Tiny Shiny Retreat: The Perfect Glamping Getaway in Tennessee
Looking for the best glamping in Tennessee that combines nature, adventure, and modern comfort? Tiny Shiny Retreat is the perfect glamping destination for couples, families, or solo travelers seeking a unique outdoor experience. Located halfway between Nashville and Chattanooga, just 90 minutes from either city. This Tennessee glamping retreat offers the ideal weekend getaway for those wanting to escape city life without sacrificing comfort as I found out as a Nashville local this past weekend.
Disclaimer: This post is part of a brand partnership with Tiny Shiny Retreat. All opinions and experiences shared are my own.
Check out the vlog
Follow along on the vlog to see more of my glamping experience at the Tiny Shiny Retreat.
What is Glamping?
Glamping, or "glamorous camping," gives you the chance to enjoy the beauty of nature without sacrificing modern amenities. At Tiny Shiny Retreat, you get the authentic camping experience of sleeping in a luxury tent or vintage Airstream, complete with running water, electricity, and cozy lighting. This Tennessee glamping site offers three unique accommodations: a couples (or solo) tent, a family tent, and a renovated Airstream trailer. I stayed in the couples tent for my solo Tennessee glamping weekend.
Day 1 - Arriving at Tennessee's Best Glamping Site
Work got a little hectic, so I wasn’t able to leave Nashville until much later than I anticipated. I arrived just after sunset on a Friday evening. It was dark, a little spooky, and I was flying solo, so naturally, my imagination was running wild! But as I approached the tent, the soft glow of string lights on the deck and bedside lamps inside provided a warm, welcoming vibe.
After settling in, I headed to Smithville for dinner at Twisted Oak Saloon. I couldn't resist their juicy Twisted Oak Burger, and the patio atmosphere was full of energy with live karaoke. It was the perfect Friday night out. The staff was friendly and accommodating, adding to the fun experience.
Back at the campsite, I had a little trouble falling asleep at first. Between the new surroundings, dark woods, and unfamiliar nighttime noises, my solo camping nerves kicked in. Thankfully, the gated entrance provides a great sense of security, which helped ease my mind.
Day 2 Morning - Kayaking and Water Activities
Waking up to sunlight streaming through the tent and birds singing was the perfect start to my Tennessee glamping adventure. Tiny Shiny Retreat provides complimentary kayaks, so I decided to take one down to the water entrance at nearby Johnsons Chapel Recreation Center. Pro tip for Tennessee glamping: if you plan on transporting kayaks, secure them with fasteners on a truck or SUV roof. Trying to fit a kayak inside my SUV was a tight squeeze!
Tennessee Glamping Packing Tips:
Bring fasteners or use a truck/SUV for transporting kayaks to Tennessee waterways
Pack light since electricity and running water are provided at this Tennessee glamping site
Essential footwear: waterproof sandals (Reefs are my go-to sandal) for water activities, athletic shoes for waterfall hiking, and shower shoes for convenience
The morning on the water was serene. I watched a few early risers casting lines, enjoying the calm atmosphere and crisp fall air. My arms got a good workout too, which is a good reminder to hit the gym more often! After about an hour, I pulled the kayak out and let it dry in the sun. The picnic tables next to the water offered the perfect spot to relax and take in the scenery with leaves drifting gently from the trees.
Day 2 Afternoon - Hiking Tennessee Waterfalls
Next, I drove to Burgess Falls State Park, one of Tennessee's most beautiful waterfall destinations. Tennessee is home to countless stunning waterfalls, and Tiny Shiny Retreat's central location makes it the perfect base for waterfall hiking adventures. The Burgess Falls trail was easy to moderate with some inclines and steps, but completely manageable for most fitness levels. The hike rewarded me with three stunning waterfalls along the main trail. It is absolutely breathtaking and a must-see for any Tennessee glamping visitor.
Day 2 Evening - Local Dining
After a full day of outdoor adventures, I returned to the glamping site to shower and relax. That evening, I explored Sparta, a charming small Tennessee town with a quaint town square. I dined at Marioochi's, a local Italian restaurant with a fun, cozy vibe. My server convinced me to try dessert even after a filling margarita pizza, and the pumpkin spiced cheesecake gelato was worth every bite!
Sleeping on the second night was much easier now that I was familiar with the peaceful sounds of the Tennessee woods. Waking up again to sunlight and birdsong was one of the highlights of my glamping trip. My weekend at Tiny Shiny Retreat perfectly balanced relaxation, adventure, and local Tennessee exploration.
