Friday, March 22, 2024

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Free Camping In Nashville Tn

What People Are Saying About Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort

The BEST Boondocking/FREE Camping Spot in ALL of Tennessee | Fulltime RV Family of 6

Had an amazing stay for a couple of nights during our travels from Ontario to Florida. Sites were nice, good size, services were good, and staff were wonderful and friendly! Had a great little store as well. A pleasant stay if only for a short bit, would definitely go back! Mark, Google Review

Location

Free Tennessee Camping Spots Rhea Springs Campground

Address

Elevation: 2169

Management: Public Rest Area

The road in is Paved. C.R. Doodle White Overlook Park is open year round. There are 1-5 Tennessee camping spots at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay overnight at C.R. Doodle White Overlook Park. Picnic area and scenic overlook. Level paved parking lot for about 8-10 regular size vehicles. Class C campers could probably park here. I dont think trailers could be pulled in and out of the lot easily, since theres not much room to turn around.

Glorious Campgrounds In Kentucky Where No Reservation Is Required

Kentucky is a beautiful state and one of the best ways to experience it is by camping. While most campgrounds require advanced planning and reservations, there are a few places throughout the state that allow for those last minute free camping trips that you just have to take. And since any season provides a great opportunity for camping in Kentucky, now is the time to check out these five glorious destinations in Kentucky that are not only free campgrounds, but no reservation is required.

Quick Hits: Camping in Kentucky:

What are some of the best campgrounds in Kentucky? Kentucky offers countless options for camping adventures! We featured some of the free campgrounds in the state in this article, but thats just the beginning. Kentuckys state parks are a wonderful option when planning a family camping trip, and we particularly love Cumberland Falls State Resort Park for its range of options. If you want to be right on the water, consider Axtel Campground at Rough River Lake for scenic campsites and plenty of amenities.

Are you allowed to camp in state parks? Absolutely! Kentuckys state parks have designated areas for RV camping, as well as primitive set ups. State park camping is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Kentucky, and you can find everything from a cabin in the woods to a secluded campsite thats all your own.

And for more rustic camping spots throughout Kentucky, check out our previous article here.

Address:

Recommended Reading: Camping World In Birmingham Alabama

Yogi Bears Jellystone Park 30 Minutes From Nashville

Large pull-thru RV sites at Yogi Bears Jellystone Park // Image from The Dyrt camper Shelly S.

Part kid-friendly camp resort and part wacky theme park, Yogi Bears Jellystone Park has the feel of an adventure park with the comfort and convenience of a traditional KOA. Complete with a pool and tons of pool toys for the kiddos and a market on site for food and other convenience items, this is an RV-centered park that provides solid access to Nashvilles downtown scene. Tents are welcome here, but the atmosphere is more accommodating to RVs.

Most of the space was taking up by RVs but there was a small area for tent camping as well. The tent campsites did have grills which was nice a touch to make dinner. There was a sandlot playground as well which I did not use but would be nice for families camping with children.The Dyrt camper Ethan K.

Seven Points Campground45 Campgrounds From Nashville

10 Best Nashville RV Parks To Explore

Another of the campgrounds located on Priest Lake, Seven Points is slightly larger than its cousin across the water, with 59 campsites and two large picnic shelters that can provide for up to 100 guests. Seven Points is around 30 minutes away from downtown Nashville, but offers the solitude and access to the wilderness of a more traditional mountain escape.

The bathrooms are nice and camp sites are set up to be quite spacious/private with good tree coverage for even summer camping. Love that its so close to Nashville and even close enough to make a morning coffee run if you forget to pack yours.The Dyrt camper Wendy J.

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Final Thoughts On Finding Free Campsites

I hope that this free camping guide was helpful and aids you in future trip planning. Remember to always be prepared, do your research, play it safe, and most importantly, have fun on your trip! Let me know your favorite ways to find free campsites on road trips. Cant wait to hear about your adventures!

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Other Public Lands In The Us

You can mainly find free camping in national forest land and BLM locations, you can also camping spots for free in other lands as well such as:

  • Smaller US federal agencies

However, some may need reservations ahead of time depending on the location. Please also keep in mind that NOT all parks have free camping and it may be much harder to find free camping spots at these locations but it is an option.

Recommended Reading: Tent Camping Near Sevierville Tn

National Parks And Forests

While there is no free camping available within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cherokee National Forest shares a boundary with the national park and offers up some amazing places for free wilderness camping.

The areas with designated sites for dispersed camping are Citico Creek Area and the French Broad Creek Area. These areas also provide recreational opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and creek-play.

Citico Creek Area is known for its ample fishing opportunities . If staying at the French Broad Creek Area, youll need to look for signs directing you to the Paint Creek Corridor, as this is where the designated dispersed campsites are located. The Paint Creek Corridor is known for its scenic drive and picturesque picnic opportunities.

All of the dispersed camping sites within the Cherokee National Forest are primitive, without running water or electricity. Be sure to check out the Cherokee National Forest website for any restrictions or warnings before heading out.

