RV Campgrounds In Manchester, Tennessee -- Find RV Parks
35.4817° N, 86.0886° W
Quick Overview
Manchester sits right in the heart of Tennessee's rolling hills, where the Duck River winds through farmland and forest. This small city of about 12,000 people punches way above its weight when it comes to attractions. You've got the Bonnaroo Music Festival grounds, Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park with its ancient Native American ceremonial site, and some of the most accessible cave systems in the state.
The RV camping scene here centers around several campgrounds and RV parks, with some offering free camping options. Most spots cater to the full hookup crowd, which makes sense given Manchester's role as a festival destination and gateway to the Cumberland Plateau. You'll find everything from basic overnight stops to resort-style parks with pools and recreation centers.
From your campsite, you're perfectly positioned to explore Middle Tennessee's outdoor offerings. Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park sits just 15 minutes from most Manchester RV parks, giving you access to hiking trails that wind past 2,000-year-old stone walls and ceremonial grounds. The Duck River provides some of Tennessee's best smallmouth bass fishing, and several outfitters in town can set you up with canoes or kayaks. Manchester's location on I-24 puts you within an hour of both Murfreesboro and Chattanooga, opening up even more day trip possibilities.
If you're the type who likes full amenities, Manchester delivers with several parks offering pools, laundry facilities, and 50-amp service. Those seeking a more natural setting can find spots closer to the state park or along the Duck River corridor. Budget-conscious RVers will appreciate that Manchester's competition keeps nightly rates reasonable, even during festival season.
Spring and fall offer the best camping weather here, with mild temperatures and lower humidity than the summer months. Summer brings the heat but also Bonnaroo and other festivals that pack the area with energy. Winter camping works fine if you've got a heated rig, though some seasonal parks do close from December through February.
Our directory breaks down each park's amenities, rates, and booking policies to help you find the right fit for your rig and travel style.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Manchester
No rated stations yet. Be the first to leave a review!
All Dump Stations Near Manchester
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonnaroo RV Campground | 1.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| KOA - Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA Campground | 2.3 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Free |
| Manchester KOA | 2.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| The Broken Banjo RV Park | 2.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Whispering Oaks Campground | 5.8 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Free |
| Tennessee Hills Campgrounds | 7.6 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Cedar Point Campground | 7.8 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Varies |
| Cedar Point Campground | 7.8 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Varies |
| Arnold Air Force Base Famcamp | 10.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Camper Hollow Campground | 13.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
Bonnaroo RV Campground
1.7 miKOA - Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA Campground
2.3 miManchester KOA
2.3 miThe Broken Banjo RV Park
2.3 miWhispering Oaks Campground
5.8 miTennessee Hills Campgrounds
7.6 miCedar Point Campground
7.8 miCedar Point Campground
7.8 miArnold Air Force Base Famcamp
10.9 miCamper Hollow Campground
13.1 miTraveling to Manchester by RV
Interstate 24 runs right through Manchester, making this one of the most accessible RV destinations in Middle Tennessee. Most campgrounds sit within five miles of the I-24 corridor, so you won't be navigating narrow country roads with your rig. Exit 110 serves the main commercial district, while Exit 114 gets you closer to Old Stone Fort State Park.
The drive here offers some genuine scenery, especially if you're coming from the east on I-24 through Monteagle. You'll descend through a series of ridges that give you sweeping views of the Tennessee Valley. From Nashville, it's a straight 65-mile shot southeast that takes about an hour and fifteen minutes. Coming from Chattanooga, you're looking at 45 miles northwest.
Fuel up before you arrive if you're running low. Manchester has several truck stops along I-24, but diesel prices tend to run 10-15 cents higher than you'll find in larger cities. The Pilot at Exit 110 can accommodate big rigs easily and has a decent selection of RV supplies. For groceries, the Walmart Supercenter on Hillsboro Boulevard handles most camping needs.
