Searching for a tent camping spot near Dickson? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Dickson, including sites, reviews, and tips. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
$10 - $11 / night
$100 / 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.
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 sunset
Pet Policy
Leashed pets are allowed on this site.
This primitive site has a beautiful view of the lake. From the Pilot Knob trailhead, this shelter is approximately 4 miles. It sits atop the ridges of the Campground Road Trail, overlooking Kentucky Lake. There is no water available. You should pack in what you need. The shelter is fully enclosed and provides ample room for two hikers and gear. The shelter is 8'x10'. Please call visitor center for additional details. Coordinates listed here are for the entrance to the park.
Located on the Chester Hollow Trail, this shelter sits atop a very steep hill. The trail elevation rises 150 feet in under one-quarter of a mile. Consult with a ranger if you are not confident of your ability to complete such an ascent. Water may be filtered from the creek at the base of the hill on which the shelter is located, but it is highly recommended to pack in your own. There is a fire ring. The distance to the shelter is 2.95 miles. There is room for two tents and an eight person limit. Please call visitor center for additional details. Coordinates listed here are for the entrance to the park.
It is 4.50-miles to this shelter from the Pilot Knob trailhead. The nearest creek is 5/8th of a mile away. It is highly recommended to pack in your water. There is a fire ring. There is a 14 person limit and room for five tents. Please call visitor center for additional details. Coordinates listed here are for the entrance to the park.
This primitive site has a beautiful view of the lake. From the Pilot Knob trailhead, this shelter is approximately 3.75 miles. It sits atop the ridges of the Campground Road Trail, overlooking Kentucky Lake. There is no water available. You should pack in what you need. The shelter is fully enclosed and provides ample room for two hikers and gear. The shelter is 8'x10'. Please call visitor center for additional details. Coordinates listed here are for the entrance to the park.
$10 / night
$10 / night
Legend
Our GPS brought us right to this KOA resort near the Grand Old Opry. Check-in was fairly quick and we were escorted to pull through site J-2 with FHUs and KOA patio. The utilities are more to the front of the site with two sewer connections. We had decent water pressure. This campground (CG) has a lot of mature trees that would make satellite iffy depending on the site. We got 4 bars on Verizon and used our MiFi versus Starlink for our overnight stay. The KOA WiFi was very good when we tried it. The CG has the upgraded sites, cabins, and amenities to include a shuttle bus stop to make this a true resort. However, there are sections of, as they say around here,“residents that have been here a minute.” For the most part their areas are clean, but when someone starts their old diesel truck up at 3:45 AM for 15 minutes before going to work it takes away from the resort ambiance. There’s also a lot of interstate noise. The playground area across from us went crazy with kids running around and screaming with no adult supervision. The office staff was very nice and helpful. We stopped by the office to let them know that one of our sewer connections was missing a cap. The issue was fixed before we go back to our campsite. The gift shop at the office is well stocked with sundry items and souvenirs. Overall, this KOA was a pleasant experience.
Ranger
I spent 8 nights here. Almost everyday some huge rig would pull up in front of what little view I had and block me out completely. I was lucky if I had a few daylight hours of a view of the sky and trees.Most people left early in the morning. Even for the thanksgiving week that was a lot of activity. And I would think that since I booked 8 nights up front they would put be some place quiet and secluded. I got just the opposite. Fuel stations and restaurants nearby. My experience with KOAs is turning into just a stream of places you should only sleep at and get F out.
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.
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
We cook, kayak, camp, & fish. It has a peaceful family atmosphere, beautiful sunsets*, clean grounds & bathhouse , safe & secure sights, gated at night and patrolled daily by Sherrifs Dept.
Scout
Pet friendly great place to stay 50 and 30 amp full hookups free WiFi
Scout
Price ok, friendly staff, facilities ok, live music and shuttle service togo downtown. That’s all we need.
ScoutThe owners are super helpful
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!!!
GuideWe stayed two nights. In a perfect world, I would give Two Rivers only four stars because the scenery isn't much. But given where they are located, crammed in with two other RV parks and a Camping World all next to the highway, there isn't any way to make things better.
