Where to camp?

State Parks and State Natural areas are a great place to start. State Parks can offer a wide variety of camping experiences so your likely to find some style that will fit your needs. Locations designated as "Parks" are usually geared more towards recreation and family fun, so expect there to be bathrooms, showers, drive up camping, and RV sites available. Playgrounds are fairly common and some have lodges and cabins for use, and I mean real ones, with real beds. Always call or check online first; not all "Parks" are the same. "Natural Areas" are usually a good bet for primitive camping as these locations tend to be more focused on hiking and nature experiences. Most of these locations are found a short drive some a "civilized" store so if you discover an urgent need for say...sunscreen or aloe, it will be a short break and easy trip.
Do your research first by checking your state parks website or calling the visitors center. My two favorite places for primitive camping (which for me includes an outhouse or composting toilet) is a Natural Area while the other is a State Park. And the location I live closet too at the moment is a Natural Area with only drive up campsites as no back-country camping is aloud (this way campers can't destroy the fragile plants and disturb the animals).

Cost varies from state-to-state as do registration procedures. But again ALWAYS CHECK AHEAD! I desperately wanted a picture of my favorite camping place, Grundy Forest, and discovered that after I had moved away my favorite camping spot had began charging a small fee and requiring reservations. Still worth it! If your in the Tennessee and North Alabama are I highly recommend checking out South Cumberland State Park and its wide variety of location and activities.