Campgrounds in Tennessee
Tennessee has 98 campgrounds in the Camphive database, from free dispersed and BLM camping to developed state park and national forest sites. The highest-rated spots are listed below by Vistas score, Camphive's 1–10 scenic rating. Every listing links to a full page with location, fees, and details.
Camping on a budget? See the 8 free camping spots in Tennessee. Looking for a site for a larger party? See the 5 group campgrounds in Tennessee.
Of the 40 top-rated spots listed below, 34 are free and 4 score 8 or higher on the Vistas scenic scale.
Top campgrounds in Tennessee
- ELKMONT GROUP CAMP — ELKMONT GROUP CAMP · ~$10/night · Vistas 8.5
- CADES COVE CAMPGROUND — CADES COVE CAMPGROUND · Vistas 8.2
- COSBY CAMPGROUND — COSBY CAMPGROUND · Vistas 8.2
- ABRAM'S CREEK CAMPGROUND — ABRAM'S CREEK CAMPGROUND · Vistas 8
- Iron Mountains — Iron Mountains · Vistas 7.8
- ELKMONT CAMPGROUND — ELKMONT CAMPGROUND · Vistas 7.8
- APPALACHIAN CLUBHOUSE — APPALACHIAN CLUBHOUSE · Vistas 7.8
- CADES COVE GROUP — CADES COVE GROUP · ~$10/night · Vistas 7.7
- Bald Mountains — Bald Mountains · Vistas 7.7
- French Broad River Area — French Broad River Area · Vistas 7.7
- GREENBRIER PICNIC PAVILION — GREENBRIER PICNIC PAVILION · Vistas 7.7
- METCALF BOTTOMS PICNIC PAVILION — METCALF BOTTOMS PICNIC PAVILION · Vistas 7.5
- Fall Creek Falls State Park — TN - Pikeville · $25/night · Vistas 7.5
- Great Smoky Mountains - Cades Cove — TN - Townsend · $25/night · Vistas 7.5
- Look Rock Campground — Look Rock Campground · Vistas 7.5
- COSBY GROUP CAMP — COSBY GROUP CAMP · ~$10/night · Vistas 7.3
- BANDY CREEK — BANDY CREEK · Free · Vistas 7.2
- Watauga Lake Area — Watauga Lake Area · Vistas 7.1
- BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND — BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND · Vistas 7.1
- Ocoee River Area — Ocoee River Area · Vistas 7
- Paint Creek Campground — Paint Creek Campground · Vistas 7
- Big Oak Cove Campground — Big Oak Cove Campground · Vistas 7
- Holston Mountain Area — Holston Mountain Area · Vistas 7
- Pigeon River Area — Pigeon River Area · Vistas 7
- Jacobs Creek Campground (TN) — Jacobs Creek Campground (TN) · Vistas 7
- HURRICANE BRIDGE — HURRICANE BRIDGE · Vistas 7
- Unaka Mountains — Unaka Mountains · Vistas 7
- TWIN CREEKS PICNIC PAVILION — TWIN CREEKS PICNIC PAVILION · Vistas 7
- THUNDER ROCK CAMPGROUND — THUNDER ROCK CAMPGROUND · ~$18/night · Vistas 7
- SPENCE CABIN — SPENCE CABIN · Vistas 7
- WILLOW GROVE CAMPGROUND — WILLOW GROVE CAMPGROUND · Free · Vistas 6.8
- COSBY PICNIC PAVILION — COSBY PICNIC PAVILION · Vistas 6.8
- CHILHOWEE CAMPGROUND — CHILHOWEE CAMPGROUND · Vistas 6.8
- SALT LICK CREEK — SALT LICK CREEK · Vistas 6.8
- Rock Creek Campground (TN) — Rock Creek Campground (TN) · Vistas 6.8
- Hiwassee River Area — Hiwassee River Area · Vistas 6.8
- ANTHONY CREEK HORSE CAMP — ANTHONY CREEK HORSE CAMP · Vistas 6.8
- DONLEY CABIN — DONLEY CABIN · Vistas 6.7
- Tellico River Area — Tellico River Area · Vistas 6.7
- Big Frog Area — Big Frog Area · Vistas 6.7
Open the interactive Tennessee camping map on Camphive to browse all 98 spots with filters for free camping, RV access, and scenic ratings.
Tennessee camping FAQ
Are there free campgrounds in Tennessee?
Yes, many primitive and dispersed sites in Tennessee are free; developed campgrounds typically charge a nightly fee. Check each listing for current fees.
What is the Vistas score?
Vistas is Camphive's 1–10 scenic rating for every campground, based on the surrounding landscape. Spots rated 8 or higher are exceptional; this page lists Tennessee's top-rated camping first.
Do campgrounds in Tennessee require reservations?
Developed state park and national forest campgrounds often do, especially in summer. Dispersed and most BLM sites are first-come, first-served with no fee. Each listing links to a detail page with what's known about fees and access.
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