Mountain Camping in Tennessee

Mountain Camping in Tennessee

Discover the best mountain camping across Tennessee. Rise above it all in mountain campgrounds. Crisp air, towering peaks, and endless alpine adventure.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: Year-round
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Indian Boundary
Star
4.7
(1130)
Indian Boundary
Tellico Plains
Cherokee National Forest

Towering hardwoods frame panoramic views of the Southern Appalachians, where ancient forest canopy gives way to scenic overlooks revealing layer upon layer of rolling mountain ridges.

Tents
RVs
2
Chilhowee Campground
Star
4.6
(706)
Chilhowee Campground
Benton
Cherokee National Forest

Towering Appalachian hardwoods frame this Cherokee National Forest retreat, where forest trails lead to cascading Benton Falls and McKamy Lake mirrors the surrounding peaks.

Tents
RVs
3
Smokemont Group Campground
Star
4.5
(367)
Smokemont Group Campground
Gatlinburg
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tucked at 2,198 feet elevation where the Smokies' ancient ridgelines tower overhead, this campground positions you beneath some of the Appalachians' most dramatic peaks.

Tents
RVs

About Mountain Camping in Tennessee

Mountain camping in Tennessee offers some of the most spectacular and diverse alpine experiences in the southeastern United States, from the towering peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to the rugged wilderness of Cherokee National Forest. The state's eastern border rises dramatically along the Appalachian chain, creating a paradise for campers seeking elevation, cooler temperatures, and breathtaking vistas.

Best Time

The prime season for mountain camping in Tennessee runs from late April through October, with each period offering distinct advantages. Late spring (April-May) brings spectacular wildflower blooms, rushing waterfalls fed by snowmelt, and comfortable temperatures in the 60s-70s, though occasional rain showers are common.

Scenery Highlights

  • Stunning mountain panoramas
  • Cool alpine temperatures
  • Alpine lakes and meadows
  • World-class hiking trails

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Mountain Camping in Tennessee

Map of campgrounds near Mountain Camping in Tennessee
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Map Key
1
Indian Boundary
2
Chilhowee Campground
3
Smokemont Group Campground
4
Cades Cove Group
5
Cades Cove Group Campground
6
Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
7
Backbone Rock Campground
8
Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)
9
Bandy Creek
10
Blue Heron Campground
11
Dale Hollow Damsite
12
Lillydale Campground And Day Use
13
Ragland Bottom
14
Long Branch
15
Parksville Lake Rv Campground
16
Defeated Creek Park
17
Salt Lick Creek
18
Lock A
19
Harpeth River Bridge Campground (Tn)
20
Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9
View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Scenic driving along Cades Cove Loop, Cherohala Skyway, and Blue Ridge ParkwayTrout fishing in mountain streams and stocked lakesPhotography of waterfalls, mountain vistas, and fall foliageMountain biking on designated forest service trailsSwimming in cool mountain lakes and swimming holesWaterfall chasing to iconic falls like Abrams Falls and Benton Falls

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds exactly six months in advance through recreation.gov when booking windows open, as sites at Cades Cove and Smokemont fill within minutes.
  • 2For Cherokee National Forest campgrounds, booking 2-3 months ahead is usually sufficient except for holiday weekends.
  • 3Pack layers regardless of season—mountain weather changes rapidly, and temperatures can swing 30 degrees between day and night.
  • 4Bring a quality sleeping bag rated for at least 40°F even in summer.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Mountain Camping in Tennessee

Mountain Camping in Tennessee FAQ

We've ranked 20+ mountain campgrounds in Tennessee based on elevation, scenery, and access to trails. Top options offer stunning alpine views and cool summer temperatures.
Mountain camping in Tennessee requires preparation for cooler temperatures and changing weather. Bring layers, be prepared for afternoon storms, and allow time for altitude acclimation at higher elevations.
Mountain camping season in Tennessee typically runs June through September, though lower elevations may be accessible earlier. Snow can linger at higher elevations into July.
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Indian Boundary
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