Looking for the best options for tent camping near Culleoka? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Tennessee tent camping excursion.
$10 / night
Backcountry Camping- Reservation Required
Long Hunter has 2 primitive campsites for tent camping only, each site has a designated fire ring. Both sites are wooded, offering shade, they are located on the shoreline of J.Percy Priest Lake.
A 6-mile hike is required to reach the sites, beginning at the parking lot, using the Day Loop/Volunteer Trailhead. Backpacking equipment is strongly suggested. There is no running water, electricity, restrooms or heated showers available. Water must be filtered from natural sources or carried in. The campsites are open year-round. Campsite capacity ranges from 8-10 persons. What to Know Before You Go
Reservations are required for ALL backcountry camping.
Your reservation receipt is your permit.
A copy of the camping receipt MUST on your person, during your overnight stay.
A copy of the camping receipt or a piece of paper with the name associated with the reservation MUST be placed in the dash of each vehicle that is to be parked overnight at the trail head.
No hiking on trails after dark. Please allow enough time to reach your destination in daylight.
The last permit issued will be 2-3 hours before sunsetPet Policy
Leashed pets are allowed on this site.
50 acres of beautiful grassy pasture surrounded by woods on a very private road.
$30 / night
If you are a fan of the great outdoors then this is the place for you!! We are located "down in the hollar" in beautiful Ethridge, TN. We are small and secluded on 3 acres of Tennessee countryside at its finest! On the property is fresh running water in a natural creek that flows non stop providing nourishment if needed as well as soothing sounds to ease your mind and relax you while you escape from everyday life. We also allow some minor hunting if there are no other campsites set up at the time. This place is truly stunning and unlike any other and a guaranteed "must check it out" for your next camping adventure. We are pet and kid friendly 😃. Contact us now before the opportunity passes by!! We'll love to have ya!
$25 - $45 / night
$10 - $11 / night
Our beautiful setting overlooks the West Fork of the Stones River. With walk-in access to the water, the camp is perfect for exploring a thriving river system (2, 6, and 8 mile floats are easy since take-out points are just up the road a piece or just paddle up and down the river, depending on the rains). The river is wadable most of the year. Smallmouth and seasonal trout make for easy fishing. The river is home to an abundance of birds, turtles, and fur-bearing friends.
The tent is equipped with a queen bed, sheets and blankets, a heater for the colder nights and fans for the warmer ones. We have an additional pop up tent that can accommodate 2 people, however you will need to bring a sleeping bag. We also have space for more pop-up tents, so if you have a bigger group there will be plenty of space to spread out. The tent is off-grid but we provide battery operated lights, a charging power bank and the ability to use electric plugs outside our house if there is a real need.
Two rock beaches on our property are across from a river island! Beyond that is a small creek and 190 acres of vacant land.
In case you run out of Lunchables, we have several methods for camp cooking with fire or our dual-fuel Coleman stove. Keep your refreshments fresh all weekend with our big Coleman cooler.
If you don't feel like cooking, Downtown Nashville (40 minutes) and Murfreesboro (15 minutes) are close for campers needing an escape from nature. Last minute supplies are just minutes away.
We provide board games, outdoor games, kayaks for rent, tubes for rent, fishing gear for rent and other seasonal amenities!
Because the location is very convenient, it also comes with passing cars and the hum of I-840 in the distance mingling harmoniously with the babbling brook. The groundhogs and kingfishers don't seem to mind it too much.
Please let us know if you need an earlier check in or later check out. We will always try to accommodate if we can.
$112 - $160 / night
$100 / night
Smith Springs Recreation Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands.
The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities to choose from, including fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass, and white bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers. Nearby Anderson Road Fitness Trail is a paved trail winding a little over a mile through the cedar glade area beside the lake.
Smith Springs Recreation Area offers a large group shelter for day use and can accommodate up to 50 guests. There is limited parking suitable only for 12 vehicles.
J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its justification. The dam, completed in 1968, impounds 42 miles, with 14,200 surface acres of water. In soothing contrast to the sparkling waters of the lake are the adjacent 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands. A highlight of the region, the Cedar Glades Natural Area, is home to countless wildlife and plant species, including the Tennessee coneflower.
J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors countless cultural activities and the conveniences of a metro area.
