Best Tent Camping near Franklin, TN

Searching for a tent campsite near Franklin? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Franklin campgrounds for you and your tent. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Franklin campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Franklin, TN (16)

    Camper-submitted photo from Long Hunter State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Hunter State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Hunter State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Hunter State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Hunter State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Hunter State Park Campground

    1. Long Hunter State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    59 Photos
    126 Saves
    J Percy Priest Lake, Tennessee

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Bells Bend Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bells Bend Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bells Bend Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bells Bend Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bells Bend Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bells Bend Park

    2. Bells Bend Park

    3 Reviews
    20 Photos
    68 Saves
    Pegram, Tennessee
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $10 - $11 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Whooping Crane Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Whooping Crane Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Whooping Crane Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Whooping Crane Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Whooping Crane Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Whooping Crane Farm

    3. Whooping Crane Farm

    2 Reviews
    24 Photos
    50 Saves
    Ashland City, Tennessee
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $100 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Springs

    4. Smith Springs

    2 Reviews
    13 Photos
    24 Saves
    La Vergne, Tennessee

    Overview

    Smith Springs Recreation Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands.

    Recreation

    The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities to choose from, including fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass, and white bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers. Nearby Anderson Road Fitness Trail is a paved trail winding a little over a mile through the cedar glade area beside the lake.

    Facilities

    Smith Springs Recreation Area offers a large group shelter for day use and can accommodate up to 50 guests. There is limited parking suitable only for 12 vehicles.

    Natural Features

    J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its justification. The dam, completed in 1968, impounds 42 miles, with 14,200 surface acres of water. In soothing contrast to the sparkling waters of the lake are the adjacent 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands. A highlight of the region, the Cedar Glades Natural Area, is home to countless wildlife and plant species, including the Tennessee coneflower.

    Nearby Attractions

    J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors countless cultural activities and the conveniences of a metro area.

    • Electric Hookups
    • Tents
    • Group

    $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cook - J. Percy Priest Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Cook - J. Percy Priest Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Cook - J. Percy Priest Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Cook - J. Percy Priest Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Cook - J. Percy Priest Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Cook - J. Percy Priest Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Stones River Getaway
    Camper-submitted photo from Stones River Getaway
    Camper-submitted photo from Stones River Getaway
    Camper-submitted photo from Stones River Getaway
    Camper-submitted photo from Stones River Getaway
    Camper-submitted photo from Stones River Getaway

    6. Stones River Getaway

    1 Review
    17 Photos
    10 Saves
    Murfreesboro, Tennessee

    Our beautiful setting overlooks the West Fork of the Stones River. With walk-in access to the water, the camp is perfect for exploring a thriving river system (2, 6, and 8 mile floats are easy since take-out points are just up the road a piece or just paddle up and down the river, depending on the rains). The river is wadable most of the year. Smallmouth and seasonal trout make for easy fishing. The river is home to an abundance of birds, turtles, and fur-bearing friends.

    The tent is equipped with a queen bed, sheets and blankets, a heater for the colder nights and fans for the warmer ones. We have an additional pop up tent that can accommodate 2 people, however you will need to bring a sleeping bag. We also have space for more pop-up tents, so if you have a bigger group there will be plenty of space to spread out. The tent is off-grid but we provide battery operated lights, a charging power bank and the ability to use electric plugs outside our house if there is a real need.

    Two rock beaches on our property are across from a river island! Beyond that is a small creek and 190 acres of vacant land.

    In case you run out of Lunchables, we have several methods for camp cooking with fire or our dual-fuel Coleman stove. Keep your refreshments fresh all weekend with our big Coleman cooler.

    If you don't feel like cooking, Downtown Nashville (40 minutes) and Murfreesboro (15 minutes) are close for campers needing an escape from nature. Last minute supplies are just minutes away.

    We provide board games, outdoor games, kayaks for rent, tubes for rent, fishing gear for rent and other seasonal amenities!

    Because the location is very convenient, it also comes with passing cars and the hum of I-840 in the distance mingling harmoniously with the babbling brook. The groundhogs and kingfishers don't seem to mind it too much.

