The best waterfall campgrounds near Memphis, Tennessee

It might be hard to tell from its advertising at times, but Memphis is a lot more than Graceland tours and Elvis Presley shrines. This Tennessee treasure features plenty of good reasons to get out and about in nature. Head about 20 miles north on TN-388 to reach Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. The park both borders the Mississippi River and allows access to Lake Piersol and Lake Poplar Tree. Fishing and boating on the water is the main draw here. Staying overnight? You'll find six cute vacation cabins and 49 RV-friendly campsites with full hookups here. Note that this is a fairly popular park, so call ahead to check availability. If you're looking for something a bit off the beaten path, try Dismals Canyon Conservatory. You'll have to cross the border into northwest Alabama on a three-hour drive, though. This beautiful national natural landmark makes a point of keeping its campsites widely spaced out and remote. None of the sites are directly accessible by car, so get your hiking boots on!

Top-rated campgrounds near Memphis

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

1. Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

98%

(37)

312 sites · Farmington, Arkansas

Two distinct forests rolled into one package! That means twice the amount of outdoorsy goodness to explore. The Ozark National Forest covers most of the Ozark Mountains, including the highest peak in the state. It’s awesome here when the dogwood and redbuds bloom in the spring, and when the leaves change color in the fall. The St. Francis National Forest is more diverse, with the St. Francis and Mississippi Rivers running through it, as well as lakes, valleys, and tons of wildlife. It’s the only place in the national forest system where you can access the Mississippi River from the shore, so that right there is a must do! The whole expanse of land is filled with multi-use trails, hundreds of campsites, spots for swimming, fishing, and boating, and even some amazing caves to explore. Mother Nature crushing it as usual.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

It might be hard to tell from its advertising at times, but Memphis is a lot more than Graceland tours and Elvis Presley shrines. This Tennessee treasure features plenty of good reasons to get out and about in nature. Head about 20 miles north on TN-388 to reach Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. The park both borders the Mississippi River and allows access to Lake Piersol and Lake Poplar Tree. Fishing and boating on the water is the main draw here. Staying overnight? You'll find six cute vacation cabins and 49 RV-friendly campsites with full hookups here. Note that this is a fairly popular park, so call ahead to check availability. If you're looking for something a bit off the beaten path, try Dismals Canyon Conservatory. You'll have to cross the border into northwest Alabama on a three-hour drive, though. This beautiful national natural landmark makes a point of keeping its campsites widely spaced out and remote. None of the sites are directly accessible by car, so get your hiking boots on!

Top-rated campgrounds near Memphis

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

1. Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

98%

(37)

312 sites · Farmington, Arkansas

Two distinct forests rolled into one package! That means twice the amount of outdoorsy goodness to explore. The Ozark National Forest covers most of the Ozark Mountains, including the highest peak in the state. It’s awesome here when the dogwood and redbuds bloom in the spring, and when the leaves change color in the fall. The St. Francis National Forest is more diverse, with the St. Francis and Mississippi Rivers running through it, as well as lakes, valleys, and tons of wildlife. It’s the only place in the national forest system where you can access the Mississippi River from the shore, so that right there is a must do! The whole expanse of land is filled with multi-use trails, hundreds of campsites, spots for swimming, fishing, and boating, and even some amazing caves to explore. Mother Nature crushing it as usual.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterfall camping near Memphis guide

Nearby attractions

Reconnect with nature while camping near Holly Springs National Forest. Nestled among rolling hills and sparkling lakes, it offers the serenity of untouched wilderness and a myriad of outdoor adventures to enjoy.