The best camping in Pickwick Lake

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Thanks to the Tennessee Valley Authority and its dam-building prowess in the 1930s, vast reservoirs are scattered across the Volunteer State. Like most of them, Pickwick Lake is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, with bass fishing, boating, swimming, tubing, and water skiing among its top activities. Stretching 53 miles from southwest Tennessee across Mississippi and Alabama on the Tennessee River, Pickwick Lake’s shoreline is dotted with campsites, as is the surrounding countryside. Fun fact: A literature-loving postmaster named the area after a Charles Dickens’ novel, the Pickwick Papers, in the mid-1800s.

93% (136) • 964 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Pickwick Lake

Campingallstars

1. Campingallstars

95%
(10)
Hodges, AL · 3 sites
Camp sites located behind old Homestead from 1940s once a tobacco and cotton farm. The house on the property is in early stages of being rebuilt to be saved as a local landmark.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Hidden Oasis at White Oak Landing

2. Hidden Oasis at White Oak Landing

97%
(17)
Clifton, TN · 8 sites
NEW! Private RV Sites on Kentucky Lake – Owned by Fellow RV Enthusiasts Welcome to our little slice of heaven! These private RV sites are personally owned and managed by a retired couple who share a deep love for RV living. We hope you enjoy the peace, beauty, and simplicity here as much as we do. Our sites are located in a gated, private community along the Tennessee River section of Kentucky Lake — the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi. Spanning over 160,000 acres with 2,300 miles of stunning shoreline, Kentucky Lake is a top destination for boating and fishing. The lake is well known for its abundance of largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill, white bass, and more. The community features a private boat launch and dock, with boat storage included in your stay. Whether you prefer to fish, kayak, paddleboard, or simply enjoy the views, you can do it all right from your site or from the nearby community water access area. Several of our sites are situated along a 4-mile-long, tree-lined cove — calm, scenic, and directly connected to the lake — making it the perfect spot for peaceful mornings and sunset paddles. Open Year-Round Whether you’re looking for summer fun or a mild winter escape, we welcome both short-term and long-term stays. Note: -Rates shown are daily. Contact us for a discount code for weekly or monthly stays. -RVs must be self-contained, as there are no public restrooms in the community. -Water levels in the cove are seasonal, as they are managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
Pets
Full hookups
D' Campsite

3. D' Campsite

Rogersville, AL · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
D' Camp is closed to Joe Wheeler State Park, Wheeler Dam, and a min from Second Creek. Second Creek is a great place for paddleboarding and leisure kayaking. It is a min from the property with boat ramp to launch. Property has 4.5 acres partly wooded with plenty of space to car or tent camp close to the road and 72 hwy, still private. One concrete pad without hookups for a long RV to park for the night or two right on side of the road.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Pickwick Landing State Park

4. Pickwick Landing State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Tennessee · 92 sites
Discover Pickwick Landing State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Tishomingo State Park

5. Tishomingo State Park

100%
(7)
State park in Mississippi · 69 sites
Discover Tishomingo State Park's rugged beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Frog Pond Tent Camp

6. Frog Pond Tent Camp

100%
(5)
Adamsville, TN · 1 site
This 18 acre homestead is conveniently located right on Hwy 64, only 7 miles from the Stantonville Amish community; Shiloh Battlefield and archaeological site; and Savannah, TN. The town of Adamsville (home of Sheriff Buford Pusser!) is only 1.5 miles away, for convenient access to grocery and gas stations. Because we are right on the highway, guests should note that vehicle noise can be heard, especially during weekday working hours. The evenings and early mornings are generally peaceful, and for those seeking a camp spot with easy access, this is the spot for youThere's a 1-acre spring fed pond at the back of the property that's great for swimming, sitting and relaxing, or even fishing (though there's not much in there but perch!) We maintain a 1-mile loop path around our pastures perfect for an early morning or evening stroll, and there is a small 4-5 acre wood guests are also welcome to explore. There is a designated campfire area, and we kindly ask guests not to burn fires at their campsite. In addition to our new flower field and personal vegetable garden, the farm is home to one retired musician (me); one super cool shih tzu (Sirius); and 24 chickens. And we can't wait to share this lovely space with you.
Campfires
Toilets
Showers
Bucks Ranch Retreat

