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Best Dispersed Camping near Franklin, TN

34 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Meriwether Lewis Campground provides free dispersed camping approximately 60 miles southwest of Franklin, Tennessee along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway. This National Park Service-managed site offers primitive camping in a forested setting with first-come, first-served sites. The area features both tent and RV camping options with drive-in and hike-in access available. A second dispersed option, Goose Island on J. Percy Priest Lake, is accessible only by boat and located northeast of Franklin.

Access to Meriwether Lewis Campground includes paved roads and parking areas with both pull-through and back-in sites. While no reservations are accepted, campers can stay for up to 14 days per year. The campground provides basic amenities including flush toilets, drinking water, and trash collection—unusual features for a free dispersed site. No electric hookups, showers, or dump stations are available. Goose Island requires boat transportation and offers truly primitive conditions with no facilities or services.

The camping experience at Meriwether Lewis combines natural surroundings with historical significance as the site where the famous explorer died in 1809. Several hiking trails connect to the campground, including sections of the original Natchez Trace and paths leading to small waterfalls. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds despite the lack of fees. "This is one of three free campgrounds that can be found along the Natchez Trace. After visiting all three, this one is by far the nicest," notes one camper. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors reporting encounters with non-venomous snakes, turtles, and various forest creatures.

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Franklin, TN

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Franklin, TN

34 Reviews of 2 Franklin Campgrounds

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    When you think FREE you probably don't think of sites THIS NICE!

    For My FULL VIDEO Of My Experience At This Campground CLICK HERE

    Following the winding a scenic Natchez Trace you begin to climb higher and higher into the beauty of the mountains. When I was making this trip in late August, I could already see the shifting of the leave in its most early stages and I could only imagine what it would be like only a month later.

    As I entered the park and followed the signs toward the campground I was very eager to see what this FREE site had to offer. I had discovered this site when searching youtube for things to do and someone suggested camping here because of the historic landmark in the park. After further research I discovered it was a pretty decently sized campground with semi primitive camping.

    I arrived at the camping loops and discovered two loops of camping each with differing sizes of spaces, some designed for pull through style RV parking and some for back in car parking. Spaces were large and while there were several people staying here it did not seem overly crowded.

    The first loop was much further from the restroom than the second, which also housed the campground host in his RV just as you entered the loop. He was welcoming with a smile and wave and I just felt like this was going to be a nice place to stay for the night.

    You can stay for up to 14 days at this location and I could easily see this being one of those stops you wouldn’t necessarily want to leave in a hurry because it was so peaceful. There were numerous hiking trails and a well landscaped creek area which made for a great place to come for day use as well.

    My site was pretty typical in that it had a fire ring and picnic table. The ground was semi level and very rough so camping in a tent I was happy to have brought a little padding. The restrooms were very nice and had both flush toilets and drinking water. They were well lit and for a minute when I walked in I wondered how on earth this was a free site because they were so nice.

    All was great until about 8 p.m. when some people pulled in after dark and weren’t quite sure how to set up their tent and were pretty loudly disagreeing with one another in debate of how to do so. But after they finally figured that out about an hour later the night was again left to the sounds of the cicadas and frogs.

    TIPS

    • If you are tent camping bring some kind of cushion on pad for your floor otherwise it will be a rough evening on the ground.
    • Bug spray is a must, the mosquitoes are thick here because of all the moisture of the forest and ticks can also be a problem during certain months.
    • Don’t tell all your friends, they will take over your secret little camping spot after they find out just how amazing this site really is!! (lol)
  • Kristina D.
    Apr. 25, 2021

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    It’s open!

    Great place and it’s FREE! Bathrooms and trash cans. This is dry camping - no electric/dump. Water at bathrooms

  • Jeremy A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 11, 2021

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    Great rest stop along the Natchez Trace

    One of three first come first serve free camps on the Trace. Potable water and flush toilets, fire rings and tables, pull through and back in sites. There’s relative privacy, though that’s largely dependent on seasonal deciduous canopy. The campground sits next to a creek cascade and some hiking trails, including part of the old Trace. The Trace today is a far cry from the early days of interstate travel with sunken roads, mud bogs, and bandits. The two-lane is closed to commercial traffic, making this a fun alternative route for a leisurely paced road trip.

