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Waterfront RV camping in Tennessee does not automatically mean high nightly rates. Several federally managed campgrounds across the state sit directly on lakes and rivers while keeping base prices at $32 or less.
For campers who qualify for the America the Beautiful Senior Pass, eligible sites are discounted by 50 percent. That brings some waterfront stays down to roughly $11 per night, depending on the campground and site type.
1. Bumpus Mills Campground
Price: $28
Location: Near Bumpus Mills, Tennessee
Link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232537
Bumpus Mills Campground is located on Lake Barkley, part of the Cumberland River system that flows west toward the Ohio River. The campground contains 15 campsites, all equipped with water and electric hookups.
Amenities include hot showers, a dump station, a boat ramp, and access to a public marina. Recreation opportunities in the area include boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and picnicking. The campground is surrounded by wooded hills and sits close to the lake shoreline.
Related: 10 Waterfront RV Campsites in Kentucky for $32 or Less
2. Cages Bend Campground
Price: $30+
Location: Near Gallatin, Tennessee
Link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232539
Cages Bend Campground sits on the shores of Old Hickory Lake. Water-based recreation is a primary draw, with boating and fishing access available directly from the campground.
All campsites include electric and water hookups, and four sites meet accessibility standards. Facilities include a playground, showers, laundry facilities, a group picnic shelter, and a boat ramp. Two fishing docks are available, one located inside the campground and another near the boat ramp.
3. Defeated Creek Park Campground
Price: $30
Location: Near Carthage, Tennessee
Link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232572
Defeated Creek Park Campground is located on the banks of Cordell Hull Lake, part of the Cumberland River system, approximately seven miles from Carthage. The campground offers 155 campsites for tents and RVs, with the RV sites containing electric and water hookups.
Facilities include a boat ramp, playground, swimming beach, tennis courts, and volleyball courts. Two large group day-use shelters are available in the day-use area, each with water and electric hookups. A marina is located adjacent to the campground, providing additional lake access.
4. Floating Mill Park Campground
Price: $30
Location: Near Silver Point, Tennessee
Link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232589
Floating Mill Park Campground sits along Center Hill Lake on Tennessee’s Highland Rim, where the lake extends along the Caney Fork River. The surrounding area includes extensive forested shoreline used for camping, hiking, boating, and fishing.
The campground offers a large number of campsites, most with electric and water hookups, along with several tent-only sites. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water, a boat ramp, a fish cleaning station, a playground, and an on-site hiking trail.
5. Harpeth River Bridge Campground
Price: $22
Location: Near Ashland City, Tennessee
Link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251574
Harpeth River Bridge Campground is located approximately 10 miles northwest of Ashland City and about a 30-minute drive from Nashville. The campground accommodates both tents and RVs, with all sites offering water and 50-amp electric hookups.
Amenities include hot showers, a dump station, a large picnic shelter, a playground, and a new boat ramp. Campsites are concreted, providing level parking for RVs.
6. Lillydale Campground
Price: $32
Location: Near Allons, Tennessee
Link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232623
Lillydale Campground and Recreation Area is located on the shores of Dale Hollow Lake in the hills of Tennessee. The campground includes 112 single-party campsites, one group island tent camping site, and one large group picnic shelter in the day-use area.
Facilities include electric hookups, drinking water, flush toilets, and a dump station. Recreational features consist of two boat ramps, two volleyball courts, and two swimming beaches.
7. Lock A Campground
Price: $24
Location: Near Ashland City, Tennessee
Link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232627
Lock A Campground is located near Cheatham Lake and offers both RV and tent sites with 50-amp electric hookups. On-site amenities include hot showers, a dump station, a boat launch, a playground, a picnic shelter, and a designated swimming area.
Additional recreation facilities include horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and hiking opportunities. The adjacent Cheatham Dam Right Bank Recreation Area provides access to an additional beach and playground areas.
8. Obey River Park Campground
Price: $32
Location: Near Monroe, Tennessee
Link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232654
Obey River Park Campground is located on the shores of Dale Hollow Lake in the hills of Tennessee. It is the largest campground at the lake, including 123 single-party campsites, four group camping sites, and two large group picnic shelters.
Amenities include electric hookups, drinking water, flush toilets, and a dump station. The campground also contains the lake’s largest swimming beach, which is open to both campers and day-use visitors.
9. Ragland Bottom Campground
Price: $30+
Location: Near Sparta, Tennessee
Link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232684
Ragland Bottom Campground is situated on Center Hill Lake along Tennessee’s Highland Rim. The campground offers 40 RV campsites with water and electric hookups, along with 16 primitive tent sites.
Facilities include flush toilets, showers, and drinking water. Recreation amenities consist of a boat ramp, swimming beach, volleyball court, basketball court, playground, and hiking trail. A nearby day-use area includes a group picnic shelter and additional lake access.
10. Willow Grove Campground
Price: $32
Location: Near Allons, Tennessee
Link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232747
Willow Grove Campground is located on an elevated plateau at Dale Hollow Lake, providing broad views of the surrounding lake and forest. The campground features 81 single-party campsites, one group camping site, and one large group picnic shelter.
Facilities include electric hookups, drinking water, flush toilets, and a dump station. A swimming beach, volleyball court, and playground are available within the campground. The nearby submerged foundation of the historic Willow Grove School House is a known scuba diving site.
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