    Please let us know if you need an earlier check in or later check out. We will always try to accommodate if we can.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Tent Cabin

    $112 - $160 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Southport Saltpeter Cave
    Camper-submitted photo from Southport Saltpeter Cave
    Camper-submitted photo from Southport Saltpeter Cave
    Camper-submitted photo from Southport Saltpeter Cave
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Hickory Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Hickory Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Hickory Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Hickory Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Hickory Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Hickory Beach

    8. Old Hickory Beach

    1 Review
    22 Photos
    13 Saves
    Hendersonville, Tennessee

    Overview

    Old Hickory Beach sits along the lengthy shoreline of Old Hickory Lake. The day-use area is perfect for visitors looking to spend a day on the lake or lounging on the beach. Entertaining is easy with a large group picnic shelter accommodating up to 100 guests and grills for cooking out. Birders can find a mix of waterfowl, wading birds, migratory songbirds and the occasional Blue heron or Snowy egret. Other wildlife in the area includes wild turkey, rabbits and white-tailed deer.

    Recreation

    Swimming and sailing are popular activities on the lake, while anglers will find an abundant population of catfish, crappie and bass for exceptional bank and boat fishing. Hikers can explore the 1.1-mile Old Hickory Lake Nature Trail, featuring three loops (the Woodland Loop, Willow Swamp Loop and the Wildlife Loop), covering varying terrain. The trail is located below Old Hickory Dam near the tailwater parking lot.

    Facilities

    A sandy swimming beach, a playground for the kids, small shelter near the beach and water, large reserveable shelter, and boat ramps.

    Natural Features

    Old Hickory Lake is a 22,500 acre reservoir created by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam on the Cumberland River. The lake is named after former president Andrew Jackson, a Tennessee-native nicknamed "Old Hickory" for his tough and aggressive personality.

    Nearby Attractions

    Take in the nightlife of downtown Nashville if city entertainment beckons or stick with the great outdoors and sit on the fishing piers at Rockland, Sanders Ferry, Shutes Branch, and Bledsoe Creek State Park. The lake is also near the Hermitage, the plantation where U.S. President Andrew Jackson lived in the early 1800s.

    Charges & Cancellations

    If a customer cancels a group day use facility (shelter) reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service charge.

    • Electric Hookups
    • Tents
    • Group

    $75 / night

    • No image available

      9. Laguardo

      2 Reviews
      4 Saves
      Mount Juliet, Tennessee

      Overview

      Not far from Nashville, Laguardo is a great day-trip destination for kids and families. It offers a playground, boat ramp, and sandy beach to keep both the kids and adults entertained. Visitors looking for a little more action will find this area is also ideal for bank fishing.

      Recreation

      Laguardo is a popular spot for picnicking, swimming, bank fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and other water sports with a convenient boat ramp located within the facility.

      Facilities

      The group picnic shelter holds up to 50 guests and parking may be available for up to 50 vehicles. A restroom facility, family friendly playground, swimming area with sandy beach, and picnic tables located throughout the park are also available.

      Natural Features

      Old Hickory Lake is a 22,500 acre reservoir created by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam on the Cumberland River. The lake is surrounded by wooded areas and grassy flatlands in addition to 440 miles of scenic shoreline.

      Nearby Attractions

      Just across the Old Hickory Lake to the North, hikers and cyclist can enjoy the trails at Lock 4 Park. Mountain bikers may also try the Shutes Branch Mountain Biking Trail. In Hendersonville, located at the dam, Archers and bow hunters can sharpen their skills using the Old Hickory Lake Archery Range and trail.

      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Drinking Water
      • Toilets

      $85 - $120 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nashville Highland Rim
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nashville Highland Rim
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nashville Highland Rim
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nashville Highland Rim
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nashville Highland Rim
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nashville Highland Rim

      10. Camp Nashville Highland Rim

      1 Review
      12 Photos
      32 Saves
      Goodlettsville, Tennessee

      Secluded hilltop primitive camping nestled among the hardwoods near Nashville.

      Amenities: community water hydrant, fire pit, vault toilet, tent shower (cold & hot water).

      Supply your own tent, hammock, vehicle, and camping gear. No electricity.

      Choose your favorite available camping space upon arrival.

      Base price includes two adults (18 or older) per reservation. Under 18 no cost with adult reservation.

      Contact host for special requests, and tips for local amenities.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group

      $32 - $45 / night

    Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Franklin

    549 Reviews of 16 Franklin Campgrounds


    • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Meriwether Lewis Campground
      Oct. 28, 2024

      Meriwether Lewis Campground

      Beautiful and Free!!

      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.

    • Devin R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Meriwether Lewis Campground
      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.

    • M D.
      Camper-submitted photo from Harpeth River Bridge Campground (TN)
      Oct. 14, 2024

      Harpeth River Bridge Campground (TN)

      Peaceful beauty

      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.

    • James R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Natchez Trace
      Sep. 22, 2024

      Thousand Trails Natchez Trace

      Older campgrounds

      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.