7. Bucks Ranch Retreat

75%
(4)
Waynesboro, TN · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Bucks Ranch is located on beautiful TN acers of farm land. We are a family friendly retreat facility and our property is an outdoor lovers dream. It is very peaceful and serene. There are lot of areas for nature walks, and exploring. We have a beautiful creek that runs through the property. We have small farm animals- sheep, goats, pot belly pigs, donkeys, and chickens. We also have horses and offer horse riding lessons. Some of our amenities include a playground, gaga pit, tether ball, Food trailer (seasonal). Conveniently located between Nashville, Memphis, and Huntsville, AL in the small community of Waynesboro, TN. Our Facility sits about 5 miles from the town square. Waynesboro is the county seat of Wayne County which includes, Waynesboro, Collinwood and Clifton. You will find small town charm in Wayne County as you explore our shops, restaurants, and local music history. Our community is bustling with local farmers and farmland and bordered on the west by the TN River in Clifton and to the East by Natchez trace parkway. Both the Natchez Trace and Tennessee River offer lots of activities, including nature and history, the trail of tears, nature hikes, boating and fishing. In Wayne County about 5 miles from our location is the opportunity to spend the day canoeing or kayaking down the Buffalo River. Travel 40 miles northeast and enter an Amish Community for Amish shopping and Tours. Or go straight to the East about 30 miles and visit Lawrenceburg, TN and Davy Crocket State Park. Head 40 miles west discover all the history at the battle fields of Shiloh, just outside of Savanah, TN. And if Music is your interest 45 min south of is "Shoals". Muscle Shoals and Florence Alabama have rich southern history, beautiful historical homes, music roots. No matter the interest, there are ton of things to do occupy your time.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Platos Branch Farm RV park

8. Platos Branch Farm RV park

97%
(16)
Rogersville, AL · 6 sites
Platos Branch Farm RV: Named after the large branch that runs thru the property across the horse pasture. There are large fish in the Branch. Which is on private property so you can fish without a state license. The park is located on a working farm. The horses are usually in site. Campers tell us that the stars here at night are a beauty to behold. This is a quiet peaceful place. But still minutes away from the conveniences. Grocery within 5 miles and numerous restaurants. Hope you see us soon. Learn more about this land: RV Spots in the country, Total of 6 RV Spots. Great view of horse pasture with 5 horses. Platos pond across pasture. Great Fishing. Look at the stars and have some peaceful nights. 3 miles to Grocery store and resturants. Joe Wheeler state Park within 5 miles. Awesome trails for hiking or biking. 25 minutes to Florence ( UNA) or Athens. Brownsferry Plant about 20 minutes. Weekly and monthly rates available.
Pets
Full hookups
Seven Pines River Resort

9. Seven Pines River Resort

98%
(31)
Waynesboro, TN · 22 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Seven Pines River Resort on the Buffalo River - Tennessee's premier riverside destination on 30 pristine acres. Camp beneath dramatic bluffs overlooking emerald waters, with modern amenities including private bathhouses, WiFi, fire pits, and access to our 21+ Sandbox lounge. Meet our resident goats, explore working farmland, and enjoy on-site dining at PuckerWilly's (opening 2026). Less than 2 hours from Nashville.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway

10. Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway

86%
(11)
Park in Mississippi · 513 sites
Discover the scenic Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, a haven for outdoor adventures.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
J.P. Coleman State Park

11. J.P. Coleman State Park

100%
(2)
State park in Mississippi · 120 sites
Discover J.P. Coleman State Park's stunning vistas and outdoor fun.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Joe Wheeler State Park

12. Joe Wheeler State Park

100%
(1)
State park in Alabama · 116 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Joe Wheeler State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Big Hill Pond State Park

13. Big Hill Pond State Park

State park in Tennessee · 28 sites
Discover Big Hill Pond State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Campfires
Toilets
Showers
Reed Creek Campsites