Watch for construction zones along I-24, particularly during spring and summer months. TDOT seems to perpetually work on this stretch. The good news is that most projects use rolling closures rather than full shutdowns, so traffic keeps moving. Download the SmartWay app for real-time traffic updates if you're traveling during peak hours or festival weekends.
Useful Links
Find additional dump stations near Manchester
Browse RV parks and campgrounds in Tennessee
Helpful articles for RV travelers
Navigate to Manchester, TN
National Weather Service forecast
Recreation.gov campground search
Find emergency medical care nearby
Find grocery shopping nearby
Dump Station Costs in Manchester
Nightly rates in Manchester run from $30-45 for basic hookup sites, $45-65 for full-service parks with amenities, and $65-85 for resort-style accommodations. These prices jump significantly during Bonnaroo weekend in June, when even basic sites can hit $100+ per night. Book festival dates at least six months ahead if you're planning to attend.
Of the several RV parks in the area, a portion% offer free camping while a portion% charge fees. The lack of free options reflects Manchester's position as a destination rather than just a stopover point. Most parks offer weekly and monthly discounts that can bring costs down substantially for longer stays.
Seasonal pricing varies more than you might expect. Spring rates (March through May) typically run 15-20% higher than winter, while summer peaks during festival season. Fall offers the best value, with many parks dropping rates in September and October to attract leaf-peepers and hunters.
Passport America members can save at several Manchester parks, typically getting 50% off regular rates Sunday through Thursday. Good Sam discounts are less common here but worth asking about. Some parks offer military discounts year-round.
Groceries cost about what you'd expect for a small Tennessee city – roughly 5-10% higher than major metropolitan areas but not unreasonable. Fuel prices fluctuate with seasonal tourism but generally stay competitive due to truck stop competition along I-24.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Manchester
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Best Time to Visit Manchester by RV
Winter
December-February
35-55°F
Crowds: Low
Some seasonal parks close; those open offer best rates and peaceful camping with minimal crowds.
Spring
March-May
55-75°F
Crowds: Medium
Perfect camping weather with wildflowers blooming; book ahead for Easter and spring break weekends.
Summer
June-August
70-90°F
Crowds: High
Bonnaroo brings massive crowds in June; hot and humid but all amenities open and active.
Fall
September-November
50-75°F
Crowds: Medium
Ideal conditions with fall colors and comfortable temperatures; hunting season brings some activity.
Explore the Manchester Area
Manchester RV Resort consistently gets the best reviews from RVers, and for good reason. They've got large pull-through sites, reliable 50-amp service, and a pool that actually stays clean. The resort sits about three miles from I-24, so you get easy highway access without the road noise.
Boondockers have limited options here since most camping is privately owned. Your best bet is dispersed camping in nearby Tullahoma or heading to Arnold Engineering Development Complex's recreation areas, though you'll need base access for those. Honestly, with nightly rates starting around $35, it's often worth paying for hookups.
Old Stone Fort State Park deserves a full day of exploration. The hiking trails are well-maintained and not too challenging for most fitness levels. Pack a lunch and plan to spend time at the falls – it's one of Tennessee's most photogenic spots. The park's museum explains the archaeological significance of the stone walls, which predates European settlement by nearly 2,000 years.
For dining, avoid the chain restaurants near the interstate and head downtown instead. The Dinner Bell serves solid Southern comfort food, while Gondola Restaurant has been doing Italian-American dishes since the 1960s. Both places welcome RVers and have parking areas that can handle larger rigs.
Dog owners will love the open spaces at Old Stone Fort, but keep pets leashed on all trails. Several Manchester RV parks have designated dog areas, though policies vary on size restrictions.
