Best Tent Camping near Franklin, KY

Tent campsites near Franklin, Kentucky range from established park sites to more primitive backcountry options. Mammoth Cave National Park offers tent camping at Houchin Ferry Campground, with sites situated along the Green River. Bells Bend Park and Long Hunter State Park also provide primitive tent-only camping options within reasonable driving distance, offering alternatives for tent campers seeking different settings and amenities.

Most tent campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities, with fire rings and picnic tables common at established sites. Houchin Ferry Campground provides concrete picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads, though no electric hookups or showers are available. Portable toilets are maintained regularly at most locations. Long Hunter State Park features both primitive backcountry sites and more accessible tent camping areas, with some sites positioned directly on the water. A review mentioned that "Primitive campsite 1 has 3 long log benches and a grill. It is located directly by the water, so you have a water filtration source at your finger tips."

Areas farther from developed recreation sites typically offer more secluded tent camping experiences. Backcountry sites at Mammoth Cave National Park require hikers to pack in their supplies and filter water from nearby sources when available. One camper noted that "Despite this campsite being surrounded by the Green River on 3 sides, water is hard to come by here, and hiking it in may be your best bet." Several tent-only areas require reservations, particularly during peak seasons. Bells Bend Park's primitive tent sites need to be reserved through their outdoor center, while Mammoth Cave's campgrounds shifted from first-come, first-served to reservation-only during certain periods. Seasonal factors affect site availability, with some areas becoming muddy during spring months and requiring careful planning for water access during drier periods.

Best Tent Sites Near Franklin, Kentucky (17)

    1. Camp Nashville Highland Rim

    1 Review
    Goodlettsville, TN
    24 miles
    Website

    $32 - $45 / night

    "I had a chance to talk with the owner at Camp Nashville and learned that due to city regulations, it can be difficult to find camping this close to the city. "

    2. Nat Caldwell Park

    1 Review
    Gallatin, TN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 822-4846

    $50 / night

    3. Houchin Ferry Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    9 Reviews
    Brownsville, KY
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 758-2180

    "It's located on the green river and has very spacious campsites. Plenty of room for the kids or dogs to run around. Very secluded. There is a concrete picnic table, pole and fire pit at each spot."

    "Ranger came by twice a day. Very clean port a pottys that are maintained well. Dumpster for trash and each site has a fire ring. Road in is paved and not bad, but has a few hills and is narrow."

    4. Laguardo

    2 Reviews
    Mount Juliet, TN
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 449-6544

    $85 - $120 / night

    5. Narrows Boat Ramp

    1 Review
    Lucas, KY
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 858-1549

    "The Narrows Boat Ramp Barron River Lake is actually more then just a boat ramp. There is a marina on site along side the boat ramp and a nice pavilion, playground, nature trail and restroom."

    6. Old Hickory Beach

    1 Review
    Hendersonville, TN
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 847-8091

    $75 / night

    "Old Hickory Beach Day Use Area is not what I would consider a hidden gem..that being said if you like swimming in lake water this is a nice enough area."

    7. Long Hunter State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    J Percy Priest Lake, TN
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 885-2422

    "Primitive campsite 1 has 3 long log benches and a grill. It is located directly by the water, so you have a water filtration source at your finger tips."

    "Long Hunter State Park Primitive Campsites are my kinda camping."

    8. Lone Branch

    1 Review
    Mount Juliet, TN
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 822-4846

    $50 / night

    9. Cook - J. Percy Priest Reservoir

    3 Reviews
    J Percy Priest Lake, TN
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 889-1975

    "Easy to get to, ample room between campers, close to local shopping."

    10. Bells Bend Park

    3 Reviews
    Pegram, TN
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 862-4187

    $10 - $11 / night

    "No drive up. Pack it in, pack it out. Firewood provided. Call the outdoor center for availability. Campground is open year round."

