18 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites around Duck River, Tennessee range from primitive backcountry sites to walk-in tent campgrounds with basic amenities. Southport Saltpeter Cave, located 12 miles south of Columbia, offers historic cave exploration combined with primitive tent camping opportunities. Bells Bend Park provides walk-in tent camping with sites situated in wooded areas that require campers to pack in their gear.
Most tent campgrounds in the region have minimal amenities, requiring proper preparation. Sites at Bells Bend Park include firewood but lack flush toilets, with only a portapotty available in the parking area. Campers should bring adequate water supplies as drinking water is limited at many locations. Fire rings and picnic tables are common at established sites, but trash removal follows a pack-it-out policy. According to reviews, Long Hunter State Park primitive campsites sit directly by the water, providing convenient filtration sources, though campers should be prepared for ticks and insects. Sites typically cost $10-11 per night for residents and non-residents respectively.
The backcountry tent camping experience varies significantly by location. Long Hunter State Park features wooded trails with abundant wildlife including deer and turkeys. One camper noted that "even though 6 miles is quite the hike for a young Girl Scout Troop just to reach our Campsite it was beyond worth it!" Walk-in tent sites often provide more seclusion and natural settings than drive-in options. The primitive sites at Southport Saltpeter Cave complement cave tours with rustic camping surrounded by natural terrain. At Long Hunter State Park, campsites along the lake offer swimming access from flat rocks, though summer visitors should bring sufficient insect repellent. The quieter primitive areas typically attract hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking less developed camping experiences away from RV areas.
"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
"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."
"No drive up. Pack it in, pack it out. Firewood provided. Call the outdoor center for availability. Campground is open year round."
"Bells Bend Park is close to the city but nature all around. Farmland with spots of woodland. Primitive camping , in the trees on a hill. Group only. There are some tables and some fire rings."
from $10 - $11 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $30 / night
Check Availability"Whooping Crane Farm is located In such a great spot, just outside Nashville, it is easy to get to, but convenient to everything. The camp spot is fantastic!"
"The property is 12 minutes from downtown Nashville, making it a perfect Glamping location. Being close to great restaurants is definitely a plus."
from $100 / night
Check Availability"Primitive campsite 1 has 3 long log benches and a grill. It is located directly by the water, so you have a water filtration source at your finger tips."
"Long Hunter State Park Primitive Campsites are my kinda camping."
from $25 - $45 / night
"Stayed overnight at the boat ramp in a large quiet lot next to the reservoir surrounded by trees. A few cars were in the lot in the morning but I didn’t hear a sound. There are no services here."
"Easy to get to, ample room between campers, close to local shopping."
from $60 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Most campgrounds in Tennessee are buried in the woods, but not this yurt campsite at Ray of Hope. "
RangerThe 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.
LegendStopped for one afternoon and night on our way through. Driving in through da hood you get a questionable feeling but, once through the gate and checked in this is a fantastic little campground! We picked an awesome site- number 8 is a huge pull through with water and electric, a grill, prep table, picnic table, and fire ring with grill. The site has its own path and private lake access. The lake is rocky here but we had no trouble walking in and swimming with our Crocs on. All sites in this small loop campground are great and very large. There is some erosion and there was some trash near the lake that we gladly cleaned up. Overall a fantastic place to camp.
TravelerWhile the facilities are limited, we enjoyed being here. We were in site 25 with the river right behind us. 50A power and water, dump on the way out. Concrete pad, level, picnic table, fire ring and a trash can at every site. The road in is small and winding, nighttime driving is difficult. Senior pass got us in for just $12 a night. Boat ramp close by. Would certainly stay here again.
TravelerThis place is a gem! You can stay for 14 days each year because, let's face it, it's too nice for them to let people hog it. Free water in various places, garbage cans by your site, numbered sites, paved driveways and parking spaces, manicured and litter-controlled park, and a bathroom building with multiple flush toilets for each sex and sinks with running water! These are in at least two places. Picnic tables and fire rings with lift-off on a hinge grates.
GuideI 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.
LegendWe are RTT campers and chose this place on a whim as the rest of the local tent camping spots closed on October 1st. We were lucky to find they had space available. However, it should be noted that this is more of an RV campground, the traditional tent sites are right by the gate and not very private. The RV slot we were given backed up to a green space that has grazing deer from time to time. The site did not have a fire ring or a picnic table and was a little far from the bathrooms, but it did have power and water available. That being said the bathrooms were extremely tidy, well heated, and the water pressure in the showers was amazing! The other RV’ers were super friendly and the staff was very helpful in our stay and responsive to our request for availability.
GuideSpent two nights here for Labor Day 2020. We stayed on the center strip in the primitive area. The facilities were well maintained and clean. Each site has a concrete picnic table, fire ring, and a moveable lantern hook. The primitive area has several water spigots to use (near each restroom and a few in between).
