Long Hunter State Park Campground operates year-round with both drive-in and walk-in site options, managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The campground provides drinking water, allows campfires and pets, and maintains cell service coverage. Reservations help secure spots during busy periods.
Primitive sites sit directly on the water with log benches and grills. DrDavid P. found the camping "nothing special, but perfectly adequate" with sites "right on the water." Flat rocks near the shoreline create natural swimming and lounging areas. The park's trail system includes wooded paths where deer and turkey sightings occur regularly, plus a paved route around the lake. Some campers access cliff areas along the water, though this requires careful navigation.
Tick activity runs high during warmer months, particularly around fire pits and wooded areas. Campers report seed ticks in significant numbers, making insect repellent essential gear. The walk-in sites require a hike of up to six miles from parking areas. For those seeking additional camping options in the region, camping spots around Long Hunter provide alternatives within the broader area.
Pack plenty of DEET-based repellent and consider bringing camp chairs instead of relying solely on log seating during tick season.
Description
Backcountry Camping- Reservation Required
Long Hunter has 2 primitive campsites for tent camping only, each site has a designated fire ring. Both sites are wooded, offering shade, they are located on the shoreline of J.Percy Priest Lake.
A 6-mile hike is required to reach the sites, beginning at the parking lot, using the Day Loop/Volunteer Trailhead. Backpacking equipment is strongly suggested. There is no running water, electricity, restrooms or heated showers available. Water must be filtered from natural sources or carried in. The campsites are open year-round. Campsite capacity ranges from 8-10 persons. What to Know Before You Go
Reservations are required for ALL backcountry camping.
Your reservation receipt is your permit.
A copy of the camping receipt MUST on your person, during your overnight stay.
A copy of the camping receipt or a piece of paper with the name associated with the reservation MUST be placed in the dash of each vehicle that is to be parked overnight at the trail head.
No hiking on trails after dark. Please allow enough time to reach your destination in daylight.
The last permit issued will be 2-3 hours before sunset
Pet Policy
Leashed pets are allowed on this site.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLong Hunter State Park Campground is located in Tennessee near J Percy Priest Lake
Directions
From Nashville, take I-40 East to Mt. Juliet Road, Exit 226-A. Go south (right) 6.2 miles to the main park entrance. Or, take I-24 east to Old Hickory Boulevard, Exit 62. Go north (left) on SR171 6.4 miles to the main park entrance.
Address
2910 Hobson Pike
Hermitage, TN 37076
Coordinates
36.0937539 N
86.55666367 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 24 min from Nashville, TN
- 1 hr 5 min from Clarksville, TN
- 1 hr 15 min from Bowling Green, KY
- 1 hr 53 min from Huntsville, AL
