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Best Tent Camping near Castalian Springs, TN

700 Reviews

Tent campsites near Castalian Springs, Tennessee include several options on nearby lakes and rivers, ranging from established state parks to primitive backcountry sites. Long Hunter State Park Campground offers tent-only primitive campsites with direct lake access, while Camp Nashville Highland Rim provides more developed tent camping with basic amenities just north of the Castalian Springs area.

Most tent camping areas near Castalian Springs feature basic amenities with varying levels of access. Long Hunter State Park's primitive tent sites require a hike of up to six miles to reach, making them ideal for backpackers seeking solitude. The sites typically include fire rings and benches, though campers should be prepared for wildlife encounters, particularly ticks during warmer months. Walk-in tent sites often have water access, but primitive areas lack facilities beyond basic fire pits. Campers should pack all essentials including water filtration equipment, as potable water is rarely available at backcountry sites.

Tent campers will find several waterfront options that provide scenic camping experiences. Sites at Long Hunter State Park are positioned directly on the water, offering swimming opportunities and water filtration sources for primitive campers. Areas farther from developed facilities provide deeper seclusion with fewer crowds, allowing tent campers to enjoy natural surroundings with minimal disruption. Primitive tent sites often feature wooded settings that provide natural shade and privacy between campsites. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Even though 6 miles is quite the hike for a young Girl Scout Troop just to reach our campsite, it was beyond worth it." Campers frequently mention the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, with deer and turkey sightings common at several locations.

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Best Tent Sites Near Castalian Springs, Tennessee (22)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Castalian Springs, TN

13 Photos of 22 Castalian Springs Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Castalian Springs, TN

700 Reviews of 22 Castalian Springs Campgrounds

  • Greg S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2025

    Anderson Road Campground

    4.5 stars

    Stopped for one afternoon and night on our way through. Driving in through da hood you get a questionable feeling but, once through the gate and checked in this is a fantastic little campground! We picked an awesome site- number 8 is a huge pull through with water and electric, a grill, prep table, picnic table, and fire ring with grill. The site has its own path and private lake access. The lake is rocky here but we had no trouble walking in and swimming with our Crocs on. All sites in this small loop campground are great and very large. There is some erosion and there was some trash near the lake that we gladly cleaned up. Overall a fantastic place to camp.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2019

    Edgar Evins State Park Campground

    A Campground with Lots to Do but with Interesting Tent Pads

    Edgar Evins State Park is a large park with lots of activities for young and old. However, if you want to stay in the campground, make sure to take a freestanding tent unless you have creative ways to keep your tent up. Most of the sites have wooden platforms, and the fire pits are beside the road. Perhaps most people like that sense of permanence, but I personally prefer solid ground or even gravel pads. Fortunately, the one I used was a free-standing tent. There is another option, and that is to stay in the primitive camping area. Of course, they are walk-in sites, but they are not far from where you park. I would normally choose the primitive camping area for a couple of reasons. There is a little more privacy, and you have soft ground on which to pitch your tent. Obviously, if you are an RV camper, staying in the primitive area does not apply. Unfortunately, it was better this time to choose a site that you don’t have to walk to. Out of all the state park campgrounds I have visited, the bath rooms in this state park are the best. They are modern with tiled floors, and the showers resemble ones you would find at privately owned campgrounds. There are several different activity options—volleyball, horseshoes, playgrounds, hiking trails, etc. There is also an aviary, a marina, a restaurant, and a couple of boat ramps. For the children, there is the“Storybook Trail.” For other overnight options, there are also cabins that you can rent. In retrospect, the primitive area would have been a better choice. It definitely would have been more quiet. No matter whether you stay in the primitive area or the regular camping area, you will encounter hilly terrain. The camp store is fully stocked with most of your camping needs, and there is also a laundry. Overall, Edgar Evins State Park was a good place to spend time, but again, I have my doubts about the wooden platforms.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 24, 2019

    Edgar Evins State Park Campground

    Sorta like a treehouse

    Edgar Evins SP is unique in that the campground sites are decks, which is actually pretty cool. Now the one down side is that certain sites can be a challenge to back into. If you are a talented backer upper shouldn’t be an issue. However if your backing up could use some practice, and/or causes fights with your spouse you may want to call and ask the easier sites to set up in...just saying, less stress. The bottom sites are along the lake and you are across from the marina. Another thing is your cooking area is off the side of your deck with your picnic table. The primitive sites are walk in and have some pretty sweet views of the lake. Downside your walking up and down a slope with your gear. Speaking of slopes, the whole campground is on a slope so your pretty much either going up or down. Cool stairways to use and strategically placed facilities. The store and trash are located wheee you park for the primitive sites at the entrance. There’s a trail in the campground that gives you a quick route to the beach area.