14. Reed Creek Campsites

100%
(32)
Westpoint, TN · 4 sites
Our property is an amazing plot of 45 acres of mostly woods and sits atop a beautiful ridge. Our campsite sits near Reed Patch creek at the bottom of the the ridge as well as near the frog pond! Here, are homes of turkey, deer, owls, woodpeckers, and many other We are a leave no trace campsite. We are 1.5 hours from Nashville, 40 minutes from Amish Country (Ethridge) 20 from Lake Meriwether, and 15 minutes from Natchez Trace.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Angel Acres Campground

15. Angel Acres Campground

Hohenwald, TN · 40 sites · Tents, RVs
We have beautiful rolling hills, trees and two ponds. We raise sheep and chickens and a huge organic garden for our customers to use. We have twenty acres of land all fenced in. Located one mile from the buffalo rive. We provide use of our kayaks and a ride if needed. We are a few miles from the Natchez Trace. And laurel hill lake.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Silverwater Campground

16. Silverwater Campground

100%
(8)
Counce, TN · 6 sites
**EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE COVERED LOTS** At Silverwater Campground, we pride ourselves on providing campers with spacious lots for rent. Planning your escape has never been easier with daily, weekly, and monthly stay options. Extended stays are available upon request. Conveniently located near various attractions, including Shiloh National Military Park, Pickwick Dam and Lake, Tennessee Indian Mounds, and local shopping options, Silverwater Campground is your passport to relaxation and adventure. Don't wait any longer to experience the magic of Silverwater Campground. Book your stay today and start making memories that will last a lifetime.
Pets
Full hookups
Campsters.

17. Campsters.

Morris Chapel, TN · 1 site · Tent, RV
Campsters – Peaceful Dry Camp in Morris Chapel Escape to nature at Campsters, a laid-back and affordable dry camping spot nestled on open fields near a peaceful forest in Morris Chapel, Tennessee. This quiet, rustic site is perfect for tent campers and small rig adventurers looking to unwind under wide open skies. What to Expect Pitch your tent or park your small camper (vehicles under 35 ft) in a spacious, level field surrounded by trees and fresh country air. Campfires are allowed, so you can cozy up at night around a crackling fire and relax beneath the stars. Simple, Nature-First Amenities Dry camping — no electrical or water hookups, keeping the experience true to the outdoors Potable water on site Pet-friendly environment Campfires permitted (where safe) Great space for outdoor activities and relaxing in nature Why It’s Special Campsters offers an uncomplicated, back-to-basics camping experience at an affordable nightly rate. It’s ideal for campers who want a quiet getaway and a chance to enjoy peaceful evenings in the Tennessee countryside without the distractions of a traditional campground.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Dancing pines

18. Dancing pines

100%
(4)
Reagan, TN · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Very tall pine trees on this property. A lot of wildlife pass through the camp everyday. A lot of history in this part of Tennessee. If you're into fishing there's a lot of lakes around here, even kayaking. Friendly little town called Lexington is 10 minutes away, good southern food. 2 hours from Memphis and 2 hours from Nashville. There's always someone here on the land to watch your trailer while you're out exploring. Very safe area and quiet!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Sherwood Acres

19. Sherwood Acres

100%
(6)
Clifton, TN · 1 site · Tent, RV
Beautiful brand new campsite right on the Tennessee river in Clifton, Tennessee. Located in White Oak Landing, a gated community with awesome other RV'ers. There's a community boat ramp, boat storage area, or keep it on your lot, picnic pavilion, recreation area. And within just a short boat ride or drive there’s Fisherdale, and Clifton Marinas. Ross Creek Landing Golf Course Is a quick 10 min drive. Shopping/town isn’t too far. I have two graveled sites on one lot, one is pull in and one back in. Suitable for all size RV's, $680 a month. 50/30 amp, sewer, water, electric and trash included! All pets welcome. No restrictions on breads. Internet included for longer stays. Please contact me for more information. Thank you
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Waterfall Creek Camp

