Tennessee RV & Camping: Time, Dates & Rules (With Examples)

If you want to truly feel at peace in nature, you may want to consider an RV camping experience in the picturesque state of Tennessee.

Not only are there many different RV resorts and state parks, but there are also many lush valleys, peaceful rivers, and magnificent mountains to view or photograph.

The state is well known for its southern charm and abundance of natural attractions.

Experience firsthand why Tennesse is one of the most sought-after RV camping destinations:

3 Tennesse Campgrounds With Times, Dates & Rules

Below we have found three of the best Tennesse campgrounds that you can visit with your motorhome.

These campgrounds have their own unique draws, features, and amenities that make them worth visiting.

We have included the dates and times you can visit and a few of the rules you will need to follow.

If you adhere to them, you will face no issues when you embark on your Tennessee RV camping journey.

1. Anchor Down RV Resort

If you like to camp with your RV in a luxury environment, you might want to look at the Anchor Down luxury RV resort located on Lake Douglas in Dandridge.

This resort has 170 spacious camping sites, with some offering full water, sewer, and electricity hookups.

Nature lovers will enjoy the views afforded to them when camping at Anchor Down RV Resort. There are spectacular lakefront views, and visitors will be able to bask in the gorgeous sight of the Great Smokey Mountains and Mt. LeConte.

This resort allows pets as long as they are on a leash that is 6 feet or shorter. You will also need to ensure your pet has had all its vaccinations.

Additionally, the luxury amenities are exceptional, and the activities on offer will ensure you have a holiday you will remember! You will be treated to everything from buddy sites, firepits, free WiFi, cable hookup, and private bathrooms to inflatable trampolines, fishing spots, and a swimming pool with a water slide.

Times:

Guests will need to check in from 12:00 pm until the office closes.

The check-out time is 11:00 am.

Dates:

The resort is open from the first Friday in March and closes on the 1st of December.

Rules

• The speed limit is 7mph throughout the RV resort.
• Generators and any motorhome that does not have a hookup are prohibited.
• Firearms and fireworks are not allowed.
• No liquid waste is allowed to be dumped on the ground or in the campground dumpsters.
• No flying toys or equipment such as drones is permitted.

2. Deer Hunt RV Resort

Deer Run RV Resort has 75 RV sites that offer full hookups, and you can choose to pay daily, weekly, or special monthly rates depending on how long you want to stay.

One of the nicest things about Deer Run Resort is that it is only a short drive from Knoxville, Nashville, the Wildwood Stables, and the Great Smoky Mountain National park.

Due to its prime location, this RV resort can offer many engaging activities at the resort and surrounding areas. Some of these activities include nature walks, shopping trips, watersports, and horseriding.

Additionally, some of the best amenities you can look forward to when visiting include a deli, swimming pool, private beach area, and fishing activities in their very own 25-acre lake. Furthermore, there is also a chapel, laundry facilities, and a convenience store.

Therefore, it’s doubtful that you will find yourself bored if you plan to visit the Deer Run RV Resort.

Times:

Office hours for check-in and check-out are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through to Thursday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturdays, and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sundays.

Dates:

The Deer Run RV Resort is open year-round.

Rules

• Campfires are only allowed in fire rings, and these fire rings are not allowed to be relocated.
• Smoking is not allowed in any buildings, nor is it allowed in your RV.
• Alcoholic beverages are allowed but can only be consumed at campsites.
• ATVs/UTVs/ROVs are not allowed to be operated anywhere within the resort.
• No gas motorboats are allowed on the resort’s lake.
• Campers are not allowed to tie clotheslines to trees.

3. Green Acres RV Park

Sometimes all you want to do is visit an RV park where you can relax and spend some quality time alone or with fellow travelers.

The Green Acres RV Park in west Tennesse is the ideal location for campers wanting to spend time away from the exhaustive hustle and bustle of daily city life.

All RV campsites at this park are graveled with full hookups, and each one overlooks beautifully manicured lawns. Each site is also equipped with free WiFi and complimentary cable television. Additionally, at the Green Acres RV Park, there is no shortage of exemplary amenities.

