Tent Camping in Tennessee: 10 Beautiful Sites to Camp Naturally

Tennessee is more than just the home of hot chicken and country music. Outside of its iconic cities and southern cuisine, Tennessee boasts several national and state parks where nature lovers can pitch their camping tents for a memorable trip. While it might not be the first that comes to mind when planning a summer camping getaway, this state has quite a few beautiful sites worth exploring on your next wilderness adventure. Read on to discover 10 of the most beautiful places for camping in Tennessee, including must-do activities at each destination. Let’s get right into it!

1. Fall Creek Falls State Park

One of the most popular state parks in Tennessee, Fall Creek Falls is the largest in the state, containing over 30 thousand acres for campers to explore.

What Fall Creek Falls Is Great For

This park is home to a number of impressive waterfalls worth chasing, including its namesake, Fall Creek Falls. After hiking or biking through Fall Creek Falls to all the scenic spots, spend an afternoon at the park’s 18-hole golf course, which sits within the gorgeous woodlands and offers golfers a healthy challenge.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The only national park in Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains, sits along the state’s border with North Carolina. This park is also the most visited national park in the United States–and for good reason!

What the Great Smoky Mountains Are Great For

This national treasure is full of diverse plant life and stunning natural scenery. Cades Cove is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and driving through the Appalachian landscapes. Or, go trout fishing in the park’s nearly 3,000 miles of streams. The Great Smoky Mountains are also a phenomenal place to catch colorful foliage during the fall camping season!

3. Rock Island State Park

At the meeting point of the Caney Fork River, Collins River, and Rocky River sits Rock Island, a state park with over 800 acres to discover.

What Rock Island Is Great For

The Caney Fork River Gorge is the showstopper of this state park, and a popular destination for hiking and swimming. Campers can also venture to Great Falls, a 30-foot waterfall, or the Twin Falls via the Twin Falls Overlook.

4. South Cumberland State Park

Sitting in Monteagle in south-central Tennessee is the scenic South Cumberland State Park. 

What South Cumberland Is Great For

Campers can enjoy several stunning sites while hiking, rock climbing, or swimming, including Fiery Gizzard, Grundy Lakes, and Denny Cove. If backcountry camping in Tennessee is on your outdoor bucket list, South Cumberland is an awesome place to do it, thanks to its abundance of primitive campsites and hiking trails. Set up your favorite heavy-duty canvas tent for a long-term stay to truly take in everything South Cumberland’s backcountry has to offer.

5. Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

Located in Polk County in the southeast corner of the state, Hiwassee/Ocoee is a must-visit destination for outdoor adventurers and thrill seekers.

What Hiwassee/Ocoee Is Great For

This scenic river park is best known for its world-class white water rafting. Set up camp at one of the many nearby campsites and book a guided white water rafting tour for a memorable summer adventure!

6. Savage Gulf State Park

Encompassing 19 thousand acres just northeast of South Cumberland, Savage Gulf State Park is a National Natural Landmark worth a visit for campers in Tennessee.

What Savage Gulf Is Great For

Like many of the state parks in Tennessee, campers can enjoy scenic mountain views, numerous waterfalls, and plenty of hiking trails. The Great Stone Door is a must-see overlook on a cliff line, offering visitors one of the best views of Savage Gulf.

7. Cove Lake State Park

In the northeast region of the state, outdoor lovers will find Cove Lake State Park, a diverse landscape within a scenic mountain valley.

What Cove Lake Is Great For

If you’re looking for a peaceful setting to camp, this state park is the place to get away. Bring your favorite tent accessories, like a sunshade tarp, to create a cozy campsite where you can reconnect with nature and become the best version of yourself. Cove Lake is also the perfect place to enjoy the water on a warm summer day. Take out a paddleboard or kayak, go for a swim, or fish for bass in the lake.

8. Pickett CC Memorial State Park

Located within the nearly 21 thousand acres of Pickett State Forest, Pickett CC Memorial State Park offers campers a unique outdoor experience in northern Tennessee.

What Picket CC Memorial Is Great For

Don’t forget your star charts, binoculars, and telescopes when camping in this state park! With a Silver-tier International Dark Sky Park designation, Picket CC Memorial is one of the best destinations in Tennessee–and the entire Southeast–for astronomy and stargazing. 

9. Big Ridge State Park

Nestled within the Appalachian Ridge and Valley range, you’ll find Big Ridge State Park, a dense forested park with access to popular waterways. 

What Big Ridge Is Great For

Anyone looking to camp lakeside will enjoy a visit to Big Ridge, thanks to its proximity to Norris Lake. Participate in all of the classic lake activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, and bird watching. If you plan to camp within the park, make sure to bring waterproof gear to protect your camping equipment from moisture.

10. Reelfoot Lake State Park

If you find yourself in northwest Tennessee, don’t miss Reelfoot Lake State Park. Another park with convenient lake access and abundant wildlife, Reelfoot Lake is truly an underrated gem of the state. 

What Reelfoot Lake Is Great For

Take in the beautiful scenery of Reelfoot Lake, which includes partly submerged Cypress trees and a variety of aquatic plants. This state park is also the place to go for wildlife viewing and bird watching. Catch glimpses of American bald eagles, herons, and egrets, among other species that call the lake home.

Final Thoughts

Between its ancient mountain ranges, abundant waterfalls, and dense forest landscapes, Tennessee is a must-visit state for outdoor lovers in the South. With the most popular national park in the United States and countless state parks to explore, campers have no shortage of stunning destinations to pitch their camping tents and enjoy the wild beauty of Mother Nature. If you aren’t quite sure where to start in this often underrated state, get inspired by the list of must-see sites outlined above!