Camping options near Clarksville, Tennessee span across diverse terrain influenced by the Cumberland and Tennessee river systems. Sites vary in elevation from approximately 400 to 600 feet above sea level, experiencing humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures frequently reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring tends to be the wettest season with average rainfall of 5-6 inches monthly from March through May. Access roads range from well-maintained paved routes to challenging dirt paths requiring high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide access to productive fishing areas. At Red River Valley, campers can fish directly from their sites. "I really enjoy going to this campsite and camping by the river. You can pick any spot throughout the property, close to the restroom and facilities, or far," notes one visitor. The Cumberland River at Harpeth River Bridge Campground offers additional water recreation. "We cook, kayak, camp, & fish. It has a peaceful family atmosphere, beautiful sunsets, clean grounds & bathhouse," reports one camper.
**Hiking trails: Several conservation areas contain maintained trail systems. Montgomery Bell State Park Campground features hiking paths through wooded areas and historical sites. "Great family friendly park with lots of hiking and historical sites. There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church," mentions one visitor. The nearby Bicentennial Trail stretches 13.3 miles and includes geocaching opportunities.
**Barge watching: Observe commercial river traffic from waterfront campsites. "It's pretty cool watching the big barges move up and down the river during the day, but at night it's a little loud," reports one camper at Lock A campground. This unique riverside activity provides an interesting glimpse into the working waterways of Tennessee.
What campers like
**Shaded sites: Tree cover proves valuable during hot summer months. Spring Creek Campground receives praise for its natural setting. "Just stayed a night passing thru but wonderful little peaceful spot. Only about 3 miles from the hwy so quick in and out," notes one visitor. Another camper adds that despite some highway noise, "the beauty and peace far outweighed that."
**Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and common areas rank highly in reviews. At RJourney Clarksville RV Resort, guests appreciate the upkeep. "The sites were large and level," writes one camper. "The grounds were clean and the sites were level. Most of the people there appeared to be permanent, or semi-permanent," notes another. Multiple campers specifically mention clean bathrooms as a significant factor in their positive reviews.
**Military connections: Fort Campbell facilities welcome service members and veterans. "We brought our camper here to visit family living at the Fort Campbell base," writes one visitor about Eagle's Rest Army Travel Camp. "At $25 a night for full hook up this is a pretty good option," they add. Fletcher's Fork Campground requires specific identification: "Sites are in great condition from asphalt site, concrete pad, picnic table, to hookups. They are however very strict on their rules. MUST BE A DODID OR VA ID CARD HOLDER."
What you should know
**Reservation systems: Booking practices vary significantly between campgrounds. At Harpeth River Bridge Campground, one camper notes: "Hard to get reservations because they allow people to book out every weekend for the entire season and not even show up." Sites fill quickly during weekends and peak season (April-October). Eagle's Rest operates on a first-come, first-served basis, which presents challenges for travelers: "I don't like that you can't reserve a spot ahead of time especially since it was an 8 hour drive, but thankfully we did find a spot."
**Noise considerations: Highway and industrial noise affects several campgrounds. RJourney Clarksville RV Resort sits near busy roads. One camper notes: "This CG has the most interstate noise of any we've stayed." Another advises: "Request a site as far as possible from the road." At Harpeth River Bridge, tent campers face additional challenges: "We pitched our tent on comfortable ground and were serenaded by the sounds of trucks coming down the bridge overhead with their jakes on at night. Bring earplugs if you are in a tent."
**Site layout variations: Campground designs range from spacious to compact. Montgomery Bell offers different camping experiences depending on site selection: "With a great pavilion, Vb court, ball diamond, and playground, the far side of the camp is perfect for families, groups, and events." Campers recommend sites 1-8, with 1 and 2 positioned directly along the creek. Some campgrounds feature sites close together, while others provide more separation.
Tips for camping with families
**Playground access: Choose sites near recreational amenities. Montgomery Bell State Park features play areas near specific campsites: "If you don't want kiddos walking through your campsite to get to the playground, you may want to choose a higher number." The park also includes volleyball courts, ball fields, and a pavilion, making it suitable for group activities.
**Water activities: Consider age-appropriate water recreation options. One parent at Montgomery Bell State Park notes: "Children can wade in the creek all day, why parents enjoy sitting outside under all the shade trees." The park includes swimming areas and fishing opportunities suitable for various age groups.
**Noise considerations: Select sites away from highways for better sleep. At RJourney Clarksville RV Resort, sites closer to the highway experience significant traffic noise, while interior sites provide more buffer. Similarly, Lock A campground features waterfront sites but some campers report noise from passing barges disrupts sleep.
Tips from RVers
**Leveling requirements: Most established campgrounds provide level sites. At Lock A, one RVer reports: "The site was within a quarter inch of level and was a concrete pad." Concrete pads at several campgrounds eliminate the need for extensive leveling blocks, though some gravel sites may require adjustments.
**Hookup placement: Check utility locations before selecting sites. One camper at Montgomery Bell State Park notes: "The site I had was a little awkward backing into and the water hookup was on the wrong side for my camper." This detail proves particularly important for RVs with fixed connection points.
**Access road challenges: Approach some campgrounds with caution. A Lock A visitor warns: "Make sure you have good brakes because the road coming into the campground is a little steep!" RJourney Clarksville RV Resort, in contrast, offers "Easy access to interstate. Pull through sites were long enough for our truck & camper so we didn't have to unhitch for one night."
