- Great Views
The best great views camping near Smithville
98% (843) • 11 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Smithville
MountainView Trailside Camping
1. MountainView Trailside Camping
100%
(105)
20mi from Smithville · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Tucked away in a peaceful outdoor setting, this private campground site is perfect for campers who want comfort with their adventure. You’ll have one spacious site ideal for a tent or RV, with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer—so you can settle in easily and enjoy your stay.
The water connection is RV-friendly, making it simple to hook up and keep everything running smoothly during your trip. Whether you’re passing through for a night or staying a little longer, this spot offers a convenient, no-fuss setup in a relaxed camping atmosphere. Set on 16 private acres bordering the Big Bone Cave Nature Area, this campsite offers a quiet, wooded getaway with a true “back-to-nature” feel. Getting here is easy too—the road access is straightforward, making it convenient for RVs and travelers to pull in and settle quickly. The site is self-serve: just book your stay, arrive, and set up—no check-in or sign-in needed. Here are solid, guest-friendly things to do in Rock Island, Tennessee and nearby (based on what’s typically available in the area—since I can’t browse live hours/closures right now, guests should double-check current details before they go):
In Rock Island State Park
• See the waterfalls & overlooks (easy-to-moderate walks, great photos)
• Hiking trails through wooded areas and rocky bluffs
• Picnic areas and scenic spots to relax
• Swimming holes / wading areas when conditions are safe (seasonal + weather dependent)
• Fishing (license rules apply)
Nature and caves nearby
• Big Bone Cave Nature Area (great for a quiet nature outing; access/tours can be limited—some cave areas are protected)
• Cumberland Caverns (popular guided cave tours not far away)
• Great for stargazing—the area gets nice dark skies away from town lights
Easy day trips (great “while you’re here” options)
• Fall Creek Falls State Park (waterfalls, trails, overlooks; a top TN destination)
• Burgess Falls State Park (shorter hike with big payoff views)
• Caney Fork Gorge / scenic drives (pretty viewpoints and photo stops)
Towns, food, and local exploring
• McMinnville: local restaurants, stores, and a cute small-town downtown feel
• Spencer: quick essentials, small local spots
• Cookeville (a bit farther): more shopping, chain restaurants,
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$45
/ night
Elk Head Overlook
2. Elk Head Overlook
95%
(323)
41mi from Smithville · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
**Please note the address is 9665 SR 50, Pelham, TN 37301**
The best part about this site are the views! Relax on the side of the Cumberland Plateau while overlooking Burroughs Cove and the Elk River. You can see the camp sites from the main road, so there will be some road noise.
Sites 1/2 are hard/large graveled, tent camping will be very challenging, heavy duty tent stakes are highly recommended with mats/padding.
There is an electrical box at each end of the hard graveled parking areas (Sites 1 and 2) with 20- and 30-amp plugs, plus 110v. If the power is not working, please check the panel and turn on/reset the breakers, many of our guests turn them off when departing. If you are at Site #2 and the steps above do not work, please check/do the same at the Site #1 panel (it is the master power source).
Water is NOT available on site. NOTE: Depending on the time of year (warmer months only) a water container with a limited amount of NON-POTABLE water is on site for your use. Please plan on filling your water reservoir(s) PRIOR to arriving. There is an outhouse for all guests, picnic tables and fire rings for Sites 1 and 2. The camping area is fairly close to SR-50 so please expect to hear some road noise, more so in the winter months.
The entrance/driveway is on a small incline, if you are traveling in a light vehicle and a heavy camper, it's best to maintain a slow and steady speed to the camp site (for almost everyone, this is not an issue). If you are towing a camper, we recommend the total length of the vehicle and the trailer not exceeding 30ft, There is not a significant place to "turn around" at the sites and novice drivers (not used to backing out of tight spots with longer rigs) may find this very challenging.
There is a double gate that is usually closed, and latched so it stays closed, it is not "locked". The site is self-serve (not manned), Site #1 is to the left, Site #2 is to the right, and Site #3 is down the path past the outhouse at the bottom of the path. It is recommended that campers set up early for Site 3 (still daylight) to get an idea of the layout. Parking for Site #3 is by the shed at the main entrance and power is not available at the site.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$38
/ night
The Falls at Sewanee Creek
3. The Falls at Sewanee Creek
98%
(686)
47mi from Smithville · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
45 private acres on our homestead for you to roam. Eight 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 from up-purposed materials.
Featuring:
* Two gorgeous waterfalls. Each of our stay-sites are located within about 100 yards of Fifty-foot tall Miller’s Falls.
* Two large caves at the end of a short, but rugged hike.
* A fairy Village filled with Hollow Oak Tree Fairy cottages and bio-luminescent trees that 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.
If you love nature and the outdoors, this is the best place to celebrate it.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$39
/ night
98% (843) • 11 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Smithville
MountainView Trailside Camping
1. MountainView Trailside Camping
100%
(105)
20mi from Smithville · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Tucked away in a peaceful outdoor setting, this private campground site is perfect for campers who want comfort with their adventure. You’ll have one spacious site ideal for a tent or RV, with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer—so you can settle in easily and enjoy your stay.
