Lakeside camping in Tennessee

Camp beside rivers, waterfalls, and the Great Smoky Mountains in a lush wonderland for outdoor fun.

95% (2397 reviews)
95% (2397 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Tennessee

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Dog-friendly getaways

12 top lakeside campgrounds in Tennessee

98%
(60)

LAKESIDE GETAWAY ON DOUGLAS

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Dandridge, TN
Lakeside Getaway is a seasonal peninsula on Douglas Lake of primitive camping sites in historic Dandridge, Tn just 30 min from Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area. Come enjoy your boat, jet ski, or kayaks from our 75 foot boat dock and new concrete boat ramp for launching. Our pavilion is a nice commons area with a charcoal stove and can be reserved for private parties. We rent out Kayaks to parties or individuals. Our quite cove is about 2 miles long and very secluded... Great for Kayaking! Call for more details and questions: 423-231-9399 or 423-231-4094
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$20
 / night
94%
(232)

Harmony hollow

7 sites · Tents80 acres · Sevierville, TN
Learn more about this land:Hi and thanks so much for checking out Harmony Farm . We are conveniently located minutes from Pigeon Forge TN. Home of and only 5 miles from Dollywood. Only a short drive to the Great Smoky Mountains national park . There are too many local attractions to list from horseback riding to shopping outlet malls .  Free firewood at every site upon your arrival. There is a composting potty in the barn area that has been upgraded recently as well as potable water . We are accepting tents, trucks with campers, vans and pop up campers welcomed also . We do have sites set up for you or you may prefer to pack your gear out to create your own site in a more secluded areas of the farm .  There are many private areas along the creekside for your primitive camp on our 60 acre horse farm.   Hike to the back of the farm to watch a sunset over the horse field or down by the stream . Lots of wildlife and scenery at the farm .  Laundromat and food venues just minutes away. you can still feel off grid with just a short stroll by the stream that babbles along throughout the 60 acres you will be able to make your playground while visiting the Harmony Farm. Come stay with us as we grow our hip community. Thanks so much for your support.
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$20
 / night
100%
(1036)

