Lock A
Well kept park
Nicely laid out sites that are expansive and well kept. Great views of the lake.
101 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds surrounding Ashland City, Tennessee cluster along the Cumberland River, with several developed sites offering water access and electric hookups. Lock A Campground and Harpeth River Bridge Campground provide concrete pads suitable for both RVs and tents, with direct waterfront access on many sites. Both locations feature water and electric hookups, though sewer connections are limited. The area contains a mix of Corps of Engineers facilities and county-managed recreation areas, with most campgrounds remaining open during warm weather months from spring through fall.
Most campgrounds in the Ashland City area require reservations through recreation.gov, especially for weekend stays during peak summer months. The Cumberland River influences camping conditions with cool breezes but can create humidity during summer months. "We loved our site which was fully shaded all day long which was great in August given the heat and humidity," noted one visitor about Lock A Campground. Road access varies between locations, with some campgrounds featuring steep entry roads that can be challenging for larger vehicles. Sites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities, though shower availability differs between locations.
Cumberland River views dominate the camping experience in this region, with barges and boat traffic providing an interesting backdrop at waterfront sites. Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere despite proximity to Nashville, with Lock A campground approximately 30 minutes from downtown areas. The Ashland City camping area offers a convenient combination of riverside relaxation and proximity to urban amenities. Several reviewers note the spacious, level campsites and ample shade from mature trees at most river locations. Wildlife observation opportunities include deer, blue herons, and various waterfowl along the river corridors. One camper described Lock A as having "wide, level campsite on the water. Very nice and well kept." Noise levels vary by location, with some sites near bridges experiencing occasional traffic sounds, while others maintain quiet settings ideal for families and fishing enthusiasts.
"Campground Review: Montgomery Bell State Park The Four Mile Campground is nestled in a hollow offering shade and creekage on one side plus several of the trailheads start nearby and you are close"
"It is a beautiful state park known as the"Queen of Tennessee's State Parks". There are 4,000 acres with mountain biking, fishing, hiking, picnic areas, kayaking/canoeing, and a golf course."
"Nashville north koa was a nice campground with a proximity to Nashville but away from the bustle. We stayed for a week and enjoyed ourselves."
"The proximity to the Opry and surrounding sites is fantastic. Top that off with front desk, event and maintenance staff that were all super nice and you’ve got a great combo."
"The showerhouse, pavilion and basketball court are up behind the campground at the base of the hills."
"Lock A campground located near Ashland City,TN on the Cumberland River. It’s located a little bit upriver from the Cheatham lock and dam. We were just a little bit off of the river in site 36."
from $24 - $28 / night
Check Availability"Easy access to the River. Absolutely beautiful mornings with the fog over the water to look at while you sip your coffee. The sites are spaced well apart. No bad sites here."
"There are several recreation areas nearby to enjoy in addition to Harpeth."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"The Grand Ole RV Resort is a nice park to stay in near all the fun and sightseeing of Nashville, Tennessee. The campground is very tidy and well-kept."
"There’s a train that passes by on the nearby track a couple of times a day, but it was never super early or late and didn’t bother us at all."
"Highway noise is really bad but there’s not anything they can do about that. Close by restaurants and Camping World for any needed supplies."
"But given where they are located, crammed in with two other RV parks and a Camping World all next to the highway, there isn't any way to make things better."
"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."
"No drive up. Pack it in, pack it out. Firewood provided. Call the outdoor center for availability. Campground is open year round."
from $10 - $11 / night
Check Availability"The property is 12 minutes from downtown Nashville, making it a perfect Glamping location. Being close to great restaurants is definitely a plus."
"Whooping Crane Farm is located In such a great spot, just outside Nashville, it is easy to get to, but convenient to everything. The camp spot is fantastic!"
from $100 / night
Check Availability"Lock A campground located near Ashland City,TN on the Cumberland River. It’s located a little bit upriver from the Cheatham lock and dam. We were just a little bit off of the river in site 36."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"It has conveinient access to I65 and Highway 31W. They have 30/50amp full service hookups and Cabins.
One of the coolest deals is the local winery deals while staying there."
"For restaurants and grocery runs, take I-65 South to exit 97. Of course, you have the Nashville scene, but check out Mansker’s Station for some rich history of true pioneer spirit."












Nicely laid out sites that are expansive and well kept. Great views of the lake.
