Cabin camping near Clarksville, Tennessee provides access to the Cumberland and Tennessee River systems that shape the region's landscape. Located in Montgomery County with elevations ranging from 382 to 897 feet, most camping areas experience hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. The region's wooded hills and waterfront settings create varied terrain for campers seeking shade or water access.
What to do
Kayaking Piney River: From Piney River Resort, access calm river waters perfect for beginners and families with children. "We loved swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Paved sites, fire ring, fire wood for sale, very clean campground, and only 45 mins to Nashville," notes one visitor about this accessible waterway.
Hiking forest trails: Montgomery Bell State Park Campground offers multiple trail options ranging from easy half-mile loops to more challenging 4-5 mile routes through wooded terrain. "Great family friendly park with lots of hiking and historical sites. There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church," as confirmed by park visitors.
Wildlife viewing: Land Between the Lakes recreation area provides seasonal opportunities to observe deer, turkey, and other woodland creatures. "Saw a lot of wildlife for such a big campground with lots of people traffic," reports a camper at Piney Campground, noting the surprising amount of animal activity despite the developed setting.
Seasonal swimming: Most cabin areas offer swimming access from late May through early September when water temperatures are warmest. "The beach was amazing but it's first come first serve regardless if u camped there. It opens up at 10am," explains a visitor describing Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.
What campers like
Creek-side cabin locations: Sites positioned along waterways offer both natural cooling and recreational options. At Piney River Resort, "We chose a site along the beautiful Piney River with full hook-ups, level cement pad, pavilion with lights and ceiling fan, kind neighbors and the wonderful sounds of silence."
Clean, accessible facilities: Modern bathhouses with reliable hot water remain a top priority for families and extended stays. "Bathrooms are nice with code. The cost is low. Easy pull through parking," notes a reviewer of Military Park Eagle's Rest Army Travel Camp.
Multi-generational activities: Properties offering diverse recreation options for different age groups receive consistently higher ratings. "Great base to explore LBL area. Campsite was a short walk from the water and short walk to swimming area and park. Showers were right across the road from us and were kept up pretty well," explains a visitor to Energy Lake Campground.
Playground access: Families with young children specifically seek properties with play equipment. "We loved that our site had a pavilion and basketball court plus several playgrounds throughout," mentions a visitor about their cabin camping experience.
What you should know
Uneven terrain: Many cabin sites require substantial leveling equipment. "Sites are very sloped. Worst I've ever seen. Major drawback to this campground," notes a Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park camper.
Seasonal availability: Many properties reduce operations between November and March. "The park has tons of activities and good hiking trails. If you want some good catfish. Go visit the catfish kitchen just down the road from the park," advises a Montgomery Bell visitor.
Varying noise levels: Highway proximity affects some locations significantly. At Nashville North KOA, "Sites are very very close together. Very very noisy due to the highway that runs right on the other side of the tree line. But... the folks running the show are really nice."
Water access limitations: Not all "waterfront" cabins provide direct water entry points. "Water was warm and calm being off the main lake. Piney cove is pretty shallow and we could walk out into the water a good 30-40ft before getting too deep. Bottom is soft mud," explains a camper describing actual conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Beach quality considerations: Sand quality varies significantly between properties. "The beach is muddy and rocky and the playground is old with just a metal slide and swings. We didn't want to swim here so maybe plan on doing that elsewhere at the lakes," advises a visitor to Energy Lake Campground.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on proximity to playgrounds and bathrooms rather than views alone. "We've stayed 6 times at MB, it's my partners fave place to go. With a great pavilion, volleyball court, ball diamond, and playground, the far side of the camp is perfect for families," notes a frequent visitor to Montgomery Bell State Park Campground.
Cabin size limitations: Most standard cabins accommodate 4-6 people maximum with limited storage. "We brought our camper here to visit family living at the Fort Campbell base, I don't like that you can't reserve a spot ahead of time especially since it was an 8 hour drive," explains a Military Park visitor highlighting planning challenges.
Tips from RVers
Water/electric locations: Hookup placement varies widely between properties. "The utilities are more to the front of the site with two sewer connections. We had decent water pressure," notes a reviewer at Nashville KOA Resort detailing the practical layout.
Road conditions: Access roads to some properties present challenges for larger vehicles. "Staff we talked to was very kind but the drive in from the highway was very scary on narrow, windy roads with dropoffs on the side," warns a visitor to Piney River Resort about navigation concerns for large rigs.
