Campgrounds In Tennessee Map
If you’re planning a trip to Tennessee and want to experience the great outdoors, camping is an excellent option. With its diverse landscape of mountains, forests, and rivers, Tennessee has plenty of campgrounds to choose from. In this travel guide, we’ll take a look at the top attractions, hidden gems, and outdoor adventures that you can enjoy while camping in Tennessee. We’ll also cover the food scene, budget-friendly tips, and family-friendly activities that you won’t want to miss. So pack your bags and let’s get started!
Top Attractions
One of the top attractions in Tennessee is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This park offers breathtaking views of the mountains and is a great place for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. Another popular attraction is the Elvis Presley Graceland mansion in Memphis. Visitors can take a tour of the mansion and museum, which features exhibits on the life and career of the King of Rock and Roll. And if you’re a music lover, be sure to check out Nashville, the country music capital of the world, where you can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and catch a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, consider visiting the Lost Creek Overlook in the Cherokee National Forest. This scenic overlook offers stunning views of the mountains and is a great place for a picnic. Another hidden gem is the Cumberland Plateau in eastern Tennessee, which offers hiking trails and waterfalls that are often overlooked by tourists.
Food Scene
Tennessee is known for its barbecue, and you won’t want to miss out on trying some while you’re here. Some of the best barbecue joints in the state include Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Nashville and Peg Leg Porker in Memphis. If you’re looking for something a little different, try the hot chicken at Hattie B’s in Nashville or the fried catfish at Uncle Bud’s in Memphis.
Budget-Friendly Tips
If you’re on a tight budget, camping is a great way to save money on accommodations. Many of the campgrounds in Tennessee are affordable and offer amenities such as showers, toilets, and fire pits. You can also save money on food by cooking your own meals at the campground instead of eating out.
Outdoor Adventures
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Tennessee has plenty of adventures to offer. You can go hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, kayaking on the Ocoee River, or fishing in one of the many lakes and streams throughout the state. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try ziplining at Adventureworks in Nashville or rock climbing at Stone Fort Bouldering in Chattanooga.
Family-Friendly Activities
Tennessee is a great place for families with kids. Some of the top family-friendly activities include visiting Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, the Chattanooga Aquarium, and the Memphis Zoo. You can also take a tour of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, which is a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, consider visiting the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester. This four-day festival features live music, art installations, and camping. You can also visit the Shiloh National Military Park in southwest Tennessee, which features historical exhibits and reenactments of the Civil War.
Natural Wonders
Tennessee is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country. One of the top attractions is Rock City Gardens in Lookout Mountain. This park features unique rock formations, gardens, and hiking trails. Another must-see is Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, which is a stunning underground waterfall that you can tour.
Vibrant Nightlife
If you’re looking for a night out, Tennessee has plenty of options. In Nashville, you can check out the honky-tonks on Broadway, where you can listen to live music and dance the night away. Memphis is also a great place for nightlife, with its blues clubs and jazz bars. And if you’re in Knoxville, be sure to visit the Market Square, which has a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Local Markets
If you’re a fan of local products, be sure to check out the farmers’ markets in Tennessee. The Nashville Farmers’ Market is one of the largest in the state and features fresh produce, artisanal products, and food trucks. The Chattanooga Market is another great option, with over 200 vendors selling everything from crafts to baked goods.
Beaches and Mountains
Tennessee is home to both beautiful beaches and stunning mountains. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, head to the Gulf Coast in southwest Tennessee, where you can enjoy swimming, fishing, and sunbathing. And if you’re a fan of the mountains, be sure to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike, camp, and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Cultural Immersion
If you’re interested in learning about Tennessee’s history and culture, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. You can visit the Andrew Jackson Hermitage in Nashville, which was the home of the seventh president of the United States. And if you’re in Memphis, be sure to visit the National Civil Rights Museum, which is located at the site of the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
Art and Music Scene
Tennessee is known for its vibrant art and music scene. In Nashville, you can visit the Frist Art Museum, which features a variety of exhibits and events. And if you’re a fan of live music, be sure to check out the Bluebird Cafe, which has hosted some of the biggest names in country music. Memphis is also a great place for music lovers, with its Beale Street Historic District and Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley recorded his first hit.
Walking Tours
One of the best ways to experience Tennessee’s cities is on a walking tour. In Nashville, you can take a tour of the Music Row neighborhood, where many of the country music industry’s top recording studios are located. And in Memphis, you can take a tour of the historic Beale Street, which is known for its blues clubs and restaurants.
Architectural Marvels
Tennessee is home to some beautiful architectural marvels. One of the top attractions is the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, which is the largest private home in the United States. Another must-see is the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, which was the original home of the Grand Ole Opry.
Historical Sites
If you’re a history buff, be sure to visit the Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, which was a working plantation during the Civil War. And if you’re in Chattanooga, be sure to visit the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, which was the site of two major Civil War battles.
Biking Routes
Tennessee has plenty of scenic biking routes for cyclists of all levels. One of the top routes is the Natchez Trace Parkway, which stretches from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi. Another great option is the Virginia Creeper Trail, which is a 34-mile rail trail that runs from Abingdon, Virginia to the North Carolina border.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re in need of some rest and relaxation, Tennessee has plenty of wellness retreats to choose from. One of the top options is the Blackberry Farm in Walland, which offers luxury accommodations, farm-to-table dining, and a variety of wellness activities. Another great option is the Ocoee Retreat Center in Benton, which offers yoga retreats and outdoor activities.
With so much to see and do in Tennessee, camping is the perfect way to experience it all. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a music fan, there’s something for everyone in the Volunteer State. So start planning your trip today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!