The people are super friendly and helpful. The sites, though small, are clean and well maintained. The electricity and water both worked as they should. We ended up with a site without sewer so had to use the dump station but that was easy to access and clean.
We will definitely stay at Two Rivers Campground the next time we come to Nashville.
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.
Guide
Close to the marina it's a hard walk uphill both ways to the bathroom but they are very nice and well kept. Big open areas for children to play overall very good state park campground
Guide
Beautiful view of the river and water access but the bad smells coming from the factory across the river is almost unbearable at times the EPA needs to. come do an air quality test when they release whatever it is
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.
Travelernice staff
restrooms o.k.
over 90 Dollars with 3 Kids 🫣
loud (near the street).
Not our place, but good to explore the city with a cheap Shuttle to downtown.
GuideNice location just off the Trace! Nice free getaway spot with plenty to do around.
Guide
Piney Campground is part of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. It is wildly popular among locals and travelers alike. Lots to do for kids - bike paths, basketball court, multiple playgrounds, etc. Beautiful views of Kentucky Lake/Tennessee River, nice campground store.
Scout
Senior Pass $12/night. Wide, level campsite on the water. Very nice and well kept. Great Starlink access.
ScoutUgh, I hate to write bad reviews...but this was, to us, such a bad experience, from what I call deceptive pricing, to location within camp, no signage/direction locators, crowding, safety issues, and more. 1) Our"delux" cabin was located/surrounded in a row filled with BIG RVs. 2) There was no signage/location indicators at the dark row corners or roads within park. It is even hard to identify what are actually road at night so finding it at night amongst the HUGH RVs was horrific! 3) There was no sidewalks or places to walk except on the one lane roads...this is unsafe for kids, especially if you have to go out at night. 4) The"Deluxe" cabin is small, but tha bathtub is REALLY small. More of a small kids tub. 5) Air conditioner is across from foot of bed. The grid on the front of ours was broken, so the air came straight at us on bed, made the bed sheets feel moist and uncomfortable to sleep on. 6) Sun shines in from window above tub into room blinding you, we had to stuff a towel over it. 7) Crowding. Spaces are small, so there are BIG RVs boxing you in everywhere. 8) Floor tiles are warped on edges, you can tell animals have went to the bathroom on them. 9) Floor was dirty (room itself was clean and looked good and so was the bed sheets) 10) Pricing, to me, was deceptive, see my receipt. In making the reservation online, I put 2 adults and 2 pets. It came up$182.69 as a total and I paid that. There is a note that other charges for"additional" adults, pets, etc may apply. It says"additional" not that they don't charge you for your pets until you get there. So I had to pay an additional $58...making my total for the night almost $250. Would never stay again!
GuideOnly negative is you must bring your own fireplace and it must be raised off the ground. Parking with our truck and trailer was a little awkward, we were a little too long for the spot we were in and the person next to us had the same issue. The staff was super friendly and everything was well kept. Everything else was pretty much everything you’d expect from an rv park. There’s a $10 round trip shuttle that takes you to downtown Nashville from the campground parking lot which is super convenient!
Guide
If you want a small affordable campground this is your place. The shower house could use for some regular cleaning. I’m not sure it was cleaned at all the time we were there. Not much to do in the area but fish unless you really want to explore outside of the campground.
I learned after our time there our site is the worst with bugs. I thought the bugs were just extra because it had rained a lot but a friend told me to never book that site bc the bugs are always backs there. Our site also gets all the rain drained from the upper site. When we checked in the host did prepare us our site would flood for a few areas since rain was expected.
The sunsets were fabulous!
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.
ScoutExcellent in all ways. Even had entertainment each night. Very helpful staff.
ScoutCampground is well marked and super friendly people. Fire pits at every spot.
RangerAwesome KOA campground, well located with easy access to all that Nashville has to offer. Campground is clean with tons of amenities, great pool, playgrounds, etc. We stayed in campsite and my elderly parents stayed in cabin, which worked out great. Would definitely return
Tent camping near Dickson, Tennessee offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dickson, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dickson, TN is Bells Bend Park with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Dickson, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Dickson, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.