Day 3 - Checking Out
I woke up bright and early, super refreshed from the cozy glamping bed. This was truly the glamorous part of glamping: no back aches from sleeping on the ground! I enjoyed the sun bursting through the trees and the birds singing their wake-up songs.
Packing up was surprisingly easy since I'd packed light for my two-night Tennessee glamping adventure. With electricity and running water available at the site, I only needed a light version of my toiletries. My clothing was minimal too: just some t-shirts, shorts, and my swimsuit (perfect for September's warm Tennessee weather and potential kayaking). I did bring three pairs of shoes: athletic shoes for the waterfall hiking, reef sandals for kayaking (waterproof with straps to secure to your feet), and flip flops for the shower. Looking back, I probably could have gotten away with just the athletic shoes and reef sandals since the sandals work great as shower shoes too, but having the variety was nice for my glamping experience.
Everything fit easily into my backpack and sling bag. I had a small grocery bag of snacks I'd brought along as well. The minimal packing made checkout a breeze and left me wishing I could extend my glamping stay just a little longer. But alas, I had to make my way back home to Nashville.
Complete Guide to Tennessee Glamping at Tiny Shiny Retreat
Booking Details
🕐 Distance: Centrally located about 1 hour and a half from both Nashville and Chattanooga .
📍 Location: Located by Center Hill Lake in the heart of Tennessee.
🎟️ Booking: You can reserve one of the three properties by clicking the link below:
https://www.tinyshinyretreat.com/
💸 Discount: Use code KATIER at checkout to get 20% off your booking!
Glamping Accommodations
Choose from a luxury couples tent, spacious family tent, or vintage renovated Airstream trailer. Each offering the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and modern comfort for your Tennessee glamping experience.
Couples (or solo) tent
Airstream
Family (or group) tent
Outdoor Activities:
The retreat provides complimentary kayaks that you can take to Johnsons Chapel Recreation Center, just 1 mile away. This recreation spot has a large beach area perfect for swimming, picnicking, rock skipping, and fishing. For those wanting to explore more Tennessee waterways, Sligo Marina (4 miles away) offers pontoon rentals and has a newly opened restaurant for waterfront dining.
Waterfall Hiking & Nature Activities:
Burgess Falls State Park (10 miles): An absolute must-see Tennessee waterfall destination with easy hiking trails and three stunning waterfalls. Plan to spend several hours exploring this natural wonder
Edgar Evans State Park (30 miles): Beautiful hiking trails and an on-site restaurant
Bee Rock in Monterey: A quick hike with amazing panoramic views
Unique Experiences:
Harmony Lane Farm and Creamery (13 miles): Perfect for families or animal lovers. Feed goats, emus, parrots, and donkeys, plus enjoy their farm-to-table restaurant and homemade ice cream
Liberty Barn Dance (20 miles): Experience authentic Tennessee culture with Saturday night barn dances from 7-10pm
Honky Tonk Central (3 miles): Golf and dining experience at this 18-hole course, built by the owner of Nashville's famous Tootsies
Dining Options:
Twisted Oak Saloon (13 miles): Local favorites with live music and trivia nights on their awesome outdoor patio, where I enjoyed that amazing Twisted Oak Burger!
Fiddlers Market (3 miles): Your one-stop shop for snacks, groceries, beer, and all-day kitchen service
Smithville, TN: Charming town with local coffee shops, dining, and shopping options
Sparta, TN: Historic Tennessee town square with excellent food and coffee (where I discovered Marioochi's!)
Cookeville, TN (25 minutes): Foodie destination. Stop by Meg's Bread for artisanal baked goods, Ralph's Donut Shop for classic treats, or World Foods for exceptional pizza
Why Choose Tiny Shiny Retreat: Strategically located between Nashville and Chattanooga (about 90 minutes from either major Tennessee city), making it the perfect weekend getaway destination for exploring Middle Tennessee's natural beauty.
Ready to book your own Tennessee glamping adventure? Use my code KATIER for 20% off your stay at the Tiny Shiny Retreat. The premier glamping destination in Tennessee!
Let me know in the comments if you have ever gone glamping or if you have any questions about planning your own glamping trip in Tennessee.
Ciao for now!
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Looking for the best glamping in Tennessee that combines nature, adventure, and modern comfort? Tiny Shiny Retreat is the perfect glamping destination for couples, families, or solo travelers seeking a unique outdoor experience.