Underrated Destinations

Hidden Gem Campgrounds in Tennessee

Discover Tennessee's best-kept secrets. 12 exceptional campgrounds with fewer crowds and authentic experiences.

Why these campgrounds? Each hidden gem has a sentiment score of 4.4+ from verified reviews, but fewer overall visitors. They're loved by those who find them.

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

4.5

(267)

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Gatlinburg
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This tent-only retreat sits in the Smokies' most secluded corner, where just 12 walk-in sites nestle along rushing Big Creek waters, far from the park's crowded valleys.

Tents

4.7

(250)

Harpeth River Bridge Campground (Tn)

Ashland City
Cheatham Lock and Dam

Tucked into a horseshoe bend where the Harpeth River curves through Middle Tennessee, this family-owned retreat stays blissfully under the radar despite its pristine grounds and welcoming hosts.

Backbone Rock Campground

Shady Valley
Cherokee National Forest

Ten secluded sites nestle along Beaverdam Creek's rushing waters at 2,100 feet, where thick Appalachian forest canopy conceals campers from the outside world. The trailhead to legendary Backbone Rock sits mere steps away, launching you into ancient mountain wilderness few visitors ever discover.

Tents

RVs

About Hidden Gems in Tennessee

Hidden gem camping in Tennessee reveals a treasure trove of secluded campgrounds tucked away in misty mountain hollows, along pristine creek corridors, and beside tranquil rivers far from the crowds. The Volunteer State harbors dozens of lesser-known camping destinations where you can experience authentic wilderness solitude, from the remote eastern reaches of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to intimate family-owned retreats along Middle Tennessee's waterways.

Best Time

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal conditions for discovering Tennessee's hidden gem campgrounds, with comfortable temperatures, vibrant seasonal displays, and manageable insect populations. Mountain campgrounds like Balsam Mountain and Backbone Rock shine during fall color season (mid-October), when hardwood forests explode in reds and golds, though higher elevations may see early frosts.

Why These Campgrounds

High satisfaction ratings (4.4+ sentiment score)
Fewer crowds than popular destinations
Authentic wilderness experiences
Often more affordable than crowded alternatives

More Hidden Gems in Tennessee

Discover 9 additional underrated campgrounds

4.4

(121)

Balsam Mt. Campground

Gatlinburg
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Mountain mist swirls through 42 tent-only sites at 5,310 feet, where you'll need a fleece jacket even in July while lowland valleys swelter below. The rugged access road filters out casual visitors, leaving you surrounded by nothing but rustling leaves and bird calls in Tennessee's...

Cosby, TN
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tucked deep in the Smokies' quietest corner, this group camp hides beneath towering hardwoods where Cosby Creek's whispers drown out any trace of civilization.

Tents

4.5

(161)

Horse Creek Recreation Area

Greeneville
Cherokee National Forest

Fourteen tent-only sites nestle beneath a hardwood canopy where Horse Creek's flowing waters drown out the distant world, creating a sanctuary accessible only to those who arrive without reservations.

Gatlinburg
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tucked away from the crowded tourist corridors of the Smokies, this tent-only haven keeps RVs at bay while delivering spacious sites where campfire sounds replace engine noise.

Benton
Cherokee National Forest

Perched at 2,000 feet in Cherokee National Forest, this secluded group sanctuary accommodates up to 75 guests beneath a canopy of towering pines and hardwoods.

Dennis Cove Campground

Unicoi
Cherokee National Forest

Laurel Fork Creek winds through towering hemlocks at this 2,650-foot mountain sanctuary, where mist clings to the valleys each dawn and you'll rarely cross paths with another soul.

Jacobs Creek Campground (Tn)

Bristol
Cherokee National Forest

Tucked into the forested slopes above South Holston Lake, this 27-site retreat offers secluded wooded hideaways alongside coveted waterfront spots across three intimate loops.

Little Oak Campground

Bristol
Cherokee National Forest

Secluded peninsula sites tucked between ancient hardwoods and South Holston Lake's shoreline offer rare privacy within a Designated Watchable Wildlife Area.

Parksville Lake Rv Campground

Benton
Cherokee National Forest

Nestled deep within Cherokee National Forest, this creek-side retreat delivers true seclusion with a babbling stream as your constant companion and a thick tree canopy that shields you from the outside world.

Tents

RVs

Campground Locations

Showing top 12 campgrounds near Tennessee

Explore Interactive Map →

Map Key

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Harpeth River Bridge Campground (Tn)

Backbone Rock Campground

Balsam Mt. Campground

Cosby Group Camp

Horse Creek Recreation Area

Big Creek Campground

Chilhowee Group Camp

Dennis Cove Campground

Jacobs Creek Campground (Tn)

Little Oak Campground

Parksville Lake Rv Campground

View all 8 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Discovering secluded camping spots off the beaten pathCreek and river fishing in pristine mountain streamsHiking to waterfalls and remote wilderness areasWildlife viewing including black bears, deer, and wild turkeysPhotography of mountain vistas and seasonal landscapesStargazing away from light pollution

Tips & Recommendations

1Research access roads before departure—many hidden gems require navigating narrow, winding gravel forest roads unsuitable for large RVs or low-clearance vehicles, and GPS often provides unreliable directions in remote areas.
2Download offline maps and campground coordinates, as cell service is unreliable or absent at most locations.
3For first-come, first-served campgrounds, have backup options identified and arrive early (before 2 PM on weekends) during peak seasons.
4Bring all necessary supplies including extra water, as small campgrounds may have limited or seasonal water availability and no nearby stores.

12 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Hidden Gems in Tennessee

Tennessee Hidden Gems FAQ

Hidden gem campgrounds in Tennessee are destinations with exceptional quality (4.4+ sentiment score) but fewer overall reviews, meaning they're less crowded but deeply loved by those who discover them. We identify these by analyzing review patterns to find underrated spots.

We've identified 12 hidden gem campgrounds in Tennessee. Each one has been selected for its high visitor satisfaction combined with lower visitor volume, making them perfect for those seeking authentic, uncrowded experiences.

Not necessarily. While some hidden gems are off the beaten path, many are simply lesser-known despite having excellent facilities and accessibility. They're "hidden" because they haven't been widely publicized, not because they're difficult to reach.

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