Tennessee has some of the most beautiful scenery in our country — and there’s no better way to enjoy that scenery than to get out and camp in it. From the rugged and raw mountains to the east, the famed Cumberland Plateau in the mid-state, and the river-hugging landscape of the west, Tennessee sure knows how to make a mark on the United States. Although the summertime is when we’d most recommend you snag a campground, there are also plenty of options for folks who are looking to indulge in a bit of spring and autumn camping, as well. You can even do it today if you’d like, and these best campgrounds in Tennessee are perfect for just that since they don’t require any reservations. Check out these no-reservation campgrounds in Tennessee and head out to one today!

1. Cosby Campground

127 Cosby Entrance Rd, Cosby, TN 37722, USA
Timothy Wildey - Flickr
For "first-come, first-served camping near me," located in Cosby, about an hour East of Knoxville, The Cosby Campground features 74 sites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. They're open seasonally from mid-April to the end of October. Known as one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains, each site is also provided with a grill for those late summertime hangouts. Camping in Tennessee has never been so beautiful. Visit Recreation.gov to learn more.

Check out this video by J & R Productions:

2. Edgar Evins State Park

1630 Edgar Evins State Park Rd, Silver Point, TN 38582, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Want to go camping in Tennessee state parks? Edgar Evins State Park is one of three on the banks of beautiful Center Hill Lake, a little over an hour east of Nashville. The campground has 60 tent and trailer sites. We'd highly recommend that campsites are reserved online, especially if you're looking for a spot equipped for trailers or motorhomes. Although this is not a free campground, it's still well worth the investment. After all, it offers some of the best camping in Tennessee. Visit the Tennessee State Parks website for more information.

3. Cades Cove Campground

10042 Campground Dr, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
turcottes78 - Flickr
Cades Cove is one of the most popular areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, receiving more than two million visitors annually. The campground is a great way to experience the cove's natural beauty and features more than 150 campsites. Folks rave about the fully equipped campgrounds and the great weather. Cades Cove is tucked away in the mountains, so you won't have to struggle through the deep humidity that plagues the mid-state during the warmer months. If you're looking for a fabulous family camping experience, this is it. Visit Recreation.gov to learn more about one of the best campsites in Tennessee.

4. Salt Lick Creek Campground

520 Salt Lick Park Ln, Gainesboro, TN 38562, USA
cfh030595 - TripAdvisor
Salt Lick Creek Campground is located on a beautiful peninsula of Cordell Hull Lake, just outside of Gainesboro. This place is perfect for fishermen, as the lake is known for its fishing. Visitors rave about the clean, quiet space, as well as the easy access to clean water. The restrooms have also been noted for their cleanliness in this well-established local Tennessee campground. Visit Recreation.gov for more information.

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5. Paris Landing State Park Campground

Paris Landing State Park Campground, Buchanan, TN 38222, USA
Mike Flaschberger/Google Local
Paris Landing has 45 sites on the shores of the beautiful Kentucky Lake, just less than two hours northwest of Nashville. Right next to Land Between The Lakes, this campground is a great place to set up a home base as you explore some of the best scenery Tennessee has to offer. Paris Landing itself is an 841-acre park that offers lakeside cabin rentals and golfing alongside the scenic edge of the water. It's a prime Tennessee camping spot, popular for families, singles, and couples alike. Visit the Tennessee State Parks website to learn more.

6. Defeated Creek Campground

140 Marina Ln, Carthage, TN 37030, USA
Ernest Smith - GoogleMaps
Just a few miles down the lake from Salt Lick Creek Campground, Defeated Creek Campground features more than 150 sites and has a great swimming beach. This is a perfect place to get off the grid for a bit! It's been noted as a great camping spot, especially for families, and the firepits make for some fabulous nights filled with s'mores. This Tennessee campground is known for its incredible beauty as well as for being off the beaten path. To learn more, head to Recreation.gov.

Take a look at this drone footage by Less Junk, More Journey:

7. Loyston Point Campground

Loyston Point Campground, 730 Loyston Point Rd, Andersonville, TN 37705, USA
Loyston Point Campground/Google Reviews
For less than $45 a night, you can stay at Loyston Point Campground, which sits right on the banks of Norris Lake, north of Knoxville. Be sure to check out all of the trails in the area while you're there! The lake provides all sorts of opportunities for recreational fun, and the bathroom and shower facilities are top-notch. You may find they have some of the best campsites in Tennessee! To learn more, visit the Loyston Point Campground web page.

8. Montgomery Bell State Park

1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns, TN 37029, USA
Lorne Sykora - Flickr
For TN state parks camping, just 45 minutes outside of Nashville, Montgomery Bell State Park has 47 sites that are available year-round. This is a great place for Nashvillians to escape the city for a quick weekend. Located on a handful of the 3,782 acres found at Montgomery Bell State Park, it's one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the state. State park camping is great all across Tennessee, but city folk can reach Montgomery Bell in under an hour, making it a great choice. Head to the Tennessee State Parks website to learn more about some of the best camping in Tennessee.

9. Henry Horton State Park

4209 Nashville Hwy, Lewisburg, TN 37091, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Henry Horton State Park is located in Middle Tennessee on the Duck River, which attracts a lot of people looking to kayak, canoe, or float the river. This is a great place to unplug, but they do offer free Wi-Fi, just in case. It's a fabulous spot for family camping, and the barbecue area is wonderful for fresh meals cooked in the great outdoors. Visit the Tennessee State Parks website to learn more.

We’ve officially found them, the best no-reservation campgrounds in Tennessee. How many have you visited? Let us know in the comments!

Need some new camping gear? Check out the selection on the REI website!

 

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More to Explore

Campgrounds in Tennessee

Meghan Kraft | August 03, 2019

What are some of the best campgrounds in Tennessee?

It's difficult to choose the best campgrounds in Tennessee since a majority of them are high quality and located in gorgeous places throughout the state. For those looking for the best camping spots for families and small groups, however, reserving a state park campground is most likely the best option. Highly regulated regarding amenities and safety, state park camping is an affordable and easy way to experience the beauty of the great state.

Are you allowed to camp in state parks?

Yes, you are allowed to camp in certain state parks in Tennessee. Make sure to check out which ones allow for Tennessee camping reservations on the Tennessee State Parks website.

What are some of the things I need to take on a camping trip?

It will depend on what time of year you're planning on camping in Tennessee, but we'd recommend the following gear:

  • Tent
  • Sleeping bags
  • Sleeping pillows
  • Camp chairs
  • A lantern
  • Extra batteries,
  • Bug spray for those heated summer nights.
  • Make sure you plan ahead for meals and provide any toiletries required for your stay in great Tennessee outdoors.

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