    Hohenwald, the “High Forest”, holds an Oktoberfest heritage festival and craft fair highlighting the Swiss-German Community that was established here, which is an excellent opportunity to get a feel for the local culture. It was in nearby Grinder House on the night of October 11,1809 that the tragic last chapter in the life of Meriwether Lewis unfolded. Following the Corps of Discovery Expedition, Lewis had been appointed second governor of the Louisiana Territory, and turned his hand to expanding the road networks, negotiating treaties between Native American nations and managing the encroaching settlers moving west. In response to political infighting over his policies, including an expedition to return a Mandan chief to his people, the War Department refused to reimburse him for debts incurred in office, threatening personal financial ruin. The state of the mail led Washington to believe him incommunicado and, on the brink of insolvency, he set out to the Capitol with receipts to make his case. Rather than continuing by boat via New Orleans, Lewis elected to travel the Trace. After finishing a meal at the roadhouse and retiring to his room, shots rang out, and Lewis was discovered by the innkeeper’s family shortly before he passed away. Over a century of dispute followed, with competing narratives of suicide, robbery, and even assassination. His gravesite was lost among the final resting places of the pioneer cemetery, and a monument to one of the great explorers was later erected in his honor.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2021

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    Awesome free camping

    Boondocked here for the night.. got way more than expected! It was extremely clean. Flat, paved campsites with firepits, picnic tables, and trash cans. No water or bathrooms but a great little stop over for our trip west.

  • Sable A.
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    Free site

    Nice first come free camping location just off the Trace. Grounds seem to be keep up on every time I’ve been there.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 10, 2025

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    The best in free camping!

    This 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.

  • Joey S.
    Nov. 8, 2021

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    Historic

    Walk down the Natchez Trace, visit the grave of Meriwether Lewis, all around a good visit. No electric, first come first served free campground, show up early and you're good to go. Beautiful park to stay

  • Jeremy H.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    Camp Where An Explorer Died Mysteriously

    “Let’s go camping where one of the most remembered American explorers died a tragic death.” That’s probably not something I would have said before visiting the Meriwether Lewis Campground near Hohenwald, Tennessee. This campground is amazing. First, its setting couldn’t be anymore beautiful being nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of central Tennessee. The campground is filled with tall, stately oak trees that provide great, all day shade and shelter from the sun. It was hypnotizing listening to the wind from a summer storm swoosh through them. The sites are tent, car camper, and RV friendly though if you are staying in a tent you might have to be selective about which site you choose. Some are rocky and have quite a slant. Site 16, the one we chose to call home for the night, would not have made a good tent site at all even though it offered a breath-taking view of a cool, green hollow. Each site has a fire ring with an attached grill. The rings are about three feet wide and around 18 inches deep. They rest on a concrete slab. Camp parking is asphalt as are all the roads that wind through the park. All sites are within walking distance of a fully functional and positively clean bathroom that is cleaned regularly. You will need to bring your own soap to the bathroom though. The park doesn’t supply it or paper towels. Each campsite also has a secure trash can that is emptied daily(late in the evening during our stay). The campground is full of wildlife so it's nice to know they won’t be feasting on full trash cans. We shared our campsite with a pleasant and oddly curious Tennessee Rough Green Snake or Vine Snake. He enjoyed hunting bugs in the leaf litter at our campsite, and for about an hour, my son Oz and I enjoyed watching him on the hunt. We also saw a box turtle speeding down one of the many trails located within walking distance of the campground. The campground had three rounds of campers arrive on Friday night, July 5. The early campers who arrived between 2PM and 6PM, the after-work campers arriving just before sunset, and the evening crowd that arrived after sunset. The after-sunset crowd made a quick camp and went right to sleep. The camp has fresh water sources scattered throughout the campground including water fountains and spigots. Park staff were welcoming and hard working as you can instantly tell by the overall tidiness of the entire park. You may want to grab supplies before you head into camp since the two nearest towns are a few miles from the camp: Hohenwald (8 miles) and Summertown (11 miles). There is no store in the park or vending machines. You will also need to purchase firewood or be willing to walk to get it. The campground is well used so most sites only have twigs available. We lucked out and found some charred wood in unused campsites that supplemented our kindling we found while hiking. Overall, this is a great family campground. Access to the park isn’t restricted at night so you may want to make sure you carry a light with you as you walk around the campground in the dark. There is a lot of after dark traffic and you want to make sure you can be seen by other campers driving to the bathroom or the occasional guest who might just be driving through. I look forward to going back again soon. This is a five star park.

