
Visit These Family-Friendly Campgrounds in Tennessee
By: Frayed Passport
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- 1. Nashville KOA Resort
- 2. Paris Landing / Kentucky Lake KOA Holiday
- 3. Bristol / Kingsport KOA Holiday
- 4. Nashville East / Lebanon KOA Journey
- 5. Crossville / I-40 KOA Holiday
- 6. Sweetwater KOA Holiday
- 7. Buffalo / I-40 / Exit 143 KOA Journey
- Comparing the Top Tennessee Campsites
- Finding the Right Tennessee Campground for Your Family
Family-friendly camping in Tennessee brings together mountain views, music heritage, and outdoor adventure in one unforgettable trip. KOA campgrounds make these experiences even easier with well-maintained sites, modern amenities, and activities designed for families of all ages. Whether you prefer RVs, cabins, or tent camping, KOA offers welcoming spaces that combine comfort, convenience, and the fun of the outdoors. Let’s look at six spots to make lasting memories at a KOA campground in Tennessee.
1. Nashville KOA Resort
Nashville KOA Resort offers a lively, family-friendly camping experience just 20 minutes from Nashville, combining outdoor fun with the energy of Music City. You can choose from full-hookup RV sites, Premium Tent Sites, Deluxe Cabins or Camping Cabins with full baths, linens and kitchen supplies for added comfort.
The resort hosts over 250 live music events each year, bringing entertainment right to the campground. You can also partake in pickleball, bocce ball, table tennis and more activities.
Key Features:
- Family-friendly activities like bike rentals, jumping pillows, train rides and outdoor games
- On-site amenities include a General Store, lounge area, café and pool
- Downtown shuttle with easy access to Nashville’s top attractions and live music venues
2. Paris Landing / Kentucky Lake KOA Holiday
The Paris Landing / Kentucky Lake KOA Holiday offers a relaxed, activity-filled setting for family-friendly camping in Tennessee, just three minutes from Kentucky Lake for fishing, boating, and lakeside fun. You can stay in full-hookup RV sites, tent sites, or cabins. RV sites include water, electric, and sewer connections, with many pull-through options accommodating rigs up to 85 feet. For extra comfort, rustic cabins and Deluxe Cabins provide convenient, hotel-style amenities.
Families find plenty of activities to do right at the campground. Kids can play on the commercial playground, ride pedal karts, or search for treasures at the gem mine sluice. Guests of all ages can play mini golf or disc golf, or take a refreshing dip in the seasonal swimming pool.
Key Features:
- Convenient location between Memphis and Nashville
- Close to Fort Donelson, Land Between the Lakes, Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, and the Paris Eiffel Tower replica
- Amenities include Wi-Fi, cable TV, propane service, pavilion, and snack bar
3. Bristol / Kingsport KOA Holiday
In Bristol / Kingsport KOA Holiday, you can stay in an RV site, tent site, or cabin, depending on the type of camping experience your family prefers. RV sites offer up to 50-amp service and accommodate rigs up to 100 feet long. Cabins provide a comfortable option for those who want a cozy place to relax after a day outdoors.
Kids can enjoy the playground, sandbox, bounce pad, jumps, and field games with scheduled events. These include crafts, tournaments, games, and activities designed for campers of all ages. The campsite hosts movie nights with popcorn, barrel train rides, dance contests, and other seasonal entertainment.
Key Features:
- Firewood, a snack bar, a dog park, and a seasonal swimming pool open from late May through early September
- Close to Bristol Caverns, Jonesborough Historic District, The Homeplace, and the Tri-Cities area
- On-site KOA Café, relaxing campsites, and shared gathering spaces like the pavilion
4. Nashville East / Lebanon KOA Journey
Nashville East / Lebanon KOA Journey sits in the countryside of Middle Tennessee, about 25 minutes from downtown Nashville. It gives you easy access to the city’s music history, restaurants, and attractions. Choose from Pull-Thru RV sites or Camping Cabins, depending on your preferred accommodation. Cabins provide a simple and comfortable option for campers who prefer a roof over their heads while still enjoying the outdoor setting.
At the campground, your family can play a friendly sports match or go swimming. Nearby outdoor destinations include Long Hunter State Park and Bledsoe Creek State Park, where you can go hiking, canoeing or kayaking.
Key Features:
- Camp store, Wi-Fi, propane service, firewood, pavilion, and a dog park for convenient stays
- Cornhole, basketball, and a seasonal pool open from Memorial Weekend through the end of September
- Easy highway access, spacious RV sites, and quick trips to Nashville’s top attractions
5. Crossville / I-40 KOA Holiday
Located on the Cumberland Plateau in the Appalachian Mountains, Crossville / I-40 KOA Holiday offers a convenient base for exploring Middle and East Tennessee. Reservations are available year-round for RV sites, tent sites, Camping Cabins, or Deluxe Cabins.