Belle and Beau Acres

17 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Baxter, TN
Whether you're looking for peace, relaxation, or riverside adventure, Belle and Beau Acres hits the mark for any nature enthusiast. Location, location! BBA has taken the guess work out of rustic camping. Consistently ranked as a Best of Tennessee Hipcamp and situated in a convenient spot for Upper Cumberland waterfalls, hiking, kayaking, lake life and more. A short list of what to expect on site includes: PRIVACY - ADVENTURE - GETAWAY Quick response time/Clear communication Spacious, shady, leaf-bed campsites 360 degree views of relaxing nature 27 Foot Waterfall (365 days of flow) Rock shelter under Ledge Waterfall Two shallow lazy rivers for soaking Hiking trails onsite Multiple spring-fed creeks Countless water cascades for exploring Star gazing over wide pastures Old forests for ample shade and hammock hanging Cellular reception at campsites (usually at least 1 bar) Please read the site descriptions carefully to match your style of camping with the appropriate campsite. BBA guests frequently camp with a tent, vehicle, smaller camper, hammock tent, roof top tent, pop-up camper and similar styles depending on their selection. Most of the photos in this listing are taken onsite. Please keep in mind this is primitive and wild Tennessee landscape that may also contain poisonous plants and wildlife in or around campsites. Access to fresh water fun is a short down-hill hike for all guests, with the exception of our hike-in campsites which are positioned alongside the river. Each spot has been strategically selected to provide as much privacy as possible, and comfortably accommodates groups with two vehicles. We provide a rock fire pit and heavy duty cast iron grill grate. You provide everything else, including drinking water and personal toilet waste bags if you plan to use our system. The hike-in sites come with extra seating. Every guest must be included on your reservation, and adult guests may be required to provide identification. Thank you! COMMUNITY COMFORT STATION: There is a comfort station with an outdoor shower stall for hanging your own solar shower bag. The comfort station also includes a changing room which doubles as a private place to use your portable camping toilet. A toilet seat and bucket system is provided but guests will need to use their own waste disposal bags, available at most camping supply stores. The backside of the comfort station has a rain barrel (not potable) collection system for extinguishing fires. OFF-ROAD CONDITIONS: Due to the primitive nature of our location, all reservations should expect hilly terrain and potential bumpy or soggy road access, especially after heavy rain. We ask all guests to help us minimize impacts by driving with care. We do not recommend vehicles with low ground clearance or low profile tires. An important note, guests always have the choice to park their vehicles at the entrance. We close road access December-March and guests are required to hike in from the entrance of the property, less than a mile distance total. When the road is open in Spring or unusually wet seasons, we recommend AWD or 4WD as a precaution. Belle and Beau Acres is a farm homestead with a personal campground, conveniently located less than five minutes from I40. Expect nothing short of 360 degree views of relaxing nature, privacy, and spontaneous adventure when recreating at this agritourism location. Central to the most beautiful middle Tennessee destinations, BBA is the perfect home base for day excursions to at least 10 nearby state parks and lakes. Conveniently located on the Eastern Highland Rim between Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga in the lower Appalachian mountains, this area sits at the Upper Cumberland Plateau and is part of Tennessee's largest micropolitan area of Cookeville. Visit popular nearby attractions such as Cummins Falls, Burgess Falls, Fancher Falls, Greeter Falls, Fall Creek Falls, Blue Hole, Rock Island, Center Hill Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, Caney Fork River, Standing Stone State Park, Virgin Falls, Rock Island, Cordell Hull, and Edgar Evins State Park. The choices are endless! The Klein family purchased their home in 2015 after grieving the sudden loss of a beloved family member and realizing that life is truly too short. They traded their bustling city life for a more permanent connection to nature. This small family of four lives at the entrance of their 33 acre old ranch, hosting primitive camping and leaning into a homesteading lifestyle. It wasn't until the family started shaping the land for their personal use until they realized the abundant beauty that surrounds the home. Hidden away and inaccessible were gorgeous rocky cliffs, rivers and even a waterfall! Hipcamp has provided an opportunity for them to carefully share this experience with others. On the land, they enjoy cooling off in the spring water, growing organic food, foraging for wild edibles, hiking, and exploring their onsite rivers and natural springs. Your host Christine is creative and loves working in her onsite fiber studio while her husband David is often found tending to his young fruit and nut orchard and organic crops. Their son Elliott and daughter Freya are both students at Tennessee Tech University. David, Elliott, and Freya also enjoy playing music together professionally in their band My Heart Your Heart.
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$40
 / night
98%
(524)

The Falls at Sewanee Creek

11 sites · Lodging, Tents45 acres · Tracy City, TN
45 private acres on our homestead for you to roam. Seven eclectic sites to choose from ranging from primitive camping to a lovely log cabin. All except the log cabin lovingly built by the owner, loaded with creative touches. Featuring: * Two gorgeous waterfalls. Each of our stay-sites are located within about 100-150 yards of Fifty-foot tall Miller’s Falls. * A large cave at the end of a short, but rugged hike. * A fairy Village filled with Hollow Oak Tree Fairy homes. The trees glow after dark. Magical. * Three acres for group camping centered on a well-equipped, covered outdoor kitchen. * Peaceful Meditation Retreats at the Outdoor Kitchen under brain-wave enhancing satellite dishes. * Certified Hypnotherapy Disclaimer: The flow of the waterfall is subject to fluctuations in temperature, seasonal droughts, & rain fall. The most favorable seasons for waterfall flow are fall, winter & early spring. We came to this magical place to found a self-reliant, homesteading eco-community when I retired from corporate life in 2006. It's called the Village on Sewanee Creek, named for the creek 800 feet below the bluff where we are located. I traveled the world as a senior executive for Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin' Donuts, Papa Johns, Blockbuster, 7-Eleven and other retail franchises, making the world safe for Pizza, Ice Cream, Pancakes Video Rentals and American convenience. And I was ready for something more fufilling. I scouted for a place of exquisite natural beauty and I found it here. I bought way too much land just before the real estate bust and learned how to turn a nice fortune into a very small one. I faced challenges and had lots of fun. Now I want to share our experience. It's the Village 2.0 for guests. Or not. Life in the city is OK as long as you can get away frequently. I'm convinced if you love nature and the outdoors, this is the best place to celebrate it.
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$39
 / night
96%
(274)

