Looking for the best options for tent camping near Bell Buckle? Finding a place to camp in Tennessee with your tent has never been easier. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Bell Buckle, Tennessee's most popular destinations.
FOSTER FALLS CAMPGROUND - Open to Vehicles - Reservations Required The Foster Falls campground has 26 rustic campsites ideal for tents or small trailers. The Foster Falls Campground is the only camping area in the park where guests may park a car and/or pop-ups next to the campsite. The campground is open year-round. All sites have a fire ring and a picnic table. Most sites are wooded, offering some shade and have a level, gravel surface. A few are on a slight incline. There are no water or electric hook-ups but a restroom and heated showers are available. No gas generators are allowed at the Foster Falls Campground. BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING - Reservations Required South Cumberland boasts over 90 miles of backpacking trails with 93 campsites, eight group sites and one rustic lodge, the Hobbs Cabin. These campsites are located within 12 designated back country campgrounds across the Fiery Gizzard and Savage Gulf trail systems. South Cumberland encourages visitors to reserve your campsite early to ensure you have a site upon arrival. Remember, follow all park rules and be prepared to have a rewarding backcountry experience. All campsites are limited to four adults and two children. Children are defined as ages 13 and younger. Site capacity information can be found under site features on the campsite reservation page. Please look closely at your campsite's capacity when reserving. Each site has a designated fire ring. Hiking is required to reach the sites, although a few sites are available at only 120 yards from the parking lot. Water must be filtered from natural sources or carried in, be sure to check with the ranger stations about water availability. A pit toilet is also available at each campground. South Cumberland has primitive group campsites at most Savage Gulf campgrounds. These sites can accommodate from 30-60 campers, depending on the site and location.
$18 - $21 / night
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.
Our beautiful setting overlooks the West Fork of the Stones River. With walk-in access to the water, the camp is perfect for exploring a thriving river system (2, 6, and 8 mile floats are easy since take-out points are just up the road a piece or just paddle up and down the river, depending on the rains). The river is wadable most of the year. Smallmouth and seasonal trout make for easy fishing. The river is home to an abundance of birds, turtles, and fur-bearing friends.
The tent is equipped with a queen bed, sheets and blankets, a heater for the colder nights and fans for the warmer ones. We have an additional pop up tent that can accommodate 2 people, however you will need to bring a sleeping bag. We also have space for more pop-up tents, so if you have a bigger group there will be plenty of space to spread out. The tent is off-grid but we provide battery operated lights, a charging power bank and the ability to use electric plugs outside our house if there is a real need.
Two rock beaches on our property are across from a river island! Beyond that is a small creek and 190 acres of vacant land.
In case you run out of Lunchables, we have several methods for camp cooking with fire or our dual-fuel Coleman stove. Keep your refreshments fresh all weekend with our big Coleman cooler.
If you don't feel like cooking, Downtown Nashville (40 minutes) and Murfreesboro (15 minutes) are close for campers needing an escape from nature. Last minute supplies are just minutes away.
We provide board games, outdoor games, kayaks for rent, tubes for rent, fishing gear for rent and other seasonal amenities!
Because the location is very convenient, it also comes with passing cars and the hum of I-840 in the distance mingling harmoniously with the babbling brook. The groundhogs and kingfishers don't seem to mind it too much.
Please let us know if you need an earlier check in or later check out. We will always try to accommodate if we can.
$112 - $160 / night
South Cumberland State Park is a state park in the middle and southeast portions of Tennessee on the Cumberland Plateau. The park is one of Tennessee's newer state parks. It is a collection of 10 areas in four counties.
$8 - $12 / night
South Cumberland State Park is located within four different Tennessee counties: Grundy, Franklin, Marion and Sequatchie. The park is composed of approximately 30,845 acres in nine separate areas and boasts some of the best hiking and backcountry camping in the region.
