Kelly W.
Traveler
TravelerTishomingo State Park Campground
Nice quiet campground. We stayed at site 59. Level concrete pad, full hookup. We walked a couple trails. It’s been very dry no waterfalls and small creeks were dry.
Tent Camping near Collinwood, TN
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent camping opportunities near Collinwood, Tennessee include several established sites with varying amenities and settings. Second Creek Recreation Area offers waterfront tent sites about 35 miles northwest of Collinwood in neighboring Alabama, while Southport Saltpeter Cave provides a unique primitive camping experience approximately 12 miles south of Columbia, Tennessee. "The Hollar" and Fox Valley Farm also offer small tent camping areas within a 30-mile radius of Collinwood.
Most tent sites in the region provide basic amenities with limited services. Second Creek Recreation Area features concrete picnic tables and portable toilets but no drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. Sites typically accommodate tents on natural ground surfaces with minimal development. Fires are permitted at most locations, with firewood available at Southport Saltpeter Cave. Access varies between drive-in, walk-in, and hike-in options, with some sites requiring short walks from parking areas. While several campgrounds accept reservations, Second Creek operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tent campers in the Collinwood area can expect quiet, nature-focused experiences with opportunities for outdoor activities. Second Creek Recreation Area provides water access for fishing and kayaking, making it popular for weekend camping trips. The sites at Southport Saltpeter Cave offer a more unusual experience with cave exploration opportunities alongside primitive camping. Tree cover provides natural shade at many locations, creating comfortable tent sites even during warmer months. Campers should prepare for varying conditions, including potential mosquito activity at waterfront locations. A visitor to Second Creek noted, "We camp here regularly on the weekends. Good location and easy to get to. We have been camping here for years - good spot for fishing, kayaking and just good family time."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Collinwood (7)
1. Second Creek Rec Area
"Multiple spots to set up camp with concrete tables at each."
"Good location and easy to get to. We have been camping here for years good spot for fishing kayaking and just good family time. They have on site porta potties and picnic tables."
2. Joe Wheeler State Park Campground
"Nice quiet park out on the lake. We were in loop C at the end of the improved sites."
"Some were well shaded , others had nice water views. We had an oversized site that was a pull through. We got there after sunset, so it was nice to have a quick and easy set-up."
82 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
3. Spring Creek Primitive Campground — Mousetail Landing State Park
"Overall: Small, shaded and quiet. Way off the beaten path near the Tennessee River. A drive to the nearby Lady’s Bluff Small Wild Area is worthwhile. "
"The only issue we had was the camp being next to a couple boat docks, so you might wake up to some boaters sitting right outside your campsite."
4. Southport Saltpeter Cave
"Southport Saltpeter Cave is a historic cave located 12 miles south of Columbia TN. We offer cave tours, primitive camping, hiking, and exploring."
from $10 / night
5. "The Hollar"
from $25 - $45 / night
6. Fox Valley Farm
Check Availabilityfrom $30 / night
7. Natchez Trace State Park Backcountry Camping — Natchez Trace State Park
Drive Time
- 33 min from Florence, AL
- 1 hr 21 min from Decatur, AL
- 1 hr 37 min from Huntsville, AL
- 1 hr 45 min from Jackson, TN
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Collinwood, TN
11 Photos of 7 Collinwood Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Collinwood, TN
370 Reviews of 7 Collinwood Campgrounds
- H
Hope H.
GuideMeriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 — Natchez Trace Parkway
Nice!
I liked this NPS free campground on the Natchez Trace. It is convenient to the Nashville Area and accessible by other nice highways, not just the Trace. The town of Hohenwald is just a couple of miles away.
There were many camping people on a Friday night in October from strictly tenters to fancy busses and everything in between (motorcycles, truck campers, suv campers, car campers etc). Everyone was respectful of others and quiet at night.
The grounds have lots of mature trees and the pads are in pretty good condition and fairly level. There are pull-throughs and back-ins. There is a central restroom, which I did not use.
Daniel L.
ScoutMeriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 — Natchez Trace Parkway
It's free to camp.
The bathrooms have Flushing toilets. No showers. No electrical hookups. A mix of tent camping and RV's. No fees. 14-day limit. Nice place to stay and rest.
Cara N.TravelerHollow Hideaway
RV Camping
We have been to Hollow Hideaway for the past few years to camp and ride SXS’s. I highly recommend this place. The owners are the best I’ve ever felt with and now have become our friends. The RV sites are well maintained and the rental cabins and house are amazing. Get your spot booked now! You won’t be disappointed.
