The best camping near Tims Ford State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Tims Ford State Park adventure.

100% (5 reviews)

Aquatic activities are the main draw at this Tennessee park.

Popular ways to camp

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Tims Ford State Park

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Tims Ford Campground

72 sites · RVs, Tents In Tims Ford State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Tims Ford State Park

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Greeter Falls Campground

64 sites · RVs, Tents24 acres · Altamont, TN

Greeter Falls Campground is open for business! We want to welcome all you happy campers to our timberland escape. Greeter Falls Campground is located less than a half mile from the Greeter Falls Trailhead, adjacent to the 16,000 acre Savage Gulf State Park offering over 50 miles of well-marked trails for every skill level. The .08 mile Greeter Falls Trail loop connects you to three awe inspiring waterfalls as well as the nearby Blue Hole swimming area. We offer many recreational options to help you enjoy the area including Primitive Tent spots, furnished Yurts (Bell Tents) and RV/Travel Trailer sites (each with electrical and water hook-ups). Unlike many RV camps where sites are over-packed into a cramped trailer park setting, all our sites are ensconced within sparsely inhabited raw timberland; with less than 3 sites per acre versus an average of 10-15 nationally. Currently we offer over 50 campsites: 25 RV Sites: - 12 Premium RV and Travel Trailer Sites - FHU with Septic and/or "Pull Thru". - 11 Regular RV Sites with standard electric/water hook ups - 2 Premium RV Sites with Small Private Dog Parks 8 Furnished Yurts (Glamping) Sites– on Wooden Platforms with Porches: - 4 11' x 11' Square Military Style Command Tents - 4 16' x 16' Square Military Style Squad Tents 17 Primitive Tent Sites: - 5 Primitive Tent Spots – Solo/Duo - 5 Primitive Tent Spots – Group/Family - 4 Primitive Tent Spots - Deluxe Group/Family with Water/Power - 3 Deluxe Group/Family Tent Spots on Main Campus with wooden platforms Come to Greeter Falls Campground to Retreat, Relax, Be Refreshed & Get Renewed Here is some useful information: • If you have any questions or need additional information, please Call: Our Camp Hostess at 1-800-MTN-CAMP (800-686-2267) Or by Email: Camp@GreeterFalls.com • Greeter Falls Campground Website: Greeter: https://greeterfalls.com • Greeter Falls Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greeterfalls/?hl=en • Directions Via Google/Apple Maps: Greeter Falls Campground. 180 Greeter Falls Road North, Altamont TN 37301 Thanks. We Look forward to seeing you soon!

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Fireside Camp + Lodge

41 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Sequatchie, TN

Tucked away on Sequatchie Mountain, this little campground and hostel invites you to experience some of East Tennessee's best parks for climbing and hiking. Cliffs and waterfalls are minutes away at near by Foster Falls, Denny Cove and Castle Rock. The hostel offers 3 bedrooms, fast internet, complete kitchen, comfortable beds, smart TV, fire pit, and laundry. The campground offers dispersed sites with fire pits and picnic tables, as well as clean bathrooms and a communal barn with a microwave, fridge, games, tables and chairs. You can walk our 22 acres and even take a short hike out to our bluff. Make sure to say "Hi" to our chickens and our barn cat, Strawberry, on the way. Add in the view of the stars and that makes this the perfect basecamp after a long day out.

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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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Howlin Hill

17 sites · RVs, Tents26 acres · Lewisburg, TN

Primitive, Hammock, Tent camping, and small campers (16ft ish and under only, WITH NO HOOKUPS) at its absolute best! Great riverfront campsites as well as more secluded wooded sites just a short walk away from the riverfront. Howlin' Hill has the best riverfront beach access on this stretch of the gorgeous Duck River. Most of our campsites are shaded by a continuous tree canopy and each site is equipped with a fire pit. We have firewood for sale near the check-in station. Early summertime offers an amazing light show performed by thousands of lightning bugs. Portables and spring fed showers are provided within walking distance from your site. Located just 8 miles from Chapel Hill and Henry Horton State Park, our campgrounds can be reached in under an hour from many of Middle Tennessee’s more urban areas.

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Running Water Creek

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Guild, TN

Running Water Creek is a unique, fully off grid campground just 20 minutes to downtown Chattanooga. We have 80+ campsites spread out over 120 acres. Most of the roads are accessible in any small car, but some roads require 4x4 (they're marked with a sign). We have a bath house with toilets, showers, and sinks and even offer hot water! Our well and cabins are all solar powered as we are not on the electric grid. Some info about the property: -we DO NOT have water or power hookups -we have gravel roads with a 5 MPH speed limit on the property (if you drive too fast the roads will seem rough) -we are right next to a highway and train tracks so there will be some noise (some days are better than others and we have no way of predicting how many trains will/will not go by) -none of our campsites have picnic tables (please plan accordingly) -most campsites have fire rings built, but if you choose a site without one you need to build your own

