For all of you who can’t stay cooped up indoors during the cooler months, the campgrounds at Tennessee State Parks are open and ready for your next adventure. Take advantage of a large selection of campsites, fewer crowds, and a bug-free experience during the off-season at these campgrounds.
The Best State Parks for Winter Camping in Tennessee
East Tennessee
Roan Mountain State Park
Mountains – Views – Skiing – Hiking
The snowy mountainous landscape at Roan Mountain State Park attracts thrill-seekers and chill campers alike. The park sits just below the mountain's peak in a valley often draped in a blanket of fresh snow during winter. At the top of the mountain, you'll find access to the Appalachian Trail and ideal conditions for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Back at the park, you'll find lush thickets of rhododendron leaves that keep the landscape spotted with greenery. With the beautiful Doe River running through the park, campers can end their day enjoying the warmth of the fire while listening to the soothing sounds of the river.
Middle Tennessee
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Restaurant and Lounge – Fishing – Waterfalls – Views – Hiking
Full Hookups: Multiple sites in campground areas A, B, C, and D.
Fall Creek Falls is one of the most visited state parks in Tennessee, attracting visitors from all over. On warm weather weekends, it can be challenging to find available campsites, especially at the last minute. However, winter allows campers to experience the park's iconic beauty without needing to book months in advance.
The park is home to multiple incredible waterfalls, including the tallest falls east of the Mississippi River. Campers can hike, fish, drive the scenic park roads, visit overlooks, and golf. When you're ready to relax, head to the park's lodge, where you'll find a restaurant and a full bar.
Tims Ford State Park
Fishing – Hiking – Golfing
Full Hookups: Fairview Campground (This campground is a few miles away from the main park.)
The wintry waters of Tims Ford Lake provide beautiful views for campers and ideal conditions for anglers. Tims Ford Lake is a Bill Dance Signature Lake and is regarded as one of the top bass fishing destinations in the southeast. If you visit for the fishing, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find lakefront campsites with full hookups at the Fairview Campground.
Those interested in other activities can enjoy golfing, hiking, and hunting in designated areas. Near the park, you'll find the birthplace of one of Tennessee's most famous whiskey brands, Jack Daniels. The Taste of Lynchburg Jack Daniel's Tour is an exciting excursion, including tastings and a southern meal.
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
Hiking – Waterfalls – History
Are you looking to visit waterfalls within an hour of Nashville? Check out Old Stone Fort State Park, which offers incredible hiking, spacious campsites, and beautiful falls. The park has a rich archaeological history that you can learn about at the park's museum and through the interpretive panels along the hiking trails.
Used by Native Americans as a ceremonial gathering place, the main hiking trail follows the wall of Old Stone Fort. The trail winds through dramatic scenery where you can see the original fort entrance designed to face the exact spot on the horizon where the sun rises during the summer solstice.
West Tennessee
Natchez Trace State Park
Fishing – Hiking – Archery – Close to Hunting Land
Full Hookups: Pin Oak Campground
What's better than a campsite with full hookups? A campsite with full hookups and a lakefront view. The Pin Oak Campground at Natchez Trace State Park offers a pristine wilderness experience inside one of the largest areas of public land in West Tennessee. Relax by the crackling fire or inside your cozy rig while enjoying grand views of the stunning Pin Oak Lake.
When you're ready for adventure, head out for a hike under the canopy of evergreens. The park offers over 40 miles of trails and campers can also hunt on nearby public lands.
Reelfoot Lake State Park
Bald Eagle Tours – Fishing
Even if you don't consider yourself a birder, you won't want to miss the opportunity to view Bald Eagles in the wild at Reelfoot Lake State Park. Perched on bald cypress trees, hundreds of Bald Eagles surround the lake during January and February each year. People from around the world travel to catch a glimpse of these gorgeous birds on one of the park's guided tours.