8 of the Best Waterfront Campsites in Tennessee
August 31, 2022 | Permalink
Scattered across Tennessee, you'll find some incredible waterways. We're lucky to report that you can access a handful of those shorelines right outside your campsites at our state parks. Fall asleep to the sounds of the streaming waters or launch your kayak without straying far from camp. To help you plan a waterfront trip, we've listed eight state parks that offer RV and tent campsites right on the water.
1. Natchez Trace State Park
West, TN • 40 minutes Northeast of Jackson, TN • Map and Directions
Natchez Trace State Park offers well-developed campsites with hookups, surrounded by blissful wilderness. Visitors can explore 45-miles of hiking trails and fishing opportunities, enjoy meals at the park restaurant, and venture to nearby attractions while maintaining that “off the grid” feeling.
Nearby Attractions:
- Paddling, hiking, and fishing at Mousetail Landing State Park
- Hunting, horseback riding, and OHV use (on designated trails) at Natchez Trace State Forest
- Learn about Native American history and archeology at Pinson Mounds State Park
Sites With Water Views:
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Pin Oak Campground — There are a handful of sites along the lakeshore. Use the “Map View” feature when reserving online to find a site on the lake.
Amenities:
- Full hookups offered at Pin Oak Campground sites 1–77
- Camp store (seasonal)
- Playground and picnic shelter in the campground
- Boat Dock at the campground
- Laundry
- Lodge with WIFI and restaurant
Note: Reception is limited in the campground. WIFI is available at the Lodge.
Photo by @the_traveling_b on Instagram
2. Mousetail Landing State Park
West, TN • One hour east of Jackson, TN • Map and Directions
Looking for a campsite that’s so close to the shoreline you can fish from your tent? The sites at Mousetail Landing’s primitive campground line the banks of the Tennessee River so closely, you can cast a line or put in a kayak right from your site. Plus, the sunrise from your tent will be well worth the primitive camping experience.
Nearby Attractions:
- Hiking, dining, and fishing at Natchez Trace State Park
- Hunting, horseback riding, and OHV use (on designated trails) at Natchez Trace State Forest
- Learn about Native American history and archeology at Pinson Mounds State Park
Sites With Water Views:
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Spring Creek Campground, Sites 1–16
Amenities:
- Playground, restrooms, and picnic shelters at the park
- Boat Dock at the campground
3. Pickwick Landing State Park
West, TN • Two hours east of Memphis, One hour northwest of Florence, AL • Map and Directions
If you love fishing and spending time on the water, you’ll love Pickwick Landing State Park. The primitive campsites sit on the shoreline of Pickwick Lake at the Bruton Branch Campground, a short drive from the main park area. The park offers a full-service marina with fuel and boat/paddling rentals. There is also a lodge with a full-service restaurant and lounge for those nights you’re ready for someone else to take on the cooking.
Nearby Attractions:
- Hiking and paddling at Big Hill Pond State Park
- Learn about Civil War History at Shiloh National Battlefield
Sites With Water Views:
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Bruton Branch Primitive Campground, Sites 1 & 2, 4–29
Amenities:
- Bathroom with hot showers at the campground
- Boat Dock at the campground
- Lodge with WIFI and dining
- 18-hole golf course
Photo by @stephaniedavisb on Instagram
4. Harrison Bay State Park
East, TN • 35 minutes northeast of Chattanooga • Map and Directions
Harrison Bay State Parks offers incredible lakefront sites for RVs near Chatanooga. Campers will enjoy stunning sunsets over Chickamauga Lake and views of the stars from their campsites. Hit the water with boat and paddling rentals, hike and bike over four miles of trail, or tee off at the 18-hole golf course.
Nearby Attractions:
- Explore restaurants and attractions in Chattanooga
- Hike, paddle, and catch one of the best sunsets in Tennessee at Booker T. Washington State Park
Sites With Water Views:
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Campground Area A — There are a handful of sites along the lakeshore. Use the “Map View” feature when reserving online to find a site on the lake.
Amenities:
- Playground and ball field in the campground
- Camp store (seasonal)
- 18-hole golf course
5. Edgar Evins State Park
Middle, TN • One hour east of Nashville • Map and Directions
Offering some of the most unique campsites in Tennessee, each site at Edgar Evins State Park is a raised platform made of wood and reinforced with concrete and steel. The sites on the outer edge of the campground look out over Center Hill Lake and sit close enough to the shoreline you can hear the soothing sounds of the water. The park offers hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and a unique opportunity to view Center Hill Lake from the top of a lookout tower at the visitor center.
Nearby Attractions:
- Explore waterfalls at Cummins Falls State Park and Burgess Falls State Park
- Canoe or kayak on the Caney Fork River
- Explore restaurants and attractions in Cookeville
Sites With Water Views:
- Main Campground, Sites 38-60
- Primitive Campground, Sites 4–8
Amenities:
- Playground in the campground
- Camp store (seasonal)
6. Reelfoot Lake State Park
West, TN • On the border of Missouri and Kentucky • Map and Directions
A truly unique Tennessee experience awaits at Reelfoot Lake State Park. The campsites sit on the shores of Reelfoot Lake which was created after an earthquake in 1811 caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards and flood the once-dense stands of bald cypress trees. During the year, visitors can watch birds, including bald eagles, waterfowl, and white pelicans, from the shore or on a Ranger-led pontoon tour. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, hiking, and paddling.
Nearby Attractions:
- Explore kid-friendly exhibits at Discovery Park of America in Union City, TN
- Enjoy restaurants right outside the park like Boyett’s Dining Room
Sites With Water Views:
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South Campground—There are a handful of sites along the lakeshore. Use the “Map View” feature when reserving online to find a site on the lake.
Amenities:
- Playground in the campground
- Park museum (opened 2022) to explore
- Boat ramp right next to the campground
7. Big Ridge State Park
East, TN • 35 minutes north of Knoxville • Map and Directions
A handful of the campsites at Big Ridge State Park sit on the southern shore of beautiful Norris Lake. The park offers more than 15 miles of hiking trails, paddling rentals, fishing, and a swim beach.
Nearby Attractions:
- Hiking, paddling, and fishing at Cove Lake State Park
- Hiking, boating, fishing, and mountain biking at Norris Dam State Park
- Explore restaurants and attractions in the city of Knoxville
Sites With Water Views:
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Main Campground—There are a handful of sites along the lakeshore. Use the “Map View” feature when reserving online to find a site on the lake.
Amenities:
- Tennis court, basketball court and playground beside campground
- Camp store (seasonal)
Photo by @jrock0114 on Instagram
8.Tims Ford State Park
Middle, TN • 1.5 hours southeast of Nashville • Map and Directions
Tims Ford State Park sits on a picturesque lake that's regarded as one of the top bass fishing and recreational lakes in the southeast. A handful of campsites at the Fairview Campground sit on the shores of Tims Ford Lake. Note that the water level varies to be higher in summer and spring and lower in the fall and winter. The park offers eight public boat ramps, two marinas, over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a Bear Trace 18-hole golf course.
Nearby Attractions:
- Hiking and fishing at Old Stone Fort State Park
- Hiking, Rock Climbing, and Fishing at South Cumberland State Park
- Tour the Jack Daniels Distillery
Sites With Water Views:
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Fairview Campground—There are a handful of sites along the lakeshore. Use the “Map View” feature when reserving online to find a site on the lake.
Amenities:
- WIFI
- Camp store (seasonal)
- 18-hole golf course