The cities in Tennessee are full of life and endless entertainment.
While that’s an amazing experience for the most part, sometimes you just want to get away from it all and recharge.
Luckily, there are some hidden gems for taking a camping trip where you can experience the natural beauty Tennessee has to offer.
Here are our favorite places to go tent camping in Tennessee.
1. Tims Ford Campgrounds
Starting off the list is Tims Ford campgrounds.
Tims Ford is broken up into 5 separate campgrounds, each with their own amenities.
The main campground contains 52 sites that can be used by RVs or with a tent, and every one has electric and water hookups.
There is also bathrooms and hot showers available nearby.
Nearby is 6 islands that contain one primitive campsite on each.
You’ll have to paddle to get to the campsites, and bring your own gear as there are no amenities.
Fairview campground, a part of Tims Ford, is located on the water and contains 82 campsites.
If you’re looking for more primitive camping, you can find it with the turkey creek primitive campsites, located north of the main campgrounds.
Finally, the Evans Loop backcountry campsite can be found by hiking roughly six miles along the Evans Loop trail.
Tims Ford contains miles of hiking and biking trails, many overlooks, beautiful waterfront activities, and even a golf course.
There’s a marina nearby to drop in your boat, and fishing can be found in abundance as you’ll be mostly surrounded by water.
Stop in the Visitor’s Center to check out the aviary!
Tims Ford is an awesome place to go if you’re looking for a large variety of activities to do on your camping trip.
2. Rock Island State Park
Rock Island State Park is located where parts of the Caney Fork River, Collins River, and Center Hill Lake meet.
Within the park is the Great Falls Dam, built in 1917.
You can also check out the historic site of a textile mill to get a glimpse of life in the 1890s.
Canoeing and kayaking are very popular attractions within the park, with the U.S. Freestyle Kayaking World Championships being hosted here previously.
Whitewater kayaking is also available throughout the park.
There are a total of 9 hiking trails throughout the park, each allowing you to view a variety of wildlife and some trails contain historic sites.
Ranging from birds such as eagles and owls to other animals such as deer and coyotes, keep your eyes peeled to see some amazing wildlife.
As you hike throughout the park, you’ll have the option to view the water releases into the gorges, or wait until it’s safe and hike through the gorge yourself!
Rock Island is a unique experience allowing you to have a look at a variety of wildlife and historic sites, great boating opportunities, and more.
3. Reelfoot Lake State Park
Another one on the water, Reelfoot Lake State Park is a blissful stay out of the noise of everyday life.
There’s something about being on the water that is just peaceful.
And that’s what Reelfoot provides.
You’ll also find that the ecosystem found here is very unique to Tennessee.
A series of earthquakes in the 1800s caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards for a short period, creating Reelfoot Lake.
You’ll find a large variety of plants and animals in this flooded forest, as well as many species of aquatic plants and flowers.
Reelfoot is a great place for birdwatching, providing almost every species of shore bird.
Bald and Gold eagles can also be spotted while walking the trails.
The best way to experience Reelfoot Lake is by boat (tours are available during certain seasons).
Boats, kayaks, and canoes have to travel slowly through the lake due to the submerged cypress stumps, which allow for plenty of time to take in all the sights and wildlife.
If you’re looking to take a camping trip on the water, Reelfoot should be near the top of your list.
4. Old Stone Fort Archaeological Park
“Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is… dedicated to the preservation, protection and interpretation of the Old Stone Fort, a 2,000-year-old American Indian ceremonial site” (source).
Couldn’t have said it better myself!
You’ll find many historic pieces within this park, including an enclosed mound site that is thought to have been used for over 500 years as a ceremonial gathering place for the American Indians.
The name “Old Stone Fort” was given by European settlers who mistakenly thought the gathering place was a fort.
The 1.4 mile trail around the ‘fort’ contains many interpretive panels, discussing what went on within the historic area.
As you walk further along the trail you’ll see the original entrance of the fort and its significance, many waterfalls, and additional trails if you wish to go beyond the fort itself.
You can also find great fishing spots along the Duck River that will give you the chance to catch some Largemouth Bass, catfish, and bream.
If you’re looking to camp at an over 2,000 year old historical site, check out Old Stone Fort!
5. Roan Mountain
Found at the base of Roan Mountain is a state park and campgrounds rich in history and many activities.
