Lakeside camping in Tennessee with fishing

Camp beside rivers, waterfalls, and the Great Smoky Mountains in a lush wonderland for outdoor fun.

94% (2189 reviews)
94% (2189 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Tennessee

Under $50

Available this weekend

12 top lakeside campgrounds in Tennessee with fishing

97%
(248)

Camp Nashville Highland Rim

9 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Goodlettsville, TN
Primitive camping near Nashville at a secluded hilltop nestled in a hardwood forest. Flat areas for tents, trees for hammocks, car / van camping. Drive to site. Choose favorite of multiple unique sites upon arrival. First arrive, first choice of available camping spaces. Sites are not numbered or pre-assigned. Camping guests supply camping gear. Amenities: 2 community water hydrants, community vault toilet, fire pit at each site. Firewood bundles available for additional fee. Outdoor hot water heater for shower Apr-Oct, except freezing temperatures. Kid friendly. No extra charge for children. (check to be sure not charged for children if selecting +x). Pets permitted under owner supervision, campfires allowed, Trash policy is carry in / carry out. Please do not leave trash. Camping location north of downtown Nashville on a ridge at a higher elevation overlooking Nashville. Camp away from noisy highways, convenient to I65 and multiple amenities, grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops . 5 miles from three I65 exits. 14 miles from I24. 18 miles from I40. 18 miles from Nashville downtown riverfront. Uber or Lyft to Nashville available. Quiet hours after 10PM. If you're hanging out or arriving after 10PM.... keep it quiet for guests turning in by 10PM.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$35
 / night
98%
(500)

The Falls at Sewanee Creek

11 sites · Lodging, Tents45 acres · Tracy City, TN
45 private acres on our homestead for you to roam. Seven eclectic sites to choose from ranging from primitive camping to a lovely log cabin. All except the log cabin lovingly built by the owner, loaded with creative touches. Featuring: * Two gorgeous waterfalls. Each of our stay-sites are located within about 100-150 yards of Fifty-foot tall Miller’s Falls. * A large cave at the end of a short, but rugged hike. * A fairy Village filled with Hollow Oak Tree Fairy homes. The trees glow after dark. Magical. * Three acres for group camping centered on a well-equipped, covered outdoor kitchen. * Peaceful Meditation Retreats at the Outdoor Kitchen under brain-wave enhancing satellite dishes. * Certified Hypnotherapy Disclaimer: The flow of the waterfall is subject to fluctuations in temperature, seasonal droughts, & rain fall. The most favorable seasons for waterfall flow are fall, winter & early spring. We came to this magical place to found a self-reliant, homesteading eco-community when I retired from corporate life in 2006. It's called the Village on Sewanee Creek, named for the creek 800 feet below the bluff where we are located. I traveled the world as a senior executive for Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin' Donuts, Papa Johns, Blockbuster, 7-Eleven and other retail franchises, making the world safe for Pizza, Ice Cream, Pancakes Video Rentals and American convenience. And I was ready for something more fufilling. I scouted for a place of exquisite natural beauty and I found it here. I bought way too much land just before the real estate bust and learned how to turn a nice fortune into a very small one. I faced challenges and had lots of fun. Now I want to share our experience. It's the Village 2.0 for guests. Or not. Life in the city is OK as long as you can get away frequently. I'm convinced if you love nature and the outdoors, this is the best place to celebrate it.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$39
 / night
100%
(987)

