Best Campgrounds near Chapel Hill, TN

Campgrounds surrounding Chapel Hill, Tennessee range from state parks to private RV resorts, offering diverse camping experiences within central Tennessee's rolling hills. Henry Horton State Park Campground, located approximately 7 miles from Chapel Hill, provides paved, level sites with water and electric hookups amid shaded woodland settings. The area supports tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin accommodations at several facilities including Ray of Hope Guest Ranch and Nashville I-24 Campground. Many sites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails connecting to local waterways.

Seasonal factors influence camping conditions throughout the region, with most campgrounds remaining open year-round while offering different experiences across seasons. The terrain consists primarily of gently rolling hills with hardwood forests providing natural shade at many established sites. Water access varies by location, with some campgrounds situated near rivers or small lakes. Reservation requirements differ between public and private facilities, with state parks typically requiring advance booking during peak summer months. Cell service remains reliable at most developed campgrounds, particularly those near main highways. As one visitor noted, "The campground had the smell of bacon cooking when we pulled in which just sets the atmosphere perfectly; there are three loops with varying levels of privacy and electrical service."

The campground experience in this region benefits from proximity to both natural features and nearby towns. Several visitors highlight the convenience of accessing supplies in neighboring communities while enjoying peaceful forest settings. Water features represent a common attraction, with multiple reviewers mentioning swimming holes and fishing opportunities. State park campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities and often include trail access directly from camping areas. A camper described Henry Horton State Park as having "sites all well shaded and spaced sufficiently apart" with good road access to nearby Chapel Hill, which "offers all you might need with a hardware store, Dollar General, walk-in clinic and restaurants." Sites with natural features like creek access tend to receive higher ratings, while camping areas with additional recreational amenities like golf courses or mountain biking trails appeal to active visitors.

Best Camping Sites Near Chapel Hill, Tennessee (108)

    1. Henry Horton State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Chapel Hill, TN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 364-2222

    $10 - $150 / night

    "Chapel Hill, just to the north, offers all you might need with a hardware store, Dollar General, walk in clinic and restaurants."

    "Yes, I received several dirty looks for driving on the road toward the tent area.) I parked in the restroom area as the road was completely blocked with children, inner tubes and adults."

    2. Campers RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Spring Hill, TN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 381-4112

    "Good dog walks. Good Wi-Fi."

    "Very close to the freeway. Great for overnight or extended stay. Nice pull through sites."

    3. River Road RV Park & Horse Camp

    2 Reviews
    Chapel Hill, TN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 364-7714

    $30 - $65 / night

    "Many of the other campers are long-term residents working nearby, and everyone we met was friendly and helpful. It felt safe, grounded, and community-oriented."

    4. Howlin Hill

    2 Reviews
    Chapel Hill, TN
    7 miles
    +1 (615) 578-6929

    $30 - $150 / night

    "From what I could see it’s secluded for tents had bathrooms and trails. And fire places close to campsites !"

    5. Stoney Creek Travel Park

    9 Reviews
    Lewisburg, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 293-2500

    $44 - $50 / night

    "Very close to the highway but not too close LOL. Good food to eat within 20 minutes all the shopping you need for traveling. staff and the owners awesome."

    "Easy access to Interstate. Very friendly and helpful staff. A winter storm was headed our way and the made sure we were aware and prepared."

    6. Nashville I-24 Campground

    13 Reviews
    Smyrna, TN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 459-5818

    "This is a true RV Park with full services, propane, a pool, nice dog walking area, and long pull throughs. The park is kept very clean and has great landscaping."

    "Park is close to Murfreesboro and Nashville. Close to great restaurants and shopping. Staff is very friendly and is always open to helping you. Park is quiet."

    7. Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park

    35 Reviews
    Manchester, TN
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 723-5073

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Recycling bins were also located near the well lit bathrooms."

    "The campground itself borders the duck river and is absolutely stunning. The hiking trails are well maintained so hiking to the three waterfall's inside the park is a mild hike."

    8. Poole Knobs

    22 Reviews
    La Vergne, TN
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 459-6948

    $24 - $50 / night

    "Great campground on a lovely lake. We always enjoy our stay here. Short drive to nearby Smyrna. Bathrooms are clean and staff is very welcoming."

    "We have stayed on the other side of Percy Priest lake and loved it so thought we’d try an Army Corps campground this time in Nashville. What a gem!"

