Camping is one of the most popular pastimes during the summertime for good reason. There is something so magical about spending a night beneath the stars, the croaking of frogs and clatter of insects reminding you that there is such beauty in the smallest elements of the world. Here in Tennessee, the state park system offers a series of campgrounds and outdoor experiences that make it easy to get outside during the summertime. Did your favorite state park make the list?
- Reelfoot Lake State Park
Annie’s Adventures - GoogleMaps Reelfoot Lake State Park is an oft-overlooked spot for camping, though it is known for its swampy pontoon tours that take you through the cypress trees and perhaps even boast a bald eagle sighting or two. The park also offers RV and tent campsites, as well as lakeside cabins that are great for the summertime adventurer.
- Pickett CCC Memorial State Park
Tim Lumley - Flickr There’s a solid total of 27 campsites at this beautiful state park, each of which has water hookups, grills, and even picnic tables. The park is best known for its sweeping views of the night sky, with hardly any light pollution at all. With over 58 hiking trails it’s also a great place to get out in the great outdoors.
- Fall Creek Falls State Park
Tanya Barkley - GoogleMaps Fall Creek Falls State Park is known for being home to the tallest waterfall found in the eastern United States. Visitors come from miles around and throughout the year to see the stunning views and waterfalls that stud the expansive space. Overnight accommodations include fisherman cabins, RV and tent campsites, and landside cabins as well.
- Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
cmh2315fl - Flickr The campground at Old Stone Fort State Park underwent a series of renovations and improvements in 2020. There are over 50 campsites at the park, and the heavily wooded area makes the experience feel thrillingly remote.
- Roan Mountain State Park
Brent Moore - Flickr If you’re looking to camp at a primitive campsite, a site with RV hook-ups, or in a cabin, then you don’t have to look any further than Roan Mountain State Park. The highly popular park is most well-known for its autumnal colors, but the higher elevation makes it great for a cool, crisp summer getaway.
- Cumberland Mountain State Park
David Lynch - GoogleMaps There are also both primitive and RV sites at Cumberland Mountain State Park. It’s a great place to visit if Fall Creek Falls books up quickly (which it usually does!) especially since Ozone Falls, Piney Falls, and Stinging Fork Falls are all within driving distance of the park. There are cabin rentals also available if you’re looking for something a little different.
- Pickwick Landing State Park
Matt Collins - GoogleMaps Pickwick Landing State Park is located right on the banks of Pickwick Lake, and it’s a great spot to camp if you’re looking for waterfront camping options. There’s an on-site marina that’s great for boat rentals, and you can fish, boat, and swim in the water. There are multiple campsites and even cabins on the lakefront available.
- Chickasaw State Park
Shyamal Sarkar - GogleMaps You’ll find Chickasaw State Park located right outside of Jackson, Tennessee, tucked within the rolling hills of the state’s wild natural expanse. You can stay on a tent campground or rent a cabin, and there’s even a newly renovated RV campground for visitors. It’s a great park to camp in if you’re looking for hiking trails that run along the lakefront or love star peeping at night.
The Tennessee state park system is one of the best in the nation, and you can learn more about it and all the other options it offers with a visit to its official website here.
Annie’s Adventures - GoogleMaps
Reelfoot Lake State Park is an oft-overlooked spot for camping, though it is known for its swampy pontoon tours that take you through the cypress trees and perhaps even boast a bald eagle sighting or two. The park also offers RV and tent campsites, as well as lakeside cabins that are great for the summertime adventurer.
Tim Lumley - Flickr
There’s a solid total of 27 campsites at this beautiful state park, each of which has water hookups, grills, and even picnic tables. The park is best known for its sweeping views of the night sky, with hardly any light pollution at all. With over 58 hiking trails it’s also a great place to get out in the great outdoors.
Tanya Barkley - GoogleMaps
Fall Creek Falls State Park is known for being home to the tallest waterfall found in the eastern United States. Visitors come from miles around and throughout the year to see the stunning views and waterfalls that stud the expansive space. Overnight accommodations include fisherman cabins, RV and tent campsites, and landside cabins as well.
cmh2315fl - Flickr
The campground at Old Stone Fort State Park underwent a series of renovations and improvements in 2020. There are over 50 campsites at the park, and the heavily wooded area makes the experience feel thrillingly remote.
Brent Moore - Flickr
If you’re looking to camp at a primitive campsite, a site with RV hook-ups, or in a cabin, then you don’t have to look any further than Roan Mountain State Park. The highly popular park is most well-known for its autumnal colors, but the higher elevation makes it great for a cool, crisp summer getaway.
David Lynch - GoogleMaps
There are also both primitive and RV sites at Cumberland Mountain State Park. It’s a great place to visit if Fall Creek Falls books up quickly (which it usually does!) especially since Ozone Falls, Piney Falls, and Stinging Fork Falls are all within driving distance of the park. There are cabin rentals also available if you’re looking for something a little different.
Matt Collins - GoogleMaps
Pickwick Landing State Park is located right on the banks of Pickwick Lake, and it’s a great spot to camp if you’re looking for waterfront camping options. There’s an on-site marina that’s great for boat rentals, and you can fish, boat, and swim in the water. There are multiple campsites and even cabins on the lakefront available.
Shyamal Sarkar - GogleMaps
You’ll find Chickasaw State Park located right outside of Jackson, Tennessee, tucked within the rolling hills of the state’s wild natural expanse. You can stay on a tent campground or rent a cabin, and there’s even a newly renovated RV campground for visitors. It’s a great park to camp in if you’re looking for hiking trails that run along the lakefront or love star peeping at night.
If you’re looking for more historic experiences in Tennessee, you can’t miss the Gibson Garage in Nashville!
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Address: Reelfoot Lake State Park, 2595 Highway 21 East, Tiptonville, TN 38079, USAAddress: Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, 4605 Pickett Park Hwy, Jamestown, TN 38556, USAAddress: Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USAAddress: Old Stone Fort State Park campground, Stone Fort Drive, Manchester, TN, Manchester, TN 37355, USAAddress: Roan Mountain, TN 37687, USAAddress: Cumberland Mountain State Park, 1125, 24 Office Dr, Crossville, TN 38555, USAAddress: Pickwick Landing State Park, 116 State Park Rd, Counce, TN 38326, USAAddress: Chickasaw State Park, 20 Cabin Ln #4128, Henderson, TN 38340, USA