Michael M.GuideDecatur / Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday
Awesome
We spent a night here on our way to Florida. We originally booked a year ago when it was a KOA, but before we arrived, they switched to Unhitched. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. The inside sites had full hookups, but we opted for a waterside site with a view, which was a great choice. They even had live music, and the band was fantastic. I bought a couple of bundles of firewood, and they delivered them to us. We’ll definitely stay here again for a couple of nights next time, as it was worth it. We didn’t use the bathhouse.
Tula J.ScoutBrush Creek Park
Beautiful quiet place to relax
My daughter door dashes in Florence. Since we live in the Bankhead Forest, sometimes we stay closer to Florence. We love this park for peace and quiet. Easy to find. Only real problem is the showers. They are not heated and there is no door. So you need to bring your own shower curtain. It's wide open to the world.
Kim K.GuideTishomingo State Park Campground
tishomingo State Park
Very nice campground has concrete pads for RVs water and electric no sewer but does have a dump station has lots of beautiful hiking trails. Dog friendly and historic sites
- JJeffrey W.Traveler
David Crockett State Park Campground
Amazing 👏
This is a Beautiful camp ground the waterfall in Awesome. All this camp sites are wonderful
gonoway P.TravelerMeriwether Lewis Campground
No bathrooms
Is nice all told. Specially since its free.
Guide to Collinwood
Tent campsites near Collinwood, Tennessee offer backcountry and established options within a 40-mile radius. The region features rolling hills of the Highland Rim geological area with elevations between 600-900 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons provide milder conditions between 60-80°F.
What to do
Water recreation access: Second Creek Rec Area provides direct waterfront access for fishing, kayaking, and swimming opportunities. "Started 3 May 2023... One spot looks like party point. Locals keep mowed. So far quiet and friendly. Three areas to get too, pull offs on left coming in on Hwy 1," notes Michael W.
Cave exploration: Southport Saltpeter Cave offers unique underground adventures with guided tours available. "Buddy gives a guided tour along with camping privilege's. Great Trip," shares Daniel L. after visiting with a youth group.
Wildlife observation: The natural settings around Collinwood support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. Many campsites provide habitat for deer, turkey, and various bird species. Early morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing conditions.
What campers like
Natural surroundings: The primitive settings at most tent sites provide an authentic outdoor experience. "Quiet pretty spot to camp. Trees for hammocking," notes Summer A. about her stay at Second Creek Rec Area.
Accessibility: Many campgrounds feature relatively easy access despite their rustic nature. "Quick and easy getaway! Multiple spots to set up camp with concrete tables at each," reports Timothy F. regarding Second Creek.
Affordability: Most tent camping options near Collinwood remain budget-friendly. Several sites offer free camping with minimal amenities, while others charge modest fees for additional services like cave tours or improved facilities.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent camping areas provide minimal amenities. "Lots of mosquitoes at night... Portopotty for your bathroom needs," warns Summer A. about Second Creek Rec Area.
Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall generally provide the most comfortable camping conditions. Summer brings high humidity and insect activity, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Plan accordingly with proper gear.
Local maintenance: Some camping areas rely on community upkeep rather than official management. "Looks like a few permanent residents... not maintained by TVA anymore... Locals keep mowed," Michael W. explains about Natchez Trace State Park Backcountry Camping, indicating variable site conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Weekend accessibility: Family-friendly options exist within reasonable driving distance. "We camp here regularly on the weekends. Good location and easy to get to. We have been camping here for years good spot for fishing kayaking and just good family time," shares Jake W. about his experiences at Second Creek.
Educational opportunities: Consider sites with learning potential for children. "Enjoyed this rough camping trip and Spelunking with our Royal Ambassador boys (1st to 9th grade)," notes Daniel L. about his youth group's experience at Southport Saltpeter Cave.
Site selection: Choose camping locations based on specific family needs. Some areas offer more privacy while others provide community atmosphere. Proximity to water features or trails can enhance family activities but may require additional safety precautions with younger children.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most tent campgrounds near Collinwood have limited space for larger vehicles. None of the established campgrounds advertise big-rig accessibility, making this region better suited for tent camping or smaller RVs.
Access considerations: Fox Valley Farm and similar sites typically require walk-in access, which limits RV camping options. Most RV-suitable locations still demand high-clearance vehicles or careful navigation on unpaved roads.
Self-sufficiency: RVers should prepare for no-hookup camping. Bring sufficient water, manage waste properly, and be prepared for primitive conditions at most locations within the Collinwood area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Collinwood, TN?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Collinwood, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Collinwood, TN is Second Creek Rec Area with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
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tent camping near
Collinwood, TN?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Collinwood, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Collinwood, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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