    • Donald S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Marcella Falls RV Park and Campground
      Sep. 20, 2024

      Marcella Falls RV Park and Campground

      Beautiful! Like going back in time!

      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!!!

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Two Rivers Campground
      Sep. 15, 2024

      Two Rivers Campground

      Super Convenient for Visiting Nashville

      We 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.

    • p
      Camper-submitted photo from Tanbark Campground
      Sep. 7, 2024

      Tanbark Campground

      Very Nice Overnight Stay

      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.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Two Rivers Campground
      Aug. 17, 2024

      Two Rivers Campground

      Expensive and loud

      • nice 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.

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lock A
      Jun. 20, 2024

      Lock A

      “Best Value”

      Senior Pass $12/night. Wide, level campsite on the water. Very nice and well kept. Great Starlink access.

    • Gloria L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Nashville KOA
      Jun. 15, 2024

      Nashville KOA

      Very bad, costly experience

      Ugh, 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!

    • Megan A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Two Rivers Campground
      Jun. 12, 2024

      Two Rivers Campground

      Nice place!

      Only 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!

    • E
      Camper-submitted photo from Barton Springs Campground
      Jun. 10, 2024

      Barton Springs Campground

      Dynamic pricing

      Use to be one of my favorite campgrounds. Campspot has turned it into a money racket. Educate yourself and look up dynamic pricing which nothing but greed. If you see prices over their normal it’s dynamic. Not to mention site lock which if isn’t paid they could move you to an unleveled site not of your choice.

    • Gary C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Barton Springs Campground
      Jun. 4, 2024

      Barton Springs Campground

      Not Senior Friendly any longer

      This use to be a nice campground and still is as far as looks and on the water that is.

      The bad is....

      Sites are too close together and some very unlevel.

      No sewer hook-up

      Pricey...$50+ a night

      NO SENIOR DISCOUNTS....

      Not budget friendly....

      This is NOT the way most TVA campgrounds are run,,,,,,

      Will not be back until New Managment......

    • Pam R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Montgomery Bell State Park Campground
      Jun. 1, 2024

      Montgomery Bell State Park Campground

      Pretty park with Excellent staff

      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.

    • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Nashville KOA
      May. 1, 2024

      Nashville KOA

      Great location

      Awesome 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

    • Megan C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
      Apr. 29, 2024

      Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground

      Great Campground, Large Paved Pads, Close to Nashville, BUT CONSTRUCTION!

      We camped here for 2 full weeks.  The campground at Cedars of Lebanon State Park deserves 5 stars for their proximity to Nashville, the large paved pads for campers, the peaceful woods, and their overall cleanliness.

      However, we were here when there was construction going on.  It was LOUD from 8am to 4, 5, and even 6pm somedays with working trucks and digging up the Tennessee Rock.  

      The weekends were peaceful without the construction, and the trails are all easy and flat.  The showers worked well and were the typical campground showers.  

      The wifi that is listed on the website is basically nonexistent, so don't count on that for anything important.  But Verizon had good service, while AT&T was fair.  

      Only Campground 3 was open during our stay and you can see the work they are doing here is going to make a huge difference to be big rig friendly.  Enjoy!

    • aThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Grand Ole RV Resort & Market
      Apr. 19, 2024

      Grand Ole RV Resort & Market

      Great First Experience

      I’m in Nashville frequently due to work. First time traveling with the camper, and chose this place after seeing it a few times. They were great. Clean report and nice people.

    • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Henry Horton State Park Campground
      Apr. 18, 2024

      Henry Horton State Park Campground

      Highly recommend primitive camping

      Stayed with our van in the primitive sites here and had a great time! Very affordable and not many other campers (but if the group camp sites are booked I’d go elsewhere, they’re very close). The bathroom is super far away, but there was a portable potty for a few days until they inexplicably took it away. If you have a camping bathroom setup and are comfy going to get water if needed, it’s a great value and gives you want more privacy.

      Also the showers here are the best I’ve ever experienced at a campground. They have signs saying you can shower for $5 even if you don’t camp here.

    • Micheal S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Creek (TN)
      Apr. 11, 2024

      Cedar Creek (TN)

      Clean, Well Maintained

      We used this as an overnight stop on our way to Georgia. Google Maps was right on for getting us here. The park was well maintained and the bathrooms were clean. There is water and electricity on site with a dump station at the back of the park. The sites along the lake have great views. Nights were quiet.



    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Franklin, TN?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Franklin, TN is Long Hunter State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Franklin, TN?

      TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Franklin, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.