    "Bells Bend Park is close to the city but nature all around. Farmland with spots of woodland.  Primitive camping , in the trees on a hill. Group only. There are some tables and some fire rings."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Franklin, KY

824 Reviews of 17 Franklin Campgrounds


  • Greg S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2025

    Anderson Road Campground

    4.5 stars

    Stopped for one afternoon and night on our way through. Driving in through da hood you get a questionable feeling but, once through the gate and checked in this is a fantastic little campground! We picked an awesome site- number 8 is a huge pull through with water and electric, a grill, prep table, picnic table, and fire ring with grill. The site has its own path and private lake access. The lake is rocky here but we had no trouble walking in and swimming with our Crocs on. All sites in this small loop campground are great and very large. There is some erosion and there was some trash near the lake that we gladly cleaned up. Overall a fantastic place to camp.

  • Shea M.
    Apr. 3, 2020

    Houchin Ferry Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    Cave Camping

    We really enjoyed this place! It's located on the green river and has very spacious campsites. Plenty of room for the kids or dogs to run around. Very secluded. There is a concrete picnic table, pole and fire pit at each spot. Across the road to the ferry is a large pavillion with several more picnic tables for bigger gatherings. There are a few porta potties and no water or hookups. Primitive camping only. We tent camped here in July and saw hundreds of lightning bugs (see video)! It was magical, that really made the experience so much better for us!

    Highly recommend a cave tour as well at Mammoth Cave National Park. You will not be disappointed!! Can't wait to go back!

  • Peg D.
    May. 1, 2019

    Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    Best weekend ever

    Loved staying at the mammoth cave state park last weekend. April 26th-28th 2019.

    No reservations are needed until May 1st. It was Walk up First come first serve from March through May. The last weekend of April was perfect and was not over crowded but had a good amount of visitors. We had perfect weather as well. The camp grounds are clean and nice looking , bathrooms also very clean and have normal toilets, laundry room had new washers and dryers and very roomy & clean with attached bathrooms & showers for men & women. The camp store was nicely set up and had plenty of foods and stuff Incase you forgot anything. However they do not sell real fire wood. They do sell compressed fire bricks. That Looks-like compressed sawdust bricks. So if you want real fire wood you have to go off trail and find it. Recommend and saw to cut it up but there was plenty of dead branches to be found through out the park and you are allowed to pick it up and burn it. The cave tours are fun and educational however if you lack fitness some of them will test your limits. So know your limits before booking. Highly recommend buying your tickets before you arrive as they fill up super fast and they offer more tours during the peak season than they do in spring.

    The lodge is nice has 2 restaurants one is sit down one is fast food snacks like setting. There are 5 gift shops in all between the camp store has 1 the lodge has 2 and the visitors center has 2. It’s worth the trip if your in to caving and hiking. Unfortunately there is lack of access to the river unless you go backwoods hiking/camping But all in all it’s a fun time!

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2018

    Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    Base Station

    Mammoth Cave Campground is in the country but centrally located between several nice size cities and right off I65.

    No signal once you get in the park except if your lucky at the lodge. We tuned in to WIFI whenever we passed through the Visitors Center/lodge restaurant in the morning.

    The campground is primitive, no electric with parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings. There is a restroom in the campground and a shower house, laundry room, post office and store adjacent. The dump station is next to that facility right outside the front “gate”.

    There is enough space between camp sites to have some privacy and the trees provide natural noise block and shade. There be critters in the woods so protect your food! You may see deer and turkey, you won’t see the little shit raccoon that runs off with dog toys and any food left out ;)

    There are several trail access points directly from the campground. Including two easy trails to the visitors center.

    Aside from the obvious, cave tours, there are several other options on how to spend your day and nights.

    If your coming for the cave specifically make sure you reserve your preferred cave tour way ahead of time!

    If you are coming for the trails, enjoy! There are multiple options. I run the trail near the visitor center year round. It is technical and hilly, not stroller friendly.

    The trails on the far side of the Green River ferry have dispersed camping sites and plenty of natural features to discover.

    The float down the Green River is enjoyable. If you bring your own water craft several of the companies will drive you to the put in from the ferry parking area for a nominal fee.