$8 - $35 / night
Horseshoe Bend Marina is a secluded get away situated on the scenic head waters of Center Hill Lake. Our marina is only (by water) a mile from Rock Island State Park's Sand Bar and boat ramp. It is the perfect place to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you are wanting to go boating, fishing, or camping, we have quite a bit to offer. As one of the few marinas on Center Hill Lake that stays open year 'round, we rent boats, boat slips, and camp sites. Fall scenic tours and year 'round guided fishing tours are available also. We have a boat ramp that is easily accessible even when the lake water level is low. Our store offers a variety of drinks, snacks, camping supplies, boating supplies, and fishing supplies. We are also operating under new ownership and new management. With this said, we invite you to come by, meet the new managers, and see the improvements that have been made. Please, take the time to look through our web site for all the services we offer!
$75 / night
Smith Springs Recreation Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands.
The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities to choose from, including fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass, and white bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers. Nearby Anderson Road Fitness Trail is a paved trail winding a little over a mile through the cedar glade area beside the lake.
Smith Springs Recreation Area offers a large group shelter for day use and can accommodate up to 50 guests. There is limited parking suitable only for 12 vehicles.
J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its justification. The dam, completed in 1968, impounds 42 miles, with 14,200 surface acres of water. In soothing contrast to the sparkling waters of the lake are the adjacent 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands. A highlight of the region, the Cedar Glades Natural Area, is home to countless wildlife and plant species, including the Tennessee coneflower.
J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors countless cultural activities and the conveniences of a metro area.
$45 / night
Legend
Our GPS brought us right to this KOA resort near the Grand Old Opry. Check-in was fairly quick and we were escorted to pull through site J-2 with FHUs and KOA patio. The utilities are more to the front of the site with two sewer connections. We had decent water pressure. This campground (CG) has a lot of mature trees that would make satellite iffy depending on the site. We got 4 bars on Verizon and used our MiFi versus Starlink for our overnight stay. The KOA WiFi was very good when we tried it. The CG has the upgraded sites, cabins, and amenities to include a shuttle bus stop to make this a true resort. However, there are sections of, as they say around here,“residents that have been here a minute.” For the most part their areas are clean, but when someone starts their old diesel truck up at 3:45 AM for 15 minutes before going to work it takes away from the resort ambiance. There’s also a lot of interstate noise. The playground area across from us went crazy with kids running around and screaming with no adult supervision. The office staff was very nice and helpful. We stopped by the office to let them know that one of our sewer connections was missing a cap. The issue was fixed before we go back to our campsite. The gift shop at the office is well stocked with sundry items and souvenirs. Overall, this KOA was a pleasant experience.
Legend
We followed our RV GPS right to the campground (CG) that is located right off I-24. Check in was quick and easy. We were then escorted to one of their“long” pull through sites with FHUs, site 27. What we first noticed was the large cement patio with table, chairs, bench, stand up barbecue, and fire pit. The utilities are located smartly in the middle of the pad to include an extra sewer connection near the pad’s front. Water pressure was okay at around 45 psi. They have cable but we did not use it. Their Wifi was about average for a CG this size. We got 3 bars on Verizon and used our MiFi on this overnighter. Satellite could be iffy due to the amount of mature trees. We did see Starlink antennas at some of the sites. The sites are decently spaced and site 27 was the easiest pull through we’ve ever had as its angled straight in from the street, no turns or maneuvering to center the rig. They have glamping cabins, teepees, and a covered wagon with nice patio decor. There’s also a swimming pool, pickleball court, catch& release pond plus other amenities. There’s also laundry and propane. The staff was very nice and helpful. We were impressed with this CG with the only caveat that there’s quite a bit of highway noise from the interstate. However, the noise did not overweigh our satisfaction and we will definitely mark this CG for another overnighter or longer stay in the future.
Legend
We camped here over the weekend. Our campsite was perfect. Very private and enough space for 2 tents. Not all campsites are made for tents, some have just a concrete driveway. We had the usual amenities, like a picnic table with a bench, fire pit, and a lantern pole. The bathhouse was clean and well stocked. Rock Island offers a lot hiking trails and stunning waterfalls. There is a little coffee/icecream shop just outside the park, which was awesome. We would camp here anytime again.
Scout
Well maintained, 50 sites, most have asphalt pads, nice concrete tables and fire rings. Fire wood is available for $5 a bundle. Lots of regional history. Nice trails along the Duck river. It is located near I-24 so you can hear traffic all night.
