Lake Camping in Smithville, Tennessee, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2024

United States
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Tennessee
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Smithville

92% (1043 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Smithville

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top lakeside campgrounds near Smithville

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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. If you are considering camping for the first time, we recommend trying a location with bathrooms and running water before attempting a primitive, off road location such as ours. Campsite capacities are intended for large families, not large adult groups. However, we will consider hosting your adult group if you would like to reach out and discuss it with us before requesting to book. 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. Every guest must be included on your reservation, and adult guests may be required to provide identification. 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 or low profile tires. 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 as a precaution. Belle and Beau Acres is a farm homestead with a 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 recreating at this agritourism location. Central to the most beautiful middle Tennessee destinations, BBA is 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.

Compound HQ

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Silver Point, TN

Seeing a need for adventure therapy in this area, we built the Compound to provide sensible solutions. We've created a rustic glamping site for retreats, reunions, and families to gather. Bring your camping gear or ask for accomadations that we can provide. Eager to host you and give you all a tour of the Compound. It has been a great creative outlet for me during this pandemic in hopes to offer opportunities to connect with nature and bring clarity on what truly matters in times like these. Allow me to be your guide through the journey of healing through adventure therapy. Be prepared for good vibes and healing energy from the trees that surround the CompoundHQ.org.

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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.

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.

Hilltop Haven

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Sparta, TN

Primitive wooded, sloping .5 acre lot at the top of of Center Hill Lake. Drive down the winding foot hills on the paved rd or the 4 wheel drive recommended dirt to to a public but secluded boat ramp and swimming areas. Both Rds are less than 1 mile from property. The boat/swimming area is located directly across from Davies Island. A great kayaking trip is about a 5 1/2 mile paddle around Davies Island. Stop on one of the beaches on the island for lunch. Hikers would enjoy the trail walking at the water’s edge along the peninsula. Great places for fishing too.

Seven Springs

3 sites · RVs3 acres · Smithville, TN

Your peaceful countryside retreat! Fully equipped RV sites with well water, 50amp electric, and sewage offers a serene getaway situated just 10-min from Center Hill Lake's Pates Ford Marina. Sip your morning coffee to the sounds of our rushing creek, watch the cows & horses graze & stargaze under a wide open sky. Come experience Seven Springs!

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The Compound

1 site · Lodging8 acres · Silver Point, TN

Learn more about this land: We have sites for a RV, also areas on. the property for tents and primitive camp sites. We are near hiking trails, ATV trails, Kayaking on the river or lake. We also have a glamping rustic retreat rental that has 3 bedroom 1 bath barracks that has a fully functional kitchen, W&D, ADA bathroom and shower. We have created a rustic spot to visit near some bucket list locations to include the Caney Fork, Center Hill Lake, Burgess Falls, Cummins Falls, Fall Creek Falls.

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Bear Bluff Retreat Center Hill Lake

6 sites · RVs20 acres · Walling, TN

Nested on a 20 acre wooded bluff overlooking Wright’s Bend on Center Hill Lake, Bear Bluff Retreat is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your vacation or special event. Offering three 1 bedroom cabins and three RV sites, you will find yourself in the perfect place to enjoy all that the surrounding area has to offer or just relax on the large event lawn overlooking the water and soak in the views.. White County is the waterfall mecca of Tennessee. The abundant rivers, waterfalls and lakes offer outdoor opportunities including kayaking, hiking, fishing, boating, sightseeing, bird watching and more. Launch points are located within a few miles of the property. At nearby Rock Island State Park the Caney Fork River and Collins River converge at a hydroelectric dam where it then flows north to the main body of the lake past Bear Bluff Retreat. The retreat is abutted by 15-20 acre wooded parcels on either side. The property across the river is a large farm located on the outskirts of Smithville, TN to the west. In addition to Rock Island State Park there are several State Parks nearby featuring waterfalls including Burgess Falls, Great Falls, Fall Creek Falls and Cumberland Caverns. The closet city is Sparta, TN which is about 17 miles to the east. McMinnville, TN is about 22 miles south. Cookeville, TN is about 27 miles north. All of these cities offer a variety of restaurant and shopping options.