The outer loop sites all have electric and water hookups, but the restrooms are all on the upper level where the primitive sites are. If you don’t have your own bathroom, it’s a bit of a hill to climb and there’s only a couple spots to do it.
Overall, we loved it and we’ll be back for sure.
ScoutWe took our three kids tent camping overnight and we had a great time! All roads and campsites are paved so the kids all road bikes easily! No electric at sites but there are water spigots periodically placed through the campground. Bathrooms were very clean. No showers. Overall we were very happy!
GuideCampground is peaceful really good area next to the duck River no electric or water unless you have a camper the state park is across the street what the millions and play areas for the kids with a hotel restaurant in ground pool
Tent camping near Duck River, Tennessee provides access to primitive sites with varying terrain and natural features. The region sits within the Highland Rim physiographic province, characterized by karst topography with limestone caves, sinkholes, and underground streams. Summer temperatures average 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperatures between 55-75°F.
Cave exploration at Southport Saltpeter Cave: Located 12 miles south of Columbia, this historic cave offers guided tours combined with primitive camping. According to Buddy B., the site provides "cave tours, primitive camping, hiking, and exploring." Daniel L. shared that his group "enjoyed this rough camping trip and Spelunking with our Royal Ambassador boys (1st to 9th grade)."
Fishing opportunities: The region offers multiple water bodies for anglers. At Whooping Crane Farm, Lori H. noted, "There is a pond on the property, which the host, Ellen, allowed us to fish in." For lake fishing at Long Hunter State Park Campground, campers can access multiple shoreline areas.
Stargazing: Tennessee's rural areas provide excellent night sky viewing. Jeremy H. describes Ray of Hope Guest Ranch and Horse Motel: "The yurt sets on the side of a beautiful Tennessee Hill offering almost a complete view of the nighttime sky. We watched the moon rise over a hill directly in front of the campsite, and we even saw a brilliant shooting star blaze across the sky for what seems like an eternity."
Secluded waterfront sites: Several primitive camping areas offer direct water access. At Long Hunter State Park Campground, Mandy C. describes, "Primitive campsite 1 has 3 long log benches and a grill. It is located directly by the water, so you have a water filtration source at your finger tips. It is a great swimming spot with flat rocks to hang out on."
Wildlife viewing: The forests around tent sites in the Duck River area support diverse animal populations. DrDavid P. noted at Long Hunter State Park Campground: "I saw so many deer and turkeys I finally quit taking pics of them. There's also a really nice paved trail around the lake for the kids or handicapped folks."
Island camping options: For more adventurous tent campers, J. Percy Priest Reservoir provides boat-in access to island camping. Charlotte B. reports: "Boated in and camped on an island," though she cautions about potential noise from other campers.
Limited facilities at most sites: Primitive camping requires proper preparation. At Bells Bend Park, Krista A. notes: "No drive up. Pack it in, pack it out. Firewood provided. Call the outdoor center for availability. Campground is open year round. Portapotty in the parking lot or hike to the outdoor center for flushing toilets and running water."
Insect preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes are prevalent, especially in summer months. Mandy C. warns about Long Hunter State Park Campground: "It was the most ticks any of us had seen, including tiny seed ticks. We left with multiple bites, and were constantly picking them off each other and our gear."
Reservation requirements: Most tent camping areas require advance booking. For Bells Bend Park, Krista A. explains the cost structure: "10.00 a night per site for Davidson Co. residents, $11.00 a night per site for out of County residents, you can reserve all 10 sites for $50.00."
Choose appropriate hiking distances: When tent camping with children, consider trail lengths carefully. At Long Hunter State Park Campground, Sasha R. shared: "Even though 6 miles is quite the hike for a young Girl Scout Troop just to reach our Campsite it was beyond worth it!"
Look for educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer programming suitable for children. Shelly S. notes that Bells Bend Park "offers a lot of programs to base your camping around. The trails are through farmland and bike friendly."
Consider weather patterns: Tennessee summers can be extremely hot and humid, making spring and fall better for family tent camping. Jeremy H. suggests: "If it's hot outside, you might want to bring a battery operated fan" when staying at Ray of Hope Guest Ranch.
Limited RV options near Duck River: Most camping in this region focuses on tent camping, with few developed RV sites. James C. notes that J. Percy Priest Reservoir offers "ample room between campers, close to local shopping," making it one of the more accessible options for those with recreational vehicles.
Consider glamping alternatives: For those wanting comfort without full RV hookups, several sites offer alternative accommodations. Nate H. describes Whooping Crane Farm: "The canvas tent was decorated nicely, with some cool lanterns and a wood burning stove. There was a battery powered fan, that lasted most of the night. The bed was comfortable for glamping."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Duck River, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Duck River, TN is Southport Saltpeter Cave with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Duck River, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Duck River, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