Belle and Beau Acres

17 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Baxter, TN
Whether you're looking for peace, relaxation, or riverside adventure, Belle and Beau Acres hits the mark for any nature enthusiast. Location, location! BBA has taken the guess work out of rustic camping. Consistently ranked as a Best of Tennessee Hipcamp and situated in a convenient spot for Upper Cumberland waterfalls, hiking, kayaking, lake life and more. A short list of what to expect on site includes: PRIVACY - ADVENTURE - GETAWAY Quick response time/last minute requests accepted Spacious, shady, leaf-bed campsites 360 degree views of relaxing nature 27 Foot Waterfall (365 days of flow) Rock shelter under Ledge Waterfall Two shallow lazy rivers for soaking Hiking trails onsite Multiple spring-fed creeks Countless water cascades for exploring Star gazing over wide pastures Old forests for ample shade and hammock hanging Cellular reception at campsites (usually at least 1 bar) Please read the site descriptions carefully to match your style of camping with the appropriate campsite. BBA guests frequently camp with a tent, vehicle, smaller camper, hammock tent, roof top tent, pop-up camper and similar styles depending on their selection. Most of the photos in this listing are taken onsite. Please keep in mind this is primitive and wild Tennessee landscape that may also contain poisonous plants and wildlife in or around campsites. Access to fresh water fun is a short down-hill hike for all guests, with the exception of our hike-in campsites which are positioned alongside the river. Each spot has been strategically selected to provide as much privacy as possible, and comfortably accommodates groups with two vehicles. We provide a rock fire pit and heavy duty cast iron grill grate. You provide everything else, including drinking water and personal toilet waste bags if you plan to use our system. The hike-in sites come with extra seating. Children ages 5 and younger are welcome to camp for free. Everyone else must be added as additional guests on your reservation. Thank you! COMMUNITY COMFORT STATION: There is a comfort station with an outdoor shower stall for hanging your own solar shower bag. The comfort station also includes a changing room which doubles as a private place to use your portable camping toilet. A toilet seat and bucket system is provided but guests will need to use their own waste disposal bags, available at most camping supply stores. The backside of the comfort station has a rain barrel (not potable) collection system for extinguishing fires. OFF-ROAD CONDITIONS: Due to the primitive nature of our location, all reservations should expect hilly terrain and potential bumpy or soggy road access, especially after heavy rain. We ask all guests to help us minimize impacts by driving with care. We do not recommend vehicles with low ground clearance, but we do leave this decision up to our guests. An important note, guests always have the choice to park their vehicles at the entrance. We close road access December-March and guests are required to hike in from the entrance of the property, less than a mile distance total. When the road is open in Spring or unusually wet seasons, we recommend AWD or 4WD. Belle and Beau Acres is a private homestead with an organized, personal campground, conveniently located less than five minutes from I40. Expect nothing short of 360 degree views of relaxing nature, privacy, and spontaneous adventure when staying at BBA. Central to the most beautiful middle Tennessee destinations, this location provides the perfect home base for day excursions to at least 10 nearby state parks and lakes. Conveniently located on the Eastern Highland Rim between Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga in the lower Appalachian mountains, this area sits at the Upper Cumberland Plateau and is part of Tennessee's largest micropolitan area of Cookeville. Visit popular nearby attractions such as Cummins Falls, Burgess Falls, Fancher Falls, Greeter Falls, Fall Creek Falls, Blue Hole, Rock Island, Center Hill Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, Caney Fork River, Standing Stone State Park, Virgin Falls, Rock Island, Cordell Hull, and Edgar Evins State Park. The choices are endless! The Klein family purchased their home in 2015 after grieving the sudden loss of a beloved family member and realizing that life is truly too short. They traded their bustling city life for a more permanent connection to nature. This small family of four lives at the entrance of their 33 acre old ranch, hosting primitive camping and leaning into a homesteading lifestyle. It wasn't until the family started shaping the land for their personal use until they realized the abundant beauty that surrounds the home. Hidden away and inaccessible were gorgeous rocky cliffs, rivers and even a waterfall! Hipcamp has provided an opportunity for them to carefully share this experience with others. On the land, they enjoy cooling off in the spring water, growing organic food, foraging for wild edibles, hiking, and exploring their onsite rivers and natural springs. Your host Christine is creative and loves working in her onsite fiber studio while her husband David is often found tending to his young fruit and nut orchard and organic crops. Their son Elliott is a student at Tennessee Tech University and their daughter Freya is a student at Upperman High School. David, Elliott, and Freya enjoy playing music together professionally in their band My Heart Your Heart.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$40
 / night
94%
(199)