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Peaceful Haven Cabin

1 site · Lodging120 acres · Dowelltown, TN

Nestled near Smithville, Tennessee, and Center Hill Lake, my property is situated at the end of a "holler," ensuring a secluded retreat. With no neighbors for several miles beyond my 120 acres, this serene escape ranges in elevation from 600 to 1200 feet, featuring remarkable rock formations and canyons accessible through trails. Revel in the tranquility as you unwind on the front porch, gazing at the stars and listening to the soothing calls of owls. Inside, find comfort in two beds boasting new gel foam mattresses (38" twin). Stay connected with provided internet access while enjoying the convenience of washing and drinking water. Experience the refreshing touch of a natural spring, where you can place a cup for a cool drink. Additional amenities include a accessible garden hose, a drink refrigerator, and a microwave. Stay cool with a ceiling fan and utilize electric plugs for your convenience. An attached outhouse with a cedar shaving commode provides a rustic yet comfortable relief option. Relish the outdoors on the covered deck equipped with a table, chairs, and a tabletop wood stove perfect for cooking hotdogs or roasting marshmallows. Venture down the road to explore rock hunting along a creek or make a short 4-mile trip to Center Hill Lake. This unique property offers a blend of natural beauty and comfortable amenities for an unforgettable getaway.

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Yellow Bird Artscape

5 sites · Lodging175 acres · Woodbury, TN

Once a farm, now a paradise. Wildlife refuge, Art Farm, rural retreat.Learn more about this land:Hanging valley in beautiful rural TN. Fields and woods with trails, ponds, goats and artwork. Very private. Opportunities for volunteer help. Various accommodations available including camping. Access to wood-burning sauna, and meditation hut by arrangement.

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Holler Homestead Woodsy Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Lancaster, TN

We discovered this small homestead 16 years ago. It was built by a man preparing to go off grid, but he never did. In the intervening time, we became enthralled with growing vegetables, raising poultry and hiking the hills behind us. Then Nicole discovered permaculture and began the process of changing the land using these practices. With our three dogs, cats, goats, ducks and chickens, things can be pretty merry around her. There are aquaponics and hydroponics to check out for fun. Plus, Nicole is one of the region's only craft coffee roasters, so you are in for a treat if you come visit and like coffee because she tends to hand visitors sample packs. Learn more about this land: Hang your hammock or pitch your tent in the back acres of a small homestead integrating permaculture practices. Hang out in our land for your whole visit checking out the holler we live in, dunk in the creek by the road, or drive over the hill to Center Hill Marine, or across the dam to Edgar Evins State park. or canoe the Caney Fork River! Sorry - No dogs please. Kayaking and fishing is also so close you can almost hear it - but you can't. Which is good. Our property has a composting outhouse and the outdoor shower attached to the house has hot and cold water. We also have a nice, outdoor kitchen area to share that has a big sink and blackstone griddle. There is Wifi in the kitchen area and a plug for recharging devices. The camp site is a two-minute walk from the driveway and outhouse so be prepared to carry items in and take your morning constitutional walk. We sometimes have available for sale eggs, freshly roasted coffee, jams and jellies. This is a functioning homestead, so we may be hosting an open house event, processing chickens, or some other fun digging activity during your stay.

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Wooded, primitive, lake nearby.

1 site · RV1 acre · Smithville, TN

Learn more about this land:This is a wooded lot located on a gravel drive that runs along the ridge of a mountain just a short distance from center hill lake. There is private lake access just around the corner which comes with the lot. You could drive down and put your canoe or kayak in at the very secluded boat ramp there or just walk there from the site. Very primitive site. There are a couple of individual small homes and a few seasonal cabins located on holiday haven drive as well, but this is Just a small piece of land near the lake in Smithville, away from it all.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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Center Hill Lake

Smithville, Tennessee

Old Stone Fort State Park

Manchester, Tennessee

63%

(8)

J Percy Priest Lake

Green Hill, Tennessee

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(3)

Bledsoe Creek Camping State Park

Castalian Springs, Tennessee

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(3)

Standing Stone State Park

Hendersonville, Tennessee

95%

(33)

Fall Creek Falls State Park

Spencer, Tennessee

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(2)

Cumberland Mountain State Park

Crossville, Tennessee

Lakeside camping near Smithville guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for all things camping! Whether you're an experienced outdoors enthusiast or a first-time camper, we've got you covered. With over 550 options near Smithville, Tennessee that offer a lakeside experience, you're sure to find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature's beauty. Looking for top-rated campsites? Check out Belle and Beau Acres (305 reviews), The Falls at Sewanee Creek (286 reviews), and Beech Hollow Hideout (149 reviews) for a guaranteed great stay. Plus, you can bring your furry friends along, enjoy campfires, and have access to potable water. If you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at whitewater paddling, wildlife watching, or biking. And with average prices starting at $30 per night and options as low as $10 per night, camping has never been more affordable. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience near Smithville, Tennessee!