For entertainment, you can catch live shows at the Cumberland County Playhouse or Palace Theater. At the campground, enjoy basketball, volleyball, tetherball, gaga ball, and ladder toss; or explore the fields, streams, and walking trails. Visit the on-site game room for pool, air hockey, foosball, and more.
Key Features:
- Gem mining, wagon rides, tie-dye, rocket launches, and other kid-friendly activities
- Seasonal heated swimming pool, fishing pond, and unique weekend activities like Pond Golf
- Day-trip access to Pigeon Forge attractions, including Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country
6. Sweetwater KOA Holiday
Sweetwater KOA Holiday in Sweetwater sits among rolling hills and is open year-round for campers exploring East Tennessee. The campground offers a relaxed outdoor setting and convenient amenities for both short stays and longer visits.
Travelers without an RV can stay in Camping Cabins or Deluxe Cabins, which include private bathrooms and full kitchens for added comfort. Tent sites include water and electric hookups and are located near restrooms, the pool, and the camp store. Monthly site options are also available for guests who want to extend their stay.
Key Features:
- High-speed Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, propane service, firewood, and a Kamping Kitchen
- Gem mining, jumping pad, sports courts, walking trails, playground, and a stocked fishing pond
- Family-friendly events throughout the year, including holiday celebrations, pancake breakfasts, and outdoor movie nights
7. Buffalo / I-40 / Exit 143 KOA Journey
Located in Hurricane Mills, Buffalo / I-40 / Exit 143 KOA Journey is an ideal stop for travelers crossing the region. You can settle in at a shady Pull-Thru RV Site or an air-conditioned Camping Cabin. The campground also provides Wi-Fi, propane service, and firewood for purchase.
Nearby attractions include Loretta Lynn’s Ranch and the Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum, local Mennonite communities, and a local winery. Outdoor enthusiasts can rent canoes and explore the Buffalo River, where calm waters pass through wooded scenery and wildlife habitats.
Key Features:
- Seasonal swimming pool, enclosed dog park, pavilion, and a campground store with RV supplies and handmade crafts
- Nearby activities include fishing, golfing, antiquing, and hunting
- Day-trip access to Nashville and historic sites like Shiloh National Military Park
Comparing the Top Tennessee Campsites
Spending time in nature supports physical health, mental well-being, and creativity, so KOA campgrounds are an ideal destination for families looking to combine outdoor adventure with meaningful time together. Choosing the right one becomes easier when you compare the key features, location, and amenities.
| Campground | Location in Tennessee | Accommodation options | Family activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville KOA Resort | Nashville | Full-hookup RV sites, Premium Tent Sites, Deluxe Cabins, Camping Cabins | Live music events, resort-style pool, jumping pillow, bike rentals, pickleball courts |
| Paris Landing / Kentucky Lake KOA Holiday | Buchanan | RV sites, tent sites, rustic cabins, Deluxe Cabins | Mini golf, disc golf, playground, gem mining, train rides, pool |
| Bristol / Kingsport KOA Holiday | Blountville | RV sites, tent sites, cabins | Bounce pad, sandbox, crafts, tournaments, movie nights, pool |
| Nashville East / Lebanon KOA Journey | Lebanon | Pull-Thru RV sites, Camping Cabins | Pool, basketball, cornhole, relaxed campground games |
| Crossville / I-40 KOA Holiday | Crossville | RV sites, tent sites, Camping Cabins, Deluxe Cabins | Gem mining, wagon rides, game room, fishing pond, pool |
| Sweetwater KOA Holiday | Sweetwater | RV sites, tent sites, Camping Cabins, Deluxe Cabins | Gem mining, jumping pad, fishing pond, playground, pool |
| Buffalo / I-40 / Exit 143 KOA Journey | Hurricane Mills | RV sites, Camping Cabins | Pool, dog park, river canoeing nearby |
Finding the Right Tennessee Campground for Your Family
The many KOA Tennessee campsites allow you and your family to create a camping trip that fits your travel style and interests. Some campgrounds provide peaceful lakeside settings ideal for fishing and boating, while others sit near vibrant cities or mountain landscapes filled with hiking trails. From RV sites to cabins and tent sites, comfortable accommodation options make it easy to enjoy nature without sacrificing convenience.
Featured image by hrockhardin on Pixabay
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