The Ultimate Guide to Camping, Glamping and RVing in Tennessee

Home to Elvis Presley, country music, over 10,000 caves, and the most visited national park in the country, Tennessee is perfect for people looking to explore the outdoors. Each year, over 10 million visitors flock there to hike and bike on mountain trails, go rock climbing, fish, and, of course, camp.

Join us as we dive deep into our ultimate camping guide for Tennessee. You’ll learn how to find the perfect camping spot, different ways to to camp, what to bring, and pro tips from seasoned campers to make your next trip nothing short of exceptional.

Is Tennessee Good for Camping?

Yes! Tennessee has tons of amazing camping spots to choose from. There are a lot of campgrounds in state and national parks, but there are also private campgrounds for tents and RVs and hike-in camping. If you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, there are great spots for glamping in Tennessee that offer a relaxing, unique getaway. Let’s take a closer look at the best camping in Tennessee.

Best RV Parks in Tennessee

Forty million people go RVing each year, and Tennessee gets its share of those looking to camp in style. Many RV parks in Tennessee can fit your needs, no matter how big or small your vehicle is. Whether you’re looking for basic RV parking or a more luxurious RV resort, you can find great options across the state. Browse some of the best RV parks in Tennessee, packed with amenities, below.

Deer Run RV Resort

Deer Run RV Resort

The deep, dense forest of the Cumberland Mountains surrounds tranquil Good Neighbor Lake – 25 acres of fishing, swimming, and boating bliss. You’ll fall asleep to the whisper of winds in the trees and tiny birds and squirrels chattering to each other. Spacious, affordable campsites and furnished cabins make pet-friendly Deer Run RV Resort the ideal Tennessee getaway.

Toqua RV Campground

Toqua RV Campground

Situated on the Little Tennessee River, Toqua RV Campground offers scenic views of the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Choose from deluxe lake houses, primitive cabins, and full hookup RV campsites. Enjoy excellent amenities, including a boat ramp, swimming beach, free Wi-Fi, and a mini convenience store.

True West Campground Stables and Mercantile

True West Campground Stables and Mercantile

True West Campground Stables and Mercantile is centrally located in Jamestown, Tennessee. From tent camping to full RV hookups, horse stables to souvenirs, gifts, special events, and more—they have it all! With close access to Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area, they offer some of the best recreational activities and scenic views for their campers.

Best Tent Camping in Tennessee

Camping traditionalists will tell you that the best way to enjoy camping is to rough it. While camping doesn’t have to involve sleeping on hard ground, using a tent is one way to experience the outdoors up close and personal. There are tons of campgrounds in Tennessee that allow you to tent camp under the stars, and some even have added amenities to make your stay more comfortable. Check out these great campgrounds that have plenty of space for tents.

Notchy Creek Campground

Notchy Creek Campground

Notchy Creek Campground features the best combination of amenities for comfort and natural beauty. Located along the Little Tennessee River, you can enjoy ample fishing, tubing, kayaking, and more! The campground offers 51 sites with four tent sites. Whether it’s a lakefront tent space for two for the weekend or a large, cool shaded spot for your RV and the whole family, you’ll be sure to find the perfect option at Notchy Creek Campground!

Greeter Falls Campground

Greeter Falls Campground

Greeter Falls Campground is located less than a half mile from the Greeter Falls Trailhead, adjacent to the 16,000 acre Savage Gulf Wilderness area offering over 50 miles of well-marked trails for every skill level. The .08 mile Greeter Falls Trail loop connects you to three awe inspiring waterfalls as well as the nearby Blue Hole swimming area. Offering primitive tent spots, furnished Yurts and RV/Travel Trailer sites.

Fall Hollow Campground

Fall Hollow Campground

Fall Hollow Campground is located in the beautiful town of Hohenwald, Tennessee, and is a great spot for a fun and relaxing outdoor adventure. The park is adjacent to the Natchez Trace Parkway. With thriving foliage making up a gorgeous and diverse natural landscape, and plenty of space for exploring, Fall Hollow brings out the adventurer in all of us. Get ready for opportunities for hiking, biking, picnicking, sunset viewing and stargazing.

Best Glamping in Tennessee

If you don’t have an RV or think tent camping is too rugged, you’ll be happy to learn that there are endless places for glamping in Tennessee. From fully stocked yurts to large private kitchens, there are tons of glamping options that will leave you positively elated. Here are some great places to make your next glamping trip incredible.

Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort

Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort

Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort is a family-owned & operated resort. If you're looking for one of the best places to camp in the Great Smoky Mountains, look no further. We have 8 Glamping sites for rent in a quiet, scenic farm just minutes from all the attractions. Choose between cabins, tipis, treehouses, and covered wagons for your glamping experience.

True West Campground Stables and Mercantile

True West Campground Stables and Mercantile

True West Campground Stables and Mercantile is centrally located in Jamestown, Tennessee. From tent camping to full RV hookups, horse stables to souvenirs, gifts, special events, and more—they have it all! With close access to Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area, they offer some of the best recreational activities and scenic views for their campers.

