The best camping in Tims Ford State Park, TN

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Top-rated campgrounds

The Falls at Sewanee Creek

98%
(681)
33mi from Tims Ford State Park · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tracy City, TN
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
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from 
$36
 / night

Running Water Creek

84%
(337)
47mi from Tims Ford State Park · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Guild, TN
Running Water Creek is a unique, fully off grid campground just 20 minutes to downtown Chattanooga. We have 80+ campsites spread out over 120 acres. Most of the roads are accessible in any small car, but some roads require 4x4 (they're marked with a sign). We have a bath house with toilets, showers, and sinks and even offer hot water! Our well and cabins are all solar-powered as we are not on the electric grid. Some info about the property: -we DO NOT have water or power hookups -we have gravel roads with a 5 MPH speed limit on the property (if you drive too fast the roads will seem rough) -we are right next to a highway and train tracks so there will be some noise (some days are better than others and we have no way of predicting how many trains will/will not go by) -none of our campsites have picnic tables (please plan accordingly) -most campsites have fire rings built, but if you choose a site without one you need to build your own
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from 
$26
 / night

Elk Head Overlook

95%
(317)
26mi from Tims Ford State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Pelham, TN
**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
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from 
$38
 / night

Hammock’Sway Private Off Grid Camp

98%
(533)
48mi from Tims Ford State Park · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rock Island, TN
Get Lost or Find Yourself. Sway Camping is a private, Off Grid camping experience in Rock Island TN. Situated between Isha Yoga center, Fall Creek Falls, and Rock Island state park, this property is something special. Each campsite offers a private space perfect for getting away, or large enough for family and groups. Pet Friendly property with lots of room to be a part of nature along the beautiful Rocky River. Camp along the river or up in your own private forest. One of the darkest skies around so be ready for some stargazing at night by the fire. This is a property I purchased in 2018 to create a camping experience that reflected the image of camping as a kid. This isn’t a "hotel without walls" like state parks and KOA's/ This is real camping. No neighbors. No electric wires. Just nature and beauty in a quiet environment. Clothing optional sites available and great space for small events and large groups. Get lost or find yourself relaxing along the Rocky River. Stay in a hammock, a tent, camper, RV, or one of our cabins. Privacy and freedom is what we are about. Pet friendly camping that should be shared, but please don't tell everyone you know. Only your favorite people.. Then come camp!
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from 
$25
 / night

The Private Reserve Cabin + RV Pad

98%
(27)
30mi from Tims Ford State Park · 2 sites · Lodging · Tracy City, TN
New to HipCamp? Use this code for $10 off your stay with us: https://www.hipcamp.com/i/elisabethc3462c9 **HIGHLIGHTS** OUTDOORSY LOCATION - Paved roads all the way to the cabin - 3 Mins → Grundy Lakes at South Cumberland State Park - 4 Mins → downtown Tracy City - 10 Mins → Fiery Gizzard Trail - 15 Mins → The Caverns (Caves and Music Venue) - 45 Mins → Chattanooga - 50 Mins → McMinnville & the Cumberland Caverns - Guidebook with nearby recommendations provided WELCOMING ENTRY - Driveway gate, can be locked for added security - Lighted and covered entryway - Smart lock for convenient and secure access - Local guidebook with recommendations provided STOCKED MAIN LEVEL (no stairs required) - Kitchen: cooking & dining essentials: stainless steel appliances, countertop dishwasher, Keurig coffee maker - Living Room: Queen-sized pull-out sleeper sofa, reclining/rocking armchair (a second armchair is available in the entryway for additional seating), smart TV - Entry/Mudroom: ideal for leaving shoes and hanging jackets - Laundry: stacked washer and dryer - Bathroom: full bathroom with walk-in shower COZY LOFT (separated with a door for privacy) - Bedroom: queen sized bed, small dresser, and smart TV SOAK IN THE OUTDOORS - Hot tub deck with inflatable hot tub and Adirondack chairs - Covered front porch with swing and rocking chair - Large fire pit - Rocking bench and circular picnic table - Roped-off meditation area with Adirondack chairs (yoga mats provided inside) - 8 acres of nature, surrounded by trees and natural rock formations FAMILY FRIENDLY - Waterproof mattress and pillow covers on in all bedrooms - TVs in all sleeping areas - Blackout window treatments - Full sized laundry PETS LOVE IT TOO - Extra cleaning & sanitation provided - Pet essentials: Poop bags and enzymatic spray RV PAD AVAILABLE AS WELL - Gravel pad: 82” (6.83’) wide x 528” (44’) long - 50ft+ of driveway/gravel clearance for maneuvering - FULL hookups: grey/black water dump, potable water via city hose connection, 30amp electric outlet, and 4 outdoor outlets (please bring 20ft hoses and extension cord to ensure access) - WiFi - trash cans - small deck https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/tennessee-rv-pad-w-wifi-full-hookups-deck-r57h5qjd?
Pets
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from 
$80
 / night

Howlin Hill

98%
(141)
42mi from Tims Ford State Park · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · Lewisburg, TN
Primitive, Hammock, Tent camping, and small campers (16ft ish and under only, WITH NO HOOKUPS) at its absolute best! Great riverfront campsites as well as more secluded wooded sites just a short walk away from the riverfront. Howlin' Hill has the best riverfront beach access on this stretch of the gorgeous Duck River. Most of our campsites are shaded by a continuous tree canopy and each site is equipped with a fire pit. We have firewood for sale. Early summertime offers an amazing light show performed by thousands of lightning bugs. Portables and spring fed showers are provided within walking distance from your site. Located just 8 miles from Chapel Hill and Henry Horton State Park, our campgrounds can be reached in under an hour from many of Middle Tennessee’s more urban areas. We do allow early check in as long as the campsite is clear out from previous campers. We are very strict on our speed limit on the property. It is 5 mph for a reason. Please do the requested speed.
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from 
$30
 / night

