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Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Gravel tent pads sit directly on the shore of Kentucky Lake at Lakefront Campground in Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park, giving paddlers the rare convenience of launching a kayak from their own site. The campground, managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and located near Eva, Tennessee, features electric and water hookups on mostly level sites shaded by mature trees. Cell coverage is unreliable here regardless of carrier, though the park office provides free wifi to registered guests.

A few practical realities are worth knowing before booking. Navigation apps have led drivers astray on the approach; the reliable route runs through Camden and follows Highway 191 for roughly eight miles to the park entrance. Noise is a consistent theme in reviews: a factory across the river produces both an audible hum and occasional odors that some campers find disruptive, and boat ramp activity near certain sites starts well before dawn. The Wandering B. put it plainly: "Not a quiet place if that is what you are looking for."

Cleanliness gets mixed marks depending on the season and weekend traffic. Several reviewers noted well-maintained bathrooms and grounds during quieter visits, while others found fire rings left dirty and litter between sites during busier stretches. The bathhouse is a walk from the waterfront sites and provides showers, though the tent area restrooms do not. Campers wanting a less crowded experience tend to avoid weekend stays. Reservations are available and worth making in advance, particularly for lakeside sites that fill quickly in summer.

For backcountry alternatives within the same park, the Chester Hollow Backcountry Shelter #1 and Red Rock Trail Backcountry Shelter offer a quieter contrast to the developed lakefront area.

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Map & DirectionsLakefront Campground is located in Tennessee near Eva

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

36.0833972 N
87.9853965 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Toilets

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


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Reviews9 Camper Reviews - Lakefront Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

22%
45%
11%
11%
11%

3.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2024

Beautiful view but the bad smells

Beautiful view of the river and water access but the bad smells coming from the factory across the river is almost unbearable at times the EPA needs to. come do an air quality test when they release whatever it is

Site45
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park by Jeff F., August 31, 2024
  • Review photo of Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park by Jeff F., August 31, 2024
  • Review photo of Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park by Jeff F., August 31, 2024
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2023

Kind staff, water access, poorly maintained

The woman at check-in was very kind and helpful! When I got to the campsite, however, it was disappointing. The fire ring was full of cigarette butts, there was a decaying fish in between my site and the shore, and the bathroom smelled strongly of cigarettes. I was able to kayak right from my site, which was very nice! I would warn against the lakeside sites because there was a foul smell coming from the water at night for some reason.

SiteLakeside
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2022

Nice lakeside camp site

My wife and I stayed at this campground for 3 days. It was clean and spacious with great views of Kentucky Lake. The only minor complaint was that we drove through the main campground which was being renovated, and it was difficult to find the lakeside camp sites.

Site48
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jun. 11, 2022

Nice park once you get there

Do NOT follow your gps!!! Go to Camden then follow the state park signs (Hwy 191) 8 plus miles to the park. Not the biggest park, but fairly nice spaced sites, mostly level with electric & water. Lots of mature trees. Spotty if at all Verizon, ATT not at all. BUT free wifi. Check in at the office to get the password. Lots of activities for the kids on weekends. Clean shower house and general grounds. Very busy on weekends and people park any where they please.

All in all I'd stay here again, but maybe not on the weekend. Locals rule!

Site31
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park by Gary P., June 11, 2022
Reviewed Feb. 15, 2022

Awesomeness

Beautiful trails, well kept campground, clean bathrooms, exceptional staff!

Site#34
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park by beth , February 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park by beth , February 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park by beth , February 15, 2022
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Nov. 21, 2021

Another great Fall location!

Nice park with great staff. Note there is a factory close that always puts out a hum. Not a quiet place if that is what you are looking for.

Site27
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park by The Wandering B., November 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park by The Wandering B., November 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park by The Wandering B., November 21, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2021

Place has been turn into homeless people n trash

First time I was there was April and it was great I came back 4 months later n its was trashy homeless people running around people leaving trash behind and the head ranger dont do nothing about and people coming in late night making way too much noise I would not go back there again after seeing this go to the Paris forest one that one is much better it's near by

Site44 lakefront
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jun. 8, 2020

Well kept

The tent sites were well kept. They are gravel pads with a grill and fire ring. They are right on the water with easy access to put in a kayak. And close to a boat ramp if bringing a boat. It’s shaded. The bath house is a bit of a walk and they have restrooms only, no showers.

  • Review photo of Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park by Brittni F., June 8, 2020
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2018

Beautiful lakeside view

We enjoyed our visit and the wonderful view, but if we return, we will get a site further from the boat access ramp. There are 2 ramps, but everyone wants to use the one right in the middle of the site at zero dark thirty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park?

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park offers both RV and tent camping options. The tent sites feature gravel pads with grills and fire rings, situated right on the water with easy kayak access. The campground has two distinct areas - a main campground that undergoes occasional renovations and the lakefront sites with water views. The sites are generally well-maintained with mature trees providing good shade. Facilities include maintained bathrooms, though tent campers should note that some restroom facilities don't include showers.

Where is Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park located near Camden, TN?

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park is located approximately 8 miles from Camden, Tennessee. When traveling to the park, it's important to follow the state park signs on Highway 191 from Camden rather than relying on GPS directions, which might lead you on an incorrect route. The park sits on the shores of Kentucky Lake, providing water access and scenic views. The drive from Camden takes you through rural Tennessee countryside before arriving at this waterfront destination.

What scenic views and photo opportunities are available at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park?

The park offers stunning views of Kentucky Lake, making it a photographer's paradise. Campsites along the lakefront provide exceptional water vistas, especially at sunrise and sunset. The campground features mature trees that create beautiful natural framing for photos. Scenic trails wind through the park offering additional photography opportunities. Kayakers can capture unique perspectives from the water. Note that while the views are impressive, there is a factory across the river that might appear in wide landscape shots.

Does Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park offer RV hookups?

Yes, Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park does offer RV hookups. The campground provides electric and water connections at most sites. The sites are generally spacious and mostly level, accommodating various RV sizes. Many campsites are situated under mature trees, providing nice shade for RVs. While specific amp service details aren't specified, the park caters to RV campers with adequate facilities. The campground also offers free WiFi, which is particularly valuable given the spotty cellular service in the area.