Camping areas near Mount Juliet, Tennessee offer diverse experiences from rustic platforms to full-service options within 30-40 minutes of Nashville. Located in the Highland Rim geological region with rolling hills and limestone formations, the area features lakes and forests with typical Middle Tennessee weather patterns of humid summers and mild winters. Temperatures range from 30-50°F in winter to 70-90°F in summer with moderate rainfall throughout the year.
What to do
Water activities on Percy Priest Lake: Four Corners RV Resort provides direct lake access with boat-in camping and courtesy docks. "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," notes one visitor at Four Corners RV Resort. The swimming area requires water shoes due to rocky bottom conditions.
Hiking trail exploration: Cedars of Lebanon State Park features unique limestone formations and endemic plant species across multiple trails. "We hiked a trail with our 3 boys and 2 dogs. Electric and water hook-ups. Firewood available for cash only," explains a reviewer. The park's cedar forest creates distinctive hiking terrain about 25 minutes from Mount Juliet.
Historical sites touring: Montgomery Bell State Park offers historical landmarks including an old church within the park boundaries. "There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church," mentions one camper at Montgomery Bell State Park Campground. The park's trails connect many of these historical points of interest and provide educational opportunities.
What campers like
Platform camping experience: Edgar Evins State Park features unique elevated platform sites for camping. "We love the platform sites that are so spacious and private. Easy access to dump station and bath houses. Almost all sites have view of water," shares a visitor at Edgar Evins State Park Campground. These platforms provide level camping surfaces on the otherwise steep terrain surrounding Center Hill Lake.
Proximity to Nashville attractions: Nashville KOA Resort offers convenient access to music venues and tourist destinations. "The proximity to the Opry and surrounding sites is fantastic. Top that off with front desk, event and maintenance staff that were all super nice and you've got a great combo," reports a camper at Nashville KOA Resort. Many campgrounds provide shuttle services to downtown Nashville for a fee.
Spacious lakefront sites: Several camping areas feature waterfront views with full hookup convenience. "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," comments a Four Corners RV Resort guest. These sites often include trash pickup service and fire rings.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort operates with varying amenity availability throughout the year. "It was very quiet because nothing was open during the week. We stayed sun to Thurs water park is only open on the weekend," explains one camper. Water parks and some marina services typically operate on weekend-only schedules during spring and fall.
Insect preparation: Lakeside camping requires mosquito management strategies. "The first and last night we stayed the mosquitos were so bad we couldn't be outside. There were two nights in between that it was tolerable," notes a Four Corners visitor. Similar conditions affect many water-adjacent campsites throughout the area, particularly during warm months.
Varying privacy levels: Campground spacing differs significantly between locations. "For a KOA in town it is ok, the spots are close together," shares a Nashville North reviewer. Meanwhile, at Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground, another camper observed, "Large level sites with some privacy. Bathrooms were super clean."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access selection: Montgomery Bell has strategic campsite placement near play areas. "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 and the most updated bathrooms. If you don't want kiddos walking through your campsite to get to the playground, you may want to choose a higher number."
Holiday programming: Some parks offer special themed weekends for children. "Their halloween weekend is a great time of fun for the kids!" mentions a Cedars of Lebanon visitor. These events typically include decorating contests, trick-or-treating, and outdoor activities during October.
Tent glamping with shelter: Nashville East-Lebanon KOA offers specialized tent accommodations with protection from weather. "Booked one of their hammock/tent sites for car camping and it was delightful. The covered deck with picnic table was ideal as it was raining lightly," shares a guest. These sites combine tent camping experience with partial shelter during inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Leveling preparation: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for RV leveling. "Bring leveling blocks. Friendly folks, but the entire campground is kinda hilly. You can get level in the pull through, but just if you park so-so," advises a Nashville East-Lebanon KOA camper.
Site selection for satellite access: Tree cover affects signal reception at some locations. "Sites are very compact. You lack any privacy. They do have a lot of trees to make it feel less like a parking lot... This campground has a lot of mature trees that would make satellite iffy depending on the site," notes a visitor regarding positioning at Nashville KOA Resort.
Utility placement considerations: Check hookup locations when selecting sites. "The utilities are more to the front of the site with two sewer connections... The site I had was a little awkward backing into and the water hookup was on the wrong side for my camper," explains a camper at Montgomery Bell State Park.