Camp Nashville Highland Rim

9 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Goodlettsville, TN
Primitive camping near Nashville at a secluded hilltop nestled in a hardwood forest. Flat areas for tents, trees for hammocks, car / van camping. Drive to site. Choose favorite of multiple unique sites upon arrival. First arrive, first choice of available camping spaces. Sites are not numbered or pre-assigned. Camping guests supply camping gear. Amenities: 2 community water hydrants, community vault toilet, fire pit at each site. Firewood bundles available for additional fee. Outdoor hot water heater for shower Apr-Oct, except freezing temperatures. Kid friendly. No extra charge for children. (check to be sure not charged for children if selecting +x). Pets permitted under owner supervision, campfires allowed, Please do not leave trash. Trash policy is carry in / carry out with you for disposal. Camping location north of downtown Nashville on a ridge at a higher elevation overlooking Nashville. Camp away from noisy highways, convenient to I65 and multiple amenities, grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops . 5 miles from three I65 exits. 14 miles from I24. 18 miles from I40. 18 miles from Nashville downtown riverfront. Uber or Lyft to Nashville available. Quiet hours after 10PM. If you're hanging out or arriving after 10PM.... keep it quiet for guests turning in by 10PM.
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$35
 / night
98%
(125)

Blue Heron Landing

6 sites · RVs, Tents358 acres · Lobelville, TN
Blue Heron Campground was once home to the Cherokee Indians. Property is surrounded on all sides by water and has a mile and a half shoreline on the Tennessee river. Just to the North begins a designated 20 mile Wildlife Refuge following the river. It is 340 acres to roam and has rich farmland that has also grazed cattle. People's landing is now the swim beach and sand boat ramp. It was a port of commerce when the main types of transportation, prior to good roads, were the steamboats, ferry boats, and trains.  Just north of People's landing used to be a post office and small store at Daniel's Landing.The Tennessee River is one of only three rivers that flow North in the United States.People can now use it for camping, fishing or just watching the boats and barges  go by. Enjoy! Learn more about this land:Blue Heron Campground is primitive camping with no services located 10 miles west of Lobelville, Tennessee. There is a marina for supplies within 3 miles. You can camp right on the shoreline of the Tennessee river and enjoy the river for fishing or swimming. Take a 20 mile day trip to Loretta Lynn's ranch or go 70 miles to Nashville. Enjoy 358 acres to hike and explore open meadows and forest. Enjoy the birds and the boats going by. Hopefully a beautiful sunset over the river to end the day.
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$25
 / night
94%
(42)

Lazy Acres Lake

9 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Lexington, TN
Lazy Acres Lake is located 11 miles from interstate 40 in the beautiful farming community of Chesterfield, Tennessee. We have an abundance of wildlife including our own team of Khaki Campbell guard ducks and a piebald whitetail buck named Lucky who enjoys hanging out by the levee. Lake access is included with each site reservation. Life jackets required at all times for those with paddle please. Camp sites 1-3, the boat ramp and main parking area are located at the main entrance and offer gravel roads and parking. Look for the LAL logo on the left gate post. Camp site #4 the hiking trailhead and our back country campsites are located at the east entrance. Look for patriotic fence post near the road. If you end up traveling a long paved road that leads to a boat ramp with lots of parking, you zigged when you should have zagged. Turn around and lazy acres is across from where that road ends. Follow the access road along the tree line down to the water. The hiking trail is to the east across the footbridge. Look for white AT style blazes for trail markers. The blue blazes leading to each campsite. * All gates are open 24 hours when campers are present.
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$30
 / night
100%
(6)

