Searching for a tent campsite near Clarksville? Find the best information on tent camping near Clarksville, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Clarksville campsites are perfect for tent campers.
$10 / night
STEWART STATE FOREST This Forest is located in northwestern Tenn-essee, in south-central Stewart County. State Highway 49 was an old rail bed that connected iron furnaces, that now bisects the forest. It is south of the western boundary of the Cross Creek National Wildlife Refuge. The Forest was acquired from a larger tract of land that was the Leech Estate, it became State land in 1933 in lieu of taxes. In 1935 governor McAllister declared it a state forest. There also are many sites of historic or cultural interest on the forest, including hundreds of areas where charcoal was produced, an iron ore pit, and several old house sites and stills. There are also several small areas where prairie grasses have been established. The 101st Airborne Division of Fort Campbell Military Reservation utilizes the forest on a renewable permit basis for training purposes on a biannual basis. Hunting has been a traditional use of the forest. Other recreational activities on the forest include hiking and some mountain biking. A large proportion of the forest has received salvage cutting due to blow down of older age class stands in 1983, 1991, and 2000. Approximately 96% is in hardwoods and only about 3% is in pine. The dominant hardwood type is oak/hickory and is generally even aged (70-95 years) containing mostly mature to over-mature hardwood.
A permit is required to camp here.
A Basic Camping Area is an open field area without defined campsites. Amenities might include a vault toilet, trash removal, mowed areas, and a boat ramp. However, they may or may not have picnic tables and fire rings and/or grills. You may camp anywhere within the camping area with a Basic Camping Permit. Basic Camping Areas include:
Demumbers Bay
Pisgah Point
Ginger Bay
Neville Bay
You may camp almost anywhere in Land Between the Lakes (LBL). A Basic Camping Permit is required for each person 18 and over when camping in Basic Camping Facilities. A Dispersed Camping Permit is required when camping in non-designated areas of the recreation area. Both permits currently cost $50 for annual permit and $10 for a three-day permit and can be purchased https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/reservations/ or any LBL facility. Please note that these permits do not apply when camping at Self-Service Campgrounds.
Linton Recreation area is a day-use haven that sits on Lake Barkley near wooded rolling hills and abundant wildlife. Whether it's a gathering of family or friends, visitors can enjoy the the excellent atmosphere beautiful scenery.
Boating and fishing are a big hit, as is swimming in the designated sandy swimming area and playing sports like soccer or Frisbee in the grassy open fields.
The accessible picnic shelter fits 100 guests and 50 vehicles. Other perks include a flush toilet, playground, grills and swimming beach. No electric hookups are available.
The recreation area is on the shores of Lake Barkley, nestled in the wooded, rolling hills of southwestern Kentucky, very close to the border with Tennessee. Lake Barkley covers 57,900 acres with 1,004 miles of shoreline and offers warm water temperatures for comfortable recreation during summer months.
Visit Fort Donelson National Battlefield, where the Union Army won its first battle in the Civil War. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is just across the lake and features more than 170,000 acres of public land with numerous historical and outdoor attractions.
$35 / night
Dyer's Creek boasts fantastic views of on the sparkling Lake Barkley in the wooded rolling hills of Tennessee. Whether it's a family picnic and a BBQ with friends, the recreation area provides the perfect setting for a relaxing get-together.
Visitors here enjoy boating, fishing, wildlife watching and swimming. Bring the binoculars and search for wildlife like the white-tailed deer, raccoons and bald eagles. Fishing is popular, and during warm months bass and catfish are abundant.
The park provides a playground, volleyball court, flush toilets and a boat ramp. The shelter accommodates up to 100 people and 50 vehicles. Ample paved parking is also available.
Lake Barkley, the westernmost lake on the Cumberland River is connected by canal to Kentucky Lake, forming one of the greatest freshwater recreation complexes in the country. Between both lakes sits the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the largest inland peninsula in the United States. Here visitors have access to boat ramps, many miles of hiking trails, wildlife viewing and off highway vehicle riding.
Visit the Lake Barkley State Resort Park for miles of hiking trails and horseback riding stables.