    Also across the Green River is the Maple Springs group and horse campground, I’m not a horse person but I see plenty of them in the area and they seem to be enjoying the trails and campground.

    There is also zip lines in the area, a winery and golfing.

    Fast food and Wally World in Brownsville, other touristy attractions one exit up at Cave City. (Ky Down Under and Dinosaur World, plus a Yogi Bear Campground)

    We spent the weekend hiking in the rain and avoided Green River, it’s a muddy mess right now.

  • D
    Oct. 18, 2022

    Lock A

    Great place to camp for $

    While the facilities are limited, we enjoyed being here. We were in site 25 with the river right behind us. 50A power and water, dump on the way out. Concrete pad, level, picnic table, fire ring and a trash can at every site. The road in is small and winding, nighttime driving is difficult. Senior pass got us in for just $12 a night. Boat ramp close by. Would certainly stay here again.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 2, 2025

    Barren River Tailwater

    40 Mins from 65

    Tailwater CG - Glasco, KY 1/1/25

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 for an overnight stay. Great winter price, but 40 minutes from 65 w trailer. Price 2024: $8 w interagency pass during winter Security: Host’s site at entry. Usage during visit: Only us Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: No Site Spacing: Close. Varies.
    Pad surface: Gravel Reservations: Required. Can be made at the cg.
    Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes, however off during winter 24/25.
    Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes. Only at one location during winter. Generators: Allowed. Bathroom: Two. Flush Bath and showers bathhouse is closed during winter. Pit toilets at far end open. Pull Throughs: One. Cell Service (Verizon): 1 to 3 bars Setting: Along River Recent Weather: Cold nights.
    Solar: Yes Host: Yes, helpful.
    Rig Size: Varies between sites. Sites: Some sites back up to the river. These are the best locations, I think.

  • Kristin H.
    Nov. 5, 2021

    Nolin Lake State Park Campground

    Tent Camping Paradise

    We camped at site P27, which is in the RV section of the campground, but off to the side and pretty private. Great little spot and had our own piece of shoreline. No electricity or water here but equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. Had to back truck up as best we could and walk a little trail to the site and unload. Had to park by basketball court when done unloading, so keep in mind your vehicle won't be within site. There is a group site off in the distance and they were pretty loud but still a good distance off so it was tolerable. Daughter caught her first fish here. Loved waking up to the fog over the lake. Bath house wasn't as clean as I recall from previous trips but it wasn't anything to get worked up about. Lots of places are short staffed these days so I can't fault them too badly. Nolin is on of our favorite campgrounds!

  • Dan R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2020

    Poole Knobs

    Great place for Labor Day weekend

    Spent two nights here for Labor Day 2020. We stayed on the center strip in the primitive area. The facilities were well maintained and clean. Each site has a concrete picnic table, fire ring, and a moveable lantern hook. The primitive area has several water spigots to use (near each restroom and a few in between).

    The outer loop sites all have electric and water hookups, but the restrooms are all on the upper level where the primitive sites are. If you don’t have your own bathroom, it’s a bit of a hill to climb and there’s only a couple spots to do it.

    Overall, we loved it and we’ll be back for sure.

  • Lauren M.
    Jul. 23, 2020

    Nolin Lake State Park Campground

    Tenting area is a bit close, but still quiet

    We camped in tent site 15, which is the far back corner of a large rectangular tenting area. Each site had a table and fire ring, and shared water and trash were located in several central locations. Some sites are between two parking areas (sites 7-9, I think), and some sites are along the lake shore. While most people rate the lake shore sites highly, I think you'd get a lot of headlights flashing at you as they're right along the parking lane. We really liked the back corner for privacy, and relative proximity to the bathrooms (located in what looks like an office). Showers, firewood, ice, playground, and laundry are in the trailer campsite nearby. 

    One caveat is that, if fully booked with weekenders, I can imagine this place getting a bit noisy at night. It's also pretty hot, though very well shaded, in July.