Bear Bluff Retreat Center Hill Lake

6 sites · RVs20 acres · Walling, TN
Nested on a 20 acre wooded bluff overlooking Wright’s Bend on Center Hill Lake, Bear Bluff Retreat is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your vacation. Offering three 1 bedroom cabins and a full hook up RV site, you will find yourself in the perfect place to enjoy all that the surrounding area has to offer or just relax on site overlooking the water and soak in the views.. White County is the waterfall mecca of Tennessee. The abundant rivers, waterfalls and lakes offer outdoor opportunities including kayaking, hiking, fishing, boating, sightseeing, bird watching and more. Launch points are located within a few miles of the property. At nearby Rock Island State Park the Caney Fork River and Collins River converge at a hydroelectric dam where it then flows north to the main body of the lake past Bear Bluff Retreat. The retreat is abutted by 15-20 acre wooded parcels on either side. The property across the river is a large farm located on the outskirts of Smithville, TN to the west. In addition to Rock Island State Park there are several State Parks nearby featuring waterfalls including Burgess Falls, Great Falls, Fall Creek Falls and Cumberland Caverns. The closet city is Sparta, TN which is about 17 miles to the east. McMinnville, TN is about 22 miles south. Cookeville, TN is about 27 miles north. All of these cities offer a variety of restaurant and shopping options.
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$49
 / night
100%
(82)

The Ponderosa

4 sites · Tents5 acres · South Pittsburg, TN
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT!! We are CLOSING THE POOL ON SEPT 17TH, 2023. 2024 WILL BRING IN A NEW POOL LINER!! YAY!! PLANS TO RE-OPEN POOL FOR 2024 IS MAY!! NO HOT TUB! We lost our hot tub last year due to overuse of patrons from pool partiers. We rent our pool out on weekends but if you would like to have it while you are here let us know and we will rent it to you. $300 all day We look forward to seeing everyone! See Lodge cast iron factory. Enjoy our small town. We're close to Rock City and the Chattanooga choo choo and other great sites in Chattanooga Tn. Enjoy our swimming pool that opens in Late May but closes on the first cold snap, usually end of Sept every fall. Many amenities such as bathhouse, free Wi-Fi, grill, corn hole game and fire pit with wood. South Pittsburg, Tn is the home of Lodge Cast iron! Every year there is a National Cornbread Festival. Bring a tent and stay with us! POSITIVES OF STAYING WITH US 1. We will treat you like family. 2. We supply firewood. 3. We supply gas for the grill. 4. The pool is yours at no charge if there is no party scheduled. 5. We have free coffee in our pool area kitchen. A small refrigerator and a microwave. 6. HOT SHOWERS!! shampoo, conditioner, soap, towels and washcloths provided. 7. Bathroom and sink 8. Back porch to relax on if you choose to. 9. Free Wi-Fi 10. Kayaking in area. 11. Hiking trails all over the Jasper Highlands! very close to us. 12. We have two horses you can pet and spend time with, but don't turn your back on the brown one! she will bite your butt! lol! (This should've been in the negatives, lol!!) Here are the NEGATIVES OF STAYING AT THE PONDEROSA 1. We have 5 German shepherds in a kennel that will welcome you upon your arrival with barking. They settle down eventually. 2. We have a nosy Monkey named Daisy Mae who watches our campers and pool parties continually. 3. We rent our pool out so it may not always be available to you when you're here and the bathroom is shared with them during your stay. 4. Our property is across the street from a scrap metal yard that opens too early.
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$25
 / night
98%
(44)