Additional National Parks in Tennessee

Henry Horton State Park

Favorite RV Camping Near Nashville, TN | RV Living Full Time

Henry Horton State Park is located in Chapel Hill, which is technically 55 miles from Nashville. Lets not split hairs though. It is an ideal location for those living south of downtown, and it offers some unique activities for guests. The park includes 19 tent camping sites along the Duck River with tables and fire rings. The park allows leashed pets at the campsites. Campers will enjoy easy access to hiking, swimming, and paddling on the Duck River, as well as an 18-hole golf course, a trap and skeet range and a disc golf course. As an added bonus, the campground offers wifi. While the signal strength varies and is not meant for downloading or streaming services, it is available to help ease the transition from the digital life.

Read Also: Valley Of Fire Rv Camping Reservations

Meriwether Lewis Campground Natchez Trace Parkway

The Meriwether Lewis Campground is a favorite among history and nature enthusiasts as it offers the chance to learn about the Natchez Trace and the legacy of the campgroundâs namesake.

The Meriwether Lewis Campground is one of three campgrounds nestled inside the boundaries of the Natchez Trace Parkway, and it has 32 secluded sites within the forested environment. Each campsite comes with its own picnic table and fire ring.

There are flush toilets with running water, but no showers available here.For hikers, there are several trails around the area for a short day hike to explore the surroundings.

Free Camping In Mississippi

8.Airey Lake Campsite Located to De Soto National Park there is a fully stocked fishing lake to enjoy.

9. Rocky Springs Campground Lots to see and do here, take a hike to visit a community that was run out by the Civil War and yellow fever, all that remains now is the church and graveyard. Owen Creek Waterfall Trail is nearby as well.

Related: Must-Have Camping Gear List

Also Check: Banff National Park Camping Reservations

Jackson Island Campground Watts Bar Reservoir

The Jackson Island Campground is located across the Watts Bar Reservoir from Rhea Springs Recreation Area. Although this area looks more rustic, there are vault toilets available for use.

The ground is not quite level and thus smaller vehicles might not be ideal especially when itâs wet. The campsites are shaded and the surrounding trees provide plenty of privacy. Camping generators are allowed but be sure to keep the noise at a minimum especially at night.

Smoky Bear Campground & Rv Park

It

The Smoky Bear Campground & RVPark is one of the premier places to go RV camping in Tennessee, bar none.

Thanks to its convenient locationin Gatlinburg, this Tennessee RV park is an ideal place for exploring GreatSmoky Mountains National Park. It boasts 46 full hookup RV sites with plenty ofpull-thru spaces. Tent camping and cabin rentals are also available.

Additional amenities includebathrooms with hot showers, free cable and Wi-Fi, and a clubhouse thatsperfect for family reunions. Kids love the heated pool and playground. Anon-site dog park is perfect for those RV camping with dogs.

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Harrison Bay State Park

Camping at Chickamauga Lakedoesnt get much better than a stay at Harrison Bay State Park.

At nearly 60 miles long,Chickamauga Lake is one of the most popular places for water recreation inTennessee. Popular activities include boating, fishing, paddling, swimming, andmore. Fans of golfing love the BearTrace at Harrison Bay, a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Although dozens of campgrounds are available in the area, Harrison Bay State Park is most notable for its lakeside location. It spans nearly 40 miles of Chickamauga Lakes shore. The campground only has 27 tent campsites but making a reservation is well worth it. There are also 128 additional RV campsites with full hookups.

Best Places For Free Camping In The Southeast Usa

May 20, 2021

This post may contain affiliate or referral links. Read more about this in our disclosure policy.

When you go camping in the south, you are most likely looking for water and beaches, a place to do some fishing and take some nature hikes. So for my freebies in this post, I target some free beaches, some free parks, many with waterfalls in hiking distance. Many have excellent fishing and wildlife and some others the views arent great, but they have free hookups!

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Little House In The Woods

Why you should stay: Luxury living at a good price on a tiny footprint.

  • Location: Pegram
  • Minimum stay: 1 night
  • Rates from: $145/night

Who said your glamping experience required a dome or a tent? You can just as easily enjoy your communion with nature from a tiny home like the Little House in the Woods.

For what this glamping option lacks in size it makes up in style. The bottom floor is split between a living-kitchen area and a bathroom that seems huge for the space. The living area and kitchen are both stylishly decorated with a modern-rustic theme, mixing deep grays, whites, and industrial finishes with exposed wood.

A full kitchen setup with a stove, fridge, and microwave makes for easy cooking during your trip, while a bar and a sectional couch provide ample seating. In the bathroom, the convenience and comfort continue with a huge walk-in shower and stand-alone soaking tub. Youre definitely not roughing it when you stay here.

Note that youll need to climb a ladder to the loft for the sleeping area, outfitted with two twin beds and plush carpet. Oh, and theres no Wi-Fi.

Why you should stay: Roomy treehouse with a huge deck.

  • Location: Greenbrier
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights
  • Rates from: $280/night

The main treehouse is connected to a secondary treehouse by a swinging bridge, creating two most separate spaces families who need a little space apart here and there during the day. Extra amenities include a fireplace and handicap-accessible shower.

