Beach Camping in Tennessee

Discover the best beach camping across Tennessee. Camp where the land meets the water. Ocean breezes, sandy shores, and stunning sunsets await.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: May - September

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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

Lillydale Campground And Day Use

Allons · Dale Hollow Lake

Campsites nestle directly along Dale Hollow Lake's famously crystal-clear shores, where swimmers and paddlers launch straight from their sites into some of Tennessee's most pristine waters.

4.7(524 reviews)

Ragland Bottom

Sparta · Center Hill Lake

Center Hill Lake's swimming beach sits just steps from your campsite, where calm waters invite you to dive in from the sandy shore while towering hardwoods provide shade between dips.

4.7(768 reviews)

Indian Boundary

Tellico Plains · Cherokee National Forest

This campground sits inland along a 96-acre mountain lake in Cherokee National Forest, not on an ocean coast. A designated swim beach borders the freshwater lake where families wade into crystal-clear Appalachian waters rather than ocean surf.

4.7(1130 reviews)

About Beach Camping in Tennessee

Beach camping Tennessee offers an unexpected treasure trove of lakeside and riverside retreats where sandy shores meet forested campgrounds across the state's diverse waterways. While Tennessee may be landlocked, its extensive network of Corps of Engineers lakes, TVA reservoirs, and National Forest impoundments creates dozens of authentic beach camping experiences from the Cumberland Plateau to the Smoky Mountains.

Best Time

Peak beach camping season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day when water temperatures reach comfortable swimming levels of 75-80°F and all facilities operate at full capacity. June offers the best balance of warm weather and manageable crowds, with water temperatures climbing into the mid-70s while school groups thin out after early summer.

Scenery Highlights

Oceanfront and lakeside sites
Sandy beaches and swimming
Stunning sunrise and sunset views
Water sports and fishing

More Beach Camping in Tennessee

Discover 17 additional top-rated beach camping in Tennessee

Dale Hollow Damsite

Celina · Dale Hollow Lake

The campground nestles between the flowing Obey River and crystalline Dale Hollow Lake, creating a water lover's paradise where kayakers, anglers, and swimmers can explore from dawn to dusk.

4.6(372)

Chilhowee Campground

Benton · Cherokee National Forest

McKamy Lake's sandy swimming beach brings unexpected shoreline relaxation to the heart of Cherokee National Forest, where cool mountain waters replace ocean waves.

4.6(705)

Lock A

Ashland City · Cheatham Lock and Dam

The Cumberland River flows right past your campsite, inviting you to swim in its cool waters, cast for bass from the shoreline, or launch kayaks into gentle currents.

4.7(772)

Seven Points (Tn)

HERMITAGE · J Percy Priest Lake

Spacious campsites nestle beneath towering shade trees mere steps from J. Percy Priest Lake's sparkling waters, where swimmers and boaters launch directly into 14,000 acres of recreational paradise.

4.7(677)

Defeated Creek Park

Carthage · Cordell Hull Lake

The sandy beach and multiple boat ramps open directly onto Cordell Hull Lake's expansive waters, where you can swim, kayak, and watch herons fish in the shallows beneath soaring eagles.

4.6(1297)

Long Branch

Lancaster · Center Hill Lake

The Caney Fork River flows right through camp, its cool, crystalline waters beckoning swimmers and paddlers while anglers work the currents for rainbow trout beneath towering hardwoods. Center Hill Lake spreads out nearby, adding sandy shores and open-water adventures to your riverside basecamp.

4.6(608)

Bandy Creek

Oneida · Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Your tent sits miles from any ocean, surrounded instead by sandstone cliffs and mountain forests where rivers carve through ancient rock. The Big South Fork's swimming holes and riverside beaches offer freshwater escapes, but this landlocked plateau campground delivers wilderness...

4.6(1180)

Harpeth River Bridge Campground (Tn)

Ashland City · Cheatham Lock and Dam

The Harpeth River wraps around this campground in a dramatic horseshoe bend, placing crystal-clear swimming holes and sandy river beaches just steps from your tent.

4.7(250)

Anderson Road Campground

Nashville · J Percy Priest Lake

Morning mist rises off J. Percy Priest Lake as campers step directly from their shaded sites to the pristine swimming beach and boat ramp. Crystal-clear waters invite swimmers and boaters to explore the shoreline, while picnic tables positioned along the water's edge transform meals into...

4.5(327)

Explore Beach Camping in Tennessee

Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.

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Popular Activities

Swimming and beach loungingKayaking and canoeingStand-up paddleboardingFishing from shore and boatsHiking lakeside trailsWildlife and bird watching

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve popular beach campgrounds like Lillydale, Ragland Bottom, and Indian Boundary at least 2-3 months in advance for summer weekends, using recreation.gov for federal sites and individual state park systems for Tennessee State Parks.
2Request waterfront or beach-adjacent sites when booking, as these premium locations fill first and provide the most convenient swimming access.
3Pack water shoes for rocky lake bottoms common at Tennessee impoundments, and bring shade structures since many waterfront sites offer limited tree cover.
4Check current water levels before arrival, as reservoir drawdowns during late summer can expose mudflats and move swimming areas farther from campsites.

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Curated for Beach Camping in Tennessee

Beach Camping in Tennessee FAQ

We've ranked 20+ beach campgrounds in Tennessee based on water access, amenities, and user reviews. Top options include oceanfront and lakeside sites with sandy beaches and swimming access.

Beach camping in Tennessee is generally best from May through September when water temperatures are warmest. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and milder weather.

For beach camping in Tennessee, bring sun protection, beach chairs, water toys, and sand-friendly gear. Wind stakes for your tent are essential, and consider a shade structure for daytime comfort.

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