Standing Stone Campground, Hilham, TN

For those of us in Tennessee who cherish the great outdoors and seek a peaceful, family-friendly escape, Standing Stone Campground offers an ideal destination. Nestled within the beautiful Standing Stone State Park in Hilham, this campground is a true haven for campers of all kinds, from those in smaller RVs and vans to traditional tent campers. It's a place where the natural beauty of Tennessee shines, providing a serene backdrop for memorable family adventures and quiet relaxation.

Standing Stone Campground has garnered praise from visitors for its welcoming atmosphere and well-maintained facilities. Many campers have specifically highlighted the "family friendly atmosphere" and the exceptionally "clean amenities," with one review enthusiastically exclaiming, "Did I mention the bathrooms were CLEAN?!" This attention to cleanliness and comfort is a significant draw, ensuring a pleasant stay for everyone, whether you're just stopping for a night or planning a longer vacation.

The campground's appeal lies in its tranquil "quiet campground" feel, making it perfect for those who want to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The sites are described as "spacious and shady," providing ample room to spread out and enjoy your natural surroundings. While many sites may require some leveling, the effort is well worth it for the beautiful, wooded setting you'll find yourself in.

Beyond the campsites themselves, Standing Stone Campground offers a gateway to the wider Standing Stone State Park, which is rich with activities and natural wonders. The park's beautiful lake and dam are definitely "worth the visit," providing opportunities for water-based fun, while numerous trails invite exploration through the woods. It's a testament to the diverse experiences available, catering to both active adventurers and those seeking a more laid-back retreat.

For Tennessee locals, Standing Stone Campground represents an accessible and high-quality option for enjoying the state's natural beauty without traveling too far from home. Its reputation for cleanliness, quietude, and family-friendliness makes it a reliable choice for your next camping trip, promising a refreshing and enjoyable outdoor experience.

Location and Accessibility

Standing Stone Campground is ideally situated at 1758 Standing Stone Park Hwy, Hilham, TN 38568, USA. This address places it squarely within the scenic Standing Stone State Park, a jewel of Tennessee's natural landscape. The campground is nestled on "the top of the hill," offering a unique vantage point and contributing to its quiet atmosphere. While its elevation provides a sense of seclusion, it's important to note that access to the lake often involves a hike from the campground, as highlighted by a visitor who noted, "prepare to hike to the lake."

Despite being in a natural setting, the park is accessible via paved roads, ensuring a smooth journey for campers arriving by car, RV, or van. Hilham, while a smaller community, serves as a gateway to the park, providing a sense of being truly immersed in the rural beauty of Tennessee. The park's location allows for a genuine escape from urban environments, inviting campers to embrace the tranquility of the Cumberland Plateau.

Within Standing Stone State Park, there are various "trails along the lake" and "shortcut trails through the woods." While some of these may be "mostly narrow and washed out," they offer direct pedestrian access to the lake and other park features. This accessibility to a network of trails enhances the outdoor experience, allowing campers to explore the park's diverse ecosystems and reach attractions like the dam and lake for fishing, boating, or swimming. The location perfectly balances the desire for peaceful solitude with the convenience of having numerous recreational opportunities close at hand.

Services Offered

36 tent and trailer sites
Each site equipped with water hookups
Each site equipped with 20-, 30-, and 50-amp electrical hookups
Picnic table at each campsite
Charcoal grill at each campsite
Two central bathhouses with modern restrooms and hot showers (open year-round)
Dump station available for RVs
Wi-Fi available throughout the campground
Park office for check-in and information
Small coolers, food items, and drinks permitted inside the pool area (no glass) during snack bar closure

Features / Highlights

Family-friendly atmosphere
Clean and well-maintained bathrooms and amenities
Quiet campground suitable for smaller campers and vans (RVs limited to 45 feet)
Spacious and shady sites, though many may require leveling
Beautiful lake and dam within the park, "definitely worth the visit"
Trails along the lake and shortcut trails through the woods for hiking
Olympic-sized swimming pool (very busy in summer, tickets purchased at Park Office)
Boat rentals available (rowboats, paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, pedalboats; private boats limited to kayaks and canoes)
Fishing opportunities in Kelly Lake (stocked with trout, also bass, bluegill, catfish)
Day-use picnic areas with barbecue grills
Volleyball, basketball, tennis courts, horseshoes, and ping pong available
Playground area for children
Park gift shop
Hosts the annual National Rolley Hole Marble Tournament in September (check for specific dates)
Offers ADA accessible campsites and facilities
Pet-friendly (dogs, cats on leash/physical control; no pack animals)
Open year-round
Maximum stay limit of two weeks
Cabins and a group lodge also available within the state park for alternative lodging

Promotions or Special Offers

As a Tennessee State Park campground, Standing Stone Campground operates under a standardized fee structure, and generally, specific short-term "promotions" in the commercial sense are not typically offered. However, the park does provide various benefits and programs that act as significant value for visitors. These include:

Golden Access Cards or Passport discounts: The park honors these for disabled individuals and/or senior citizens, providing a valuable discount on camping rates.
Affordable Rates: State park campgrounds are generally known for their reasonable and accessible pricing, offering great value for the wide array of amenities and natural beauty provided.
Year-Round Operation: Being open year-round allows for flexibility in planning trips during off-peak seasons, which can sometimes offer a quieter and more relaxed experience.
Inclusion of Amenities: The camping fee covers access to essential amenities like water and electrical hookups, picnic tables, grills, and access to clean bathhouses and a dump station, ensuring a comprehensive camping experience.

For the most current rates and any specific program eligibility, it is always best to consult the official Tennessee State Parks website or contact Standing Stone State Park directly. Their focus is on providing a consistent and high-quality recreational experience at a public-friendly cost.

Contact Information

For more information, reservations, or inquiries about Standing Stone Campground within Standing Stone State Park, you can reach out via the following:

Address: 1758 Standing Stone Park Hwy, Hilham, TN 38568, USA

Phone: While a direct campground phone number isn't typically provided separate from the main park office, you can contact the Tennessee State Parks reservation line or the park office for assistance. The general reservation line for Tennessee State Parks is (888) 867-2757. The park office hours are generally 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. It is advisable to check the official Tennessee State Parks website for the most up-to-date contact information and park office hours.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Tennessee, Standing Stone Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a cherished state park offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and comfortable amenities, all within easy reach. The consistent praise for its "family friendly atmosphere" and impeccably "CLEAN bathrooms" speaks directly to the desires of local families looking for a hassle-free and enjoyable outdoor experience close to home.

The campground’s setting provides that desirable "quiet campground" feel, making it ideal for those quick weekend getaways or longer summer vacations where disconnecting and recharging are the main goals. Having "spacious and shady" sites means that even on warm Tennessee days, you can find comfort and privacy. For those with smaller campers or vans, the park’s accommodation of RVs up to 45 feet makes it a viable option, ensuring accessibility for many local adventurers.

The wealth of activities available within Standing Stone State Park itself is a significant draw for locals. From hiking the scenic "trails along the lake" to enjoying a refreshing swim in the Olympic-sized pool or trying your hand at fishing in Kelly Lake, there's something for every family member. The opportunity to rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboats right on-site further enhances the accessibility of water sports, making a day on the lake a breeze without needing to own your own equipment.

Moreover, as a Tennessee State Park, Standing Stone Campground offers a reliable and well-managed experience, often at more affordable rates than private campgrounds. This makes it a sustainable option for frequent visits throughout the camping season. For Tennesseans seeking a go-to spot that combines natural beauty, clean facilities, and a wide array of activities in a welcoming environment, Standing Stone Campground truly stands out as a prime destination right in our own backyard.