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Hammock’Sway Off Grid & Private

28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents37 acres · Spencer, TN

Get Lost or Find Yourself. Sway Camping is a private, Off Grid camping experience in Rock Island TN. Situated between Isha Yoga center, Fall Creek Falls, and Rock Island state park, this property is something special. Each campsite offers a private space perfect for getting away, or large enough for family and groups. Pet Friendly property with lots of room to be a part of nature along the beautiful Rocky River. Camp along the river or up in your own private forest. One of the darkets skies around so be ready for some stargazing at night by the fire. This is a property I purchased in 2018 to create a camping experience that reflected the image of camping as a kid. This isn’t a "hotel without walls." This is real camping. No phone signal. No electric wires. Just nature and beauty in a quiet environment. Get lost or find yourself relaxing along the Rocky River. Stay in a hammock, a tent, camper, RV, or one of our cabins. Privacy and freedom is what we are about. Pet friendly camping that should be shared, but please don't tell everyone you know. Only your favorite people.. Then come camp!

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Elk Head Overlook

4 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Pelham, TN

**Please note the address is 9665 SR 50, Pelham, TN 37301** The best part about this site are the views! Relax on the side of the Cumberland Plateau while overlooking Burroughs Cove and the Elk River. Need firewood? Please let us know at least 48 hours prior to arrival and we can coordinate to have it delivered to your campsite before you arrive, enough wood for the night (and then some) $35. Specific Details: **Please note the address is 9665 SR 50, Pelham, TN 37301** You can see the sites from the main road, different maps (Google/Apple/etc.) show slight variations such as 9665 SR-50 or 9665 TN-50. If you find yourself on a gravel road for more than 50ft, STOP and verify the address. There is an electrical box at each end of the graveled parking area (Sites 1 and 2) with 20- and 30-amp plugs, plus 110v. If the power is not working, please check the panel and turn on/reset the breakers, many of our guests turn them off when departing. If you are at Site #2 and the steps above do not work, please check/do the same at the Site #1 panel (it is the master power source). Water is NOT available on site. NOTE: Depending on the time of year (warmer months only) a water container with a limited amount of NON-POTABLE water is on site for your use. Please plan on filling your water reservoir(s) PRIOR to arriving at the site. There is an outhouse for all guests, and picnic tables and fire rings for Sites 1 and 2. We are located just minutes away from The Caverns, South Cumberland State Park, Bigfoot Adventures, and many other outdoor attractions and hiking opportunities. The graveled camping area is fairly close to SR-50 so please expect to hear some road noise, more so in the winter months. The entrance/driveway is on a small incline, if you are traveling with a light vehicle and a heavy camper, its best to maintain a slow and steady speed to the camp site (for almost everyone, this is not an issue). If you are towing a camper, we recommend the total length of the vehicle and the trailer not exceeding 30ft, longer set ups can (and have been used) without issue. However, there is not a significant place to "turn around" at the sites and novice drivers (not used to backing out of tight spots with long rigs) may find this very challenging. Need firewood? Please let us know at least 48 hours prior to arrival and we will attempt to coordinate having it delivered to your campsite before you arrive, enough wood for the night (and then some) $35. This is a 3rd party service and not always available, please be proactive and plan accordingly. There is a double gate that is usually closed, and latched so it stays closed, it is not "locked". The site is self-serve (not manned), Site #1 is to the left, Site #2 is to the right, and Site #3 is down the path past the outhouse at the bottom of the path. It is recommended that campers set up early for Site 3 (still daylight) to get an idea of the layout. Parking for Site #3 is by the shed at the main entrance and power is not available at the site.

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Whippoorwill Woods Nature Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · South Pittsburg, TN

Opening May 13th 2024 for the camping season! Two years ago our multi-generational family decided to go on an adventure. We had talked about moving to the woods for years, but finally decided to turn our dreams into reality. After hiking through what felt like every property for sale over 100 acres in North Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, we finally found the perfect spot. Why do we call our property Whippoorwill Woods? Did you know that whippoorwills don’t nest in trees? They lay their eggs on the ground in the forest. They’re birds that love camping! As soon as we heard the whippoorwills start singing in the spring, we knew it was the perfect name. We’re so excited to share our property with campers who love nature as much as we do. We specifically set up the campsites to give as much privacy as possible. We hope you’ll come visit and soak up the bird songs, the wind in the trees, and the beautiful sunsets over the mountains. We have 20 acres of savannah grassland full of native plants and wildflowers and over 80 untouched acres full of awesome rock formations and creeks with waterfalls available for you to hike. There's a stocked fish pond for catch and release fishing and a gorgeous view overlooking the Cumberland Plateau and the Sherwood Valley. Experienced and beginner campers are welcome! We live on one side of the property, so we’re available to assist (setting up tents for the first few times is no joke!) or we’re happy to give you as much space and solitude as you need. We have three campsites available in the native savannah grassland, and one that is a "hike-in and choose your favorite spot in the woods" site. We have a porta-potty available, but if you're hiking in, you'll want to bring some WAG bags with you. If you have any questions, or if there’s anything we can do to help, don’t hesitate to ask! We look forward to your visit! The Jansohn and Combs Families

