Best Tent Camping near Goodlettsville, TN
State parks and recreation areas surrounding Goodlettsville, Tennessee provide several options for tent camping within a short drive of Nashville. Camp Nashville Highland Rim offers eight tent-only sites with both drive-in and walk-in access, making it one of the few dedicated tent campgrounds in the immediate area. Long Hunter State Park Campground, located about 25 miles southeast in Hermitage, features primitive tent campsites accessible via hiking trails, with some sites positioned directly along the water. Bells Bend Park, west of Goodlettsville, maintains ten walk-in tent sites in a natural setting with farmland and woodland areas.
Most tent campgrounds in the region operate on a reservation system, with fees ranging from $10-15 per night depending on residency status. Sites at Bells Bend Park require campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all trash, with only portable toilets available at the parking area. Long Hunter State Park provides more developed amenities including drinking water and fire rings at designated sites. Campers should be prepared for seasonal challenges, particularly ticks during summer months. At Long Hunter, visitors report that insect repellent containing DEET is essential, as one camper noted, "It was the most ticks any of us had seen, including tiny seed ticks."
Wildlife observation is a common highlight at primitive tent camping areas near Goodlettsville. Lone Branch campground offers frequent deer and wild turkey sightings, with animals that appear comfortable around human presence. According to reviews, Long Hunter State Park's backcountry tent sites serve as excellent practice for developing primitive camping skills, with one visitor describing the experience as "carrying all your essentials on your back and filtering water." The park's trail system provides access to multiple tent-only sites that require a hike of approximately 3-6 miles to reach. Tent campers seeking seclusion should consider the walk-in sites at Bells Bend, where firewood is provided and the natural setting offers a quiet alternative to more developed campgrounds.