Greeter Falls Campground

Greeter Falls Campground

Greeter Falls Campground is located less than a half mile from the Greeter Falls Trailhead, adjacent to the 16,000 acre Savage Gulf Wilderness area offering over 50 miles of well-marked trails for every skill level. The .08 mile Greeter Falls Trail loop connects you to three awe inspiring waterfalls as well as the nearby Blue Hole swimming area. Offering primitive tent spots, furnished Yurts and RV/Travel Trailer sites.

Best Mountain Camping in Tennessee

No guide to camping in Tennessee would be complete without mentioning mountain camping. After all, one of the most popular mountain ranges lives in east Tennessee, The Great Smoky Mountains. Check out these amazing mountain campgrounds:

Arrow Creek Campground

Arrow Creek Campground

Cypress Landing RV Park is conveniently located on the beautiful Gantt Lake in Dozier, Alabama. We offer spacious, fully equipped RV sites, as well as cozy cabins and level tent sites for all guests to enjoy. Our park sustains over 60 spacious, pull thru, back in, fully equipped 20/30/50 amp water, electric, sewer, cable and WiFi sites.

Cove Creek RV Resorts

Cove Creek RV Resorts

Cove Creek RV Resort offers luxury RV living with an unencumbered view of Cove Mountain in the peaceful Smoky Mountain area known as Wears Valley, right between Pigeon Forge and Townsend TN. Whether you're looking to relax on site, or take on all the amazing activities in the area, you can do it at Cove Creek RV Resort. Book your stay today to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort

Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort

Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort is a family-owned & operated resort. If you're looking for one of the best places to camp in the Great Smoky Mountains, look no further. We have 8 Glamping sites for rent in a quiet, scenic farm just minutes from all the attractions. Choose between cabins, tipis, treehouses, and covered wagons for your glamping experience.

National Park Camping

Great Smoky Mountains National Park in eastern Tennessee is the country’s largest and most visited national park. Last year, the park drew over 14.1 million visitors, over two million more than the previous year. At 522,000 square miles, the park is the largest protected area on the east coast. 

There are many places to camp in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, both in the front and backcountry. There are also group campgrounds and horse camps. Reservations are required to stay in the park and can be made online.

Tennessee State Park Camping

With over 50 state parks featuring sprawling mountains, tall waterfalls, unique cave systems, and lots of lakes and rivers, there is a perfect campsite for everyone in Tennessee state parks.  Some more prominent and popular state parks feature developed campgrounds with plenty of space for tent and RV campers. 

Pickett State Park

For the ultimate camping entertainment, check out Pickett State Park. This certified dark-sky park is the top place for campers to enjoy incredible night sky views. If you want an even more unique experience, take a short hike after dark to the glow worm caves to marvel at the bioluminescent bugs!

Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

If you’re looking for a whitewater adventure, look no further than Hiwassee/Oconee Scenic River State Park. This popular summer spot is nationally recognized for the great river and rapids from class I to V. Campers can enjoy the Gee Campground along a quieter part of the river to wind down after a full day on the water. 

How to Find the Best Campsites

You may be wondering how to find other great campsites now that you know a few excellent places to visit. Fortunately, that’s the simple part! Use BookOutdoors to book your spot well in advance (no fees!). We’ve got all the options in one place, from tent campsites and RV parks to cabins and glamping resorts, and booking is quick and easy.

When to Go Camping in Tennessee

Tennessee has mild weather all year, which is excellent, but it also depends a lot on where you plan to camp. On the state’s western side, the weather makes year-round camping perfect. Because of the high Appalachian Mountains, winters are more extreme on the eastern side of Tennessee. If you’re mountain camping in the winter, you’ll want to bring extra supplies in case of emergencies or inclement weather. 

What to Pack for Your Camping Trip

So far, you’ve learned how to camp in Tennessee and where and when to go. Now, let’s cover what to bring! The weather in Tennessee can change rapidly, especially during the spring and fall. Preparing for anything is crucial so you don’t find yourself stranded without essentials. 

Extra clothes for layering are a staple for camping in Tennessee, especially if you’re in the mountains. Temperatures can rise and fall dramatically, so you could wake up to 30 degrees in the morning and be 80 degrees by lunch. Several layers of clothing will ensure you don’t overheat or freeze on your trip.

Another critical item to bring on your camping trip is bear-proof food storage, bear spray and an air horn. Tennessee has a large bear, bobcat, and mountain lion population. If you spend time in areas where these predators have been spotted, you’ll want to take extra precautions to avoid attracting them.

Pro Tips for Camping in Tennessee

No matter how you’re camping, preparing for a camping trip can be daunting. Forgetting essential items or being caught unprepared is no fun for anyone. Here are a few pro tips to help make camping in Tennessee unforgettable.

  • Make a camping supply checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything.
  • Plan to bring bear-proof food storage and spray in case of encounters.
  • Pack sunscreen and a bug spray with a high Deet content for summer camping to repel mosquitoes.
  • The mountains tend to stay moist and soggy year-round. Having waterproof hiking boots and socks will help prevent foot issues.
  • Read your campground’s rules before arriving so you know what to expect.
  • Pack in, pack out.

Plan and Book Your Tennessee Camping Trip with BookOutdoors

BookOutdoors is your go-to spot for quickly finding and booking the best campgrounds, RV parks or glamping resorts. We’ll never charge membership or booking fees, we include weather protection on every eligible booking, and we offer an amazing rewards program for earning points every time you camp. What are you waiting for?

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