The best earth house rentals in Tennessee

The geology of the Volunteer State is surprisingly dramatic. The landscape soars from the delta lowlands of the Mississippi River east to the rugged heights of the Cumberland Plateau before climbing the forested slopes of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The varied terrain is well-suited for active campers, from paddlers and rock climbers to fishers and firefly hunters. And hikers? They’re happy everywhere. Tent and RV sites are abundant, and a growing array of glamping options—yurts, retro trailers, and treehouses—keep the camping scene fresh. And in music-loving Tennessee, a live jam is never far away, be it blues, bluegrass, or Bonnaroo.

Top-rated campgrounds near Tennessee

Lyric Grin

1. Lyric Grin

1 site · Lodging · Whitwell, TN

A land trust in the Sequatchie Valley, on the edge of the Cumberland Escarpment, featuring a 1000’ elevation change, bluffs, canyons, plateaus, ridges, creeks, waterfalls, trails, and caves with both sculpted and micro environments, all sacred. A close drive to Cumberland Folk School and numerous renowned Cumberland Plateau TN State Parks. We have comfortable beds to come home to after exploring with forest views as you rejuvenate with your hot shower or tub, and replenish with all of the kitchen amenities. Or, book a massage or cave exploration here before enjoying our art gallery with handmade pottery, glass lamp work, kaleidescopes, and copper electroformed magical tools and jewels! Access to our two mile trail and creek (when running,) are granted with your stay so you may explore the local flora and fauna right outside of your door! Our Arboretum trail and guidebook are an excellent way to become familiar with the plants around you! Although there is a noon check out, you may remove your belongings and vehicles from the Mud Dauber site and park at the property entrance and stay to enjoy the land until sunset on the day of your scheduled departure:) ***Please message us to request a Sunday as part of a longer stay. With the expansiveness of this land, for safety, it is important to only explore the area around your site and to stay on the geomarked trails unless you are being guided by one of us. Cave, bluff hikes, and additional on-land adventures extra and by appointment only. Massage therapy available on site.

Toilets

Showers

Campfires

from

$250

/ night

The geology of the Volunteer State is surprisingly dramatic. The landscape soars from the delta lowlands of the Mississippi River east to the rugged heights of the Cumberland Plateau before climbing the forested slopes of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The varied terrain is well-suited for active campers, from paddlers and rock climbers to fishers and firefly hunters. And hikers? They’re happy everywhere. Tent and RV sites are abundant, and a growing array of glamping options—yurts, retro trailers, and treehouses—keep the camping scene fresh. And in music-loving Tennessee, a live jam is never far away, be it blues, bluegrass, or Bonnaroo.

Top-rated campgrounds near Tennessee

Lyric Grin

1. Lyric Grin

1 site · Lodging · Whitwell, TN

A land trust in the Sequatchie Valley, on the edge of the Cumberland Escarpment, featuring a 1000’ elevation change, bluffs, canyons, plateaus, ridges, creeks, waterfalls, trails, and caves with both sculpted and micro environments, all sacred. A close drive to Cumberland Folk School and numerous renowned Cumberland Plateau TN State Parks. We have comfortable beds to come home to after exploring with forest views as you rejuvenate with your hot shower or tub, and replenish with all of the kitchen amenities. Or, book a massage or cave exploration here before enjoying our art gallery with handmade pottery, glass lamp work, kaleidescopes, and copper electroformed magical tools and jewels! Access to our two mile trail and creek (when running,) are granted with your stay so you may explore the local flora and fauna right outside of your door! Our Arboretum trail and guidebook are an excellent way to become familiar with the plants around you! Although there is a noon check out, you may remove your belongings and vehicles from the Mud Dauber site and park at the property entrance and stay to enjoy the land until sunset on the day of your scheduled departure:) ***Please message us to request a Sunday as part of a longer stay. With the expansiveness of this land, for safety, it is important to only explore the area around your site and to stay on the geomarked trails unless you are being guided by one of us. Cave, bluff hikes, and additional on-land adventures extra and by appointment only. Massage therapy available on site.

Toilets

Showers

Campfires

from

$250

/ night

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best earth houses in Tennessee guide

Where to go

West Tennessee

Bordered by the Mississippi and anchored by Memphis, West Tennessee works best for campers seeking music, history, and low-key outdoor thrills. Tents and RVs are welcome at Pickwick Landing State Park, known for its lake and watersports, while birdwatchers may prefer driving north to Reelfoot Lake State Park, where bald eagles are plentiful. Shiloh National Military Park spotlights a pivotal battle in the Civil War.

Middle Tennessee

Marked by cliffs, waterfalls, wild rivers, dark skies, and lush forests, Middle Tennessee is a geologic drama queen. Packed with state parks along the steep edges of the Cumberland Plateau, it’s also a top destination for camping and active travelers. Visit Nashville, home to honky-tonks, hot chicken, and Vanderbilt, then hit Fall Creek Falls, a deep-green state park loaded with waterfalls. Stay in cabins constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in Cumberland Mountain State Park or CCC Pickett Memorial State Park—where you can go stargazing. The Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area draws adventurous paddlers, and campers can even sleep beside the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway, a historic trade route that stretches from the Mississippi River to Nashville.

East Tennessee

Prefer urban adventures? Knoxville and Chattanooga await. Knoxville is best known as the state capital, but mountain bikers love the city’s urban wilderness and its 50-mile network of trails. Chattanooga is a convenient base for rock climbing and whitewater rafting. The craft beer scene in both cities impresses too. For hiking and solitude head north to Frozen Head State Park. Families with varied interests may prefer Big Ridge State Park, which offers trails, lake swimming, and volleyball and basketball courts.

Great Smoky Mountains

The most visited national park in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park sprawls across eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail bounces along the boundary line between the two states. The park has nine developed campgrounds and numerous backcountry shelters. Tent sites, RV parks, cabins, and glamping destinations punctuate the foothills region, which is anchored by Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.