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Tennessee is a popular tourist destination for its central location between the South and the Midwest, its vibrant cities, rich musical culture, and deep history. It’s also an ideal state for campers, with an abundance of forests, lakes, rolling hills, and mountains including the Southern Appalachians and the Great Smokies. Many people are familiar with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but fewer know that Tennessee is home to 13 other National Park Service units, including national cemeteries, battlefields, scenic trails, and rivers.
Tennessee has more than 35 state parks with RV camping available. Campgrounds are rustic but well maintained, and many are beloved by visitors who return annually. Almost all campsites are big rig friendly and have partial hookups. Focusing on nature and history, most parks have interpretive programs, a variety of marked trails, and access to other outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, birding, boating, fishing, and horseback riding are all popular activities throughout the state. Many campgrounds also have cabins or a lodge for accommodation options to plan a family gathering.
Many parks are in hilly and wooded areas. While there may be plenty of space for a big rig once you’re parked at your site, maneuvering inside the campground and along access roads may be trickier than usual. Be sure to review your route in advance, contact the park directly for specific advice, and factor in plenty of time. The extra effort will be worth it for the serene beauty and unique history in Tennessee state parks.
Reservations
To make a reservation, visit reserve.tnstateparks.com/ or call the park directly.
Reservations are required and can be made up to 12 months in advance.
Cancellations and changes can be made only by calling the park directly.
Campsite sizes
Tennessee state parks offer developed RV sites for vehicles ranging from 20 to 100 feet. Most campgrounds have sites that can fit RVs up to 50 feet, although campsite sizes vary and the number of big rig sites may be limited.
The reservation system allows searching by RV length. Available campsite details include site size.
Accessibility
ADA-accessible sites are searchable and bookable through the reservation system. The number of accessible sites per campground is shared on each park’s website under “Camping.” An ADA discount is available with proof of qualification upon check-in. Contact the park directly for more information.
Hookups
RV sites are equipped with electric and water hookups. Full hookups with sewer are available at a few campgrounds. Hookups are searchable in the reservation system, and displayed in campsite details.
The reservation system and each park’s website both list the number of sites with or without hookups.
Connectivity
WiFi is offered at many Tennessee state parks. Check the specific park’s website or call directly for information.
Maximum stay
The maximum stay March through November is 14 days. The maximum stay December through February is 28 days.
Additional facilities
Campsites have picnic tables and grills. Site details and photos are provided per site in the reservation system search results, including ground cover and amount of shade.
Facilities available at most campgrounds include a dump station, park store, laundry, playground, and restrooms with showers. Information can be found on the park website under “Camping.”
Many parks have historical buildings and museums, interpretive programs, water sports rentals, and hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Details are shared under “Activities” on each park’s website.
Tennessee state parks offer a Junior Ranger program, so be sure to request a book at the visitor center or check-in booth.
Cost
Prices vary based on campground, site, and date. Prices range from $10 for a primitive site to $35 for full hookups. View prices per site / per date in the reservation system.
Additional Fees:
Nonrefundable reservation fee: $5 per night
Cancellations on the day prior to arrival forfeit the first night’s fee.
Cancellations on the day of arrival forfeit two nights’ fee.
Pet policies
In general, pets are allowed as long as they’re kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. And of course, campers should always pick up after their pet.
Additional regulations
- Maximum occupancy per site: 1 vehicle, 6 people.
- Check-in/check-out time: Varies by campground.
- Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Alcoholic beverages: Permitted at campsites.
- Generator use: Prohibited during quiet hours.
- Campfires: Allowed in designated rings or pits, following local advisories.
- Drone use: Requires written permission from the park director.
Featured Campgrounds
Fall Creek Falls State Park
2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, TN 38585
Home to one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States, Fall Creek Falls State Park’s spectacular beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities make it one of the most visited state parks in Tennessee. It’s also one of the largest. Its more than 29,000 acres include 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, rock climbing, and a tree canopy ropes course. Boating, fishing, golfing, and nature programs round out the activities available.