  • Devin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    Hey, It’s Free

    I 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.

Guide to Franklin

Meriwether Lewis Campground offers free camping near Franklin, Tennessee, approximately 60 miles southwest along the Natchez Trace Parkway. The campground sits at an elevation of about 790 feet and experiences moderate seasonal changes with summer highs averaging 90°F and winter lows around 30°F. The terrain features rolling hills with mixed hardwood forests predominant in the area, creating natural separation between campsites despite limited underbrush.

What to do

Explore historic trails: The campground connects to several hiking paths that feature unique historical elements. "I like campgrounds that kind of feel like you are in the backcountry and this is exactly what this felt like! There was stuff about Meriwether Lewis, like the cabin he died in (weird I know, but kinda cool, right?!)," notes Jessica L.

Waterfall hikes: Multiple trails lead to small waterfalls within walking distance of the campground. "Pretty water falls not far from the camp site. Trails to hike that are challenging but not too hard for kids of multiple ages. History and adventure!" according to Brittni F.

Canoe to island campsites: For a completely different experience, paddlers can access boat-in only camping at Goose Island on J. Percy Priest Lake northeast of Franklin. "This is a really great place to camp if you have a way to boat out to the island. We use a canoe since it's only a quarter mile or so paddle," explains Brandon.

What campers like

Well-maintained facilities: Despite being free, the campground receives consistent care. "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," reports Lara M.

Quality site features: The campground offers amenities typically found at paid sites. "There are many concrete parking spots for RVs and spots for camping. The parking spot also has a Littering box and a table," says Len L. about Meriwether Lewis Campground.

Scenic surroundings: The natural setting provides an unexpected escape. "I did not expect to find something like this in Tennessee! It is a cute little campground with clean bathrooms nearby. There are picnic tables and fire pits at each site. The road to get there was majestic under the stars," shares Seanna M.

What you should know

Trail navigation challenges: The network of trails can become confusing. "Careful on the hiking trails though, many cross paths with no directions on how to get back to camp. We wondered around for a few hours before making it out," cautions Ashley R.

Wildlife encounters: While camping at Goose Island, prepare for wildlife visitors. "The only down side (at least when we were there) is the raccoons. They will come up really close at night begging for food. They're harmless though," notes Brandon.

Site selection timing: During peak seasons, arriving early improves chances of securing a spot. "As busy as it was I still found a quiet spot. Level pads, table and fire ring at all the sites," mentions David R. about Meriwether Lewis Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Bathroom facilities: For families with young children, the improved restrooms are valuable. "Good bathhouse with flush toilets and cold water sink. No Shower. Great for tent camping," explains Anita C.

Site spacing considerations: Some areas offer more privacy than others. "Spots have some space between them but sparse trees for separation. Clean, well maintained, quiet," observes Tiel M.

Trail difficulty levels: The hiking options accommodate different age groups. "Trails to hike that are challenging but not too hard for kids of multiple ages," says Brittni F., making this free camping option near Franklin appealing for family outings.

Tips from RVers

Concrete pad availability: The campground accommodates various RV sizes with prepared surfaces. "There are many concrete parking spots for RVs and spots for camping," notes Len L.

Basic amenities without hookups: While offering some conveniences, RVers should prepare for dry camping. "Free water in various places, garbage cans by your site, numbered sites, paved driveways and parking spaces... and a bathroom building with multiple flush toilets for each sex and sinks with running water," explains Lara M., highlighting the unusual level of amenities for no-cost dispersed camping near Franklin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Franklin, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Franklin, TN is Meriwether Lewis Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 33 reviews.

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