Greeter Falls Campground

98%
(327)
35mi from Tims Ford State Park · 51 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Altamont, TN
Welcome to Greeter Falls Campground! Come to Greeter Falls Campground to Retreat, Relax, Be Refreshed and Get Renewed. Greeter Falls Campground is located less than a half mile from the Greeter Falls Trailhead, adjacent to the Sixteen Thousand Acre Savage Gulf State Park offering over Sixty miles of well-marked trails for every skill level. The Two mile Greeter Falls Trail loop connects you to three awe inspiring waterfalls as well as the nearby Blue Hole swimming area. We offer many recreational options to help you enjoy the area including Primitive Tent spots, Furnished Cabins and Yurts (Military Tents) and RV/Travel Trailer sites (each with electrical and water hook-ups). We offer Seventy campsites: Thirty RV Sites: - Eight Premium RV and Travel Trailer Sites - FHU with Septic and "Pull Thru". - Three Regular Pull-Thru Sites (without Septic) - Seven Regular RV Sites with 30/50 Amp Power and Water Hook-Ups - Seven Back-in FHU RV Sites with Septic connection - Five Small FHU Pull-in Sites with 30 Amp Power *Five of the above RV Sites also have Small Private Dog Parks (call for more info). We also have an RV Dump Station on premises, available 24/7. Twenty Lodging Options: -Six Furnished Cabins: 16' x 16' with 8' x 16' porch. Sleeps Four. Bathroom and Kitchenette. Heat & AC, High-Speed Wi-Fi and Television. -Fourteen Furnished Yurts (Glamping) Sites– on Wooden Platforms with Porches: --- Four 11' x 11' Square Military Style Command Tents --- Ten 16' x 16' Square Military Style Squad Tents Twenty Primitive Tent Sites: - Five Primitive Tent Spots – Solo/Duo - Five Primitive Tent Spots – Group/Family - Ten Primitive Tent Spots - Deluxe Group/Family with Water/Power, (Four on Main Campus, 3 with wooden platforms) Each and every one of our camp sites are unique. So, whether you’re looking for a furnished cabin or yurt or want to find THE perfect RV or tenting site, it’s best to reach out to one of our reservation specialists. They will do their best to match your preferences with one of our available sites. out with any questions you may have, we’ll be happy to • Call: 800-MTN-CAMP (800-686-2267) • Text: 931-800-4376 • Email: Camp@GreeterFalls.com Check Our Camper Reviews.
Pets
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from 
$36
 / night

Valley View Campground

91%
(11)
49mi from Tims Ford State Park · 20 sites · RVs · Trenton, GA
Welcome to Valley View Campground! Nestled in the heart of nature, Valley View Campground is your home away from home. Whether you’re planning a peaceful weekend or a long-term stay, we offer the perfect place to relax, recharge, and reconnect with the outdoors. We are located between two beautiful mountains. Lookout mountain and sand mountain. Our campground features: 20 spacious, full-hookup sites, ideal for RVs of all sizes A scenic loop layout with easy-to-access pull-throughs and back-in sites Complimentary Wi-Fi and garbage service. Valley View is close to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Located nearby popular attractions such as Cloudland Canyon, Rock City, and Ruby Falls and the lookout mountain Incline Railway. Valley View is great for weekend adventurers, traveling workers, and long-term guests—especially linemen and contractors looking for a comfortable and convenient place. Each site offers a unique view of local hang gliders who often launch nearby and soar overhead. It’s a favorite for guests who enjoy watching the colorful gliders in flight – a peaceful and inspiring touch of adventure right from your campsite. Please note: Our campground is conveniently located close to the interstate for easy access and travel. You may hear some highway and occasional train noise during your stay. No bathhouse on premises
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from 
$55
 / night

Other options near Tims Ford State Park

The best camping in Tims Ford State Park, TN guide

Overview

About

Located on Tennessee’s Tims Ford Reservoir, this 2,200-acre park is famed for its water, offering boating, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. There’s also plenty to keep you busy on dry land, with 6.5 miles of unpaved hiking trails in addition to the 22 miles of biking and hiking trails winding along the reservoir’s shoreline. Keep your eyes peeled and your binoculars handy for spotting local wildlife, including bald eagles. And if golf’s your game, tee off on the course, which has water views at each of its 18 holes.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for RVs: The Main Campground can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length.
  • Best for seclusion: The park has six paddle-in campsites on their own small islands.
  • Best for backpackers: Opt for the hike-in or paddle-in Evans Loop Backcountry Campsite.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Booking in advance is recommended and can be easily done online or by phone up to one year in advance.
  2. Reservations are required for hike-in and paddle-in sites.
  3. Same-day booking is not available online—only by phone.
  4. Double-check your dates before booking—a non-refundable booking fee is charged.

When to go

Tims Ford State Park is open year-round and most popular in the summer months, which see lots of visitors cooling off in the reservoir and seasonally open, Olympic-sized swimming pool. Fall’s rich hues of red and orange are also popular—the foliage typically lasts from early October to early November with colors peaking in late October.

Know before you go

  • You can rent pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes at the Lake View Marina, which also has a snack bar, bait shop, and fish-cleaning area. 
  • Visit the park’s camp store for gear, snacks, and supplies.
  • Pets are welcome as long as you supervise your animal at all times and have proof of a rabies shot. Pets are not allowed in park buildings or swimming areas.
  • Only certified heat-treated firewood is allowed to enter the park as outside firewood.
100%
5 ratings · 2 reviews