Taylors Ford Campground in Monroe, TN
Guide for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| 7799 Oak Grove Road Monroe, TN GPS: 36.505038, -85.138276 Elevation: 646′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Corp of Engineers (931)243-3136 ($12 or less) |
Previous Reviews:
Taylors Ford Campground: Explore Taylors Ford, a facility located near Monroe in the Pickett County region in Tennessee. Find campgrounds, RV parks and more nearby or at thousands of destinations across North America. See your next adventure at CampgroundTour.com! This campsite is located within the Corp of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio River Division’s Nashville District. The camping area is near Dale Hollow Lake.
About This Location
Taylors Ford Campground in Monroe, TN gives you a quiet, primitive camping experience right by the water. You’ll need to pay a small fee online before you show up, but you can drive your vehicle right to the site. If you love fishing and want to unplug, this spot feels about as natural as it gets.
The campground stretches across Tennessee and Kentucky, with grassy fields and a location near Dale Hollow Lake. The road starts out paved, then turns to gravel—so yeah, take it slow. You can reserve a spot ahead, but once you get there, it’s first-come, first-served for actual camping locations.
Expect a basic, peaceful trip. Whether you’re rolling up in an RV or pitching a tent, Taylors Ford has that unplugged, back-to-nature vibe for anyone itching to get away from it all.
Key Takeaways
- You need a reservation, but spots are chosen when you arrive—first-come, first-served.
- The site’s vehicle-accessible, but you’ll be driving on gravel for part of the way.
- It’s primitive camping—ideal if you want somewhere quiet and natural.
Taylors Ford Campground in Monroe, TN
You’ll find Taylors Ford Campground tucked near Monroe, TN, right in the Cumberland Plateau Mountains. It’s surrounded by public lands, so you get that quiet, natural setting for camping and outdoor activities.
There are both drive-in and walk-in sites. Most of the time, you can get your vehicle pretty close, but some spots are down a single-lane gravel road—definitely not the place to rush. You’ll have to book online and pay a small fee (usually around $3 a night).
The campsites are basic, but if you’re into fishing or just soaking up some nature, you’ll be happy here. You can build a campfire, and a lot of sites have shade. Facilities are minimal, so bring what you need and don’t expect much in the way of extras.
Weather’s usually mild, but it can turn on a dime—warm days, chilly nights, especially up here in the hills. You’ll find plenty of hiking and exploring nearby, thanks to all the public land. If you love nature, it’s a good pick.
Here’s what to expect:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Monroe, TN |
| Setting | Cumberland Plateau Mountains |
| Access | Vehicle and walk-in sites |
| Costs | $3 per night, online reservation |
| Facilities | Primitive, campfires allowed |
| Nearby Activities | Fishing, hiking on public lands |
| Road Conditions | Single-lane gravel in parts |
Taylors Ford really does feel like a quiet camping getaway in the Tennessee woods.
Things to Do
There’s no shortage of outdoor stuff to do at Taylors Ford Campground. Dale Hollow Lake is right there for fishing and boating—whether you’re after bass, trout, or just want to float around in a kayak, it’s a relaxing spot.
If you’re into paddling rivers, check out the Obey River. It’s got everything from easy Class I-II water to gnarly Class III-V+ rapids, so you can pick your challenge. Kayakers and rafters have some solid options nearby.
Hikers can head to Standing Stone State Park or Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Both offer scenic trails and great views, whether you want a quick stroll or a longer trek.
Looking for more? You’ll find camping, paddling, and fishing all over the area. Calm lakes, wild rivers—take your pick. Taylors Ford makes it easy to mix and match your adventures.
Directions
Getting to Taylors Ford Campground in Monroe, TN is pretty straightforward. The main access is at 33 Taylors Ford Road, which is a left turn off the main route in. Plug in GPS coordinates 36.5050, -85.1383 if you want to be precise.
If you’re coming from nearby towns, aim for Oak Grove Road. The campground’s close to 7799 Oak Grove Road—easy enough to find with your phone or a map app. Elevation’s about 646 feet, if that matters to you.
You’ll be near the Obey River – West Fork, so if you’re watching for landmarks, that helps. Just follow the Taylors Ford signs and keep an eye out for the turnoff. You can drive straight to your campsite.
If you’re boating in or want to hit the water, Sunset Marina & Resort and East Port Marina & Resort are just a few miles away. Handy if you need supplies or want to launch a boat.
Don’t forget, Taylors Ford is a pay campground and spots are first-come, first-served after you reserve. You’ll hold a spot, but not a specific tent pad—so if you want that perfect spot, show up early.
Vehicle Access
You can drive right up to most campsites at Taylors Ford, which makes hauling coolers and gear way less painful. Families or groups with a lot of stuff will appreciate not having to lug it all by hand.
After you reserve, it’s still first-come, first-served for picking your actual campsite. If you arrive early, you’ve got a better shot at your favorite spot.
Boat owners can use nearby marinas for easy access to Dale Hollow Lake. The combo of drive-in camping and lake proximity really opens up your options.
Most primitive sites in the area are remote and might need a boat or a hike to reach. Taylors Ford is kind of special because you can drive in, even though it’s still primitive otherwise.
So, if you want to camp with a pile of gear and enjoy both the lake and the woods, Taylors Ford’s vehicle access makes it all a lot simpler.
RV and Camping Trailer Information
Taylors Ford can handle RVs and camping trailers—most sites are drive-in, and you can usually park near the water.
Don’t expect full hook-ups, though. There’s no electric or water at most sites, so RV campers need to come self-sufficient.
Tent camping’s big here, too. You’ll find multi-party sites where tent campers share space, but your reservation holds a spot for your group.
No cabins at Taylors Ford. If you want more shelter, you’ll need to bring a tent or your own RV. The place is all about that rustic experience and getting close to nature.
Camping costs about $3 per night, and you have to book online—there’s no self-pay kiosk, so don’t count on paying when you get there.
It’s smart to double-check your vehicle size and camping gear before you head out. Since it’s first-come, first-served for picking your spot, you want to be sure you’ll fit and have what you need once you get there.
Paid or Permit Sites
At Taylors Ford Campground in Monroe, TN, you’ll find that some areas ask for payment or a permit if you want to camp. Most of the main spots are pay sites, usually costing around $12 or less per night. That’s supposed to help manage the crowd and keep things tidy, which, honestly, I appreciate.
Paid sites here usually have road access, so you can drive right up to most spots. That’s a relief if you’re hauling a bunch of gear or just don’t want to lug everything by hand.
Sure, a few sites feel pretty primitive—think more rustic, less frills—but the campground does offer basic services. There’s even a camp store nearby for firewood, snacks, or whatever you forgot at home. I can’t count the number of times that’s saved my bacon.
Camping spots operate on a first-come, first-served basis within the reserved sections. Even with a reservation, you don’t get a guaranteed spot, so if you’ve got your heart set on a particular area, showing up early is definitely the way to go.
To stay here legally, just grab the right permit or pay the fee. That’s how they handle maintenance and keep the place safe—and, frankly, it helps protect the woods. Before you pack up and head out, double-check the current rules so you don’t run into any surprises.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Near Water Restrooms |
RV Camping Tent Camping Fishing Boating Hiking Nature Walks Wildlife Viewing |
Helpful Boondocking Information Links:
Over 10,000 Free Boondocking Locations
Boondocking Recipes for 1000’s Of Camping Meals
Bureau of Land Management
Government Recreation Area
National Park Service
Leave No Trace
State Specific Information Links
Tennessee Park Service
Tennessee Fish and Game