20. Waterfall Creek Camp

100%
(1)
Collinwood, TN · 1 site · Tent, RV
Waterfall Creek Camp — Peaceful Pasture Camping Near the Natchez Trace Parkway Escape to the quiet beauty of the Tennessee countryside at Waterfall Creek Camp, a private grassy campsite surrounded by peaceful pastures, rolling hills, and natural scenery. Located just 4 miles west of the Natchez Trace Parkway, this secluded spot offers a relaxing retreat while still providing convenient access to one of the region’s most scenic routes. The campsite sits in a beautiful open pasture with plenty of space to unwind, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the surrounding landscape. The final few miles to the site follow a gravel road with a couple of low-water creek crossings, adding a touch of adventure to your arrival. Perfect for RVs, campers, tents, and outdoor travelers looking for a simple, private escape, Waterfall Creek Camp offers a spacious pull-through site that accommodates vehicles under 50 feet. Enjoy a quiet evening around your private fire pit, watch the sunset over the fields, and reconnect with nature. What You'll Enjoy: • 🌿 Private grassy campsite surrounded by open pasture • 🔥 Private fire pit and peaceful evenings outdoors • 🐾 Pet-friendly (pets must remain on leash) • 🚐 RV and tent camping options • 🌄 Close access to the Natchez Trace Parkway • 🐦 Quiet countryside setting with opportunities to enjoy local wildlife • 🌊 Scenic drive with creek crossings along the way Whether you’re passing through or looking for a peaceful place to slow down, Waterfall Creek Camp offers a simple and authentic camping experience in the heart of Tennessee’s countryside. Come enjoy the open fields, quiet surroundings, and natural beauty of this hidden retreat near the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Pets
Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Pickwick Lake camping guide

Where to go

Pickwick Dam Area

South of Pickwick Dam, Pickwick Landing State Park is watersports central, with a marina and an array of boat rentals, including kayaks, canoes, fishing boats, and pontoon party barges. Landlubbers may prefer to play the 18-hole golf course, try their hand at disc golf, or stroll the two easy hiking trails. Campers will find lakefront tent sites and RV sites. North of the river, the Bruton Branch State Recreation Area has primitive tent sites, most of them by the water.

Southwest Tennessee

For more tent and RV campsites, check out the small towns and farms near the lake and the Tennessee River in southwest Tennessee. Glamping options—think cabins, Airstream rentals, and horse farms—are plentiful too, and many have boat ramps. Top small towns for camping include Counce, Savannah, and Henderson, and the TVA manages the 92-site Pickwick Dam Campground in Savannah.

Mississippi & Alabama

Skinny Pickwick Lake stretches from Tennessee into the northern reaches of Mississippi and Alabama, where waterfront campgrounds are just as recreation-focused as their neighbors in Tennessee. Cabins and campsites are close to both the lake and the Tennessee River at J.P. Coleman State Park, which is perched on a lakeside bluff in Mississippi.

Memphis & Jackson Surrounds

Home to the National Civil Rights Museum, blues-playing Beale Street, Elvis Presley’s Graceland, and a booming food hall scene, Memphis is a full-immersion destination. Not far from the city and close to the Mississippi, campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping destinations are plentiful on farms and forestlands. Memphis is 120 miles west of Pickwick Lake, while Jackson, another urban launchpad, is 60 miles north of Pickwick Dam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pickwick Lake is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, with bass fishing, boating, swimming, tubing, and water skiing among its top activities. The lake stretches from Tennessee into the northern reaches of Mississippi and Alabama on the Tennessee River.

Cabins and campsites are close to both the lake and the Tennessee River at J.P. Coleman State Park, which is perched on a lakeside bluff in Mississippi. There are also campgrounds in the surrounding countryside.

Top small towns for camping near Pickwick Lake include Counce, Savannah, and Henderson. The TVA manages the 92-site Pickwick Dam Campground in Savannah. You can also explore different options for camping near Pickwick Lake on Hipcamp.

South of Pickwick Dam, Pickwick Landing State Park is watersports central, with a marina and an array of boat rentals, including kayaks, canoes, fishing boats, and pontoon party barges. Landlubbers may prefer to play the 18-hole golf course, try their hand at disc golf, or stroll the two easy hiking trails. Campers will find lakefront tent sites and RV sites. The park is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Pickwick Lake trips

Top national parks and forests in and near Pickwick Lake