Best Dispersed Camping near Brentwood, TN
Dispersed camping options near Brentwood, Tennessee include Goose Island on J. Percy Priest Lake and Meriwether Lewis Campground along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Goose Island requires boat access, with approximately a quarter-mile paddle from shore. The island offers primitive camping with no facilities, making it suitable for experienced campers prepared for self-sufficient outdoor recreation. Visitors should secure food properly as raccoons are known to approach campsites after dark.
Meriwether Lewis Campground provides free camping with surprising amenities for a no-fee site. The campground features 31 paved sites arranged in two loops, with both pull-through and back-in options for various vehicle types. Each site includes a fire ring with attached grill, picnic table, and nearby trash receptacles. According to reviews, "the ground is semi-level and very rough," so tent campers should bring padding for comfort. The campground fills quickly, particularly by late afternoon, so early arrival is recommended.
Facilities at Meriwether Lewis include clean flush toilets and drinking water available from fountains and spigots throughout the grounds. No electrical hookups, showers, or dump stations are provided. The campground sits adjacent to hiking trails and a creek with small waterfalls, offering recreational opportunities beyond camping. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors reporting encounters with snakes, turtles, and various forest creatures. Bug spray is essential during warm months as mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent in the wooded setting. The maximum stay permitted is 14 days, and pets are allowed in designated areas.