Camping in Tennessee

A complete guide to camping in Tennessee

Majestic waterfall in Tennessee's Fall Creek Falls State Park, a camper's paradise

Photo Credit: P Hansen

Overview

Tennessee's camping landscape splits between the mountainous eastern half and the flatter western plains, creating two distinct experiences within a single state. The Great Smoky Mountains anchor the eastern region, where towns like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville cluster around the national park's western entrance. Campgrounds here sit at elevations from 1,000 to over 3,000 feet, surrounded by dense hardwood forest and cold mountain streams.

The central and western portions of the state drop into rolling hills and river valleys. The Tennessee River and its tributaries carve through the landscape, creating a network of lakes and waterways that support a different kind of camping. Clifton, Springville, and Tellico Plains serve as quieter bases for anglers and boaters. The terrain flattens toward Memphis, where the Mississippi River corridor offers yet another character. Tennessee's mild winters keep most campgrounds operational year-round, though the Smokies see their heaviest traffic between June and October.

Browse All RV Parks & Campgrounds in Tennessee

Best Seasons to Camp in Tennessee

Spring

Mar-May

High 61°F · Low 49°F

Wildflower blooms in the Smokies draw hikers as temperatures warm. Lower elevations reach the 70s while mountain areas remain cooler. Some higher trails may still have wet conditions in March.

Summer

Jun-Aug

High 79°F · Low 67°F

Peak camping season across the state. Mountain areas provide relief from the heat that builds in western Tennessee. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Smokies. Campgrounds near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge fill early.

Season	Months	Avg High	Avg Low	Conditions
Spring	Mar-May	61°F	49°F	Wildflower blooms in the Smokies draw hikers as temperatures warm.
Summer	Jun-Aug	79°F	67°F	Peak camping season across the state.
Fall	Sep-Nov	61°F	49°F	Fall color peaks in October across the Smokies, drawing large crowds to mountain campgrounds.
Winter	Dec-Feb	43°F	31°F	Lower elevations remain campable with January averages around 36 degrees.

Source: NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals

Camping Regions in Tennessee

Region	Terrain	Key Areas
Great Smoky Mountains Corridor	Mountain	Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Cosby
Cherokee National Forest	Forest	Tellico Plains, Newport, Benton
Cumberland Plateau	Mountain	Crossville, Smithville, Manchester
Tennessee River Valley	Lakefront	Clifton, Springville, Paris
Nashville Basin and Western Tennessee	Plains	Nashville, Bristol, Memphis

Great Smoky Mountains Corridor

Mountain · Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Cosby

The most concentrated camping region in the state. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Cosby anchor a dense network of private campgrounds and national park sites. Elevation ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 feet. Mountain terrain with dense hardwood and conifer forests, cold streams, and waterfall hikes within short drives of camp. Greenbrier Campground and Camp LeConte near Gatlinburg, Camp Riverslanding in Pigeon Forge, and Elkmont Campground inside the national park provide the primary options across private and public land.

Cherokee National Forest

Forest · Tellico Plains, Newport, Benton

Stretching along Tennessee's eastern border, the Cherokee National Forest offers dispersed camping and developed Forest Service campgrounds. Tellico Plains and the Hiwassee River area draw anglers and paddlers. Higher elevations mean cooler summer temperatures and fewer crowds than the Smokies corridor. Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground near Tellico Plains and Tana-See Campground near Newport sit along the forest corridors.

Cumberland Plateau

Mountain · Crossville, Smithville, Manchester

The central plateau between the mountains and the Nashville basin features state parks with dramatic waterfalls and gorges. Fall Creek Falls and Savage Gulf offer developed campgrounds surrounded by sandstone bluffs and old-growth forest. Elevations sit around 1,500 to 2,000 feet. Deer Run RV Resort and Spring Lake RV Resort near Crossville provide developed bases for exploring the plateau parks.

Tennessee River Valley

Lakefront · Clifton, Springville, Paris

The western half of the state follows the Tennessee River and its reservoirs. Clifton, Springville, and the Kentucky Lake area cater to boaters and anglers. Flat to gently rolling terrain with milder winters. Campgrounds here offer a more laid-back pace and better availability during peak months. Hidden Oasis at White Oak Landing near Clifton and Myers Landing RV Resort near Springville serve the lake and river camping crowd.

Nashville Basin and Western Tennessee

Plains · Nashville, Bristol, Memphis

The Nashville area and points west offer proximity to urban services with a mix of private RV parks and state park campgrounds. Terrain flattens toward Memphis. Summer heat and humidity are more pronounced at lower elevations. Bristol anchors the northeast corner with access to both Tennessee and Virginia mountain camping. Two Rivers Campground and Nashville KOA Resort provide metro Nashville access, while Anderson Road Campground serves the J. Percy Priest Lake area.

Camping Tips for Tennessee

Book Smokies campgrounds well in advance for summer and fall color season. Cades Cove and Elkmont fill months ahead.
Bear canisters or bear-proof storage are required in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many private campgrounds in the Gatlinburg corridor provide bear boxes.
Afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly in mountain areas from June through August. Plan ridge hikes for morning hours.
Campfire regulations vary by county and season. Check burn permits and fire danger ratings before lighting any fire, especially during dry fall months.
The elevation difference between Gatlinburg (1,300 ft) and Clingmans Dome (6,643 ft) means a 20-degree temperature swing. Pack layers even in summer.
Fishing requires a Tennessee state license. Trout fishing in mountain streams is catch-and-release in many areas within the national park.
Western Tennessee campgrounds near Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River offer a quieter alternative to the Smokies corridor, with better availability during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to camp in the Great Smoky Mountains?

June through October covers the prime window. Summer brings warm days and cool mountain nights, while October offers peak fall color. Spring wildflower season (April through May) is less crowded but wetter. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, though some park campgrounds close November through March.

Do I need reservations for Tennessee campgrounds?

National park campgrounds in the Smokies require reservations and fill quickly for summer and fall dates. Many private campgrounds in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area also book out during peak season. Western Tennessee and Cumberland Plateau campgrounds generally have more walk-up availability.

Are there bears in Tennessee campgrounds?

Black bears are active throughout the Great Smoky Mountains region. The national park requires proper food storage and has bear boxes at developed campgrounds. Most private campgrounds in the Smokies corridor have bear awareness protocols. Bear encounters are less common in western Tennessee.

What is dispersed camping like in Tennessee?

The Cherokee National Forest allows dispersed camping throughout most of its territory. No reservations required. Camp at least 100 feet from water sources and trails. The Cumberland Plateau has more limited dispersed options. National park backcountry camping requires a permit from the Great Smoky Mountains NP office.

How different is the weather between East and West Tennessee?

Eastern mountain areas run 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the western plains in summer. Gatlinburg averages around 75 degrees in July while Memphis reaches 90. Winter brings occasional snow above 3,000 feet in the east, while western Tennessee rarely sees accumulation. Annual rainfall is higher in the mountains at 55 to 60 inches versus 50 in the west.