We stayed one night at Cedar Creek Campground while traveling north and appreciated its location, which allowed us to bypass Nashville traffic by using I-840 and TN-45. We followed the route using RV Trip Wizard and Waze, although Waze wanted to route us through I-40. Coming in from the south, we did not see any brown campground signs until we reached the marina entrance. The final approach travels through a narrow, hilly rural-suburban area before arriving at the campground. Check-in was quick, and we headed to back-in Site 22 with 50/30/20-amp electric and water. Immediately after leaving the check-in station, there is a fairly tight right-hand turn. The attendant specifically warned us to take it wide, explaining they occasionally see larger rigs scrape there. The site length was accurately represented on Recreation.gov and accommodated our 40-foot fifth wheel, although we needed to unhitch to park our F-450 alongside the trailer. Utilities were conveniently located near the middle of the site, water pressure was excellent, and the site included a newer picnic table, fire ring with cooking grate, and lantern post. We received three bars on Verizon and two bars on T-Mobile. Our T-Mobile Home Internet averaged 193 Mbps download and 1.3 Mbps upload. With the heavy tree canopy, Starlink availability will vary considerably by site, and we doubt Site 22 would have provided a usable view of the sky. The campground has two bathhouses, with the newer facility offering individual shower rooms. The older bathhouse had two coin-operated machines, although the dryer was out of service during our stay. The lakeside sites are more generously spaced, while the interior loops connect to one another, making the back sides of the loops feel very close together, with some sites almost sitting on top of each other. Sites 54 and 56B appeared to be among the better choices for larger rigs. Although we didn't use the dump station, it looked manageable for a 40-foot rig despite reviews suggesting otherwise. The biggest consideration is maneuverability. The roads are narrow, several turns are sharp, and there are trees and drainage ditches throughout the campground. We exited without incident, but even on a Thursday with light occupancy, it required careful driving. Had the campground been full with vehicles parked along the roads, navigating a large RV would have been considerably more challenging. Overall, we enjoyed the peaceful Corps of Engineers setting and the opportunity to avoid Nashville traffic, but for our 40-foot fifth wheel, we're not convinced the extra maneuvering required is worth the tradeoff for future overnight stays.
Great spot. Lots of dog areas and cool hangout area around the pool.
Campsites are door to door. Theyve packed alot of campers in a little area. On the plus side there is sewer hookups at each campsite
We have now been here 7 times in the past 3 months. We love it. The campground is so beautiful and peaceful and the camp hosts are the best.
Friendly, clean, services include trash pickup at each site. Help onsite 24 hours. Clean toilets and washroom.
Very clean campground, water is not for swimming though! And people who are keeping it going are super nice. Wanted to extend but they only have 14 sites and it was booked :/
Staff was wonderful at helping with all needs...booking tours too. Can shuttle a bus to downtown Nashville. Nice pool. Live music every night at the campground. Clean restrooms, laundry and the entire park.
This campground is nice. Pool and indoor park is great for the kids. But this place is really really quiet. Not bad but we were scared to make a sound.
Campgrounds along the Cumberland River provide the backbone of camping options near Ashland City, Tennessee. Lock A Campground, operated by the Corps of Engineers, offers spacious riverfront sites suitable for tent and RV camping with water and electric hookups. Harpeth River Bridge Campground features concrete pads and river views, while private options like Whooping Crane Farm provide glamping experiences just outside Nashville. Most established campgrounds in the area cater to both tent and RV campers, with several locations offering cabin accommodations. The region includes developed campgrounds with amenities such as showers, fire rings, and picnic tables, typically located within a 30-minute drive of Ashland City.
Access to camping areas around Ashland City typically includes water and electric hookups with some sites offering full hookups. The Cumberland River provides a scenic backdrop for many campsites, though water levels can affect shoreline access seasonally. One camper noted, "Make sure you have good brakes because the road coming into the campground is a little steep!" regarding Lock A Campground. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though peak season runs April through October with higher demand for reservations. Several locations require advance booking through recreation.gov or other reservation systems, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. Water-adjacent sites typically fill fastest, especially at smaller campgrounds with limited capacity.
Riverfront camping represents a defining feature of the Ashland City area, with numerous campers highlighting the experience of watching barges navigate the Cumberland River. Sites at Lock A Campground offer concrete pads that are nearly level, with shaded locations available. Many campgrounds provide trash service at individual sites, clean bathhouses, and nearby hiking trails. A visitor commented that Lock A offers "wide, level campsite on the water. Very nice and well kept." Another reviewer described Harpeth River Bridge Campground as having "absolutely beautiful mornings with the fog over the water to look at while you sip your coffee." Noise can be a consideration for tent campers, particularly at sites near bridges or highways. Wildlife sightings commonly reported include deer, blue herons, and various waterfowl, enhancing the natural camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ashland City, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ashland City, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 101 campgrounds and RV parks near Ashland City, TN and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Ashland City, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ashland City, TN is Montgomery Bell State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 64 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ashland City, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Ashland City, TN.
What parks are near Ashland City, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Ashland City, TN that allow camping, notably Old Hickory Lake and J Percy Priest Lake.
Keep Exploring