Smooth Rapids Outfitters in Tennessee offers traditional riverside tent camping with modern amenities, perfect for campers seeking a convenient base for kayaking and fireside relaxation. Discover how this spot blends outdoors living with comfort.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
overnight to multi-day
Fitness Level
Basic fitness needed for setting up camp and light walking around the riverbank.
Wildlife
History
This area of Tennessee was historically traversed by Native American tribes and later early settlers relying on the river as a transport route.
Conservation
Smooth Rapids Outfitters emphasizes Leave No Trace practices and limits firewood collection to protect local forests and river ecosystems.
Smooth Rapids Outfitters
Smooth Rapids Outfitters in Tennessee offers traditional riverside tent camping with modern amenities, perfect for campers seeking a convenient base for kayaking and fireside relaxation. Discover how this spot blends outdoors living with comfort.
Smooth Rapids Outfitters is a river outfitter and campground located in McMinnville, Tennessee. The business operates an eight acre campground with river access on the Barren Fork River and offers a range of float trips, rentals, and RV and tent camping. Float options include a six mile medium float that runs about four and a half hours, an eight mile long float that runs about five and a half hours, and a two mile short float which is the only tubing option. A waterfall trip to Burgess Falls is offered but does not meet at Smooth Rapids. All float trips provide necessary gear, and shuttle service is included for trips that begin and end at different ramps. The campground features long RV sites for campers thirty to forty five feet, medium RV sites for campers twenty four to thirty feet, short RV sites for campers up to twenty five feet, and tent camping sites. Campsite amenities include water and electric for RVs, communal fire pits, a shower house and restrooms, corn hole, and firewood for sale. Many visitors enjoy a meal at the nearby restaurant after a float, often ordering a burger mentioned in trip summaries. Smooth Rapids Outfitters presents factual trip details, clear amenities, and accessible river recreation for families and paddlers visiting McMinnville, Tennessee.
Trip summaries include durations, included equipment, shuttle details, and post trip suggestions; booking flexibility and clear site descriptions help visitors plan safe, comfortable river outings at Smooth Rapids Outfitters in McMinnville, Tennessee.
Experiences
8 experiences
Float trips and campsite options
Campground Size
8 acres
Riverside camping on Barren Fork River
Shuttle Service
Included on floats
Return shuttles for multi-ramp trips
Camp Amenities
Water, electric, shower
Fire pits, restrooms, and cornhole
Check availability for floats, shuttle service, rentals, and campsites to plan a river day or overnight stay in McMinnville.
Reserve Early During Peak Season
Tent site spots can fill quickly, especially in spring and fall—book in advance to secure a riverside location.
Bring Bug Repellent
Mosquitoes and ticks are common near the river and wooded areas; insect repellent is a must-have.
Use Firewood Provided Onsite
To protect local forests, only use firewood purchased at Smooth Rapids to limit invasive species spread.
Pack a Headlamp or Flashlight
Amenities are nearby but campsites are dark at night; reliable lighting enhances safety and convenience.
Tent with Rainfly
Protects from rain and provides shelter during overnight stays at Smooth Rapids.
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Insect Repellent
Helps keep mosquitoes and ticks at bay near the river and wooded areas.
spring|summer|fall
Warm Sleeping Bag
Ensures comfort during chilly nights by the river.
fall|winter|spring
Headlamp or Flashlight
Necessary for walking between campsites and facilities after dark.
all