Tent camping near Fairview, Tennessee provides access to several primitive and established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Bells Bend Park offers walk-in tent sites with a true backcountry feel despite being just 20 minutes from Nashville. Long Hunter State Park Campground features highly-rated primitive tent campsites along Percy Priest Lake, with year-round availability. Camp Nashville Highland Rim provides tent-only camping with 8 designated sites in a natural setting that allows campers to enjoy the outdoors while remaining close to urban amenities.
Most tent campgrounds in the Fairview area require some preparation for primitive conditions. Bells Bend Park features 10 walk-in tent sites with a pack-in, pack-out policy and provides firewood on site. Portable toilets are available in the parking area, with flushing facilities at the outdoor center. Long Hunter State Park's primitive tent sites require water filtration for those camping near the lake, as potable water sources are limited. Campers should prepare for ticks and insects, particularly during summer months. Fire rings are available at most sites, though fire bans may be implemented during dry periods.
The backcountry tent camping experience around Fairview offers unique opportunities to connect with nature. According to reviews, Long Hunter State Park provides excellent wildlife viewing, with campers reporting frequent sightings of deer and wild turkeys along wooded trails. One visitor noted, "If you enjoy carrying all your essentials on your back and sucking your water through a filtered straw then this is the camping/backpacking park for you." Bells Bend Park campers appreciate the contrast of primitive tent camping with proximity to Nashville, with one reviewer describing it as "close to the city but nature all around." Sites at Bells Bend cost $10-11 per night depending on residency, with Davidson County residents receiving a slight discount.
$10 - $11 / night
"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."
$100 / night
"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."
"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."
$60 - $75 / 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."
$10 / night
"Southport Saltpeter Cave is a historic cave located 12 miles south of Columbia TN. We offer cave tours, primitive camping, hiking, and exploring."
$75 / night
"Old Hickory Beach Day Use Area is not what I would consider a hidden gem..that being said if you like swimming in lake water this is a nice enough area."
$32 - $45 / night
"I had a chance to talk with the owner at Camp Nashville and learned that due to city regulations, it can be difficult to find camping this close to the city. "
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.
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.
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.
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!
ScoutI pulled in really late to tent camp. Richard, the owner came down and checked me in. Such a chill spot to set up for the night. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a spot to rest for the night. Not real sure how many tent sites he has but the one I am at right now is super close to the showers and the main office which is cool for a couple reasons. Convenience and safety! Check this place out for sure!
Tent camping options near Fairview, Tennessee include several primitive sites and established grounds within a 30-mile radius of town. The area sits within the Highland Rim geographical region at elevations between 650-1,000 feet, creating diverse camping terrain from wooded hillsides to riverside settings. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with temperatures between 50-75°F.
Water activities: At Stones River Getaway, campers have direct access to water recreation with 5 tent sites positioned near the riverbank. This smaller campground offers a more intimate setting compared to larger state parks in the region.
Cave exploration: Southport Saltpeter Cave provides guided tours with camping privileges. One visitor noted, "Enjoyed this rough camping trip and Spelunking with our Royal Ambassador boys (1st to 9th grade). Buddy gives a guided tour along with camping privilege's."
Wildlife observation: The primitive sites at Long Hunter State Park Campground feature excellent woodland habitats. A reviewer mentioned, "Basic Tennessee woodland and animals. I liked this area much more than the main park." The park's multiple trails offer various wildlife viewing opportunities.
Riverside camping: Whooping Crane Farm receives praise for its waterfront location. According to one review: "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! Right on the Cumberland River, the spot is very secluded, and plenty of space for a group."
Proximity to Nashville: Camp Nashville Highland Rim offers tent-only camping with 8 designated sites that allow for convenient day trips into the city. As noted by one visitor: "At Camp Nashville, you can make day trips to the city and come back to your cozy campsite after a day exploring the city!"
Swimming access: Some of the best tent camping near Fairview, Tennessee includes swimming options. One camper at Long Hunter State Park noted, "It is a great swimming spot with flat rocks to hang out on," referring to Primitive campsite 1.
Insect preparation: Ticks can be problematic, especially during warmer months. A Long Hunter State Park visitor warned: "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."
Water filtration needs: For those camping at primitive sites, water purification equipment is essential. As one experienced camper at Long Hunter stated: "If you enjoy carrying all your essentials on your back and sucking your water through a filtered straw then this is the camping/backpacking park for you!"
Fire regulations: Fire rules vary by location, with some sites providing wood and others requiring you bring your own. At Bells Bend Park, "Firewood provided. Call the outdoor center for availability."
Easy hiking options: Bells Bend Park features family-friendly trails through varied terrain. A reviewer mentioned, "The park offers a lot of programs to base your camping around. The trails are through farmland and bike friendly."
Beach access: Old Hickory Beach offers swimming areas suitable for families with children. A visitor noted: "Boat ramp, fishing, picnic and beach areas, no camping. 5$ for beach access and no dogs in the beach area."
Group reservations: For family reunions or large gatherings, some campgrounds offer group bookings. At Bells Bend Park, "you can reserve all 10 sites for $50.00," which provides excellent value for family camping near Fairview, Tennessee.
Limited RV options: Most camping near Fairview focuses on tent camping with few dedicated RV sites. At Smith Springs, one camper mentioned: "The camping is normal. Nothing special, but perfectly adequate. All you need and nothing more. The spots are beautiful though. Right on the water."
Water access for boats: Percy Priest Lake offers boat-in camping opportunities with island sites. A reviewer shared: "Boated in and camped on an island. Only drawback was the other campers on the island blaring music until 3 AM."
Proximity to supplies: When RV camping isn't available, some tent sites offer good access to nearby towns. One camper at Smith Springs noted it was "close to local shopping," making it convenient to restock supplies during longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fairview, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fairview, TN is Bells Bend Park with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Fairview, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Fairview, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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