Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Tennessee

Discover the best dog-friendly campgrounds across Tennessee. Verified pet policies with trails, swimming, and welcoming sites.

20+ Campgrounds4.5★ AverageBest: Year-round (weather dependent)

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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.7

(372)

Dale Hollow Damsite

Celina
Dale Hollow Lake

Dogs roam free along the riverside trails and grassy areas between campsites, with plenty of space to explore the woods and riverbank. The short drive to Pleasant Grove Day Use Area opens up swimming and water play opportunities where four-legged companions can splash and cool off after hiking.

Lillydale Campground And Day Use

Allons
Dale Hollow Lake

Your pup can splash in the swimming beaches and explore waterfront trails along Dale Hollow Lake's pristine shoreline, with plenty of open space across 112 spacious sites.

Ashland City
Cheatham Lock and Dam

Your dog can roam freely throughout this riverside haven, splashing in the Cumberland River's shallow banks and exploring woodland trails that wind through the campground.

Tents

RVs

About Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Tennessee

Pet-friendly camping in Tennessee opens up a world of outdoor adventures where your four-legged companions can join you in exploring some of the most beautiful landscapes in the South. From the crystalline waters of Dale Hollow Lake in the Upper Cumberland to the misty peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee offers an exceptional variety of campgrounds that welcome pets with open arms.

Best Time

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for pet-friendly camping in Tennessee, with moderate temperatures that keep both humans and dogs happy on the trail. April through May brings wildflower blooms and flowing waterfalls, with daytime temperatures in the 60s-70s perfect for hiking without overheating your furry companion.

What to Expect

Verified pet-friendly policies
Hiking trails for dogs
Spacious campsites
Swimming access at many locations

More Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Tennessee

Discover 17 additional top-rated pet-friendly campgrounds in Tennessee

4.7

(250)

Harpeth River Bridge Campground (Tn)

Ashland City
Cheatham Lock and Dam

Your dog can splash in the shallow Harpeth River right from camp, cooling off after exploring the shaded trails that wind through mature trees along the water's edge.

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Gatlinburg
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Your dog can explore miles of pristine mountain trails leading to waterfalls and swimming holes, with Big Creek's gentle waters providing endless opportunities for paw-cooling breaks along the way.

Townsend
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Your dog can explore the scenic valley loop trail on-leash while you spot deer, black bears, and wild turkeys together along eleven miles of flat, paved terrain.

Tents

4.5

(327)

Anderson Road Campground

Nashville
J Percy Priest Lake

Your pup can explore miles of wooded trails winding through the lakeside forest, with plenty of open shoreline along J. Percy Priest Lake for splashing and swimming together.

Blue Heron Campground

Oneida
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Dogs roam freely on miles of forested trails winding through Big South Fork's wilderness, with direct access to river swimming spots and shaded paths beneath towering hardwoods.

Cades Cove Group Campground

Gatlinburg
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Dogs can explore the famed 11-mile Cades Cove Loop on-leash, winding past historic cabins while spotting deer and wild turkeys grazing in open meadows. Multiple trails welcome leashed pups to discover mountain streams and forest paths, with plenty of wildlife watching opportunities right...

Backbone Rock Campground

Shady Valley
Cherokee National Forest

Your leashed pup can splash through Beaverdam Creek's cool mountain waters and explore the legendary Backbone Rock Trail winding through ancient Appalachian forests right from your campsite.

Horse Creek Recreation Area

Greeneville
Cherokee National Forest

Your pup can explore miles of surrounding Cherokee National Forest trails that wind through hardwood forests and along babbling Horse Creek, where shallow pools invite splashing and cooling off.

Little Oak Campground

Bristol
Cherokee National Forest

Your four-legged companion can explore miles of forested trails winding through the peninsula and splash in the shallow coves of South Holston Lake. Dogs roam leash-free throughout the spacious wooded sites, where shaded loops provide cool morning walks and lakeside paths lead to...

Tents

RVs

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Tennessee

Map of campgrounds near Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Tennessee

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Map Key

Dale Hollow Damsite

Lillydale Campground And Day Use

Lock A

Harpeth River Bridge Campground (Tn)

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Cades Cove Group

Anderson Road Campground

Blue Heron Campground

Cades Cove Group Campground

Backbone Rock Campground

Horse Creek Recreation Area

Little Oak Campground

Jacobs Creek Campground (Tn)

Rock Creek Campground (Tn)

Bumpus Mills

Rock Creek Recreation Area

Balsam Mt. Campground

Parksville Lake Rv Campground

Chilhowee Campground

Dennis Cove Campground

View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Dog-friendly hiking on forest trailsSwimming and water play at lakeside campgroundsFishing from shore with your pet nearbyKayaking and canoeing with dogsWildlife watching and bird observationPhotography of pets in scenic landscapes

Tips & Recommendations

1Always bring proof of current rabies vaccination and keep your pet's identification tags updated with your cell phone number.
2Tennessee state parks and national forest campgrounds require leashes no longer than six feet at all times, with some areas designating specific pet-free zones around swimming beaches and playgrounds.
3Pack a pet first-aid kit including tick removal tools, as Tennessee's forests harbor ticks from spring through fall—check your dog thoroughly after each hike.
4Bring plenty of fresh water for your pet, especially during summer months, as not all trails provide reliable water sources and lake water may contain harmful bacteria.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Tennessee

Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Tennessee FAQ

We've curated 20+ pet-friendly campgrounds in Tennessee based on verified pet policies, user reviews, and trail access. Each campground welcomes dogs and many offer hiking trails, swimming areas, and spacious sites.

Not all campgrounds allow pets. Our Tennessee pet-friendly list only includes campgrounds with verified dog-friendly policies. Always check specific leash requirements and pet fees before booking.

Essential items include: leash and harness, food and water bowls, dog bed or blanket, waste bags, current vaccination records, flea/tick prevention, and a first aid kit. Also bring familiar toys to keep your pup comfortable.