Lakeside and dog-friendly camping in Tennessee

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

94% (2297 reviews)
94% (2297 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Tennessee

Dog-friendly getaways

Star Hosts in Tennessee

12 top lakeside and dog-friendly campgrounds in Tennessee

98%
(69)

LAKESIDE GETAWAY ON DOUGLAS

44 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
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98%
(527)

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
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94%
(244)

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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100%
(1049)

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
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96%
(276)

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
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94%
(44)

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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$25
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Greener Acres

3 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Roan Mountain, TN
Greener Acres minutes from Roan Mountain State Park and the Appalachian Trail. Use Greener Acres campsite as your jumping-off point for fun nearby activities or relax on our 40 acre mountainside property and watch for meteor showers in the clear night sky! Within 5 minutes, you can be at Roan Mountain State Park or drive 5-10 minutes to hike the Appalachian Trail. Head up to Carvers Gap just below Roan Mountain High Knob where you can hop out and enjoy a short walk to a scenic view of both the TN and NC mountains or visit the famous Rhododendron Gardens in season. Campsite also boasts energizing, private hike up to Heaton Ridge. Want to spend the day kayaking or canoeing? Head to Wilbur Lake, about a 30 minute drive away from our campsite. Exploring Laura Falls is only a 20 minute drive away. Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock, and Grandfather Mountain in N.C. are about 30-45 minutes away. The Smokey Mountains, Gatlinburg, and Dollywood are about a 2 hour drive through amazing mountain views. The annual Rhododendron Festival takes place minutes away. Supplies can be found at the state park camp store or in town at Redi-Mart or Dollar General. Water and showers are down by barn. A Gator is available for the duration of your stay. Please arrive before sundown so we can meet you the first time you stay to show you the way and make sure you are comfortable driving Gator. We will have you follow us up to the campsite and from there you can come and go and just leave the Gator by your car near the barn when you are out and about and when checking out. A small Bluetti power charging station will be available in the tent (for light charging of cell phones, other) which can be recharged by the barn if used heavily. A Coleman stove with a small propane tank, pots, a frying pan and utensils is also included in the site. Another small propane tank is provided for the radiator in the tent.
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$36
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Tranquil- Lakefront living

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Bean Station, TN
This secluded spot on a private drive is a perfect little getaway location. You have lake view and lake access by foot. Vehicle will be parked on the 25 ft stretch of grass pad above the campsite. Fire pit is on premise and ready for use with a walking trail to the water. Kayaks are available for rental to navigate Cherokee Lake. Trees surround you full of wild rabbits, birds and squirrels. Chipmunks visit as well, and you might get a fox passing through. Down at the water about 50 ft from your site you have the availability to fish, wade in the water, Kayak, or sit and watch the ducks, geese, turtles and more. This is a private drive so please respect other tenants who have come to enjoy seclusion and serenity during their stay. We are in a rural area about 22 minutes from main town. However, there are three restaurants, the best Blue Bell ice cream parlor, a grocery store and post office all within 8 minutes. We are 12 minutes from one of the best Disc Golf courses, 25 minutes from Parks/trails/waterfalls, and only about an hour from major tourist sites in Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/ Gatlinburg/ Knoxville/Bristol Speedway. You will have solitude during your stay but opportunities for communication and aid from host is available. HAPPY TRAVELING TO YOU :)
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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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(83)

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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Country Comfort Camping

2 sites · Lodging21 acres · Hot Springs, NC
Hotsprings NC, is an enchanting small town with a rich historical background. The 100+ year old resort is where the Appalachian trail goes right through. The property was once the haven to the rich aristocrats from the north.Learn more about this land:Hotsprings NC, is an enchanting small town with a rich historical background. The 100+ year old resort is where the Appalachian trail goes right through. The property was once the haven to the rich aristocrats from the north. The RV space will require leveling is loose gravel. The space  can accommodate vehicles up to 45 ft. in maximum length and slideouts. There are 30 and 50 amps electrical hookups.Campfires are allowed within local regulations.The property is located roughly about 7 to 10 minutes from downtown Hot Springs. There are a lot of great hiking spots here and plenty of things to do from white water tubing to fishing, camping etc. We're also not far from Smokey Mountain National Park, as well as, Asheville and Gatlinburg.
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Cedar trees and soft ground

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Elmwood, TN
Learn more about this land:We have deer come in daily, 400 yard walk to Cordell Hull Lake. Great swimming. 1 mile to boat launch. Corp land next door for public hunting. Cleaning station avalible.
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Lakeside and dog-friendly camping in Tennessee guide

Overview

The geology of the Volunteer State is surprisingly dramatic. The landscape soars from the delta lowlands of the Mississippi River east to the rugged heights of the Cumberland Plateau before climbing the forested slopes of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The varied terrain is well-suited for active campers, from paddlers and rock climbers to fishers and firefly hunters. And hikers? They’re happy everywhere. Tent and RV sites are abundant, and a growing array of glamping options—yurts, retro trailers, and treehouses—keep the camping scene fresh. And in music-loving Tennessee, a live jam is never far away, be it blues, bluegrass, or Bonnaroo.

Where to go

West Tennessee

Bordered by the Mississippi and anchored by Memphis, West Tennessee works best for campers seeking music, history, and low-key outdoor thrills. Tents and RVs are welcome at Pickwick Landing State Park, known for its lake and watersports, while birdwatchers may prefer driving north to Reelfoot Lake State Park, where bald eagles are plentiful. Shiloh National Military Park spotlights a pivotal battle in the Civil War.

Middle Tennessee

Marked by cliffs, waterfalls, wild rivers, dark skies, and lush forests, Middle Tennessee is a geologic drama queen. Packed with state parks along the steep edges of the Cumberland Plateau, it’s also a top destination for camping and active travelers. Visit Nashville, home to honky-tonks, hot chicken, and Vanderbilt, then hit Fall Creek Falls, a deep-green state park loaded with waterfalls. Stay in cabins constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in Cumberland Mountain State Park or CCC Pickett Memorial State Park—where you can go stargazing. The Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area draws adventurous paddlers, and campers can even sleep beside the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway, a historic trade route that stretches from the Mississippi River to Nashville.

East Tennessee

Prefer urban adventures? Knoxville and Chattanooga await. Knoxville is best known as the state capital, but mountain bikers love the city’s urban wilderness and its 50-mile network of trails. Chattanooga is a convenient base for rock climbing and whitewater rafting. The craft beer scene in both cities impresses too. For hiking and solitude head north to Frozen Head State Park. Families with varied interests may prefer Big Ridge State Park, which offers trails, lake swimming, and volleyball and basketball courts.

Great Smoky Mountains

The most visited national park in the United StatesGreat Smoky Mountains National Park sprawls across eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail bounces along the boundary line between the two states. The park has nine developed campgrounds and numerous backcountry shelters. Tent sites, RV parks, cabins, and glamping destinations punctuate the foothills region, which is anchored by Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

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