Tent Campgrounds in Tennessee

Discover the best tent campgrounds across Tennessee. Get back to basics with traditional tent camping. From established sites with amenities to secluded wilderness spots.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: May-September (peak season)

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Pet-Friendly With Showers Potable Water Flush Toilets Reservable Under $15/night

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.7

(772)

Lock A

Ashland City
Cheatham Lock and Dam

Spacious sites nestle along the Cumberland River's edge, where the water's gentle murmur lulls you to sleep beneath star-filled Tennessee skies. Level ground and riverside breezes create comfortable tent conditions, while morning coffee tastes better watching mist rise off the water just...

Celina
Dale Hollow Lake

Spacious sites stretch along the Obey River's edge, offering tent campers level ground and natural shade beneath mature trees separating each spot. Wake to mist rising off the water before exploring the nearby fish hatchery, then return to your riverside haven for evening campfires.

Townsend
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tent campers sleep surrounded by misty mountain peaks in a historic valley where deer graze at dawn and black bears roam through ancient forests. The primitive sites keep groups immersed in wilderness while flush toilets and potable water provide just enough comfort between wildlife...

Tents

About Tent Campgrounds in Tennessee

Tent camping in Tennessee offers an extraordinary diversity of natural settings, from the misty peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to the tranquil shores of pristine lakes and the scenic corridors of historic rivers. The Volunteer State's landscape creates perfect conditions for traditional canvas camping, with campgrounds ranging from primitive backcountry sites to well-appointed facilities that balance modern amenities with authentic outdoor experiences.

Best Time

Spring and fall represent Tennessee's prime tent camping seasons, with April through May and September through October offering ideal weather conditions and stunning natural displays. Spring brings wildflower blooms throughout the Smokies and moderate temperatures in the 60s and 70s, though occasional rain showers require quality rain gear.

What Makes It Great

Designated tent pads and flat ground
Fire rings and picnic tables
Varying levels of amenities
Scenic natural settings

More Tent Campgrounds in Tennessee

Discover 17 additional top-rated tent campgrounds in Tennessee

4.4

(1286)

Cades Cove Campground

Townsend
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tent campers claim their peaceful territory on a dedicated generator-free loop, where the rhythmic rush of nearby streams drowns out any remnants of RV life.

Harpeth River Bridge Campground (Tn)

Ashland City
Cheatham Lock and Dam

Spacious tent sites nestle beneath towering hardwoods along the Harpeth River's edge, where flowing water replaces traffic noise and dappled shade keeps canvas cool. Level ground and thoughtful spacing between sites let families spread out while staying close to the boat ramp and riverside trails.

Anderson Road Campground

Nashville
J Percy Priest Lake

Spacious sites nestle beneath towering shade trees just steps from J. Percy Priest Lake's swimming beach and boat launch, offering tent campers both seclusion and waterfront access.

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Gatlinburg
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Twelve walk-in sites nestle beside rushing Big Creek waters in one of the Smokies' most secluded corners, where the absence of RVs and generators preserves the forest's natural symphony.

Tents

4.4

(407)

Blue Heron Campground

Oneida
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Towering hardwoods and the surrounding sandstone cliffs of Big South Fork create a naturally secluded backdrop for your tent site. Hot showers and flush toilets mean you can push deeper into the backcountry trails each day without roughing it at camp.

Backbone Rock Campground

Shady Valley
Cherokee National Forest

Tent campers find genuine seclusion among just 10 sites nestled at 2,100 feet along Beaverdam Creek's rushing waters, where ancient Appalachian forest creates natural privacy between pitches.

Sparta
Center Hill Lake

Tent campers choose from 16 primitive sites tucked into wooded areas or 40 spots with hookups, all positioned along Center Hill Lake's shoreline where the sound of gentle waves replaces traffic noise.

Lillydale Campground And Day Use

Allons
Dale Hollow Lake

Tent campers claim spacious sites along Dale Hollow Lake's shoreline, where level ground and mature trees create natural privacy between neighbors. The dedicated island tent camping area offers a rare adventure—paddle to your own secluded spot surrounded by pristine lake waters.

Oneida
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Spacious tent sites nestled within Big South Fork's wilderness provide privacy among towering hardwoods, with level ground perfect for pitching your shelter near sandstone cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

Tents

RVs

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Tent Campgrounds in Tennessee

Map of campgrounds near Tent Campgrounds in Tennessee

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Map Key

Lock A

Dale Hollow Damsite

Cades Cove Group

Cades Cove Campground

Harpeth River Bridge Campground (Tn)

Anderson Road Campground

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Blue Heron Campground

Backbone Rock Campground

Ragland Bottom

Lillydale Campground And Day Use

Bandy Creek

Chilhowee Campground

Cosby Campground

Long Branch

Defeated Creek Park

Parksville Lake Rv Campground

Cages Bend

Salt Lick Creek

Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9

View all 58 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Tent camping under mature forest canopyHiking mountain trails and riverside pathsWildlife viewing including deer, turkey, and black bearsFishing in lakes, rivers, and mountain streamsKayaking and canoeing on calm watersSwimming at designated beach areas

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve early for Great Smoky Mountains campgrounds, particularly Cades Cove, as sites fill months in advance for spring and fall weekends, while Corps of Engineers campgrounds like Dale Hollow Damsite and Lock A typically offer better last-minute availability except holiday weekends.
2Bring quality rain gear and tent footprint regardless of season, as Tennessee's humid climate produces frequent precipitation and morning dew that can soak unprotected gear.
3Pack layers for mountain camping where temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees from day to night, even in summer, and consider a sleeping bag rated 10-15 degrees lower than forecast temperatures.
4Most campgrounds sell firewood on-site, but bringing your own from certified local sources saves money while preventing invasive species spread.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Tent Campgrounds in Tennessee

Tent Campgrounds in Tennessee FAQ

Tennessee offers 20+ tent-friendly campgrounds. We've ranked them based on site quality, natural setting, amenities, and user reviews.

Tent camping in Tennessee typically costs $15-35 per night at developed campgrounds. Some national forest and primitive sites may be free or under $10 per night.

Essential gear includes a quality tent, sleeping bag rated for Tennessee conditions, sleeping pad, camp stove, and appropriate clothing. Check weather forecasts and pack layers.