Roan Mountain park was part of the trail the Overmountain Men took in the late 1700s while on their way to the Battle of King’s Mountain; a significant event in the Revolutionary War.
Throughout the park you’ll also see signs of early mining activity, old-style farming and logging, as well as homesteads such as The Miller House.
The Miller House is significant because it shows visitors the way life was in the mountains back in the early 1900s (the farmstead was built in 1908).
If you’re interested in visiting The Miller House, be sure to camp from Memorial Day to Labor Day when it is open.
If fishing is what you’re after, trout is in abundance along the Doe River, which runs directly through the center of the park.
Just 8 miles from the park is Carver’s Gap, an entrance to the Appalachian Trail filled with nearly treeless views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Back inside the park you’ll find 12 miles of hiking trails and 2 miles of mountain biking trails with a range of difficulty from easy to strenuous.
There are 20 tent sites to camp at, and if you decide that you want to pack up the canvas and move to something more comfortable, 30 cabins are available for rent.
Roan Mountain State Park, similar to Old Stone Fort, is an amazing historical site that should be added to your camping trip.
6. Big Ridge
You can find Big Ridge State Park just 25 miles north of Knoxville, Tennessee.
While camping in Big Ridge you’ll find over 15 miles of hiking trails with an option to camp at one of 3 backcountry campsites.
If you don’t want to camp that primitive, 50 regular campsites are available with electric hookups, water, and hot showers nearby.
Fishing is great along the shores of Big Ridge Lake, and you can find striped bass in abundance in Norris Lake nearby.
Along the hiking trails you’ll be able to spot remnants of homes and farms that existed many years ago, including the Norton Gristmill, built in 1825, and parts of Sharp’s Station Fort, built in the late 1700s.
If you’re looking to lay out and catch some rays you can do so on the sandy beach next to Big Ridge Lake.
Want to hop on the water?
Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats are available for rent or you can bring your own!
Big Ridge State Park is a mixture of water activities, history (see the pattern? We love history!), and great hiking.
7. Fall Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls State Park is more than 26,000 acres of scenic beauty.
Within the park you’ll find cascades, waterfalls, and gorges to marvel at.
Fall Creek Falls, sitting at 256 feet, is one of the largest waterfalls in the eastern United States and is worth the visit to see.
For camping, you’ll have your choice of one of 222 tent/RV camping sites, complete with water and electricity.
7 bathhouses are located within the campsites as well!
Got a large group coming with you?
Group camping from 100 to 150 campers is also available in the park.
As for activities, you can find 3 miles of bike trails and 15 miles of mountain biking trails (rated as moderate difficulty) to shred.
Fall Creek Falls Lake is a great place to catch Channel Catfish, Bluegill, and largemouth bass.
If you want a bit of variety, fishing in the creeks within the park are also permitted.
If you’re looking for boating, kayaks and canoes (no gas motors are allowed) are available for rent year-round.
Planning to bring your clubs with you?
The golf course within the park is voted as one of the top 25 public courses in America.
And if we’re not selling it well enough, Southern Living named Fall Creek the best state park in the Southeastern United States.
8. David Crockett Birthplace
We get it.
You’re probably thinking ‘enough with the historical places already!’
But why not camp in a place where significant historical events took place?
The last tent camping site on our list is David Crockett Birthplace State Park.
Your guess is as good as mine as to why it’s famous… 😉
A replica cabin built 18th century style shows how David Crockett might have lived growing up, including gardens and animal paddocks.
You’ll also be able to experience costumed history interpreters giving a glimpse of life back then.
There is also a museum dedicated to Crockett within the park.
And if you manage to camp during August you’ll be able to visit during the Crockett Days Celebration.
Speaking of camping, 13 dedicated tent sites are available within the park.
The Nolichucky River, which runs straight through the park, makes for a great place to catch freshwater fish, including smallmouth bass and catfish.
Wildlife viewing is abundant along the 2.5 miles of hiking trails.
And if you’re looking to take a dip in the water you can visit the park swimming pool, open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Ready For Some Tent Camping In Tennessee?
Taking a weekend off to go tent camping in Tennessee can be perfect for recharging.
We hope you’ll enjoy the places we recommended.
Have a favorite camping spot in Tennessee not listed here?
Let us know!