54 state parks dot the landscape of Tennessee. Campgrounds exist in 36 of them. From east to west, Tennessee’s vast variety of woods, lakes, and mountains aid in making camping one of the biggest recreational activities in the state. In fact, so many wonderful camp sites exist in Tennessee that it’s easy to find many great places to spend a long weekend or your next vacation.
West Tennessee offers some of the more wooded areas of the state and consequently the region hosts numerous camp sites. Chickasaw State Park located in Henderson has three campgrounds within its borders, including a wrangler site that allows for campers who want to bring along their horses. Each of the three campgrounds features water and electrical hookups, bathhouses, grills, and playgrounds. While on site, campers can dine at the park’s restaurant, fish or swim in beautiful Lake Placid, and hike or bike along the many trails throughout the park.
Natchez Trace State Park may be the crown jewel of West Tennessee’s campgrounds. The park itself spreads out into three counties and is a short ride from either Nashville or Memphis. Natchez features four campgrounds for a total of 210 sites. Each site features grills, bathhouses, and two dump stations. The RV site offers laundry services, vending, telephones, and sewers. The site also features a swimming beach, playground, and boat dock. A small store full of fishing, camping, and food supplies is located just beyond the campgrounds if you happen to forget or run out of anything while at the park.
Not too far away from Natchez Trace lies Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park, named after one of the most renowned Confederate heroes of the Civil War. This park features three campgrounds, two of which are primitive. Happy Hollow campground has all of the previously mentioned niceties, including showers, electric hookup and a playground. One of the other campgrounds hosts mainly groups such as girl scouts and boy scouts. The campground is situated along Lake Kentucky and is available at no charge, but only by request.
Middle Tennessee has more than its fair share of great camp sites as well. Named for the wooded lands in the Old Testament, Cedars of Lebanon State Park resides smack dab in the middle of the state and features a wide array of activities for eager campers. Along with the usual fixtures of grills and showers and such, you will also find a laundromat, a store and a souvenir shop. The park also has a huge swimming pool open during the summer months, along with six miles worth of horse trails.
While the prize for Tennessee’s most beautiful state park may depend on whom you ask, Fall Creek Falls should be the runaway favorite for most people. This unique area boasts all the amenities of the other camp sites, while at the same time presenting campers with immaculate views of waterfalls, gorges, cascades and sweet little streams. Campers will continue to be dazzled by the park’s natural beauty. Fall Creek Falls features two group camps that include bunkhouses, playfields, and fire rings. There’s also a golf course campers can try. Of course, nothing can be more recommended at this park than exploring all the many trails. Each step is prettier than the last.
Boasting the highest elevations in the state, East Tennessee has numerous parks situated along the Great Smoky Mountains. Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park’s distinguishing attribute is the log home built as a replica of the one in which Davy Crockett would have been born. The campground itself lies adjacent to the gorgeous Nolichucky River, which is a lovely place for both camping and fishing.
Cumberland Mountain State Park may offer more activities and facilities than most of the other state parks in Tennessee. The campsites all include grills, tables, and bathhouses, although if you rent one of the many cabins many other amenities will be at your service. The park’s restaurant includes a buffet of some of the best Southern food around. Even non-campers visit the park just for the cooking! Boating, swimming, fishing, and a round of golf can all be achieved by campers at Cumberland Mountain.
If you journey to the southeastern part of the state, plenty of beautiful camping options exist as well. One great choice is Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park. This area caters to rivergoers more than any other visitors, however, the campgrounds provide a serene resting spot for the frequent water lovers. Campers can even fall asleep along the riverbank, achieving a peaceful night’s rest. The entire camp also provides any nature buff numerous opportunities for wonderful sites and photographs.
Anyone who has spent time in Tennessee knows the state consists of a plethora of fabulous landscapes. Woods, mountains, rivers, and a variety of wildlife can all be found in this Southern gem. Luckily for campers, all of these geographic features exist in the dozens of state parks across the state. No matter which end of Tennessee you find yourself, if you love to camp and you love the outdoors, you won’t be disappointed no matter which park you try.
