Top 10 Best Camping & Outdoor Destinations in Tennessee (With Travel Guide)
Tennessee, known as the "Volunteer State," is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who love rolling mountains, lush forests, sparkling rivers, and rich musical heritage. From the Great Smoky Mountains to the Cumberland Plateau and the shores of Chickamauga Lake, Tennessee offers a diverse range of camping experiences that cater to hikers, campers, anglers, and nature lovers.
Whether you're seeking mountain adventures, waterfall hikes, or lakeside relaxation, Tennessee's 10 best camping destinations provide unforgettable experiences in some of the most scenic and culturally significant natural settings in the southeastern United States.
Below are the 10 best camping destinations in Tennessee, each with:
✅ Unique attractions & activities
✅ Best time to visit
✅ Nearby amenities (food, gas, lodging, transportation)
✅ Important tips & safety advice
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Gatlinburg) – America’s Most Visited National Park
🌲 Highlights:
Over 800 miles of hiking trails (including Appalachian Trail)
Cades Cove (historic cabins & wildlife viewing)
Clingmans Dome (highest point in the Smokies)
Waterfalls (Abrams Falls, Laurel Falls)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for hiking & wildlife, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage (mid-Oct to Nov)
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Campgrounds
Gatlinburg (30 mins) has supermarkets, restaurants & shops
Knoxville (1.5 hours) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Wildlife (black bears, deer) is common—keep a safe distance
Clingmans Dome Road closes in winter
Reservations are recommended in summer & fall
2. Fall Creek Falls State Park (Spencer) – Waterfalls & Canyons
💧 Highlights:
Fall Creek Falls (256-ft waterfall, one of the tallest in the East)
Cane Creek Gorge (scenic canyon views)
Hiking trails (Laurel Falls, Cane Creek Falls)
Swimming pool & lake activities
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for waterfalls & hiking, 50-85°F)
Summer (70-85°F) - warm for swimming & hiking
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Fall Creek Falls State Park Campgrounds
Spencer (10 mins) has small grocery stores
Crossville (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Waterfalls can be slippery—wear proper footwear
Trails can be steep & rocky
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near water
3. Norris Dam State Park (Rocky Top) – Lake & Historic Dam
🏞️ Highlights:
Norris Lake (boating, fishing & swimming)
Norris Dam (historic TVA dam)
Hiking trails (Lakeshore Trail, Buffalo Creek Trail)
Picnicking & wildlife viewing
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for lake activities, 60-90°F)
Summer (80-90°F) - warm for swimming & boating
Fall (60-80°F) - fewer crowds
Spring (60-80°F) - pleasant & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Norris Dam State Park Campgrounds
Rocky Top (10 mins) has supermarkets & gas stations
Knoxville (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Lake swimming has designated areas only
Boat safety is essential—check conditions
Fishing licenses are required
4. Cherokee National Forest (Benton) – Mountain & River Adventures
🌲 Highlights:
Appalachian Trail (section through Tennessee)
Tellico River (whitewater rafting & fishing)
Hiking trails (Benton Falls, Bald River Falls)
Wildlife viewing (deer, black bears)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for hiking & river activities, 50-85°F)
Summer (70-85°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Cherokee National Forest Campgrounds
Benton (10 mins) has small grocery stores
Johnson City (1 hour) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
River swimming has designated areas only
Trails can be steep & rocky
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near water
5. Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park (Reliance) – Whitewater & Fishing
🏞️ Highlights:
Ocoee River (Olympic whitewater venue)
Hiwassee River (fishing & kayaking)
Hiking trails (Appalachian Trail)
Whitewater rafting & zip-lining
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–September (best for whitewater, 60-90°F)
Summer (80-90°F) - warm for outdoor activities
Fall (60-80°F) - fewer crowds
Spring (60-80°F) - pleasant & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park Campgrounds