$45 / night
Legend
Our GPS brought us right into the campground (CG) that is conveniently located off I-65 and US-31. Check in was pleasant and quick. They take cash or check.We were assigned pull through site D-1(water and electric 50/30/20 AMP) behind the office. The advantage of this site, is that it has a yard area as the other sites do not. This is a bare bones CG with no amenities. Most of the sites have FHUs. The pad was plenty long enough for our 40’ fifth wheel and F450 plus fairly level. However, if you unhook and leave, you have a long, slightly curved road to back up on to get back in position to hook your rig up unless the site next to you is empty. The utilities are in the middle of the pad and you can maneuver to suit your needs. Water pressure was good at 50 psi and we got 4 bars on Verizon. There’s no Wifi here but due to this CG being a parking lot, no issues with satellite. Like other reviewers stated, there’s a deep ditch on either side of the driveway when you pull in, so keep an eye on how your rig tracks. This CG filled up the Saturday to Sunday we overnighted and we were assigned one of the few water and electric only sites, but were still charged$45 same as the FHU sites? Overall, this CG worked for our needs.
Ranger
Came in on a Tuesday in late October and found about 10 campsites occupied, so lots to choose from. The campsite has two adjoining loop roads. The lower loop has a bathroom with flush toilets and sinks.
The campground appears to be very well maintained. There is not much privacy between campsites as there are only a few trees and no shubbery between campsites.
We met two other camping groups that were simply delightful Americans.
Scout
Well maintained, 50 sites, most have asphalt pads, nice concrete tables and fire rings. Fire wood is available for $5 a bundle. Lots of regional history. Nice trails along the Duck river. It is located near I-24 so you can hear traffic all night.
TravelerI was really looking forward to this place on my way to Arkansas. However, as soon as I turned into the camping area I was “greeted” by not one but TWO off leash dogs barking and running toward my van (they were not together). Fortunately, I took vinegar spray with me when I took my dog for a walk. It was a useful deterrent when one of the loose dogs ran at us. I yelled to put the dog on leash but of course nobody emerged from the van. On the return trip I made sure to have my spray and body pointed straight toward the dog who was just waiting for me to turn around so he could attack again. If you want a flat spot, a pull through spot, or one that you can’t smell the toilets, get there early! I got there around noon and maybe 15 people were there. By sundown most spots were taken…on a Tuesday. Restrooms toward the entrance were nice with running water and flush toilets.
Scout
Stayed in primitive area and a couple sites are close to water but not a good walk way down to water.
Scout
Very friendly staff, nice surroundings of Amish settlement, campground itself looks old but, heritage, it’s great.
Ranger
It’s a large campground with a lot of full time campers on site. Nice lake at 102 sq acres in size. Did have an issue that most sites are only 50 or 30amp hookups only, so I had to borrow a 30 to 120 adapter. The hiking trails were closed which sucked since I was looking forward to a hike with the dog. They are building a new pool. Good luck getting a lakeside site since I was told only 8 are available and are full most of the time.
Scout
It was so cool sitting outside and watching the amish buggies drive by! We visited some amish farms close by and found all kinds of stuff! Their candy is so good!!!
Guide
We stayed one night. It was very nice. Cash or check only. Veteran and other discounts. Inexpensive. Check in after 12:00 Check out 11:00. Pull through full hookup 30/50A service. Fast friendly check in. Some sites gravel, some asphalt. Older building for restrooms and laundry, but meticulously maintained. Level enough that I didn't unhook, just lowered jacks for stabilization. I don't see where the complaints about space come from. All of the tight spaces are taken by full time residents. We had more than enough room for a 36' 5th wheel with 3 slideouts, a cargo carrier on the back, tow vehicle (which I didn't have to unhook) and a second vehicle. We could have fit another car if needed. The person behind us parked his truck between his rig and ours. In front was a fire ring on a 12' wide patch of grass. There are full time residents here, but most of the rigs look a lot nicer than other places we've seen. Beautiful area. Was surprised how low the road noise is being so close to an interstate. We wouldn't even hear it if our door was shut. Very quiet. We would definitely stay here again. Thank you for recognizing veterans and offering a discount.
Traveler
It's just numbered spots with fire rings and picnic tables. I tent camp so it was perfect for me and I really liked it.
RangerNice first come free camping location just off the Trace. Grounds seem to be keep up on every time I’ve been there.
GuideNice location just off the Trace! Nice free getaway spot with plenty to do around.
Scout
Use to be one of my favorite campgrounds. Campspot has turned it into a money racket. Educate yourself and look up dynamic pricing which nothing but greed. If you see prices over their normal it’s dynamic. Not to mention site lock which if isn’t paid they could move you to an unleveled site not of your choice.
ScoutThis use to be a nice campground and still is as far as looks and on the water that is.
The bad is....