Awakening Adventures

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents42 acres · Grandview, TN
Welcome to our serene and rejuvenating private getaway nestled within 42 acres of forested beauty. The Sanctuary offers an unparalleled experience where nature meets comfort, allowing you and your group to unwind and reconnect with the tranquil surroundings. We are uniquely situated on the edge of the Tennessee Cumberland Plateau and the Tennessee river valley. We are currently offering 4 treehouse dwellings to share our peaceful land full of God's promises. The dwellings are spaced far enough apart for privacy yet not to far of a walk to the common area where the kitchen and shower are. You'll be surprised at how cool the tents stay under the forest canopy in the heat of summer. Then in the colder months we have various heating options to keep you cozy in 3 of the dwellings I hope you come to share this with us, it's an amazingly peaceful area. Nearly 3 miles of hiking trails to enjoy during your visit. Take a spur trail off the main trail loop and there is a prayer shelter with a fire pit inspired by Luke 6:12 in the back corner of the property. The latest improvement is a sunrise/sunset/bird-watching platform that is 20 feet in the air with a 2 stage bridge to access it. We updated the outdoor kitchen with a 3 burner propane stove and running water. Other cooking options include a tripod over the fire and a charcoal grill. A short 10 minute drive to firetower rd brings you to a 2 mile loop trail with 2 waterfalls, Upper and Lower Piney Falls. Ozone falls is just a 20 minute drive. Then toward Spring City is Stinging Fork Falls at 25 minutes. The Hiking possibilities are nearly endless and close. I'll highlight one thru hike here since both trailheads are only 20 minutes away and is easy to coordinate with only 2 vehicles. It's a 10.2 mile hike that can be done in either direction and has a little something for everyone including a cave, boulder field, cascade and waterfall. Then you have massive Watts Bar Lake which is only 20 minutes away with a plethora of activities including the excursions we offer! We look forward to hosting you!
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$35
 / night
100%
(29)

Camp faith

22 sites · Lodging, Tents81 acres · Butler, TN
Camp Faith is a new Faith-based campground located in Northeast Tennessee, in a small town called Butler. There are 81 acres to explore during your stay. So far, there are 5 primitive cabins as well as a 2 bedroom 1-1/2 bath cottage. We plan on building more as the campground grows. There will be 11 rv sites with full hook-ups very soon. There are several primitive tent sites thru out, most of which are creek side. Only 5 minutes from Sugar Hollow Retreat. Amenities include: Outdoor- Axe throwing, disc golf, tetherball, horseshoes, cornhole, darts, ring & hook games, board games, firepits (firewood included), walking trails, kayaks, and more... Bathhouse- Full-size bathrooms, fully stocked common kitchen, indoor/outdoor seating, coin operated laundry, ping pong, board games, stocked bookshelf, tv's w/dvd's, free ice (ice machine on bathhouse deck), event-sized grill, pizza oven, gas fireplace, and more... Free Starlink high speed internet
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$35
 / night
100%
(2)

Camp Towers Lake

2 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Crossville, TN
Enjoy Camping in our small private campground on 160 acres southwest of Crossville, TN. Located along Buck Ridge atop the Cumberland Plateau we're conveniently located between Cumberland Mountain and Fall Creek Falls State Park. There is sewer, municipal water and 30/50 amp electricity hookups. The campsites are on a private road. There several paths to walk on and a nine acre lake on the property. We allow swimming. We do not allow hunting, ATVs or fireworks. We are currently working on a suitable fishing policy with Hipcamp. We don’t particularly consider this to be a fishing destination but want to find a way to accommodate people’s interests. If you’re reading this, it’s still in progress. Please feel free to send a message.
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$25
 / night

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Lakeside camping in Tennessee guide

Overview

Looking to camp near a lake in Tennessee? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 770 options in Tennessee that offer lakeside camping, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your outdoor adventure. Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's an option for every camping style. And with top campsites like Belle and Beau Acres (305 reviews), The Falls at Sewanee Creek (286 reviews), and Beech Hollow Hideout (149 reviews), you can trust that you'll have a great experience. Plus, popular amenities like showers, campfires, and trash facilities are available at many locations. If you're into off-roading, biking, or hiking, you'll find plenty of opportunities for those activities too. And with an average price per night of $30 and options as low as $10, camping in Tennessee has never been more affordable. So pack your gear and get ready for a lakefront camping experience like no other!

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