The water connection is RV-friendly, making it simple to hook up and keep everything running smoothly during your trip. Whether you’re passing through for a night or staying a little longer, this spot offers a convenient, no-fuss setup in a relaxed camping atmosphere. Set on 16 private acres bordering the Big Bone Cave Nature Area, this campsite offers a quiet, wooded getaway with a true “back-to-nature” feel. Getting here is easy too—the road access is straightforward, making it convenient for RVs and travelers to pull in and settle quickly. The site is self-serve: just book your stay, arrive, and set up—no check-in or sign-in needed. Here are solid, guest-friendly things to do in Rock Island, Tennessee and nearby (based on what’s typically available in the area—since I can’t browse live hours/closures right now, guests should double-check current details before they go):
In Rock Island State Park
• See the waterfalls & overlooks (easy-to-moderate walks, great photos)
• Hiking trails through wooded areas and rocky bluffs
• Picnic areas and scenic spots to relax
• Swimming holes / wading areas when conditions are safe (seasonal + weather dependent)
• Fishing (license rules apply)
Nature and caves nearby
• Big Bone Cave Nature Area (great for a quiet nature outing; access/tours can be limited—some cave areas are protected)
• Cumberland Caverns (popular guided cave tours not far away)
• Great for stargazing—the area gets nice dark skies away from town lights
Easy day trips (great “while you’re here” options)
• Fall Creek Falls State Park (waterfalls, trails, overlooks; a top TN destination)
• Burgess Falls State Park (shorter hike with big payoff views)
• Caney Fork Gorge / scenic drives (pretty viewpoints and photo stops)
Towns, food, and local exploring
• McMinnville: local restaurants, stores, and a cute small-town downtown feel
• Spencer: quick essentials, small local spots
• Cookeville (a bit farther): more shopping, chain restaurants,
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$45
/ night
Elk Head Overlook
2. Elk Head Overlook
95%
(323)
41mi from Smithville · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
**Please note the address is 9665 SR 50, Pelham, TN 37301**
The best part about this site are the views! Relax on the side of the Cumberland Plateau while overlooking Burroughs Cove and the Elk River. You can see the camp sites from the main road, so there will be some road noise.
Sites 1/2 are hard/large graveled, tent camping will be very challenging, heavy duty tent stakes are highly recommended with mats/padding.
There is an electrical box at each end of the hard graveled parking areas (Sites 1 and 2) with 20- and 30-amp plugs, plus 110v. If the power is not working, please check the panel and turn on/reset the breakers, many of our guests turn them off when departing. If you are at Site #2 and the steps above do not work, please check/do the same at the Site #1 panel (it is the master power source).
Water is NOT available on site. NOTE: Depending on the time of year (warmer months only) a water container with a limited amount of NON-POTABLE water is on site for your use. Please plan on filling your water reservoir(s) PRIOR to arriving. There is an outhouse for all guests, picnic tables and fire rings for Sites 1 and 2. The camping area is fairly close to SR-50 so please expect to hear some road noise, more so in the winter months.
The entrance/driveway is on a small incline, if you are traveling in a light vehicle and a heavy camper, it's best to maintain a slow and steady speed to the camp site (for almost everyone, this is not an issue). If you are towing a camper, we recommend the total length of the vehicle and the trailer not exceeding 30ft, There is not a significant place to "turn around" at the sites and novice drivers (not used to backing out of tight spots with longer rigs) may find this very challenging.
There is a double gate that is usually closed, and latched so it stays closed, it is not "locked". The site is self-serve (not manned), Site #1 is to the left, Site #2 is to the right, and Site #3 is down the path past the outhouse at the bottom of the path. It is recommended that campers set up early for Site 3 (still daylight) to get an idea of the layout. Parking for Site #3 is by the shed at the main entrance and power is not available at the site.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$38
/ night
The Falls at Sewanee Creek
3. The Falls at Sewanee Creek
98%
(686)
47mi from Smithville · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
45 private acres on our homestead for you to roam. Eight 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 from up-purposed materials.
Featuring:
* Two gorgeous waterfalls. Each of our stay-sites are located within about 100 yards of Fifty-foot tall Miller’s Falls.
* Two large caves at the end of a short, but rugged hike.
* A fairy Village filled with Hollow Oak Tree Fairy cottages and bio-luminescent trees that 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.
If you love nature and the outdoors, this is the best place to celebrate it.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$39
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
H
Hallie
3 weeks ago
With pets
I cannot say enough good about the Falls at Sewanee Creek. I came for a short getaway, and my experience was better than I could have hoped - even with a rainstorm!
I cannot wait to return again and again.
-hallie
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K
Kristine
February 2026
24 ft Class B
With pets
I had a lovely two nights of solitude at elkhead overlook. The land and woods were beautiful and peaceful, the view was and incredible to look at while I had my morning coffee. Close to good hikes and good food (mountain goat market). Would definitely be back!