Why Youll Love Safe Harbor Rv Resort

Best FREE Camping in Tennessee for Mini Van

At Safe Harbor, youll quickly understand why the resort has its name. Youll really enjoy the calm and relaxing environment as you sit outside your RV site taking in the wonderful new community youre a part of. The lake views are amazing, and youll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water.

Read Also: Northland Camping And Rv Park

Synopsis Of The New Illegal Camping Law

Back in 2012, the State of Tennessee passed the Equal Access to Public Property Act of 2012 , which banned camping on state owned property. The Act was created in response to the Occupy Nashville movement in which protesters erected tents on the state-owned War Memorial Plaza.

The Act made it illegal to camp on any state owned property that was not designated for camping. A person can only be charged with violating this act if he or she was informed by an officer and failed to remove themselves and their belongings.

The term camping was given a specific definition to include erecting any kind of shelter, or other bedding, as well as the act of sleeping and the act of cooking. Just the act of sleeping on state owned property, qualifies as camping.

The Act exempted, however, all state owned campgrounds, or other state properties where camping was allowed.

Paint Creek Corridor Cherokee National Forest

Paint Creek Corridor is situated within the Cherokee National Forest. This area has a warm water fishing pond, several trails for day hikes, and overlooks to observe the stunning Dudley and Kelly Falls. Alternatively, you can take a scenic drive around the area to enjoy the stunning nature views.

Take note that dispersed camping is allowed only on designated sites and alcoholic beverages are not allowed in this area. The area has vaulted toilets.

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Of The Best Places To Go Camping In Tennessee

Camping in Tennessee is a great way to explore the staggering amount of natural beauty the state has to offer.

With a wide variety of campgrounds to choose from, including rustic tent sites to RV parks with full amenities as well as free dispersed areas, theres a little something available for campers of all needs and preferences.

Here are 30 of the best places to go camping in Tennessee to help you plan your next trip!

Discover The Best Free Camping In America

The best vintage camper glamping parties in Nashville and Middle ...

To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America .

You should give it a try!

As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, youre contributing to these lands.

Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site!

Well send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA . Access the list by submitting your email below:

Kim Patterson

Saturday 22nd of January 2022

Tennessee local here and have camped at Jackson Island a few times as it’s just down the road from us. Unfortunately we have heard that Rhea Springs Campground is soon to no longer be free.

M Bruce Parker

Wednesday 12th of January 2022

While the Michelin representative showed and discussed a Michelin 4S tire with remarkable speed capacity, most RV tires have much less speed tolerance. Read your tire sidewalls and obey, or weep.

21 Best Free Campsites in America – Drivin’& Vibin’

Thursday 30th of December 2021

Nearby Camping Attractions: Tennessee a number of awesome boondocking spots. Heres our guide to camping in Tennessee.

Sal Vitale

Friday 24th of July 2020

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Rhea Springs Recreation Area

Located in Spring City, Tennessee on Rhea Springs Road, the GPS coordinates for the campground are 35.6832, -84.8262.

Rhea Springs was created by the Tennessee Valley Authority, when the Piney River was dammed to provide electricity. The recreation area sits on Watts Bar Reservoir, giving campers the opportunity to fish or enjoy boating and swimming in its waters.

Campsites are plentiful and widely spaced, with shady, lakefront sites being the most popular. The campsite provides fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathhouse.

Grateful campers enjoy this beautiful campground, not only for its price , but for the quiet and peaceful location on the reservoir. A swim beach and boat ramp tempt many into the water.

Free Camping in Tennessee Vibes: 7.9/10

Whats The First Thing I Should Do When Looking For A House

The first thing you should do before searching for rental homes is decide on an ideal budget. Consider how much of your income goes towards bills and what you have left over at the end of each month. Also, remember that when first moving in, you will need to account for at least a deposit and first months rent.

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Tennessee Dispersed Camping Areas

Camping laws in Tennessee: Unless stated otherwise, scattered camping outside of designated campgrounds is permitted throughout Cherokee National Forest for visitors looking to get away from it all. Within 100 feet of water, trails, trailhead parking lots, and developed recreation areas, camping is prohibited. There are no fees associated with dispersed camping, and no permits are necessary.

Area of Citico Creek:This region gives isolation as well as backcountry experiences. Fishing, horseback riding, camping, and hiking are all popular activities.

With almost 20,000 acres of Wilderness in Citico Creek and Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock, this location offers plenty of seclusion and backcountry adventures. In Citico Creek and its rocky tributaries, you can catch both native and stocked trout, as well as smallmouth bass and catfish in the creeks lower levels.

Area of the French Broad River:An large road and path system connects the areas wooded mountainsides and creek gorges. Fishing, hiking, horseback riding, creek play, and camping are just a few of the activities available.

Area of the Tellico River:This location offers fantastic fishing, camping, hiking, and picturesque driving options. The Indian Boundary Recreation Area and the Cherohala Skyway are also located here.

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