Harmony hollow

9 sites · Tents80 acres · Sevierville, TN
Learn more about this land:Hi and thanks so much for checking out Harmony Farm . We are conveniently located minutes from Pigeon Forge TN. Home of and only 5 miles from Dollywood. Only a short drive to the Great Smoky Mountains national park . There are too many local attractions to list from horseback riding to shopping outlet malls .  Free firewood at every site upon your arrival. There is a composting potty in the barn area that has been upgraded recently as well as potable water . We are accepting tents, trucks with campers, vans and pop up campers welcomed also . We do have sites set up for you or you may prefer to pack your gear out to create your own site in a more secluded areas of the farm .  There are many private areas along the creekside for your primitive camp on our 60 acre horse farm.   Hike to the back of the farm to watch a sunset over the horse field or down by the stream . Lots of wildlife and scenery at the farm .  Laundromat and food venues just minutes away. you can still feel off grid with just a short stroll by the stream that babbles along throughout the 60 acres you will be able to make your playground while visiting the Harmony Farm. Come stay with us as we grow our hip community. Thanks so much for your support.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$20
 / night
95%
(132)

Wild Meadows atop Rutherford County

5 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Lascassas, TN
25 years ago, we camped this spot and dreamed of building a house here. The view was so captivating. Needless to say, we’ve been here 20+yrs and still camping our land. Now we are sharing the beautiful landscape and remote feel that's so close to so much to see and do. We love where we are and we think you will too. Oh and I should also mention, you must love dogs. We have 3 plus 2 cats and chickens. Isolated or wide open. 1 tent or group camping. No electricity or water hookups. Free Access to water hose. We do not allow recreational motorized vehicles, firearms or bows. This is a peaceful serene getaway. We also have Airbnb rentals that consist of our home, that's also listed as "Wild Meadows atop Rutherford County", a travel trailer referred to as "Wildwood 17' Western RV and an RV listed as "Boutique RV at Wild Meadows". See trees, birds, lightning bugs and gorgeous views of Rutherford county. 5 min. from water. Swim, bike, fish, walk or run. Boating 15 min. from Percy priest lake. 10 min. from Cedars of Lebanon state park. 5 min. from Murfreesboro. 15 min. from downtown Murfreesboro. On the city square, there's live music first Friday every month. Fantastic farmers market sat mornings in the summer, starting in May. Checkout “Quarter Spring Farm” goat soap booth. Tell Heather hello for us. Her lemongrass and clove soap are my favorites. 30 min. from Nashville. 5 min. from Greenway walking trails. 20 min. from shopping. Hundreds of restaurants within a 20 min. radius. Championship soccer park 10 min. Sports com 15 min./workout or Olympic size pool w/slides and fantastic playground with Amazing handicap baseball field. Historic: Stones River Battlefield 20 min. Oakland’s Mansion 20 min. Sam Davis Home 20 min. Home of Middle Tennessee State University(MTSU)20min
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$29
 / night
97%
(37)

LAKESIDE GETAWAY ON DOUGLAS

21 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Dandridge, TN
Lakeside Getaway is a seasonal peninsula on Douglas Lake of primitive camping sites in historic Dandridge, Tn just 30 min from Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area. Come enjoy your boat, jet ski, or kayaks from our 75 foot boat dock and new concrete boat ramp for launching. Our large pavilion is a nice commons area with a wood burning stove and can be reserved for private parties. Call for more details and questions: 423-231-4094 or 423-231-9399 We have a new road not yet shown on maps. A very long gravel driveway between 2 houses, with a RED mailbox with blue reflective 1689 on post (looks residential from road)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
Cooking equipment
from 
$35
 / night
98%
(117)

Blue Heron Landing

6 sites · RVs, Tents358 acres · Lobelville, TN
Blue Heron Campground was once home to the Cherokee Indians. Property is surrounded on all sides by water and has a mile and a half shoreline on the Tennessee river. Just to the North begins a designated 20 mile Wildlife Refuge following the river. It is 340 acres to roam and has rich farmland that has also grazed cattle. People's landing is now the swim beach and sand boat ramp. It was a port of commerce when the main types of transportation, prior to good roads, were the steamboats, ferry boats, and trains.  Just north of People's landing used to be a post office and small store at Daniel's Landing.The Tennessee River is one of only three rivers that flow North in the United States.People can now use it for camping, fishing or just watching the boats and barges  go by. Enjoy! Learn more about this land:Blue Heron Campground is primitive camping with no services located 10 miles west of Lobelville, Tennessee. There is a marina for supplies within 3 miles. You can camp right on the shoreline of the Tennessee river and enjoy the river for fishing or swimming. Take a 20 mile day trip to Loretta Lynn's ranch or go 70 miles to Nashville. Enjoy 358 acres to hike and explore open meadows and forest. Enjoy the birds and the boats going by. Hopefully a beautiful sunset over the river to end the day.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night
100%
(49)