Sites are too close together and some very unlevel.
No sewer hook-up
Pricey...$50+ a night
NO SENIOR DISCOUNTS....
Not budget friendly....
This is NOT the way most TVA campgrounds are run,,,,,,
Will not be back until New Managment......
Guide
For a State Park, Montgomery Bell is pretty great. We had a decent sized level site with large trees and a view to the creek. We walked a couple of the trails through the woods which were perfect after a long drive. The bathroom/showers were clean and the water was hot. A strong storm came up suddenly and the staff came by to check on every camper to make sure we were all inside and safe. After the storm passed, they came by again checking on every camper. The power went out for two hours, and the staff came by once more to keep us informed. The park is beautiful, but it's the super competent staff earned the excellent rating I gave this park.
ScoutCampground is well marked and super friendly people. Fire pits at every spot.
ScoutMuch better options in the area, this place is run by a pack of a holes.
Ranger
Stayed with our van in the primitive sites here and had a great time! Very affordable and not many other campers (but if the group camp sites are booked I’d go elsewhere, they’re very close). The bathroom is super far away, but there was a portable potty for a few days until they inexplicably took it away. If you have a camping bathroom setup and are comfy going to get water if needed, it’s a great value and gives you want more privacy.
Also the showers here are the best I’ve ever experienced at a campground. They have signs saying you can shower for $5 even if you don’t camp here.
GuideThis is pinned wrong on Dyrt. If you clicked Waze directions on the other pin and you’re heading down Jennie Smith road, you’re heading the wrong way.
Sites a little closer than I like and no showers, but the ride in was beautiful and it’s free. Good place for a stopover.
GuidePretty with clean bathrooms.
GuideSomething for everyone! Tent spots, RV spots, cabins, back country spots! Lots of recreation opportunities here too! The lakes are great!
GuideOn 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.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! This campground is new to the Dyrt and open for reservations through the Dyrt!
GuideThe campground is quite large with lots of things to explore. A lot of the roads, especially around the campsites were in need of repair. I had full hookup with 30 amp service, though not all of the sites have sewer. All of the lakeside sites are taken up by resident campers (of which there are a lot). I had absolutely no cell service through Verizon and my T-Mobile 5g internet had no reception either (even with a booster). Luckily, I was able to rely on my Starlink. A lot of the buildings looked like they had seen better days, but were maintained as well as they could be. Staff were nice and pleasant. Meriwether Lewis death/gravesite was nearby and interesting to check out. Not a whole lot else to do in the area. There is a low bridge (11ft) that you need to pass under to get onto the Natchez Trace Parkway. If you can’t fit, you have to take Napier road north several miles. There is a wal-mart in town about 20 or so minutes away.
GuideSo many bad reviews for this site. Complainers!! Yes big hills and horrible roads in the park, but your in the sticks, sooo.... Plenty level spots. Some Sites are full and some are partial hook-ups. Plenty spots w easy access and plenty not so easy. Wifi is available to purchase $25 for the week, no issues thus far. Beautiful location. Natchez Trace Pkwy has plenty to learn and explore!!! Cute, lively little towns nearby that have kept up that old town look with awesome shops! In Hohenwald there is an elephant sanctuary. It has a location in town to teach about that sanctuary (No elephants are kept there)
Ranger
Overall we enjoyed our stay at Cedar Point Campground.
Pros: Spacious sites, not very close together. Quiet and peaceful with beautiful views of Normandy Lake. Fishing, swimming and canoe/kayak rentals available. Friendly staff. Close to larger cities like Murfreesboro and about 15-20 mins to closest city for a quick store run. Fun Halloween event with trick or treating and contests for the kids!
Cons: The campground seems to be mostly seasonal campers, so there’s not a ton of interaction between guests or with hosts. Bathrooms were small and on the dirtier side. They were only cleaned once during our 3 weeks stay that we could tell. The on site store is very small and doesn’t offer too much. There’s no laundry available or playground for the kids.
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Ranger
The main campground is very nice. There are a lot of shaded, private spots, but some of the sites are a little close together. Some of them aren’t very level, so just keep that in mind!
The bathrooms are very clean, bright and heated in the winter. One of the bath houses has separate showers that are completely private.
There are many traditional hiking trails throughout the park, but there’s also paved paths circling around the campground as well.
The gift shop and visitors center was large and had a lot of useful things for sale, as well as kids toys and books. Our daughter really enjoyed it. The playgrounds are also very well maintained.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Culleoka, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Culleoka, TN is Southport Saltpeter Cave with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Culleoka, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Culleoka, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.