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Little Bluff

1 site · RV, Tent30 acres · Wildwood, GA

Just ten miles from Downtown Chattanooga, Little Buff is the spot to park your van or pitch your tent! We have beautiful mountain views and convenient access to I-24. The Tennessee River, historic attractions, outdoor adventures, and urban life are all nearby. Enjoy a private, roomy campsite with a fine gravel surface, fire pit, bench, and observation point. You will have plenty of space for your rig, vehicles, tents tables and chairs, canopy, or whatever clever camping system you employ. There's an outhouse, a potable water hydrant, and an electric power station on the property. Be sure to check out the extras. We have Firewood for sale: $10 for a big bundle of seasoned, split hardwood. Don't forget the kindling for a quick blaze! We can also supply a generator, all gassed up and ready to go. Please take a moment to read and observe the RULES. They are simple and important. We want to keep your visit fun and safe and affordable, as well as preserve the property for future guests. We are so glad you are coming to Little Bluff. Thank you for booking and enjoy your stay!

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The Ole Place

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents35 acres · Whitwell, TN

35 mostly wooded acres with a 3acre stocked pond (catch and release)for a small group or private getaway. Wildlife viewing, walking, atv riding. Within about 50 miles of Chattanooga, TN. river and other parks, mountains etc.nearby. Will have a couple of camper spots and One cabin with electricity, one camper site with full hookups and one with electricity and water. Dump station,Outhouses onsite, and a shower.

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MAD MUSKY River bank camping

12 sites · Tents4 acres · Mc Minnville, TN

Learn more about this land: Beautiful river views with mountains in the background. Store on site uphill. Kayaking, tubing, paddle boards, and canoe rentals at store. Launch area for your own kayaks or tubes. Shuttle rentals for waterways with advance reservations. Some park Grills, firewood, toilets, and picnic tables available on some camp spots. Helpful staff. Swimming, bank fishing, activity shuttle for water sports. Many excursions to choose from. Camp fires allowed with fire ring use long as no fire ban going on. Rustic, country location with great service. Must have advance reservation to prevent over crowding. Cost is per sleeping tent not per person. More info can be found by viewing/following the social media on facebook, instagram, google, and youtube.

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Historic Log Cabin

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Christiana, TN

Learn more about this land:This is a one room historic log cabin furnished with a queen bed. It has a stone fireplace. The bathroom is located in the adjacent cabin. There is a table outdoors and a large fire ring. Hiking: Old Stone Fort is located 43 minutes away, with beautiful waterfalls. Rock Climbing and Hiking: at Stone Door, Foster Falls, and Denny Cove, all 1 hr 24 minutes away. Biking: the 12 mile Stones River Greenway is 13 minutes away. Kayaking: the Duck River is 39 minutes away, and the Collins River is 1 hour away. Stones River National Battlefield is 23 minutes away.Bonnaroo Music Festival is 43 minutes away.Hop Springs Brewery 27 minutesUncle Dave Macon Days 23 minutes

The best camping near Tims Ford State Park guide

Overview

About

Located on Tennessee’s Tims Ford Reservoir, this 2,200-acre park is famed for its water, offering boating, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. There’s also plenty to keep you busy on dry land, with 6.5 miles of unpaved hiking trails in addition to the 22 miles of biking and hiking trails winding along the reservoir’s shoreline. Keep your eyes peeled and your binoculars handy for spotting local wildlife, including bald eagles. And if golf’s your game, tee off on the course, which has water views at each of its 18 holes.

Notable campgrounds

Best for RVs: The Main Campground can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length.
Best for seclusion: The park has six paddle-in campsites on their own small islands.
Best for backpackers: Opt for the hike-in or paddle-in Evans Loop Backcountry Campsite.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Booking in advance is recommended and can be easily done online or by phone up to one year in advance.
Reservations are required for hike-in and paddle-in sites.
Same-day booking is not available online—only by phone.
Double-check your dates before booking—a non-refundable booking fee is charged.

When to go

Tims Ford State Park is open year-round and most popular in the summer months, which see lots of visitors cooling off in the reservoir and seasonally open, Olympic-sized swimming pool. Fall’s rich hues of red and orange are also popular—the foliage typically lasts from early October to early November with colors peaking in late October.

Know before you go

You can rent pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes at the Lake View Marina, which also has a snack bar, bait shop, and fish-cleaning area.
Visit the park’s camp store for gear, snacks, and supplies.
Pets are welcome as long as you supervise your animal at all times and have proof of a rabies shot. Pets are not allowed in park buildings or swimming areas.
Only certified heat-treated firewood is allowed to enter the park as outside firewood.