Reliance (10 mins) has small grocery stores
Copperhill (20 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Whitewater rafting requires reservations
River currents can be strong—follow safety guidelines
Bring layers—mountain weather changes quickly
6. Frozen Head State Park (Wartburg) – Wilderness & Star Gazing
🏔️ Highlights:
Frozen Head Mountain (elevation 3,324 ft)
Wilderness hiking (over 80 miles of trails)
Dark skies (stargazing)
Wildlife viewing (deer, turkeys)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for hiking, 50-85°F)
Summer (70-85°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Frozen Head State Park Campgrounds
Wartburg (15 mins) has small grocery stores
Knoxville (1.5 hours) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Trails can be steep & rocky—wear sturdy shoes
Mountain weather changes quickly—pack layers
Bring plenty of water & snacks
7. Natchez Trace Parkway (Various Locations) – Scenic Drive & History
🛣️ Highlights:
Natchez Trace Parkway (444-mile scenic road)
Rock Spring Nature Trail (easy hike)
Jeff Busby Picnic Area (panoramic views)
Historic sites (Chickasaw & Choctaw heritage)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
March–November (best for scenic drives, 50-85°F)
Spring (60-80°F) - blooming wildflowers
Fall (50-70°F) - stunning foliage
Summer (70-85°F) - warm but shaded areas
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Natchez Trace Parkway Campgrounds
Tupelo (1 hour) has supermarkets & restaurants
Jackson (1.5 hours) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Wildlife crosses the road—drive carefully
Gas stations are limited—fill up in advance
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active in summer
8. Reelfoot Lake State Park (Tiptonville) – Wildlife & Water Activities
🏞️ Highlights:
Reelfoot Lake (shallow lake with cypress trees)
Boating & fishing (crappie, bass)
Birdwatching (bald eagles, herons)
Hiking trails (Blue Bank Landing)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
October–March (best for birdwatching, 30-60°F)
Spring (50-70°F) - mild & pleasant
Summer (70-85°F) - warm but can be humid
Fall (50-70°F) - fewer crowds
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Reelfoot Lake State Park Campgrounds
Tiptonville (10 mins) has small grocery stores
Union City (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Lake swimming has designated areas only
Boat safety is essential—check conditions
Bring layers—early mornings can be cool
9. Booker T. Washington State Park (Hardy) – History & Lakeside Camping
🗿 Highlights:
Booker T. Washington National Monument (nearby)
Hickman Creek Lake (fishing & kayaking)
Hiking trails (Nature Trail)
Historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) cabins
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (best for hiking & fishing, 50-85°F)
Summer (70-85°F) - warm for outdoor activities
Fall (50-70°F) - fewer crowds
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Booker T. Washington State Park Campgrounds
Hardy (10 mins) has small grocery stores
Kingsport (1 hour) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Lake swimming has designated areas only
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near water
Reservations are recommended in summer
10. South Cumberland State Park (Sewanee) – Caves & Waterfalls
🏞️ Highlights:
Fiery Gizzard Trail (challenging hike with waterfalls)
Gregory Bald (panoramic views)
Cumberland Caverns (underground tours)
Hiking & rock climbing
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for hiking & caves, 50-85°F)
Summer (70-85°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: South Cumberland State Park Campgrounds
Sewanee (15 mins) has small grocery stores
Nashville (1.5 hours) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Trails can be steep & rocky—wear sturdy shoes
Cave tours require reservations
Bring plenty of water & snacks
Final Tips for Camping in Tennessee
✔ Reservations are recommended in summer & fall (especially near parks & lakes)
✔ Weather changes quickly—pack layers & rain gear
✔ Wildlife is present—secure food properly
✔ Some areas have limited services—bring supplies
Tennessee’s diverse landscapes—from the Great Smokies to the Cumberland Plateau—offer unforgettable camping adventures. Whether you want mountain hikes, waterfall chases, or lakeside relaxation, these 10 destinations will give you an unforgettable Tennessee outdoor experience. 🏕️🌄🐾