Camping is a summertime classic, a perfect way to spend time in the outdoors and get your fill of that warm and delicious sunshine. We’ve found ten places in Tennessee where you not only get to camp, but you get to enjoy camping by the water’s edge. Book a spot at some of the best campgrounds in Tennessee on the water and elevate your summer with an experience that’s truly memory-worthy.

1. Bledsoe Creek State Park
Bledsoe Creek State Park, 400 Zieglers Fort Rd, Gallatin, TN 37066, USA
Bledsoe Creek State Park / Facebook
Bledsoe Creek, located about 45 minutes Northeast of Nashville, has 58 paved campsites, all right off the water of Old Hickory Lake. There are also three primitive-style hammock campgrounds! Be sure to check out the Shoreline trail which traces the water for 1.5 miles. For more information, visit the Bledsoe Creek State Park website.
2. Edgar Evins State Park
Edgar Evins State Park, 1630 Edgar Evins State Park Rd, Silver Point, TN 38582, USA
Michael Hicks / Flickr
Edgar Evins has 60 tent and trailer campsites on the slopes of beautiful Center Hill Lake, about an hour East of Nashville. Be sure to make reservations here by calling in advance - this spot fills up fast! For more information and to make your reservation, check out the Edgar Evins State Park website.
3. Standing Stone State Park
Standing Stone State Park, 1674 Standing Stone Park Hwy, Hilham, TN 38568, USA
Ichabod - Wikipedia
Located about half an hour North of Cookeville, near the Kentucky Border, Standing Stone State Park is located right on the beautiful, steep banks of Kelly Lake. Standing Stone offers 36 tent and trailer sites and has an idyllic shore trail that encircles the whole lake. Be sure not to miss this one! Be sure to check out the Standing Stone State Park website to make your camping reservation.
4. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA
Land Between The Lakes KY/TN's photostream / Flickr
Land Between The Lakes is known for its 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline and miles and miles of lake. The Recreation Area has 1400 campsites spread over 21 different campgrounds, giving you so many options to see the beautiful lakes. Be sure to visit the Land Between the Lakes website for more information.
5. Cove Lake State Park
Cove Lake State Park, 110 Cove Lake Ln, Caryville, TN 37714, USA
CollectMoments - Flickr
Located half an hour North of Knoxville, Cove Lake is 717 acres on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau. The creation of the Norris Dam caused Cove Creek to back up its path, creating this narrow, incredibly scenic Lake. The park has 100 campsites and contains an 11-mile section of the Cumberland Trail. Learn more about planning your camping experience by visiting the Cove Lake State Park website.

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6. Rock Island State Park
Rock Island State Park, 82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
Rock Island is located at the headwaters of Center Hill Lake and features some of the most scenic views of the lake, including Great Falls, a 30 foot waterfall below a 19th-century cotton mill. The park has two campgrounds, offering 70 campsites that accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Reservations at Rock Island State Park fill up fast, so don't miss your chance for one of the best campgrounds in Tennessee on the water!
7. Pickett CCC Memorial State Park
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, 4605 Pickett Park Hwy, Jamestown, TN 38556, USA
Ichabod - Wikipedia
This park is unique in that it was the first park in the Southeast to be certified as a dark sky viewing location, making it the perfect place to see the stars. It's located about two hours Northwest of Knoxville and has 26 campsites and several cabins of all sizes. For more information, visit the Pickett CCC Memorial State Park website.
8. David Crockett State Park
David Crockett State Park, 1400 W Gaines St, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464, USA
Christopher Hollis - Wikipedia
You can camp out near Shoal Creek at Campground #1, where there are ten primitive sites and 97 different campsites for you to rent by the night. There is also a scout camp that can hold over 30 tents for the younguns. The 1,100-acre park has more than six miles of hiking trails, a museum and stunning views of Shoal Creek and Crockett Falls to keep your days nice and busy. Plan your camping trip today by visiting the David Crockett State Park website.
9. Cedar Point Campground
1659 Cedar Point Rd, Manchester, TN 37355, USA
Cedar Point Campground - Facebook
There are 52 campsites at Cedar Point, and you may just find yourself within view of the Normandy TVA Reservoir and the upper Duck River. There's even a picnic pavilion that can hold up to 75 folks, plus a boat launch and a tiny general store. Happy summering! The Cedar Point Campground website has all the information you need to plan your visit.
10. Mousetail Landing State Park
Mousetail Landing State Park, 3 Campground Rd, Linden, TN 37096, USA
Mousetail Landing State Park / Facebook
A fairly intimate state park, Mousetail Landing has 25 campsites that are right on the water as well as 21 primitive sites. You can grill out or go fishing, maybe hike one of their five fabulous trails. This is the kind of idyllic location that makes you fall in love with summertime. Happy adventuring!

Have you been to any of these places to camp in Tennessee? Are there others that you think should be considered as some of the best campgrounds in Tennessee on the water? Let us know in the comment section! We would love to hear from you.

Let’s continue exploring! Did you know that Most People Don’t Know About This Magical Sunflower Field Hiding In Tennessee? Check it out!

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More to Explore

Places To Camp In Tennessee

Katie Feldkamp | April 13, 2023

What are some inexpensive campgrounds in Tennessee?

Camping doesn’t have to break the bank, and here are several inexpensive campgrounds in Tennessee that are worth checking out:

  • Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer
  • Meriwether Lewis Campground in Hohenwald
  • Tims Ford State Park in Winchester
  • Rhea Springs Recreation Area in Spring City

For more information on these and several other locations, check out this article on inexpensive campgrounds in Tennessee.

Where are some campgrounds in Tennessee where no reservations are required?

When you’re feeling spontaneous and want to sleep out under the stars, reference this list of campgrounds in Tennessee where you don’t need a reservation:

  • Cosby Campground in Cosby
  • Cades Cove Campground in Townsend
  • Salt Lick Creek Campground in Gainesboro
  • Paris Landing State Park Campground in Buchanan

For more information on these and more sites, be sure to read this article on no reservation campgrounds in Tennessee.

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