    9. Montgomery Bell State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Burns, TN
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 797-9052

    "Campground Review: Montgomery Bell State Park The Four Mile Campground is nestled in a hollow offering shade and creekage on one side plus several of the trailheads start nearby and you are close"

    "It is a beautiful state park known as the"Queen of Tennessee's State Parks". There are 4,000 acres with mountain biking, fishing, hiking, picnic areas, kayaking/canoeing, and a golf course."

    10. Ray of Hope Guest Ranch and Horse Motel

    1 Review
    Lewisburg, TN
    18 miles

    "Most campgrounds in Tennessee are buried in the woods, but not this yurt campsite at Ray of Hope. "

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Recent Reviews near Chapel Hill, TN

708 Reviews of 108 Chapel Hill Campgrounds


  • Lizzy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Red Coach Resort

    Tucked away in the trees

    This park is tucked away in a private neighborhood on about 80 acres. There are a lot of RV sites as well as primitive camping in the back. We really enjoyed all of the trees and being able to take the kids to play in the small creek in the back of the property. They have a nice playground and a koi pond with a little deck to sit on. The only negative is I feel like they “nickle and dimed” us to death.

  • j
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Evans Loop Backcountry Site — Tims Ford State Park

    Great setup hike isn’t for the weak thought

    The actual campsite is great theres a fire pit with a grill over it some good trees for a hammock there is cell service thats something I wanted to know before going the hike is rough though so pack light and be prepared

  • Daniol S.
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Henry Horton State Park Campground

    Back Country

    Went camping with my brother back in May. They seem to have made a lot of improvements to the campground since my last visit years prior. There are new trails and the amenities at the sites appear to be new. The trails are very well maintained.

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    The Caverns Campground in Grundy County Tennessee

    Concert Venue Camping

    We stayed at this campground to see St. Paul and the Broken Bones. This campground is for The Caverns concert venue and can only be camped at during concerts. A bit pricey but worth it. Port-a-Potty’s were spotless. Beware of choosing a spot on top of a fire ant house!!! Ouch!

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Poole Knobs

    Always a great stay

    Great campground on a lovely lake. We always enjoy our stay here. Short drive to nearby Smyrna. Bathrooms are clean and staff is very welcoming. Our favorite site is 48 which offers a great view with access to the water and trees for privacy along the roadside.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Two Rivers Campground

    Nashville

    Two rivers is a nice park friendly people clean and well maintained.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Seven Points

    Great COE Campground

    Best camp hosts ever. Very friendly, kind and helpful. Great views. Clean bathrooms. Water and electric at every site. Dump station. Discount for America the Beautiful pass. You need to book your reservations on recreation.gov

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Rvino - The Broken Banjo

    Convenient and well maintained

    This park is located in Manchester, TN right next to I-24, so if you are in the pull-throughs on the front row, you will hear the traffic.

    The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. They lead you to your site and stay to make sure you don't have any questions. Nice little store, well stocked with conveniences and RV needs, as well as souvenirs.

    Gravel roads and level pads. We stopped overnight and did not have to disconnect, as we were perfectly level. Heated swimming pool and splash pad at the entrance, with other "entertainment" for kids in the back of the park (giant chess board, putting green, playground, etc. next to the small lake)

    We were amazed to see park staff cleaning and picking up until 1900 at night. One was literally filling bags with pine cones from the road and sites.

    The "Premium" sites, such as site 2, has a concrete patio with wrought iron table and chairs, along with a fire-pit and grill.


Guide to Chapel Hill

Camping sites near Chapel Hill, Tennessee include established campgrounds along the Duck River and Percy Priest Lake, with water recreation opportunities within an hour's drive. The region sits at elevations between 650-850 feet with moderate humidity and average summer temperatures of 85-90°F. Winter camping remains viable with lows rarely dropping below 25°F, though some water facilities close from November through March.

What to do

Water activities at Duck River: Henry Horton State Park offers access points to the Duck River where visitors can fish, wade, or paddle. "The backcountry campsites are just a short trek from the camp store, the hike itself follows the river. We only saw one other couple and no one else was staying at the second site so it was such a secluded weekend," notes Amanda C. about Henry Horton State Park Campground.

Hiking trail exploration: Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park features a 1.4-mile main loop trail that passes three waterfalls and historical sites. Michael P. shares, "The hiking trails are well maintained so hiking to the three waterfall's inside the park is a mild hike. All the park rangers we encountered were very friendly and helpful."