  • D
    Oct. 18, 2022

    Lock A

    Great place to camp for $

    While the facilities are limited, we enjoyed being here. We were in site 25 with the river right behind us. 50A power and water, dump on the way out. Concrete pad, level, picnic table, fire ring and a trash can at every site. The road in is small and winding, nighttime driving is difficult. Senior pass got us in for just $12 a night. Boat ramp close by. Would certainly stay here again.

  • CC C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2021

    Nashville I-24 Campground

    Lovely stay

    We are RTT campers and chose this place on a whim as the rest of the local tent camping spots closed on October 1st. We were lucky to find they had space available. However, it should be noted that this is more of an RV campground, the traditional tent sites are right by the gate and not very private. The RV slot we were given backed up to a green space that has grazing deer from time to time. The site did not have a fire ring or a picnic table and was a little far from the bathrooms, but it did have power and water available. That being said the bathrooms were extremely tidy, well heated, and the water pressure in the showers was amazing! The other RV’ers were super friendly and the staff was very helpful in our stay and responsive to our request for availability.

  • Dan R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2020

    Poole Knobs

    Great place for Labor Day weekend

    Spent two nights here for Labor Day 2020. We stayed on the center strip in the primitive area. The facilities were well maintained and clean. Each site has a concrete picnic table, fire ring, and a moveable lantern hook. The primitive area has several water spigots to use (near each restroom and a few in between).

    The outer loop sites all have electric and water hookups, but the restrooms are all on the upper level where the primitive sites are. If you don’t have your own bathroom, it’s a bit of a hill to climb and there’s only a couple spots to do it.

    Overall, we loved it and we’ll be back for sure.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 2, 2025

    Barren River Tailwater

    40 Mins from 65

    Tailwater CG - Glasco, KY 1/1/25

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 for an overnight stay. Great winter price, but 40 minutes from 65 w trailer. Price 2024: $8 w interagency pass during winter Security: Host’s site at entry. Usage during visit: Only us Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: No Site Spacing: Close. Varies.
    Pad surface: Gravel Reservations: Required. Can be made at the cg.
    Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes, however off during winter 24/25.
    Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes. Only at one location during winter. Generators: Allowed. Bathroom: Two. Flush Bath and showers bathhouse is closed during winter. Pit toilets at far end open. Pull Throughs: One. Cell Service (Verizon): 1 to 3 bars Setting: Along River Recent Weather: Cold nights.
    Solar: Yes Host: Yes, helpful.
    Rig Size: Varies between sites. Sites: Some sites back up to the river. These are the best locations, I think.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2020

    Turnhole Backcountry Campsite — Mammoth Cave National Park

    Easy or Hard

    Another backside primitive campsite at Mammoth Cave National Forest, Ky.

    A lot of people don’t realize the extensive trail system of Mammoth Cave. They come for the Cave and never take the time to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

    Before using this campsite you are supposed to check in at the visitors center. Unfortunately the ferry is closed so it’s a long drive around to the backside.

    Turnhole Campsite is a short or long hike from the Maple Springs parking area. Sal Hollow Trail would be the long trail, twisty , turny and moderately challenging. Buffalo Trail is a straight hike in , take a left at the intersection and straight on to the campsite. Difference of about 3 miles-ish.

    The trails are used by hikers and horseback riders, are well marked and lotsa fauna to see. No major vistas here, just woods.

    The campsite has poles to tie your horses, a fire ring, tent pad and lantern hooks. Pretty easy to find seasoned wood to burn. DARK at night, lots of animal noises ;) not much of a night sky except in the winter months.

    The cool thing about this campsite is your sorta on a peninsula of the river. Very private and it’s not on a loop trail so no foot traffic passing by.

  • Grant B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Ragland Bottom

    Beautiful Scenery and Friendly Staff

    We really enjoyed our text stay at Ragland Bottom campground. Even with it being a holiday weekend, the bathrooms were incredibly clean and the site did not feel crowded. We stayed at tent only site 22 and it had power and water. The gravel was on the coarser side and the pad was a bit rocky, but I was able to stale our tent out with a 2lb mini sledge. I did not like that the fire rings were located outside the tent pads, but they did have rock surrounds and a grill. The site also had a charcoal grill and wood railing along one side which came in handy for hanging towels and such to dry. Plenty of shade and the views were very nice.