$35 / night
$10 - $11 / night
$100 / night
Legend
A decent campground a short drive outside of Nashville. Most of the space was taking up by RV's but there was a small area for tent camping as well. The tent campsites did have grills which was nice a touch to make dinner. There was a sandlot playground as well which I did not use but would be nice for families camping with children.
Scout
I pulled in really late to tent camp. Richard, the owner came down and checked me in. Such a chill spot to set up for the night. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a spot to rest for the night. Not real sure how many tent sites he has but the one I am at right now is super close to the showers and the main office which is cool for a couple reasons. Convenience and safety! Check this place out for sure!
Legend
Hurricane Creek Campground is small and intimate while still being close too many amenities. There are adequate RV campsites, and tent sites. Some RV sites require some serious driving skill to back your RV into and we better suited for tents. The tent sites are ample for tents, and two of the five tent sites have Trees close enough together for Hammock Camping.Tent site 11 has two trees that are not too big in diameter for hammocking. Parking for tent sites is above in a lot, and RV's are directly behind you 25-30 feet. I would recommend tenting on an RV site if you want your vehicle close to your site.
Guide
We stayed here in the middle of July in 2019! Wow was it hot! It also had a bit of flooding, how ever it made it easier for our girls to launch their kayaks and swim. Great spot for kayaking and tent camping. We were the only ones there so it was perfect! Highly recommend for tent camping.
Traveler
Great family campground where you can do anything from camp in a tent to rent a bunkhouse.
Energy lake is at land between the lakes but you pay for your site at the gate. You can choose a primitive site, a camper site with utilities, or a bunk house with heat and a/c. You can also rent a canoe or a kayak for the day. There is a private beach and great fishing.
I would recommend energy lake to any type of camper.
Scout
We tent camp here at least 3 times a year. There are plenty of Ranger lead activities for the kids, fishing, swimming, good hiking trails.
TravelerOur family has been camping here for 20 years now. We love it! Very peaceful and clean. Tent sites are right next to the beach so kids can go back and forth easily. Bathhouse is very clean and kept up. Sites can be on an incline but if you are from here you know that terrain near the lake area is very hilly! If you need a flat site be sure to scope out before hand:) only con for us is having to walk through the rv sites to get to the tent sites. Makes it a little awkward. But the view and atmosphere is worth it. Very good prices as well!
Guide
On the gorgeous Piney River! Tent camping and RV spots. Gets busy during holiday weekend and middle of summer but still a great place and worth a visit! Also a kayak rental company so you can camp and float the river.
RangerMy favorite thing about this campground was it’s proximity to Narrows of the Harper, which I wanted to hike. Tent site, a little close in the campground, but not so bad it affected the experience negatively. Facilities well-maintained.
Traveler
This campground is a very nice place to stay. There are lots of things to do and places to see. The campsites are varied with electric, water and sewer hookups. Or basic sites for tent camping. There is a store for camping needs, ice and wood. Swimming area, basketball, volleyball, boat ramp and playgrounds.
Ranger
We love all the bays and coves at LBL. We prefer less crowed camp areas and that is what sugar bay offers. Right on the water with access to several other things close by. Spots are in the grass and nothing fancy but perfect for us that love to Tent camp and enjoy natural comforts over amenities.
LegendThe park is amazing! The campground is ok, the spaces are good sized with plenty of space between, If tent camping, I would try to get one along the wooded sides, you’ll have more privacy that way. We stayed on site 99, across from a small creek, but right in the middle of the campground. The bathrooms are just ok, there’s no changing room in the shower stalls, so be prepared.
Traveler
We’ve gone when there was nobody (it was fall and pretty cold) and got to tent camp by the water and LOVED it. We went back on a weekend in June and it was awful. Packed, and RVs were loud and honestly rude. No tent only sites and RVs won’t hesitate to park next to a tent rather than by an RV. Bathroom was stocked but rancid and had no water. The site would be great if it were less busy so scope it out before hand.
Ranger
The tent sites were well kept. They are gravel pads with a grill and fire ring. They are right on the water with easy access to put in a kayak. And close to a boat ramp if bringing a boat. It’s shaded. The bath house is a bit of a walk and they have restrooms only, no showers.