LegendWe have stopped here several times in the past when it was a KOA. The new owners have fixed it up. The roads are still gravel but in better shape, the pads are nicer, and there is more room between sites. 30/50 amp electric, water & sewer. Lots of trees, there is a big dog park. The pool was closed when we were there. Bathrooms and showers were nice, but dated. Tent sites, cabins. Lots of road noise!
Scout
Price ok, friendly staff, facilities ok, live music and shuttle service togo downtown. That’s all we need.
GuideWe stayed two nights. In a perfect world, I would give Two Rivers only four stars because the scenery isn't much. 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.
The people are super friendly and helpful. The sites, though small, are clean and well maintained. The electricity and water both worked as they should. We ended up with a site without sewer so had to use the dump station but that was easy to access and clean.
We will definitely stay at Two Rivers Campground the next time we come to Nashville.
Traveler
Excellent instructions, easy to find my site. Trees so can add my tarp for possible rain. Restful sleep. Parked by my deluxe primitive site. It comes with hot shower and flush toilet. Porta potties close by lit with fairy lights at night. I was impressed as they were clean. Self check in. I saw a deer on the way to the bathroom. Appreciate the trash cans, water and electricity. Close to gas, food. I went to Coalmont. The Mexican food was authentic. Amazing.
Travelernice staff
restrooms o.k.
over 90 Dollars with 3 Kids 🫣
loud (near the street).
Not our place, but good to explore the city with a cheap Shuttle to downtown.
Scout
It's so funny to see other people seem to have had issues with the staff here. We went one day to scout out campsites around Center Hill Lake. We had already been to one of the other parks around it and checked out the campsites; we'd just driven in and around and noted which spots didn't have enough shade, etc. then left. When we got to the attendant booth, there was a stop sign at the speed bump. I stopped in front of the stop sign and when I started driving again, an older man opened the window at the booth and yelled at us. I slammed on my breaks and backed up to talk to him. He was an absolute aubergine to us for not talking to him. I told him I was sorry but I didn't know I needed to as I've never had to at any other area parks. He copped an attitude and said "There's a sign!" So, I guessed I just missed it. However, when we were leaving, I turned around and checked and the only sign was the stop sign..... He was sarcastic and rude to us as I explained what we were there to do and insinuated that we were trying to kidnap children...
Beyond the Belligerent Balding Boomer, the roads in the campground and even just on the way to it from the main road are VERY narrow, crumbling, in BAD need of repaving/repainting arrows, and have lots of tight turns. We went into one area and a car had pulled over to the side of the road but was on the asphalt still which made getting around them not even close to possible. You might have been able to get around a motorcycle. Maybe. We ended up having to back up all the way back out of there with a rock wall on one side of the asphalt and dropoff on the other.
Scout
The people that run this campground are rude and considerate jerks and talk to my kids and I like we where not worth there time.
Scout
Good, discreet and comfortable spot.
Arrived at night and there was not a chance I was going to discover the reserved spot for camping. Only found it because another camper, who seemed to be familiar with area, assisted me. If sections or spots are named after the name reserved online, you wouldn't know this arriving as there is only red reflectors. Overall, good spot just was frustrating at first.
ScoutUgh, I hate to write bad reviews...but this was, to us, such a bad experience, from what I call deceptive pricing, to location within camp, no signage/direction locators, crowding, safety issues, and more. 1) Our"delux" cabin was located/surrounded in a row filled with BIG RVs. 2) There was no signage/location indicators at the dark row corners or roads within park. It is even hard to identify what are actually road at night so finding it at night amongst the HUGH RVs was horrific! 3) There was no sidewalks or places to walk except on the one lane roads...this is unsafe for kids, especially if you have to go out at night. 4) The"Deluxe" cabin is small, but tha bathtub is REALLY small. More of a small kids tub. 5) Air conditioner is across from foot of bed. The grid on the front of ours was broken, so the air came straight at us on bed, made the bed sheets feel moist and uncomfortable to sleep on. 6) Sun shines in from window above tub into room blinding you, we had to stuff a towel over it. 7) Crowding. Spaces are small, so there are BIG RVs boxing you in everywhere. 8) Floor tiles are warped on edges, you can tell animals have went to the bathroom on them. 9) Floor was dirty (room itself was clean and looked good and so was the bed sheets) 10) Pricing, to me, was deceptive, see my receipt. In making the reservation online, I put 2 adults and 2 pets. It came up$182.69 as a total and I paid that. There is a note that other charges for"additional" adults, pets, etc may apply. It says"additional" not that they don't charge you for your pets until you get there. So I had to pay an additional $58...making my total for the night almost $250. Would never stay again!