You can take a dip and cool off in the saltwater pool, play a volleyball game with friends and even host an event in the indoor pavilion. If you don’t want to have to drive to the shops for some marshmallows to roast over the fire, you will be pleased to know that there is an on-site fully equipped retail store.

Should you decide that you want more adventure added to your relaxing schedule, you can easily take a short drive to the city.

In the surrounding city, you can brush up on your military knowledge by visiting the Shiloh National Military Park, quench your thirst for history information at the Hellen Keller Museum, or dance the night away at the river rodeo.

Times:

Office hours at the Green Acres RV Park are from Monday to Friday, 09:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Visitors can check in from 1:00 pm but must check out at 11:00 am.

Dates:

This RV park is open year-round.

Rules

• The speed limit throughout this resort is 10mph.
• Trash is not allowed to be left out overnight.
• All RVs must use a sewer donut to use the sewer connections at the resort.
• If you are using a firepit, it needs to be 6 inches off the ground and cannot be placed on the grass.
• No structures, fences, or porches are allowed to be installed at any of the RV campsites.
• Campers are not allowed to use dirt bikes or four-wheelers anywhere in the resort.

Can You Go RVing In Tennessee Outside These Dates?

Some of the campgrounds we mentioned above are open year-round.

There are quite a few campgrounds in Tennessee that are open throughout the year to campers and RVers.

However, it will ultimately depend on where you want to visit as there are a few State Parks and National Parks that are only open to certain types of campers during seasonal times.

Additionally, some State Parks and all RV resorts and campgrounds can set their own times, dates, and rules. So it’s advisable you get in touch with the park you are interested in before you undertake your camping excursion.

Fortunately, there are many KOA campgrounds that are open year-round in Tennessee.

Below you will see a few of the State Parks and one of the best KOA campgrounds you can visit throughout the year, regardless of the season:

• Baileyton KOA RV Park
• Henry Horton State Park
• South Cumberland State Park
• Montgomery Bell State Park
• Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park

Where Can You Camp For Free In Tennessee?

When you’re on a budget but hankering to get in some quality family time with your partner or family, you will likely want to visit a free campground.

In Tennessee, there are a few campgrounds that allow RV and tent camping at no cost.

To help you narrow down your search, we have listed two of the best free campgrounds you can visit below, along with a little information about each of them:

Meriwether Lewis Campground:

The Meriwether Lewis Campground is one of three located along the length of the 444-mile Parkway in Tennessee.

This site only allows tent camping, but it is open all year.

However, all campsites available are open on a first-come, first-serve basis, so it would be better to phone ahead.

Jackson Island Campground:

This campground is only open seasonally from March 15th until November 15th.

Tent and RV camping are allowed, but the maximum stay is two weeks.

This campsite is known to be incredibly busy and frequented by locals, so it would be better to contact the campground before deciding to visit.

Can You Camp On Public Hunting Land In Tennessee?

Unlike other states in America, camping on public hunting land in Tennessee is slightly more difficult.

Although there are over 7,000 acres of hunting lands in Tennesse, there is only one campground that permits primitive camping.

At the Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge, camping is permitted during small and big game hunts but only in designated areas.

However, if you contact a park ranger or manager, you can ask for special permission to camp in a designated area on public hunting lands in Tennessee.

General Tent Camping & RV Rules For State Parks & National Parks

Below we have listed some general rules that apply to camping in State and National Parks in Tennessee:

• Tent, Primitive, and RV campers are only allowed to camp in a Tennesse State or National park for two weeks at a time.
• Only two tents or one motorhome (includes a fifth wheel, pop-up trailer, motorized RV, etc.) is allowed on a campsite.
• Dogs and cats are allowed on a campsite in a National or State Park in Tennessee, but they must be on a leash at all times.
• All those making campfires at Tennesse State and National Parks need to use heat-treated wood or downed wood that has been collected in the park.
• No one is allowed to install any permanent camping equipment or facilities.
• Campers are not allowed to dig or level any ground surrounding a campsite.
• Before vacating your campsite, campers always need to clean up their area and remove all camping apparatus.

Citations:

Tennessee State Park Rules And Regulations

Green Acres RV Park Rules