LegendMontgomery Bell (MB) is a very well kept State Park and campground. The campground is well planned with RVs and tent sites somewhat segregated, yet close enough to utilize the spaces well. Old shower point is Old, and needs modernizing, but the new shower house is very clean, has wash sinks, vending, and is worth the walk to for showering. The state park as a whole offers well kept trails, dispersed camping (by permit) and many amenities
GuideWe visit this campground every year. There are about 45 sites. Camper sites have electric and water. There are tent sites also. There are about 15 waterfront sites, a playground, beach, boat ramp, and small bath house. They can accommodate all sizes of campers. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Several sites are current being renovated. Most sites are fairly level. The attendant was very helpful and we saw him checking the campground several times.
Legend
When I stayed at Prizer Point, I felt as if I were in a small coastal town. It is the first campground I have been to that has condominiums. It doesn’t matter what kind of camping or glamping you do, this campground has it, except for yurts. However, they do have tree houses. There are also choices of cabins,“chalets”(although it didn’t look like a chalet when I looked at one), bungalows, floating cabins, etc. Of course, being a tent camper, that’s my choice. Some of the tent sites are on top of each other, but if you are lucky enough, you can stay at a site beside the woods. You still don’t get complete privacy, but it is better than being on the other side of the path where the tent sites are on top of each other. The tent sites are grassy, which I like. I prefer a grassy site over a concrete pad. Some people love the large campgrounds with lots of activities, especially when there are children with you. Since I am mainly a tent camper, I prefer the solitude of being in the woods. Fortunately, I was there at the beginning of the week, and it wasn’t as crowded as it normally would be. Personally, and subjectively, I would rate this campground one star; but objectively, I have to rate it five stars because it offers so much. While I was there, I toured the campground and was amazed at how much they have. They have go carts, oversized chess, swimming pools, a soccer field, a marina, a restaurant, and a section called Prizer Lagoon. You can also rent golf carts to get around, and you will want to do that unless you want to walk for miles. There, you can play in the inflatable obstacle course or ride in a paddle boat. There is also a zip line that crosses the water. For RVers, you have quite a few options. One section has formal concrete pads with hookups. Another section is not as“sanitized” but offers everything you need for your RV. I was surprised by the size of the marina, which was huge according to my limited knowledge of marinas at campgrounds. There is also a boat ramp for when you want to launch your own boat. If I wanted to RV, I would choose the little peninsula beside the boat ramp. Great view! If I wanted to stay in a cabin, there are some cabins next to the lake that also have great views. Overall, this campground has everything you want in a resort campground.
TravelerI often camped here when I wanted something mildly primitive but still somewhat accessible not completely away from all people. They have many sites to choose from that are near the waters edge or further away. There is always a trailer there for the host of the area. I have never seen this place plum full so it’s likely you will find a site, for tent camping. It provides some beautiful scenery and a gorgeous view in the morning as the sun rises. You occasionally get people docking or putting in water craft as they have a ramp nearby, but usually not much activity in the area.
GuideA fantastic family-friendly state campground. Mostly quiet after dark. Neighbors are friendly and welcoming (you’ll find that many visit in groups).
Amenities: Trails are pleasant. Playground is great. Bathrooms are clean but need an update. Not much in terms of wifi or tv if you are looking for that but att and verizon were usable.
Roads feel narrow but we had no problem maneuvering in our 36’ 5er. River sites look great but we booked last minute. Wound up with a corner interior spot (107) that backs to a tent camping area so was fantastic for views, too and this spot was quite spacious.
Location is lovely but is not that close to Nashville if that’s your goal.
Traveler
Listen to the warnings in the reviews of this campsite. If you are tenting don’t expect to sleep well. I didn’t listen to the cautions and regretted it all night. We picked this campground because the website said they offered a shuttle service to the DT. When I asked the women at the counter (who were very nice) it appeared they had forgotten the website said that quickly said they weren’t offering it that day (it was a Friday). We were then charged 42 dollars for our tent site, we should have just turned around and got an Air B&B at that point. The showers were nice and the wifi connection was good however.
