The best camping near Tims Ford State Park

Located on Tennessee’s Tims Ford Reservoir, this 2,200-acre park is famed for its water, offering boating, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. There’s also plenty to keep you busy on dry land, with 6.5 miles of unpaved hiking trails in addition to the 22 miles of biking and hiking trails winding along the reservoir’s shoreline. Keep your eyes peeled and your binoculars handy for spotting local wildlife, including bald eagles. And if golf’s your game, tee off on the course, which has water views at each of its 18 holes.

• Best for RVs: The Main Campground can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length.
• Best for seclusion: The park has six paddle-in campsites on their own small islands.
• Best for backpackers: Opt for the hike-in or paddle-in Evans Loop Backcountry Campsite.

1. Booking in advance is recommended and can be easily done online or by phone up to one year in advance.
2. Reservations are required for hike-in and paddle-in sites.
3. Same-day booking is not available online—only by phone.
4. Double-check your dates before booking—a non-refundable booking fee is charged.

Tims Ford State Park is open year-round and most popular in the summer months, which see lots of visitors cooling off in the reservoir and seasonally open, Olympic-sized swimming pool. Fall’s rich hues of red and orange are also popular—the foliage typically lasts from early October to early November with colors peaking in late October.

• You can rent pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes at the Lake View Marina, which also has a snack bar, bait shop, and fish-cleaning area. 
• Visit the park’s camp store for gear, snacks, and supplies.
• Pets are welcome as long as you supervise your animal at all times and have proof of a rabies shot. Pets are not allowed in park buildings or swimming areas.
• Only certified heat-treated firewood is allowed to enter the park as outside firewood.