Guide to Castalian Springs

Tent campsites near Castalian Springs, Tennessee range from established parklands to riverside primitive sites in this Cumberland River watershed region. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder 60-75°F conditions. Most camping areas sit between 450-550 feet elevation, with easy access to the numerous waterways that define this middle Tennessee landscape.

What to do

Kayaking at local waterways: Laguardo Recreation Area provides excellent water access for paddlers. "I've only been here kayaking but it's nice and clean," notes Tya T., highlighting the well-maintained launch areas.

Wildlife photography: The diverse habitat around Lone Branch supports abundant wildlife viewing. "One great thing about this campground is that there is wildlife everywhere. We saw so many Whitetail Deer, it was amazing. They would just come into the campground, feed and walk around," reports Melani T.

Fishing for trout: Several sites offer productive fishing opportunities, particularly at Holleman's Bend Camping Area where the Cumberland River provides excellent angling. "I woke up early enough to see the sunrise and the fog coming off the river. Simply magical," shares Devin R., describing the ideal early morning fishing conditions.

Hiking local trails: The Buffalo Nature Trail across from Lone Branch offers scenic woodland hikes. According to Melani T., "This trail was great, with beautiful views. The campground was good as well."

What campers like

Waterfront camping: Long Hunter State Park Campground offers direct lake access sites. "Primitive campsite 1 has 3 long log benches and a grill. It is located directly by the water, so you have a water filtration source at your finger tips. It is a great swimming spot with flat rocks to hang out on," explains Mandy C.

Quiet seclusion: Turnhole Backcountry Campsite provides remarkable privacy. "You are on the end of a ridge. Clear nights with a bright moon were magical here," says Mandy C., highlighting the peaceful setting.

Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate no-cost alternatives like Holleman's Bend. "Overall, great. Easy to find, download a map on the way as you loose service 20 minutes out. Garbage cans at each site," reports Andrew K.

Proximity to Nashville: Tent camping options near Castalian Springs provide access to urban amenities while maintaining natural settings. According to Jake C., "At Camp Nashville, you can make day trips to the city and come back to your cozy campsite after a day exploring the city!"

What you should know

Tick protection essential: Long Hunter State Park requires proper insect preparation. "It was the most ticks any of us had seen, including tiny seed ticks. We left with multiple bites, and were constantly picking them off each other and our gear," warns Mandy C.

Cell service limitations: Many camping areas have poor connectivity. At Holleman's Bend, one camper noted "No Service (showed me how addicted i am)." Plan accordingly by downloading maps before arrival.

Water access challenges: Despite riverside locations, water collection can be difficult. At Turnhole, "water is hard to come by here, and hiking it in may be your best bet. The river is at least 1/2 mile away, through extremely dense brush."

Trail difficulty varies: Some marked trails are more challenging than they appear. Mandy C. reports about Sal Hollow Trail near Turnhole Backcountry Campsite: "It ended up being pretty exhausting: we believe it is a lot longer than the markers suggest, and a lot of the trail seems pretty unused/not kept up."

Tips for camping with families

Visit Nat Caldwell Park for fishing: This small recreation area provides good family fishing opportunities. "A lot of fisher folk and if I lived in the area I would probably visit the park on occasion," notes Shelly S., though she cautions there are limited amenities.

Consider Camp Nashville for amenities: Camp Nashville Highland Rim offers convenient tent camping with essential facilities, making it suitable for families who need shower and toilet access.

Prepare for wildlife encounters: Many camping areas feature abundant wildlife, which can be exciting but requires proper food storage. "When we were eating, they [squirrels] were right there with us. It was a little annoying after awhile because I felt like we had to watch them so they wouldn't get into our food," warns Melani T. about Lone Branch.

Pack proper bug protection: The region's humidity creates ideal conditions for insects, particularly during summer months. Long Hunter State Park campers recommend "LOTS of DEET bug spray" to make the experience more comfortable for children.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options near Castalian Springs: Most tent camping areas near Castalian Springs don't accommodate larger RVs. For RV camping, J. Percy Priest Lake offers better options with "ample room between campers, close to local shopping," according to James C.

Consider Old Hickory Beach area: Located about 8 miles from I-65 in nearby Hendersonville, this area offers electric and water hookups suitable for smaller RVs. Shelly S. notes it's "Sorta out of the way and past an industrial area, not exactly picturesque, but gets the job done."

Check campsite surface conditions: Many sites intended for tent camping have uneven ground not suitable for RVs. At Holleman's Bend, Tommy S. describes finding "basically a parking lot, with a small patch of grass and a firepit by a loading dock into the river," which might work for smaller vans but not larger rigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Castalian Springs, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Castalian Springs, TN is Laguardo with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Castalian Springs, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Castalian Springs, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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