Ranger
Like everything, know what you're getting into. I would give this site 3 stars for me personally because I thought it would be a typical state park experience but it is way more built up and resort-like (well, it is in the name!). A fantastic place to go with kids or people who aren't as into tent camping. Tons to do in the park and the quaint towns nearby. Campsites are nice, shady, not too close together but not a ton of privacy. Lovely lake surrounds the site. If you want sometime more rustic there are lots of other choices, but for more modern or upscale camping this is the place for you!
GuideWe’ve been tent camping for years and try to find places somewhat close to home because we bring our bulldogs with us. This campground is absolutely one of our favorites.
It is relatively small, but the bathhouses are super clean, and the staff are amazing. I’m hesitant to let our secret out, but we just bought a camper so we won’t be using this campsite anymore. Campsite 78 is the best! One of the scout troops built a platform there years ago, and its perfect to pitch your tent off the ground. In addition, the site is in the back corner, so it’s private and huge! We’ve camped there for their big Halloween shindig for the past three years.
I hope someone else will enjoy it as much as we have!
GuideWe ended up at this campsite by accident. We were looking for dispersed camping sites, but right as we were pulling into one of the only good tent sites at the campground, someone snagged it from us. We ended up in area D right by the restrooms. Hubby and I would’ve never camped there on our own because we prefer to be more secluded but it was perfect for our daughter! Our site was tucked in the trees across from the restroom. Bathroom was clean and convenient. We woke up the next morning and rented kayaks and got out on the lake! Good experience! Probably better for RVs and Campers than tents, though.
RangerVery good for pull behinds or semi-permanent but less than desirable for tent campers. Tents were relegated to a narrow strip in the campground really too small for campers. Water and electric are available but restrooms/showers are about 1/4 mile away. Not what would be considered tent friendly.
Pretty quiet and peaceful campground in early April.
Website said the Pier restaurant would be open but when we arrived it wasn't scheduled to open until later in the month.
Restrooms and showers were clean but most are very small. There is 1 handicapped and 1 family unit for the facility.
Standing dead trees in the tent site. I had to ask workers to cut 1 tree beside my site when I arrived.
Gave them a (generous) 4 from our perspective.
TravelerWe have visited several times in the last couple of years. This last visit we stayed at one of the non electric tent sites. It was very nice and close to the lake. (PLEASE don’t wash in our lake! We don’t need more chemicals in our local lakes, use the designated wash rooms!!) The sites are clean and reasonably spaced. The kids love the playground and you can get decently priced firewood at the shop or check in area. The staff have always been nice and patient. There is a beach to swim in the lake which is nice especially if you have kids.
Legend
Eddy creek RV park is very well kept, clean, and somewhat secluded on Lake Barkley. Only open from April through Oct, the RV camp area is behind a code locked gate, which helps to keep the park private. There is a dump station, laundry facility, bath house , propane available and Echo Charlie's restaurant that serves typical American food that includes large servings! I didn't see any tent sites, only RV sites, most with newer looking decks, level sites, electric and water hookup to each site. The beach is private, the pool is private, everything is within walking distance, but most people were using golf carts, as it is a good distance from the RV area to the restaurant or the pool. Bicycling would also be ideal, most areas are paved or at least compacted gravel.
Traveler
The nicest tent site we have ever camped on. Sits on a peninsula with the Cumberland River on one side and a small cove on the other. Great for fishing for those who can catch fish (no luck for me). Campground was well maintained. Bath and shower facilities were clean. We would have given it 5 Stars had it not been for these god awful sounds outside of the tent waking us up at 2:00AM every morning (no fault of the campground). I asked the host Cheryl (great host) what made the sounds and she said it was frogs. I've been camping, fishing and frog gigging for over 50 years, and have never heard any frogs that sound like these. All in all, it was a GREAT campground! In fact, We liked it so much we we booked it again in June and July. We're hoping our new froggie friends that kept waking us up will be gone. If not, we're bringing ear plugs!
Tent camping near Clarksville, Tennessee offers a variety of scenic locations perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Clarksville, TN is Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
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