National Parks Nearby
Other Cities in Tennessee
RV Tips & Articles
Secure Your Site: A Guide to FootLoose RV Sewer Caps and Grip-N-Lock Well Caps
Read more →Understanding AASHTO M306, H20, and EN 124 Load Ratings: What They Really Mean for Manhole Covers
Read more →Anti-Tamper & Locking Solutions for Public Utility Access Points: Keeping Manholes Secure and Compliant
Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Manchester
What are the best RV campgrounds in Manchester?
Manchester RV Resort leads the pack with large pull-through sites, reliable 50-amp service, and clean facilities. KOA Manchester also gets solid reviews for its amenities and location. Both offer full hookups and can accommodate big rigs without issues.
Is there free RV camping near Manchester?
Free RV camping is extremely limited in Manchester proper, with most options being privately owned paid parks. Your best bet for free camping is dispersed sites in nearby national forest areas, though you'll need to drive 30-45 minutes from town.
What is the best time of year to camp in Manchester?
Spring and fall offer the best camping conditions with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Avoid Bonnaroo weekend in June unless you're attending the festival, as rates skyrocket and crowds overwhelm the area. Winter camping works fine with a heated rig.
Are there full hookup RV parks in Manchester?
Yes, most of Manchester's RV parks offer full hookups including water, sewer, and electric with 30/50-amp service. Several parks also provide cable TV and WiFi. The concentration of full-service parks reflects Manchester's role as a destination rather than just an overnight stop.
Can I boondock near Manchester?
Boondocking opportunities are limited immediately around Manchester since most land is privately owned. Arnold Air Force Base has some dispersed camping areas, but you need base access. Consider heading to nearby Tullahoma or national forest areas for primitive camping options.
How close are RV parks to Bonnaroo Music Festival?
Most Manchester RV parks sit within 10-15 miles of the Bonnaroo grounds on Great Stage Park. Several parks offer shuttle services during the festival, though rates increase dramatically. Book at least six months ahead for festival weekend if you want guaranteed spots.
What are the best RV campgrounds in Manchester?
Manchester RV Resort leads the pack with large pull-through sites, reliable 50-amp service, and clean facilities. KOA Manchester also gets solid reviews for its amenities and location. Both offer full hookups and can accommodate big rigs without issues.
Is there free RV camping near Manchester?
Free RV camping is extremely limited in Manchester proper, with most options being privately owned paid parks. Your best bet for free camping is dispersed sites in nearby national forest areas, though you'll need to drive 30-45 minutes from town.
What is the best time of year to camp in Manchester?
Spring and fall offer the best camping conditions with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Avoid Bonnaroo weekend in June unless you're attending the festival, as rates skyrocket and crowds overwhelm the area. Winter camping works fine with a heated rig.
Are there full hookup RV parks in Manchester?
Yes, most of Manchester's RV parks offer full hookups including water, sewer, and electric with 30/50-amp service. Several parks also provide cable TV and WiFi. The concentration of full-service parks reflects Manchester's role as a destination rather than just an overnight stop.
Can I boondock near Manchester?
Boondocking opportunities are limited immediately around Manchester since most land is privately owned. Arnold Air Force Base has some dispersed camping areas, but you need base access. Consider heading to nearby Tullahoma or national forest areas for primitive camping options.
How close are RV parks to Bonnaroo Music Festival?
Most Manchester RV parks sit within 10-15 miles of the Bonnaroo grounds on Great Stage Park. Several parks offer shuttle services during the festival, though rates increase dramatically. Book at least six months ahead for festival weekend if you want guaranteed spots.
Are there free dump stations in Manchester?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Manchester.
All Dump Stations Near Manchester (106)
RV ParkWhispering Pines Mhp
RV ParkCamp Store And Nature Center
RV ParkHenry Horton State Park RV Campground
RV ParkFiddler's Campground & Market
RV ParkRiver Road RV Prk & Horse Cmp
RV Park with Dump StationsBridgeport RV Park
RV Park with Dump StationsEdgar Evins State Rustic Park
RV ParkCamp Macoba
RV ParkNashville I-24 Campground.
RV Park