Nashville-area campgrounds provide scenic water access on Percy Priest Lake, with options ranging from developed resorts to more rustic Corps of Engineers sites. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 400-600 feet, creating moderate slopes at some waterfront locations. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F between June and September, making lakefront camping particularly popular during hot months.
What to do
Swimming and water recreation: Seven Points Campground features a designated swimming area and boat access points. "Great campground with water and electric hook-ups. The campsites are level cement pads with large well spaced sites. If you can get a lake view it is wonderful," notes Tony D.
Fishing from your site: Waterfront campsites at Anderson Road Campground allow fishing directly from camp. "The camping is normal. Nothing special, but perfectly adequate. All you need and nothing more. The spots are beautiful though. Right on the water. Think how awesome it'd be to fish for supper right from the tent almost," shares DrDavid P.
Historical exploration: Take a short drive to Montgomery Bell State Park to view historic sites. "Great family friendly park with lots of hiking and historical sites. There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church," according to Faith S.
What campers like
Level, spacious sites: Elm Hill RV Resort receives praise for well-maintained concrete pads. "We spent a week on a Lakefront site with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Additionally, we were right next to one of the courtesy docks where our family members picked us up on their boat, enjoying the lake coves and scenery," writes Erich H.
Proximity to attractions: Two Rivers Campground offers convenient access to Nashville entertainment. "Great park, small but level spots with lots of shade. Could use a few more 50 amp spots but otherwise nice! Clean showers and laundry facility! The pool was great our kids loved it," reports Erin G.
Quiet lakeside atmosphere: Poole Knobs offers peaceful water views and well-maintained facilities. "Great place for Labor Day weekend. Each site has a concrete picnic table, fire ring, and a moveable lantern hook. The primitive area has several water spigots to use," notes Dan R.
What you should know
Site terrain considerations: Several campgrounds feature challenging topography. "Our site was a little awkward backing into and the water hookup was on the wrong side for my camper," explains Nathan R. about Montgomery Bell State Park.
Neighborhood context: Access to some dog friendly campgrounds near Brentwood requires driving through varied urban settings. "Driving in through da hood you get a questionable feeling but, once through the gate and checked in this is a fantastic little campground," shares Greg S. about Anderson Road.
Pest management: Nashville KOA Resort requires insect preparation in warmer months. "We had decent water pressure. This campground 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," reports MickandKarla W.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near recreational areas for convenience. "With a great pavilion, Vb court, ball diamond, and playground, the far side of the camp is perfect for families, groups, and events. Our fave sites are 1-8, with #1+2 right next to the creek," advises Stæven F. about Montgomery Bell.
Water park option: Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort combines camping with water attractions. "We only visited for a day trip but I will definitely be going back soon to camp for a few nights," writes Alicia B.
Site selection for kids: Choose sites away from foot traffic at Montgomery Bell. "If you don't want kiddos walking through your campsite to get to the playground, you may want to choose a higher number," suggests Stæven F.
Tips from RVers
Satellite reception: Consider mature tree coverage when planning communication needs. "This campground has a lot of mature trees that would make satellite iffy depending on the site," notes MickandKarla W. about Nashville KOA.
Length restrictions: Carefully check site measurements before booking. "Be very cautious of the site lengths. Some are extremely short and I'd say the measurements are nearly exact. Since our site backed up to a drop off, there was a small fence so no way to 'hang over' the pad a little for extra room," warns Beth H. about Elm Hill RV Resort.
Leveling requirements: Pack leveling equipment for sites with slopes. "I did notice, however, some the the sites had seriously sloping drives so lots of leveling would have been required," shares T K. about Anderson Road Campground, one of the pet-friendly options near Brentwood.