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Official data · Checked November 14, 2026
Tennessee Camping
Every public campground in Tennessee, burn bans and weather alerts today, booking dates for holiday weekends, free camping and the rules that apply, from the agencies that run them.
Photo: Rhododendrites (CC BY-SA 4.0), Wikimedia Commons
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Camping conditions in Tennessee today
The burn permit season runs October 15 to May 15. This box shows the latest Division of Forestry statement and any National Weather Service alerts for Tennessee.
Burn bans
Currently, there are no active burn bans in the State of Tennessee.
Fire weather alerts
None active in Tennessee
All weather alerts
0 alerts active
Three of the largest campgrounds in Tennessee
Ranked by the number of campsites the managing agency lists.
Photo: Russ (CC BY 2.0), Wikimedia Commons
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Photo: Roc0ast3r (CC0), Wikimedia Commons
Photo: National Park Service Digital Image Archives (Public domain), Wikimedia Commons
Tennessee campgrounds by agency
Five agencies run public campgrounds in Tennessee: Tennessee State Parks, the Corps of Engineers and TVA on the big reservoirs, the Forest Service in Cherokee National Forest along the eastern mountains, and the National Park Service.
Plan a Tennessee camping trip
Booking dates, seasons and the rules that come up most often.
Camping near popular Tennessee towns, lakes and parks
- Camping near Celina7 campgrounds
- Camping near Center Hill Lake6 campgrounds
- Camping near Chattanooga11 campgrounds
- Camping near Clarksville5 campgrounds
- Camping near Cleveland14 campgrounds
- Camping near Cookeville26 campgrounds
- Camping near Cordell Hull Lake4 campgrounds
- Camping near Crossville14 campgrounds
- Camping near Dale Hollow Lake6 campgrounds
- Camping near Elizabethton17 campgrounds
- Camping near Gatlinburg5 campgrounds
- Camping near Great Smoky Mountains National Park6 campgrounds
- Camping near J. Percy Priest Lake8 campgrounds
- Camping near Jackson9 campgrounds
- Camping near Jamestown9 campgrounds
- Camping near Kingsport16 campgrounds
- Camping near Knoxville19 campgrounds
- Camping near Lebanon10 campgrounds
- Camping near Memphis5 campgrounds
- Camping near Murfreesboro11 campgrounds
- Camping near Nashville14 campgrounds
- Camping near Old Hickory Lake8 campgrounds
- Camping near Pigeon Forge7 campgrounds
- Camping near Smithville9 campgrounds
- Camping near Tellico Plains22 campgrounds
- Camping near Townsend7 campgrounds
Questions about camping in Tennessee
How many public campgrounds are in Tennessee?
202 on this site, run by Tennessee State Parks, the Corps of Engineers, TVA, Cherokee National Forest and the National Park Service.
Is there a burn ban in Tennessee?
The card above shows the latest Division of Forestry statement, read every 30 minutes.
When can I book Memorial Day 2027?
State park sites are already open (one year ahead). Recreation.gov sites for a Friday, May 28 arrival open November 28, 2026.
Where can I camp for free in Tennessee?
In Cherokee National Forest outside developed sites, on undeveloped TVA land, and at a few free campgrounds such as Meriwether Lewis.
Can I bring firewood from home?
Only heat-treated firewood if it comes from outside Tennessee and its border counties. State parks and the Smokies allow only certified heat-treated wood.
How long can I stay?
Usually 14 days; state parks allow 28 days in winter, TWRA WMAs three weeks.
Where do these facts come from?
From each agency’s own pages and rules. Every page lists its sources and the date they were checked.
Are private campgrounds listed?
No. Only public campgrounds are listed.
Hunting and fishing too?
Public hunting land and fishing access across Tennessee.