Crow's Landing RV Site Gatlinburg

1 site · RV1 acre · Gatlinburg, TN
We love the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg area enough that we purchased a permanent site to bring our RV to on a regular basis to visit for extended periods of time. We hope you also enjoy our little piece of heaven. Please respect the site, and let us know how we can make your stay even better next time. Learn more about this land: Spacious and clean RV site with full hookups (water, sewer, and 50/30/20amp power) located in the Outdoor Resorts at Gatlinburg. Visitors have access to 2 swimming pools (seasonally), 2 mountain streams, a lake, basketball courts, tennis, mini golf, horseshoe pits, shuffle board court, game room, and activities center. Bath house is close to the site, should you need to use the facilities. Coin-operated laundry facilities are also available at the campground. The HOA does charge a one-time $10 pet fee upon check-in at the office, and is separate from anything I collect.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$50
 / night
98%
(62)

Swafford's Hollow

1 site · RV, Tent739 acres · Pikeville, TN
One of the first parcels in Bledsoe County, TN, Swafford's Hollow resembles almost 740 acres of untouched wilderness. Although the lakes aren't natural, the environmental gain and beauty is amazing. Swafford's Hollow was purchased in November of 2020 by two of the Swafford brothers, with a vision of restoring the property to a pre-colonial environment, allowing wildlife and the ecosystem to thrive. Swafford's hollow is nearly completely forested, has three man-made lakes, two natural streams, a natural pond, many natural wetland areas, and over 27 miles of trails. It is our vision to develop an oak savanna, and spot clear cuts to allow graze land and cover with proper upkeep to develop habitat for many native species that are scarce from loss of savannas.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$55
 / night
99%
(50)

Quarter Spring Farm

1 site · Lodging65 acres · Liberty, TN
Quarter Spring Farm is located in Liberty, TN on the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau. It comprises 63 acres of wooded ridges and hollows with exceptional hiking and distinct landscape features. Smith Fork Creek, which feeds Center Hill Lake, is visible from the campsite. Quarter Spring Farm’s history is murky and still being discovered. The house is over 100 years old. There are stone property walls that may predate the civil war. We believe this site was a Mississippian period settlement because of the large amount of artifacts we have found. 
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from 
$75
 / night
100%
(31)

Middle TN Outdoor Escape

12 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Williamsport, TN
We welcome you to come experience our secluded 50 acre outdoor escape in middle Tennessee. Our property offers a variety of terrain and backs up to 2,000 acres of TWRA / Williamsport Lakes which offers some of the best fishing around. We've got plenty of trails to hike and explore filled with abundant wildlife. Learn more about this land: Take in middle Tennessee’s back country beauty with a stay on our secluded 50 acres that backs up to over 2,000 acres of TN Wildlife Management Area/Williamsport Lakes. Lots of wildlife and hiking trails on location. The Natchez Trace State Parkway and Williamsport Fishing Lakes are just a short five minute drive away! Book a guided off-road adventure tour at Fisher's Off-Road Rentals which is just ten minutes away. Use the promo code "ADVENTURE" and get 10% OFF! Our 50 acre property offers several different areas to camp or RV. Choose from; our large group camp area perfect for a large gathering of friends & family, a private “in the woods” tent site with campfire, a site on the hill that “overlooks the valley” or for those of you with RVs, choose from one of three areas on our property "under the stars." Our “Group Glamp” is perfect for larger groups and features a huge campfire with Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, stage with electricity, string lights, water, a clean port-a-potty, four private outdoor showers with on demand hot water and four electric posts for tents. It's the perfect area to get together with friends and family to make memories to last a lifetime. Pricing is based on the amount of people in attendance divided by four (number of people at each campsite) and then times by $40 per night. Come experience country living with a secluded Outdoor Escape in Middle Tennessee!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$40
 / night
97%
(88)

I 40 Hideaway

34 sites · Lodging, Tents26 acres · Waverly, TN
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$25
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Star Hosts in Tennessee

Value Prop
Value Prop

Lakeside camping in Tennessee with fishing guide

Overview

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.

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 StatesGreat 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.

Top cities in and near Tennessee

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover and reserve tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.