place to cast a fishing line, and you can rent a canoe or kayak. 

The EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner offers cool comfort indoors or out to beat the summer heat. It lasts up to 8 hours wirelessly and can be recharged with AC, DC, or portable solar panels. Those camping in winter can also use it as a heater for chilly nights. 

• Book reservations online. 
• Most sites will accommodate a trailer up to 20 feet.
• There is no generator operation after 10:00 pm. However, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus is a small solar generator with no motor, so it operates just above a whisper.   

Bigfoot RV Park and Campground

Located just 90 minutes southeast of Nashville, Bigfoot Adventures offers 500 acres for tent and RV camping for all camping styles with picnic tables and fire pits. Water and 30/50 Amp hookups are available at 25 of their sites, dump stations are available, and there’s a bathhouse with showers, a disc golf course, a zipline, nature trails, a fishing pond, and the Bigfoot Waterfall, all on-site. They also offer shuttle service to and from The Caverns underground amphitheater and some of the best hiking in the country at South Cumberland State Park. 

• Pull-through sites are 40’x80’.
• Quiet time is 11:00 pm to 8:00 am. 
• The park is pet-friendly.
• Watch for wildlife and keep children and pets safe.

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest is a 650,000-acre forest that adjoins other national forests in Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. Whether out with the family or solo camping, this place has something for everyone. Enjoy plenty of wildlife and nature viewing, whitewater rafting, a night under the stars, solitude on over 700 miles of backcountry trails, or simply take a leisurely drive along two scenic byways through the mountains. There are 30 developed campgrounds, including RV sites with hookups and tent sites without, as well as numerous primitive backpacking sites.  

• Most campsites are first-come, first-served. 
• Reservations are available for popular campgrounds.
• Free dispersed camping (no permits required) is available throughout the forest as long as it’s not within 100 feet of water, trails, trailhead parking lots, or developed recreation areas.
• Watch for black bears; knowing what to do and how to keep them away from your campsite is crucial for your safety and theirs. 

Greenbriar Campground

The Greenbriar Campground offers campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, and most sites also have water, sewer, and electricity. On-site activities include volleyball, badminton, bocce ball, cornhole, and horseshoes. There’s also a popular swimming hole with a private beach and excellent trout fishing along the banks of the Little Pigeon River that runs through the property. Alternatively, head off-site to spend the day hiking, horseback riding, or white water rafting in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains before returning to the campground for a fun or relaxing evening. 

• Full-hookup campsites are mostly back-in.
• A limited number of pull-through sites are available. 
• 9 sites are tent-only.  

Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park is located on the headwaters of Center Hill Lake at the confluence of three rivers: Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky Rivers. The Caney Fork River Gorge is a popular destination with rugged wilderness and impressive waterfalls, plenty of scenic hiking trails, and swimming in deep blue pools. The main campground accommodates RVs, trailers, and some tents, and each site has 20/30/50-amp electrical and water hookups, a charcoal grill, a fire ring, and a picnic table; select sites also offer sewer and disabled-accessible sites. Tent-only sites also have water and electricity with nearby bathhouses, hot showers, and accessible restrooms. A dump station, Wi-Fi, picnic pavilion, and playground are available. 

• The park is very popular; book reservations online.
• Do not park on roadsides or in non-designated areas. 
• Access to the Caney Fork River Gorge is dependent on TVA approval. For your safety, check the gorge status before visiting the area. 
• The main campground is open year-round, but tent-only sites are closed from November 2 to March 15.

Cub Mountain ATV Park & Campground

Nestled deep in northern Tennessee between Knoxville and Nashville, this park offers a family-friendly escape for outdoor ATV enthusiasts. They welcome all ATVs, SXS, and motorcyclists seeking adventure with 50 miles of single track and 50 miles of ATV/SXS trails, offering cascading waterfalls, tranquil creeks, serene ponds, and a glimpse into the area’s coal mining history. They also have a stocked pond with catch-and-release fishing, a full-service restaurant, and covered picnic areas. They offer 16 RV sites with electricity, water, and access to a dump station. Tent sites are also available without hookups. 

• The trail system never permits Jeeps, trucks, automobiles, and SUVs.
• Camping is $25 per night for four people.
• Reservations can be made online or on the same day.

Norris Dam State Park

This quiet park is just 30 minutes north of Knoxville, making it perfect for last-minute camping trips and those who enjoy water activities. All campsites have drive-up access, plus a picnic table, fire pit, grill, and a central bathhouse. The east side offers 25 sites with water and electric hookups and 10 tent-only primitive campsites. The west side offers 50 sites with water and electric hookups, 3 ADA-certified sites, and easy access to the tennis court. With 4,000 acres to explore, you can enjoy the views from the hiking trails or paddling along the lake. Also, check out the Lenoir Museum, which depicts life in Southern Appalachia from 12,000 years ago.

The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series is essential for sites without power. This portable solar generator will charge your electronic devices and run camping lights. 

• Dogs are allowed but must remain on a leash.
• Book reservations online. 
• Boats can be rented at the marina. 

Skull Island Campground

Skull Island Campground is located on an island on Chickamauga Lake. It offers 68 graveled sites with 50/30/20 amp service, some with waterfront views, but all with easy access to the beaches, boating, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. A camp store is stocked with non-perishable goods, souvenirs, snacks, ice, firewood, and gear for swimming, pets, fishing, and picnics. Restrooms with showers, including 4 family-style bathrooms, are also available. 

• Seasonal campground open from March to November
• Please check in at the office/store before going to your site.
• Only 2 pets per campsite, and dogs must be on leashes.

What To Pack for a Tennessee Camping Trip

• It’s a good idea to plan for rain, so bring a quality tent with a good rain fly, a raincoat, and boots.
• Most sites have grills, but a camp stove is needed for some. 
• A warm sleeping bag for spring, fall, and winter. 
• Loose-fitting clothing and swimwear for summer, warm clothes with layers the rest of the year. 
• Sunscreen and sunhats for hiking and beach days.
• Water bottles and trail maps for hiking. 
• A portable power station for sites without power. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Tennessee’s camping destinations provide unforgettable experiences for every type of camper. There’s something for everyone, from the towering Great Smoky Mountains to serene campgrounds along pristine lakes. Don’t forget to pack the essentials, including quality tents and a portable power station like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series, to ensure your trip is both comfortable and sustainable. Get started on preparing for your next adventure; Tennessee’s great outdoors awaits.