Best Dispersed Camping near Columbia, TN
Meriwether Lewis Campground provides free dispersed camping along the Natchez Trace Parkway near Columbia, Tennessee. Located approximately 30 miles from Columbia, this primitive camping area sits within a historic site where Meriwether Lewis died in 1809. The campground features 31 first-come, first-served sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping with no hookups or services. Additional primitive camping options in the region include water access sites at J. Percy Priest Lake's Goose Island, which requires boat access.
Access to Meriwether Lewis Campground involves paved roads suitable for most vehicles. The campground maintains basic facilities including flush toilets, potable water sources, and trash receptacles throughout the grounds. No electrical hookups, showers, or RV dump stations are available. Camping is free with a 14-day stay limit. While most sites include fire rings and picnic tables, campers should come prepared with supplies as the nearest town of Hohenwald is approximately 8 miles away, and Summertown is 11 miles from the campground.
The area provides multiple hiking trails and natural features worth exploring, including sections of the historic Natchez Trace and nearby waterfalls. A recent visitor noted, "There are several trails to enjoy and two close waterfalls to hike to." Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting encounters with native snakes and turtles. The sites fill quickly during peak seasons and holiday weekends, with one camper sharing, "If you want a flat spot, a pull-through spot, or one that you can't smell the toilets, get there early." Cell phone service is generally available throughout the campground. The campground's historical significance adds educational value, with interpretive displays about Meriwether Lewis's life and mysterious death.