Fishing Campgrounds in Tennessee
Discover the best fishing campgrounds across Tennessee. Wake up to the sound of rushing water and spend your days casting lines in pristine fishing waters. Lake, river, and stream access for every angler.
Fishing Campgrounds in Other States
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Dale Hollow Lake
Cast your line into the Obey River for rainbow and brown trout, then venture onto Dale Hollow Lake where the world-record smallmouth bass was caught. The campground sits between these two trophy waters, putting you within minutes of both cold-water trout runs and legendary bass fishing.
Center Hill Lake
Rainbow and brown trout thrive in the cold tailwaters flowing from Center Hill Dam, drawing fly fishers and spin casters to the stocked Caney Fork River. Time your trip around dam generation schedules to find trout holding in prime feeding lanes along this renowned Tennessee fishery.
Dale Hollow Lake
Anglers cast their lines into Dale Hollow Lake's crystal-clear waters, where trophy smallmouth bass and trout lurk beneath the surface. Direct waterfront access from 112 lakeside campsites means you can drop a line just steps from your tent or RV.
About Fishing Campgrounds in Tennessee
Fishing camping Tennessee offers anglers an exceptional variety of waters, from legendary smallmouth bass lakes to pristine mountain trout streams tucked into the Cherokee National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains. Tennessee's diverse geography creates distinct fishing experiences across the state: the Upper Cumberland region features world-class Dale Hollow Lake, where Dale Hollow Damsite and Lillydale Campground provide access to record-breaking smallmouth bass and excellent trout fishing in the tailwaters below the dam.
Best Time
Spring (March through May) ranks as prime time for Tennessee fishing camping, with trout streams producing excellent action during mayfly and caddisfly hatches, while warming lake waters trigger aggressive bass and crappie feeding as fish move shallow to spawn. April and May offer the sweet spot of comfortable temperatures, blooming dogwoods and redbuds, and fish actively feeding before summer heat sets in.
Activity Highlights
- Direct lake and river access
- Boat launches and marinas
- Fish cleaning stations
- Local fishing guides available
Campground Locations
Showing top 20 campgrounds near Fishing Campgrounds in Tennessee
Plan Your Trips
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve campgrounds through Recreation.gov for Corps of Engineers lakes and USFS sites, or directly through Tennessee State Parks; popular spots like Dale Hollow Damsite and Seven Points book solid on summer weekends, so plan ahead.
- 2Water levels fluctuate significantly on Corps lakes due to power generation, so check TVA lake levels before your trip and be prepared to adjust fishing strategies—falling water often concentrates fish and improves fishing.
- 3Pack waders for tailwater trout fishing even in summer, as these waters remain cold year-round; felt-soled wading boots are prohibited in Tennessee to prevent invasive species spread.
- 4Download offline maps before heading to remote areas, as cell service disappears in mountain valleys.
Fishing Campgrounds in Tennessee FAQ
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