Guide to Franklin

Tent campsites near Franklin, Kentucky offer primitive and secluded options within a 40-mile radius. The area sits within the Highland Rim geographical region, featuring rolling hills, limestone formations, and several water features. Summer temperatures often reach above 90°F with high humidity, while spring camping can bring significant rainfall and potentially muddy conditions.

What to do

Kayaking nearby waterways: Houchin Ferry Campground provides access to the Green River for paddling adventures. One camper noted, "Set up camp at Houchins Ferry and kayaked from Green River Ferry back to the campsite... about 11 miles from Green River Ferry." Another visitor recommends: "We kayaked the Nolin and Green rivers. Both were very pretty! Recommend a trip on the Nolin."

Hiking forest trails: The surrounding parks offer varied terrain for day hikes with wildlife viewing opportunities. At Long Hunter State Park Campground, a visitor shared: "We enjoyed hiking- we went on the Buffalo Nature Trail that was across from the river and campground. This trail was great, with beautiful views."

Wildlife observation: Several campgrounds in the region offer excellent animal spotting. As one camper at Long Hunter observed: "One great thing about this campground is that there is wildlife everywhere. We saw so many Whitetail Deer, it was amazing. They would just come into the campground, feed and walk around."

What campers like

Secluded riverside spots: Many tent sites near Franklin sit along water edges. At Houchin Ferry Campground, campers appreciate the natural setting: "We really enjoyed this place! It's located on the green river and has very spacious campsites. Plenty of room for the kids or dogs to run around. Very secluded."

Night sky viewing: The rural setting offers excellent stargazing. Bells Bend Park primitive camping gets high marks for this: "Primitive camping, in the trees on a hill. Group only. There are some tables and some fire rings. But the sky is immense."

Access to fishing spots: Many tent sites provide direct access to productive fishing areas. A camper at Long Hunter State Park noted: "There is a lake nearby that tons of people went to fish. My dad caught some trout which was really cool. We cooked that for dinner one night and it was amazing!"

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Several tent camping areas have shifted to reservation-only systems. For Camp Nashville Highland Rim, a reviewer noted: "Jake from The Dyrt here! I had a chance to talk with the owner at Camp Nashville and learned that due to city regulations, it can be difficult to find camping this close to the city."

Primitive facilities: Most tent sites near Franklin feature basic amenities. At Bells Bend Park: "10 total sites. No drive up. Pack it in, pack it out. Firewood provided. Call the outdoor center for availability. Campground is open year round. Portapotty in the parking lot or hike to the outdoor center for flushing toilets."

Seasonal pest considerations: Tick activity can be significant in warmer months. A Long Hunter State Park camper warned: "It was the most ticks any of us had seen, including tiny seed ticks. We left with multiple bites, and were constantly picking them off each other and our gear."

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites with room to play: Narrows Boat Ramp offers additional recreation options: "There is a marina on site along side the boat ramp and a nice pavilion, playground, nature trail and restroom."

Plan for weather fluctuations: Spring camping brings unpredictable conditions. Pack extra tarps and waterproof gear, as tent sites can become muddy after rain. Evening temperatures can drop significantly even in summer.

Look for educational opportunities: Many parks offer ranger programs. At Bells Bend Park, "The park offers a lot of programs to base your camping around. The trails are through farmland and bike friendly."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV accessibility: Most tent camping areas near Franklin have restrictions on RV access. At Houchin Ferry Campground, a visitor noted: "These sites are listed as 'Tent Only' but I got my Dodge van in no problem. In my 3 days here I saw many tents, a small pop up camper, and 2 vans. Anything larger would be a problem I think."

Consider proximity to attractions: When selecting a campsite location, balance seclusion with travel time. One Houchin Ferry camper shared: "Well 1: pretty drive in, newer highway, wide with no thrilling drop offs or hairpins. Kentucky farmland, mobile homes and a lot of pickups."

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between tent camping areas. At Houchin Ferry: "No signal. Your phone will tease you with one bar and occasionally something might get through but it would be easier on your battery to just wait until you get into town."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Franklin, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Franklin, KY is Camp Nashville Highland Rim with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Franklin, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Franklin, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.