Henry Horton State Park Campground provides several camping and glamping options approximately 30 miles from Fosterville, Tennessee. The area sits at 700-800 feet elevation with a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for occasional freezing temperatures and limited seasonal facilities.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Henry Horton State Park has multiple trail options including backcountry sites. "The backcountry campsites are just a short trek from the camp store, the hike itself follows the river. We only saw one other couple and no one else was staying at the second site so it was such a secluded weekend," notes one visitor at Henry Horton State Park.
Winter camping excursions: Several campgrounds operate year-round for off-season adventures. A camper at Cedars of Lebanon State Park reports, "Enjoyable stay. The campground is well maintained with plenty of shade at the sites. The bathrooms are nice and warm in the winter and clean." Winter visits offer quieter experiences with properly maintained facilities.
Water recreation: Access to lakes and rivers provides multiple water activities. According to a visitor at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, "The campground itself borders the duck river and is absolutely stunning. The hiking trails are well maintained so hiking to the three waterfall's inside the park is a mild hike."
What campers like
Platform camping: Some parks offer unique elevated camping experiences. "The sites are tiered and you will get a workout if your walking from one level to the next, which if you need the showerhouse, you will be on certain tiers," explains a visitor at Edgar Evins State Park. These wooden platforms accommodate tents and small RVs while providing lake views.
Wildlife encounters: Campers frequently report deer sightings and birdwatching opportunities. At River Road RV Park, one camper noted, "There's some wildlife to enjoy—rabbits, birds, squirrels—and even a couple of mini ponies in the pasture." Natural encounters enhance the glamping experience close to Fosterville.
Extended stay options: Many locations support longer visits. "For several months while living in TN, we spent almost every weekend at Henry Horton State Park. It's not quite an hour from Nashville. We always got a primitive site, shady site. I was never disappointed by any of our sites and never felt cramped," shares a regular visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Fall and spring offer the most comfortable temperatures. At Rvino - The Broken Banjo, previously Manchester KOA, a visitor notes: "We vistited in the off season (Nov 24)- the bathrooms were clean, the sites were quiet and it was beautiful. Some sites are level, some aren't."
Cell service challenges: Several campgrounds have limited connectivity. At Whispering Oaks Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "Their wifi is very slow and hardly any cell service. They do have a nice pool and a cute barn. They have a nice place for the kids to play in the field with a play ground."
Site selection considerations: Campground layouts vary significantly. At Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, visitors advise, "Pick your site wisely though I noticed some sites sitting in water." Elevation and drainage become particularly important during rainy periods.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible adventures: Some parks offer specially designed family experiences. At Whispering Oaks Campground, a visitor observed, "Pros: staff is very nice and responsive. Large field and playground for the kiddos. Swimming pool looked nice. Hookups worked just fine. All sites are shady with trees."
Bike-friendly locations: Several parks accommodate cycling within the campground. A visitor at Henry Horton noted, "Plenty of places for the kiddos to ride their bikes. We loved it here and will definitely return."
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences. At Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, a camper shared, "This park is known for its archeology, but don't miss the beautiful waterfalls. Be sure to enjoy the museum and the hiking trails."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV campsites vary in size and layout. A camper at Cedar Point Campground reported, "Cedar point campground it's a little interesting getting to it but it is beautiful once you get there. There are 10 campsites that are lakeside six of those having 50 amps. The sites are pulled through with electric and water there is a dump station provided."
Work-friendly amenities: Some locations support remote work. At Henry Horton State Park, an RVer shared, "We stayed at this campground recently and because the wifi coverage and speed was so good was actually able to 'work from home' here. We were on site 18 and it was very level, paved and double wide."
Off-season considerations: Winter camping requires preparation. A visitor at Cedar Point noted, "Great December sleep in go as we headed south. Clean campground and beautiful scenery...will return outside winter season." Some amenities like swimming pools close seasonally.