GuideOnly negative is you must bring your own fireplace and it must be raised off the ground. Parking with our truck and trailer was a little awkward, we were a little too long for the spot we were in and the person next to us had the same issue. The staff was super friendly and everything was well kept. Everything else was pretty much everything you’d expect from an rv park. There’s a $10 round trip shuttle that takes you to downtown Nashville from the campground parking lot which is super convenient!
Scout
Use to be one of my favorite campgrounds. Campspot has turned it into a money racket. Educate yourself and look up dynamic pricing which nothing but greed. If you see prices over their normal it’s dynamic. Not to mention site lock which if isn’t paid they could move you to an unleveled site not of your choice.
ScoutThis use to be a nice campground and still is as far as looks and on the water that is.
The bad is....
Sites are too close together and some very unlevel.
No sewer hook-up
Pricey...$50+ a night
NO SENIOR DISCOUNTS....
Not budget friendly....
This is NOT the way most TVA campgrounds are run,,,,,,
Will not be back until New Managment......
ScoutExcellent in all ways. Even had entertainment each night. Very helpful staff.
Guide
While camping right on a ledge would be neat, Hobbs is a great stopover. Keeps you dry if it’s pouring, but luckily the weather cleared for us for the night. We didn’t utilize the spring that is allegedly there. There are plenty of large and small sites, and it is not as trafficked as some of the other campgrounds in the park.
Guide
Plenty of spacious campsites, an easy hike (almost too short!) from the visitor center. Rustic, dispersed, but close enough to other people so you don’t feel absolutely stranded!
RangerAwesome KOA campground, well located with easy access to all that Nashville has to offer. Campground is clean with tons of amenities, great pool, playgrounds, etc. We stayed in campsite and my elderly parents stayed in cabin, which worked out great. Would definitely return
Guide
I absolutely loved this camping site. As a person who almost never reserved in advanced I really appreciate camping sites that allows spontaneity. We arrived on a Sunday night and it was pretty easy to find available spots. Pretty easy to pay online as well.
Guide
We camped here for 2 full weeks. The campground at Cedars of Lebanon State Park deserves 5 stars for their proximity to Nashville, the large paved pads for campers, the peaceful woods, and their overall cleanliness.
However, we were here when there was construction going on. It was LOUD from 8am to 4, 5, and even 6pm somedays with working trucks and digging up the Tennessee Rock.
The weekends were peaceful without the construction, and the trails are all easy and flat. The showers worked well and were the typical campground showers.
The wifi that is listed on the website is basically nonexistent, so don't count on that for anything important. But Verizon had good service, while AT&T was fair.
Only Campground 3 was open during our stay and you can see the work they are doing here is going to make a huge difference to be big rig friendly. Enjoy!
ScoutMuch better options in the area, this place is run by a pack of a holes.
Ranger
Stayed with our van in the primitive sites here and had a great time! Very affordable and not many other campers (but if the group camp sites are booked I’d go elsewhere, they’re very close). The bathroom is super far away, but there was a portable potty for a few days until they inexplicably took it away. If you have a camping bathroom setup and are comfy going to get water if needed, it’s a great value and gives you want more privacy.
Also the showers here are the best I’ve ever experienced at a campground. They have signs saying you can shower for $5 even if you don’t camp here.
Traveler
We used this as an overnight stop on our way to Georgia. Google Maps was right on for getting us here. The park was well maintained and the bathrooms were clean. There is water and electricity on site with a dump station at the back of the park. The sites along the lake have great views. Nights were quiet.
TravelerWe pulled in about 7 PM. We found our ticket for the campsite taped to the window of the booth. Reatroom are clean a little chilly As we were in beginning of April. It was a very quiet campground this time of year. Very clean and well maintained.
GuidePretty with clean bathrooms.
Tent camping near Bell Buckle, Tennessee offers a delightful escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bell Buckle, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bell Buckle, TN is Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Bell Buckle, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Bell Buckle, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.