1
4.7
(515)
Ragland Bottom
Sparta
Center Hill Lake
Center Hill Lake
The pristine shores of Center Hill Lake deliver endless summer days of waterskiing, swimming from the beach, and boating adventures right from your campsite.
Tents
RVs
Summer Camping in Tennessee
Discover the best summer camping across Tennessee. Experience the best of outdoor camping during the warmest months. Long days, starry nights, and endless adventure await.
20+ Campgrounds4.5★ AverageBest: June through August
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Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
2
4.7
(772)
Lock A
Ashland City
Cheatham Lock and Dam
Cheatham Lock and Dam
The Cumberland River flows right past your campsite, offering endless days of fishing, boating, and swimming in cool waters under the warm Tennessee sun.
Tents
RVs
3
4.6
(1180)
Bandy Creek
Oneida
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Summer transforms this Big South Fork basecamp into a hub for gorge exploration, with trails leading to cascading waterfalls and swimming holes tucked beneath sandstone cliffs.
Tents
RVs
About Summer Camping in Tennessee
Summer camping in Tennessee offers an extraordinary blend of lake recreation, mountain adventures, and river escapes that make the Volunteer State a premier warm-weather destination. From the crystalline waters of Dale Hollow Lake to the misty gorges of Big South Fork, Tennessee's diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking under sunny skies.
Best Time
The prime summer camping season in Tennessee runs from late May through early September, with peak activity occurring during June, July, and August when temperatures are warmest and lake water is most inviting for swimming. June offers the advantage of longer days and slightly smaller crowds before school vacations begin, making it ideal for those seeking a more peaceful experience.
Season Highlights
- Warm weather and long days
- Swimming and water activities
- Full amenities and services
- Family-friendly activities
Campground Locations
Showing top 19 campgrounds near Summer Camping in Tennessee
Map Key
1
Ragland Bottom2
Lock A3
Bandy Creek4
Dale Hollow Damsite5
Long Branch6
Chilhowee Campground7
Defeated Creek Park8
Harpeth River Bridge Campground (Tn)9
Anderson Road Campground10
Cades Cove Group11
Cades Cove Group Campground12
Blue Heron Campground13
Parksville Lake Rv Campground14
Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)15
Backbone Rock Campground16
Salt Lick Creek17
Cages Bend18
Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.919
Smokemont Group CampgroundPlan Your Trips
Popular Activities
Swimming in pristine lakes and riversBoating and waterskiing on Dale Hollow and Center Hill LakesFishing for bass, trout, and catfishHiking scenic trails through forests and gorgesKayaking and canoeing on calm watersWildlife viewing and bird watching
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve popular lake campgrounds like Lillydale and Ragland Bottom well in advance—holiday weekends often book up 6 months ahead through Recreation.gov.
- 2Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as Tennessee summers can be hot and humid with temperatures reaching the 90s; a pop-up canopy provides valuable shade at open lakeside sites.
- 3Pack insect repellent for evening hours when mosquitoes are most active, particularly near water.
- 4If visiting mountain campgrounds like Bandy Creek, bring layers as temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations even in summer.
19 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Summer Camping in Tennessee
How to Book These Campgrounds
The most popular campgrounds for summer camping in tennessee book up months in advance. Here are the tools to help you get a site.
Summer Camping in Tennessee FAQ
We've ranked 20+ summer campgrounds in Tennessee based on weather, amenities, and user reviews. Top options include campgrounds with shade, water access, and good summer conditions.
June through August is prime summer camping season in Tennessee. June and September offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds, while July and August are peak season.
For summer camping in Tennessee, bring sun protection, plenty of water, cooling gear, and light layers for cooler evenings. Bug spray is essential in many areas.
Availability Alerts
Popular Tennessee Campgrounds Book Fast
The best summer camping in Tennessee book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
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Ragland Bottom
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- Search 20+ summer camping in Tennessee
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