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M
Maureen
January 2026
23 ft travel trailer
The site was easy to find and the view was breathtaking! Being directly off the highway there was some traffic noise but nothing that spoiled the trip. My only concern was if you’re thinking about booking be careful about the size of your rig. We’ve got a 23ft trailer and full size truck with a short bed. Plenty of room once we were parked but space to get ourselves in there and turned around was tricky and if someone had been in site 1 when we arrived, I’m not sure what we would’ve done. That being said though, I would definitely stay here again. It was beautiful.
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C
Cade
December 2025
4 nights at The Falls at Sewanee Creek
Grant and his wife were wonderful hosts and offer several amenities that my girlfriend and I both said we’ll be back to enjoy someday. The glamp tent setup is truly breathtaking a great in between roughing it and glamorous camping. Grant took the time to make sure we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. For people thinking about this trip, I would say be sure to bring some steaks and charcoal to put on the rocket grill! It’s a really cool piece and cooks a steak to perfection. Other than that, flashlights are a plus as it gets dark early in the winter and there isn’t much lighting outside of the tent. Don’t forget to bring something fun to do around the campfire too since there’s a really cool
Rock pit a couple steps outside the tent. S’mores, music, campfire songs, and games. You’ll want to find ways to be outside the tent if you’re like us. Speaking of, there are so many cool things to do outside of the camp! Grant gave us several awesome destinations to visit before we left and we got to each of them! All exceeded our expectations. From food, to sites, to sounds! I’d encourage everyone to explore Tracy city, Monteagle, and even Nashville is only an hour and a half away!
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A
Adam
December 2025
Tent
This was a great campsite! Site 3 was perfect for hammock camping next to the fire. It was also very close to the caverns concert venue. Will definitely be coming back!
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A
Alina
November 2025
Weekend Trip to The Falls at Sewanee Creek
My boyfriend and I stayed for 2 nights on grants trampoline tent and it was such a different but beautiful experience, the tent area was very nicely set up, being able to hear the creek while going to sleep or just sitting by the fire was also very relaxing. Only downside was that it was extremely cold, I would highly recommend bringing an air mattress, sleeping bags, and lots of blankets to keep you warm. We went November 28th-30th. Grant and his wife were also out of town but they were still very helpful and sweet, they explained everything we needed to know about the area and gave us some trails to check out. Everything was beautiful and I highly recommend staying.
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D
Desirae
November 2025
With pets
We only stayed one night at the tent but loved every minute! Grant called before we arrived to give us directions to the site so we would be prepared when we arrived in the dark. Everything was easy to find, just as he said. The trampoline was more comfortable than we expected! Bring extra towels in case of condensation. The area under the trampoline was perfect for food prep and hanging out. Above all, the waterfall was BEAUTIFUL! The short “hike” from the tent to the falls was easy for us and our German Shepherd to navigate. We had a wonderful time- can’t wait to return!
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C
Courtney
November 2025
Tent
With pets
What an amazing spot! Everything exceeded expectations, will definitely be back! Communication was fast and clear and everything was clean and well kept!
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F
Faris
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Beautiful Land with great views! Grant was accommodating and made sure we had everything e needed. Great experience!
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M
Maggie
November 2025
16 ft car
With pets
Beautiful view. I really think #1 is the best way to go if you can rent that one. Renting both would probably be the best experience because they are kind of close together. Host responsive and nice!!
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n
natasha
November 2025
16 ft car
We absolutely enjoyed this hidden gem! The view is breathtaking! Perfect spot for stargazing. We definitely planning on coming back.
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D
Dwayne
November 2025
16 ft car
Very beautiful spot. Sonya was very nice. I would go bk one day. Thanks.
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D
Dale
November 2025
Weekend Trip to The Falls at Sewanee Creek
A magical setting, fun and unique "treehouse", stunning views and hikes. We will be back!
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Daniel
October 2025
16 ft car
Beautiful fall colors with a great view. Will definitely be visiting again!
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Henry
October 2025
Weekend Trip to The Falls at Sewanee Creek
The cabin was very nice and peaceful with a great view from the porch. Lots to do in the area. Great hosts!
See moreC
Cody
October 2025
Tent
Place is A very good location. Would go back for sure!
See moreJ
Juliana
October 2025
1 night at The Falls at Sewanee Creek
Grant was a great host! And the tent was so cool!! Definitely and experienced :)
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Cassie
October 2025
23 ft travel trailer
With pets
Melissa’s land is a slice of paradise! The campsite had many options for entertainment including many chairs, a grill, a large fire pit, two hammocks and more! The host was very welcoming and the view was out-of-this-world gorgeous.
My only complaint is that we couldn’t stay longer!
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Veronica
October 2025
23 ft travel trailer
With pets
Stunning, beautiful, amazing don't even describe the view here! Its a wide open area with a fire pit in the idle of Adirondack chairs. If we're ever in the area again, we WILL stay here! 10/10
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K
Kelsey
October 2025
With pets
Amazing set-up!! Beautiful location and scenery. I stayed in the glamping tent and it was clean, comfortable, and safe. I went by myself with my dog and she loved having all the space to run around outside the tent. We also hiked down to the waterfall and a little further, and I know there were plenty of other trails nearby too. A perfect getaway! Grant and Becky were super helpful and very sweet! 10/10 recommend booking here.
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