Enjoy all of the amenities and beautiful natural surroundings with a stay at one of the spacious campgrounds. More than 100 sites with water and electric hookups, and an additional 90 sites with full hookups, can accommodate RVs up to 65 feet. Site lengths and space between them varies by campsite loop. Check details and photos in the reservation system. Facilities include well-maintained restrooms, a general store, and free WiFi. With multiple waterfalls and cascades, gorges, and old-growth forest, this sprawling state park on the Cumberland Plateau highlights the beauty of Tennessee. Experience even more with a day trip to nearby Rock Island State Park.
Natchez Trace State Park
24845 Natchez Trace Road, Wildersville, TN 38388
Located about an hour west of Nashville, Natchez Trace State Park encompasses almost 10,000 acres of pine and hardwood forest. Swimming, boating, and fishing are popular activities at the park’s three lakes. Hiking trails for all skill levels range from half a mile to a 40-mile overnight trek. Additional trails accommodate mountain bikers and horseback riders. Bird-watchers come from all over to spot one of over 130 species that have been observed in the park. Playgrounds, a sandy beach, and ranger programs will keep the kids engaged.
The seasonal Cub Lake Campground comprises a mix of partial hookups and primitive sites, and can accommodate RVs under 25 feet. The newer Pin Oak Campground is open year-round, offers partial hookups, and has sites that can accommodate RVs up to 80 feet. Note that cell service is reportedly weak to nonexistent in Pin Oak. Historical Civilian Conservation Corps buildings, camping cabins, and a lodge with modern rooms, restaurants, and WiFi make Natchez Trace a great destination for families and groups. After a night or two in the peaceful, natural surroundings, it will be easy to understand why visitors return year after year to this beloved West Tennessee park.
Roan Mountain State Park
1015 Highway 143, Roan Mountain, TN 37687
Among dense hardwood forest, rolling foothills, and crystal-clear rivers, Roan Mountain State Park offers an ideal mountain camping experience with over 12 miles of hiking trails for all levels, excellent trout fishing, and an abundance of wildlife and wildflowers (including the largest natural garden of rhododendrons in the world). Breathtaking views of Roan Mountain peak, towering at over 6,000 feet, are accessible on foot and by car. The park is beloved by both day-trippers and campers, and a visitor center and historical homestead provide interesting interpretive programs.
The well-maintained campground has more than 100 sites, in addition to cabins. The spacious, shady campsites have partial hookups with a dump station available, and most can accommodate big rigs. Facilities include modern restrooms, a camp store, and free WiFi. The small town of Roan Mountain nearby has some shopping and dining options. Located just over 70 miles from the vibrant city of Asheville, North Carolina, Roan Mountain State Park is an excellent stopover and a destination in its own right.
Tennessee state park campgrounds that accommodate RV camping
Big Hill Pond State Park
Big Ridge State Park
Bledsoe Creek State Park
Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Chickasaw State Park
Cove Lake State Park
Cumberland Mountain State Park
David Crockett Birthplace State Park
David Crockett State Park
Edgar Evins State Park
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Fort Pillow State Historic Park
Frozen Head State Park
Harrison Bay State Park
Henry Horton State Park
Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
Indian Mountain State Park
Long Hunter State Park
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Montgomery Bell State Park
Mousetail Landing State Park
Natchez Trace State Park
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park
Norris Dam State Park
Old Stone Fort State Park
Panther Creek State Park
Paris Landing State Park
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park
Pickwick Landing State Park
Reelfoot Lake State Park
Roan Mountain State Park
Rock Island State Park
Rocky Fork State Park
South Cumberland State Park
Standing Stone State Park
T.O. Fuller State Park
Tims Ford State Park
Warriors Path State ParkFor more information on Tennessee state park campgrounds, visit tnstateparks.com.
