Summertown, Tennessee sits at an elevation of approximately 1,000 feet in the southern portion of Middle Tennessee. The area features rolling hills, hardwood forests, and nearby water access with the Buffalo River just 20 miles west of town. Seasonal temperatures range from winter lows near 30°F to summer highs averaging 90°F, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms during summer camping months.
What to do
Water activities at Buffalo River: Crazy Horse Recreational Park provides river access for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. "We love to come here for when we kayak the Buffalo. Plenty of open river front campsites and shuttles to or from the camp (depending on which route you take)," reports one visitor. The park offers family and non-family camping sections separated by the river.
Amish community exploration: The area surrounding Hudson Hideaway RV Retreat features authentic Amish farms and shops. "If a quiet country setting in the heart of Tennessee Amish Country is enjoyable to you, this is the perfect place for you," notes one reviewer. Visitors can purchase handmade goods and observe traditional farming practices.
Fishing opportunities: The 102-acre lake at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace offers fishing options, though lakeside sites are typically occupied by long-term residents. "Good luck getting a lakeside site since I was told only 8 are available and are full most of the time," advises one camper. Nearby Piney River Resort also offers fishing with crystal-clear water for catching smallmouth bass.
What campers like
Swimming holes: Piney River Resort features natural swimming areas with clear water. "The water is crystal clear and cold. We sat in beach chairs and let the current wash over us. The swimming hole was great! We loved watching the younger crowd jump off the cliff into the water," writes one camper. The natural swimming areas provide relief during hot summer months.
Spacious premium sites: Some Summertown area RV parks offer upgraded site options. "We stayed at a site with a pavilion right on the river and it was great! Our girls enjoyed swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Paved sites, fire ring, fire wood for sale," shared one visitor about Piney River Resort. Premium sites often include covered seating areas and direct water access.
Recreational facilities: Campgrounds in the area often feature community recreational options. "Has a dog park and swimming pool and beach area! Has laundry rooms and bath n shower houses heck ya! Rec center was closed due under construction put you can shoot pool and lounge around play foosballs and air hockey!" notes a reviewer about Thousand Trails Natchez Trace.
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Roads to several campgrounds require careful driving, particularly with larger RVs. One visitor to Piney River Resort noted, "The drive in from the highway was very scary on narrow, windy roads with dropoffs on the side. We took the staff recommended route in and Co-Pilot's route out and both were scary in our Class A towing a car hauler."
Maintenance issues: Some campgrounds experience ongoing maintenance concerns. At Heritage Campground and RV Park, one visitor observed, "Very friendly staff, nice surroundings of Amish settlement, campground itself looks old but, heritage, it's great." Similar maintenance observations exist for other facilities in the area.
Connectivity limitations: Internet and phone service vary significantly between RV campgrounds near Summertown, Tennessee. "I had absolutely no cell service through Verizon and my T-Mobile 5g internet had no reception either (even with a booster). Luckily, I was able to rely on my Starlink," reports one camper about connectivity at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace.
Tips for camping with families
Designated family areas: For families seeking quieter camping, request specific camping sections. "Has a family side and another rowdy side across the river. Family side quiet time begins at 10 pm," notes a visitor about Crazy Horse Recreational Park. Families with younger children should specifically request the designated family camping areas.
Kid-friendly water features: Marcella Falls RV Park and Campground provides water features suitable for supervised children. "It was so cool sitting outside and watching the amish buggies drive by! We visited some amish farms close by and found all kinds of stuff! Their candy is so good!!!" shared one family, highlighting additional attractions beyond water features.
Cultural experiences: The Amish community offers educational opportunities for children. A visitor to Hudson Hideaway noted the unique cultural experience available through interactions with the surrounding Amish community. Families can arrange buggy rides through local Amish farms for interactive learning experiences.
Tips from RVers
Bridge clearance awareness: RV drivers must watch for low clearance hazards. "A lot of the buildings looked like they had seen better days, but were maintained as well as they could be. Staff were nice and pleasant. Meriwether Lewis death/gravesite was nearby and interesting to check out," noted one RVer about Thousand Trails Natchez Trace.
Site selection strategies: More experienced RVers recommend specific site selection criteria. "We are on the river side. Spaces are nicely spaced. Views are perfect. Staff is very nice. The non river side is the same as most rv spots," advises a camper at Piney River Resort. Requesting riverside or corner sites typically provides more space than interior locations.
Seasonal considerations: Summer camping at Campers RV Park offers specific advantages. "The pull thru sites have been widened and are more accommodating for larger RVs. They are working on adding a few more pull thru sites as well. The sites are gravel and mostly level. All sites are FHU," notes one RVer, highlighting recent improvements that benefit larger vehicles.
