Travel Guides
Travel Guides
Tennessee’s Gateway RV Parks: Campgrounds Near the State’s Natural Wonders
Experience the breathtaking splendor of Great Smoky Mountains, Cummins Falls, and more with RV camping near Tennessee’s best state and national parks. Nearby campgrounds offer modern comforts and glamping-style stays just outside iconic state lands.
Overview
Tennessee’s state and national parks are among the most visited in the country—and for good reason. From thundering waterfalls and panoramic mountain views to deep river gorges and lush hardwood forests, Tennessee offers outdoor experiences that rival anywhere in the U.S. But with popularity comes competition for campsites—especially during peak seasons.
If you’re having trouble booking a site inside parks like Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cummins Falls, or other stunning Tennessee destinations, don’t worry. There are privately owned campgrounds nearby with full hookups, modern amenities, and plenty of space to relax after a day of hiking, tubing, or sightseeing.
Here’s how to plan your next RV adventure in Tennessee using gateway RV campgrounds as your basecamp.
1
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the Tennessee–North Carolina border and protects over 500,000 acres of mountains and diverse ecosystems. Visitors flock here for scenic drives like Newfound Gap Road, wildlife sightings in Cades Cove, and hikes along waterfalls, ridgelines, and wildflower-filled meadows.
RV sites inside the park are limited and do not offer hookups—but several excellent private campgrounds nearby make it easy to enjoy the park without sacrificing comfort.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Big Meadow Family Campground (Townsend, TN): Nestled at the "peaceful side of the Smokies," this campground offers level, full-hookup sites and a tranquil setting just minutes from the Townsend park entrance.
Townsend / Great Smokies KOA Holiday (Townsend, TN): Located right along the Little River, this KOA offers river tubing, playgrounds, and upgraded RV sites near hiking trails and Cades Cove.
Pigeon Forge Jellystone Park (Pigeon Forge, TN): Just outside the park’s Gatlinburg entrance, this family-friendly resort features water slides, pools, theme weekends, and full-service RV sites.
Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort (Pigeon Forge, TN): One of the area’s newest resorts, offering riverside sites, a pool, hot tub, laundry, and shuttle service to downtown Pigeon Forge attractions.
2
Cummins Falls State Park
Located near Cookeville, Cummins Falls State Park is home to one of Tennessee’s most photogenic waterfalls. Cummins Falls drops 75 feet into a rocky gorge where visitors can hike, swim, and relax. The area is rugged and beautiful, with scenic overlooks and creek crossings that make for a memorable outdoor adventure.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Spacious Skies Belle Ridge (Monterey, TN): A family-friendly RV resort with hiking trails, waterfalls, and private ridge-top sites. Full hookups, fiber Wi-Fi, and rental cabins are available.
Cane Creek Campground & RV Park (Cookeville, TN): A peaceful campground with full-hookup sites, shade trees, and close proximity to Cummins Falls and other Highland Rim attractions.
3
Fall Creek Falls State Park
One of the most popular state parks in Tennessee, Fall Creek Falls features its namesake 256-foot waterfall—one of the tallest in the eastern United States. The park includes additional waterfalls, swinging bridges, scenic gorges, and over 50 miles of hiking trails. Rock climbing, birding, and boating are also popular activities.
Nearby Private Campground:
Mountain Glen RV Park & Campground (Pikeville, TN): Just 20 minutes from the park, this quiet campground offers full-hookup sites with beautiful views, a stocked fishing pond, and friendly hosts.
4
South Cumberland State Park
South Cumberland State Park is a hidden gem in southeast Tennessee, known for its waterfalls, rugged trails, and rock formations. The park is made up of multiple units, including Fiery Gizzard Trail, Savage Gulf, and Grundy Forest. It's a backpacker's paradise, but day hikes also offer plenty of stunning views.
Nearby Private Campground:
Greeter Falls Campground (Altamont, TN): Rustic and scenic, this campground offers primitive and RV camping just a short drive from some of the park’s best trails and overlooks.
Why Choose a Private RV Park Near Tennessee’s Parks?
Booking a campsite inside Tennessee’s most popular public parks is often a challenge—especially if you’re looking for full hookups or space for a larger rig. Private campgrounds near these parks offer an ideal alternative, providing:
– Full hookups for water, sewer, and electricity (30/50 amp)
– Spacious sites for big rigs and RV slide-outs
– Convenient amenities like laundry, bathhouses, pools, and dog parks
– Proximity to attractions, trailheads, and natural wonders
You’ll spend your days adventuring in Tennessee’s iconic public lands—and your nights relaxing in comfort, just minutes away, in a glampers paradise.
Plan Your Tennessee RV Trip
Whether you're chasing waterfalls, hiking mountain trails, or watching wildlife, Tennessee’s state and national parks deliver unforgettable experiences. Don’t let booked-up campgrounds slow you down. Stay at a nearby private RV park with all the comforts of home—and enjoy every minute of your outdoor escape.