Golf course access: Two campgrounds offer proximity to golf facilities. "The park also offers a golf course which I didn't play due to the heat, but is on my list now that I've seen it," mentions Randy C. about Henry Horton State Park Campground.

What campers like

Lake access and privacy: Poole Knobs Campground on Percy Priest Lake offers waterfront sites. Dan R. notes, "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." Poole Knobs provides more seclusion than other area options.

Quality bathrooms: Montgomery Bell State Park maintains clean facilities. "Make your reservations early!! Beautiful area lakes, groomed trails, nice hosts - highly recommend. Showers are OK..is the only reason for the missed star in rating," states Andrea R. about Montgomery Bell State Park Campground.

Winter camping options: Several campgrounds remain open year-round. Gabe W. shares about Henry Horton: "Enjoyable stay. The campground is well maintained with plenty of shade at the sites. The bathrooms are nice and warm in the winter and clean."

Stargazing opportunities: Sites outside dense forest areas offer night sky viewing. Jeremy H. describes Ray of Hope Guest Ranch: "The yurt sets on the side of a beautiful Tennessee Hill offering almost a complete view of the nighttime sky. We watched the moon rise over a hill directly in front of the campsite, and we even saw a brilliant shooting star blaze across the sky."

What you should know

Site selection considerations: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain or seasonal flooding issues. Ashley F. reports about Henry Horton State Park Campground: "I visited in the off season (Nov 24)- the bathrooms were clean, the sites were quiet and it was beautiful. Some sites are level, some aren't."

Bathroom accessibility varies: At several campgrounds, bathroom facilities may require significant walking. "If you get a site along the lake, expect a long walk and then an arduous climb to the bathroom and showers or hop in your vehicle and drive there," notes Larry R. about Poole Knobs.

Cell service variability: Connectivity differs by carrier and specific location. "No service for TMobile and almost none for Verizon (was told at&t works, but I can't verify)," reports Danna D. about River Road RV Park.

Train noise at some locations: Proximity to rail lines affects certain campgrounds. Christie B. mentions about River Road RV Park: "There is a train track nearby. It didn't bother us, but light sleepers might want to bring earplugs just in case."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Montgomery Bell offers dedicated recreation areas for children. Stæven F. shares: "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."

Creek play areas: Several campgrounds feature shallow water areas where children can safely wade. "Children can wade in the creek all day, why parents enjoy sitting outside under all the shade trees," notes Tammy P. about Montgomery Bell State Park Campground.

Bike-friendly campgrounds: Paved roads at some locations provide safe cycling for children. "The trails we hiked were well maintained and there is a quiet paved road suitable for bicycling," reports Randy C. about Henry Horton State Park.

Family-friendly site selection: Choose locations with the right balance of privacy and accessibility. "We loved our stay at HHSP. Check-in was a breeze, setup was simple with a level site, and everyone there, from the park rangers to the camp store staff to the campground hosts, was friendly and helpful. Sites are fairly close together but still provide some privacy. Plenty of places for the kiddos to ride their bikes," shares Laur H.

Tips from RVers

Pull-through site availability: Several campgrounds offer drive-through sites for easier access. Bill P. notes about Campers RV Park: "Good pull thru sites with full hook ups. 50/30 amp power, water and sewer. Good recreation areas. Good dog walks. Good Wi-Fi."

Site leveling challenges: Preparation for uneven terrain may be necessary at some locations. "With such an expansive park, aside from the camping area, you'll want to drive around to see everything, and bring your walking shoes if you prefer to hike," advises Stæven F. about Montgomery Bell State Park.

Extended stay options: Several campgrounds offer monthly rates. Jessica L. shares about Campers RV Park: "They do offer short term monthly rates which are back in sites that have a little more room. There are 4 rustic cabins available, and the bathhouses are reserved currently for those guests only due to COVID."

Propane and supply accessibility: Plan for propane refill logistics. Walt T. explains about Campers RV Park: "You remove your tank, you haul it and set in a unsecured area and come back the next day and pick up. The tanks are heavy and I pulled my back out lifting them back in place."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Chapel Hill, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Chapel Hill, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 108 campgrounds and RV parks near Chapel Hill, TN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Chapel Hill, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chapel Hill, TN is Henry Horton State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 34 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chapel Hill, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Chapel Hill, TN.

What parks are near Chapel Hill, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Chapel Hill, TN that allow camping, notably J Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake.