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Best Tent Camping near Grandview, TN

361 Reviews

State parks and public lands surrounding Grandview, Tennessee provide diverse tent camping options with varying levels of amenities and seclusion. Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park offers several backcountry tent-only sites, including primitive shelters along hiking trails and waterfront tent campsites with views of Kentucky Lake. Santa's Woods, located within driving distance of Grandview, features five walk-in tent sites nestled among large trees and trail networks. Natchez Trace State Park provides backcountry camping opportunities for hikers seeking more remote tent camping experiences away from developed areas.

Tent campsites in the region range from basic dirt pads to wooden platforms at some locations. Most primitive tent sites include fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Campers should note that backcountry shelters at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park require reservations but offer few amenities beyond basic shelter structures. According to visitor reports, some areas lack reliable drinking water sources, requiring tent campers to bring their own supplies. Portable toilets are available at Second Creek Recreation Area, while other primitive tent camping locations may have no sanitation facilities. Walk-in tent sites typically require short hikes from parking areas, with distances varying by location.

Waterfront tent camping provides distinctive experiences for visitors. One camper noted that primitive sites at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park are positioned "along the river banks" offering "the best views" with fire pits and picnic tables included. Tent campers at Second Creek Recreation Area appreciate the concrete picnic tables and trees suitable for hammocking, though summer visitors should prepare for mosquitoes. Santa's Woods allows tent campers to select their own sites among the forested landscape, providing flexibility uncommon at more structured campgrounds. Backcountry tent camping areas throughout the region offer varying degrees of solitude, with some sites remaining peaceful even during peak weekend periods. Many tent-only areas connect to hiking trail networks, making them suitable bases for day hikes or longer backpacking routes.

Best Tent Sites Near Grandview, Tennessee (10)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Grandview, TN

361 Reviews of 10 Grandview Campgrounds

  • Napunani
    Jun. 23, 2022

    J.P. Coleman State Park Campground

    Nice Lake View...but

    PROS 

    We were able to reserve 368 days prior to arrival 

    Very friendly and helpful check-in clerk 

    Fantastic view of the lake from site 45 

    Mostly quiet except for campground party animals until 3am! 

    Concrete parking pad 

    BBQ grill 

    Fire ring constructed of concrete pavers 

    Coin-operated washers/dryers in shower/toilet facility 

    Small playground, pool and mini-golf course 

    Good jumping off point for Shiloh Battlefield 

    CONS 

    Campsite 45 was full of litter…cigarettes butts, bones, bottle caps, pieces of chalk, straws, melted soda bottles…just nasty 

    Fire ring made of concrete pavers full of ash and trash upon arrival…again nasty Pedestal BBQ grill full of trash and ash upon arrival…more nastiness 

    Campers ignored basic rules/courtesy/respect such as keeping dogs on leash and walking through occupied campsites at anytime. One camper walking through our site complained to us our chairs on our site were in THEIR way. 

    No senior discount 

    Narrow site 

    Site 45 not level 

    Site 45 mostly fun sun 

    Basically we didn't experience any of the campground rules being enforced so obviously there is no management oversight at this State Park 

    Never saw a park ranger drive through the campground (Saturday-Monday) 

    Never saw a camp host or a campsite for a camp host

    Campground quiet hours not enforced 

    Posted "No Swimming” from campsites along lake, but that didn’t stop a sole and no one enforced it 

    Concrete picnic table at end of parking pad, so at the bumper of the camper 

    Sites very close to each other with no vegetation between sites, so no privacy what so ever 

    Street lights throughout campground, so not dark sky friendly 

    Small playground, pool and mini-golf course not walkable from campground 

    Trash dumpsters outside of campground…not walkable 

    Twisty, steep and narrow roadway into campsite...not for novice rig drivers

    Due to short campsites, tow vehicles had to be creative with parking, sometimes blocking most of the campground road, again no enforcement efforts

    No WiFi 

    1 bar Verizon

  • B
    Jun. 8, 2020

    Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

    Well kept

    The 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.

  • 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)
  • L
    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.

  • 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.

  • Rachael H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2020

    Chickasaw State Park Campground

    Very disappointed

    Was excited as we drove into camp. It looked beautiful. Our site has a beautiful view of the lake. Tent pad was mostly level. They say gravel- it was really rocky. Fire ring, standing grill and table were at the site. Ours was nicely shaded. Water spigot not to far away. Tent area restroom was clean. No showers. Walked across the bridge to go to the swimming area. Trash EVERYWHERE. that only got worse as we got to the beach area. The majority of the people we saw there were... the kind of people you’re not surprised to see dropping their trash instead of walking 3 feet to put it in the trash can. I saw several people hawk and spit on the ground. One last view her nose in the ground in plain sight. Gross enough before COVID-19. The water was BROWN. very dirty. My daughter came out brown. Her suit was brown. The restrooms at the beach were FILTHY and full of trash. There is one cold water outdoor shower. Very disappointed in this park.

  • saddie R.
    Mar. 31, 2025

    Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 — Natchez Trace Parkway

    Loved our stay!

    We 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!

  • A
    Aug. 22, 2022

    Pickwick Landing State Park Campground

    Rich with wildlife, quiet human activity

    Shaded, private showers, water and electric hookups, tent friendly, and wildlife-fanatic friendly. Though it is his and gets sweaty at night so bring a fan and appropriate sleeping gear if you'll be tent camping. The grounds are well shaded and comfortable so you don't cook during the day. At night you can indulge in the rich atmosphere of southern cicadas and crickets backdropping owls and coyotes (don't worry! Coyotes are scared of people, they just sound a little jarring when you first hear them yipping). Really nice playground next to the bathrooms.

  • Mandy F.
    Jun. 28, 2019

    Heartstone Campground

    Heartstone Campground - REAL Camping in the Tn Woods

    What a hidden treasure! We had so much fun! It really is in the woods, complete with songbirds to wake you up and crickets to sing you to sleep. The creek makes a relaxing backdrop to your campfire time at night. The creek is deep enough to sit in, but not swim. It’s very reasonably priced, pretty, and SO worth the drive!

    The campground owners are friendly and take great care of the place and campers, but they don’t hang around all the time. They obviously love their place because it was tidy and neat.

    The “outhouse” is a four stall building - very clean and private. The owners make sure to think of everything you would need (and a few little extras) We took showers with our solar bags in a outdoor little stall built on a hill. It was so cool to shower “outside”! There is plenty of firewood around the campground, and each site has a fire ring, and a picnic table. There are plenty of trash cans throughout.

    Heartstone is a primitive campground, with no hook-ups or electricity. They only allow dry camping for trailer campers. I’m pretty sure the limit for a Camper is 25’. Cell phone signals are spotty depending on your carrier, but they have a land line for emergencies. Welcome to off grid camping!

    Although it feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere there are actually stores and restaurants about 15 minutes away in the towns of Hohenwald, or Linden, or Waynesboro. The Buffalo River is only about 5 minutes away where you can go canoeing or floating, and the Tennessee River is about 30 minutes drive. It’s also near Amish communities where you can buy locally made and grown items. Nashville and Huntsville are both about an hour and a half away, depending which way on Hwy 65 you go.

    We really loved it there, and will definitely make it a regular stop this year. Hope this helped!

Guide to Grandview

Tent campsites near Grandview, Tennessee provide access to both river and lake environments through Kentucky Lake, Tennessee River, and nearby forested areas. The area sits within the western Highland Rim physiographic region, characterized by rolling hills and limestone outcroppings between 400-600 feet in elevation. Weather conditions vary significantly between seasons, with summer camping requiring preparation for high humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Second Creek Recreation Area offers direct lake access for anglers. "We have been camping here for years good spot for fishing kayaking and just good family time," notes Jake W., who regularly camps there on weekends.

Historical exploration: The region contains significant Civil War history sites accessible from camping areas. As Jessica B. mentions about Campground Road Backcountry Shelter #2, "Lots of great trails to hike. A good place for a Civil War history buff."

Farm activities: Unlike typical campgrounds, Stillwaters Farm offers a unique agricultural experience. "This property is so peaceful and well cared for. You can choose to participate in farm activities or kick your feet up and relax. This isn't your run of the mill farm," explains Ashley F.

What campers like

Waterfront views: Primitive camping areas provide direct waterfront access at several locations. According to KO4FIE-Logan at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Group Campground, "just sitting on the banks watching the boats go by is peaceful."

Quiet atmosphere: Even during busy seasons, many camping areas maintain a tranquil environment. Michael W. describes Second Creek as having "So far quiet and friendly" atmospheres with "Three areas to get too, pull offs on left coming in on Hwy 1."

Customizable site selection: Unlike structured campgrounds with designated spots, some locations allow flexible site choices. Jake C. mentions that Santa's Woods "is full of large trees and trails, he welcomes you to find the spot that calls to you for your camping adventure."

What you should know

Bathhouse conditions: Primitive facilities mean limited or basic amenities at many locations. Shana D. notes about primitive sites at Red Rock Trail Backcountry Shelter: "The bathhouse is very old though and does not have a shower. That is the only reason I couldn't give this one 5 stars!"

Terrain challenges: Some tent camping areas require navigation of difficult terrain. Ryan M. mentions about Chester Hollow Backcountry Shelter #1, "Bit of a steep hill to access some of the sites. And some are built on wooden decks."

Seasonal insect activity: Summer campers should prepare for insects, particularly in waterfront areas. Summer A. observed at Second Creek Rec Area: "Lots of mosquitoes at night. Quiet pretty spot to camp. Trees for hammocking. Portopotty for your bathroom needs."

Tips for camping with families

Multiple campground options: The region offers varying levels of development suitable for different family preferences. Jessica L. explains that at Campground Road Backcountry Shelter #1, "There are 3 different campgrounds and 2 of them are primitive, so there is something for everyone."

Basic amenities available: Some recreation areas provide fundamental facilities. Jake W. notes that Second Creek has "on site porta potties and picnic tables," making it suitable for weekend family outings.

Concrete tables for meals: Established picnic facilities enhance mealtime convenience at certain locations. Timothy F. observed, "Multiple spots to set up camp with concrete tables at each" at Second Creek Recreation Area.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV access: Most primitive camping areas near Grandview require tent camping or small vehicle access only. While Second Creek allows limited RV camping, none of the areas feature electric hookups, water connections, or dump stations.

Site navigation considerations: Michael W. mentions about Second Creek that there are "three areas to get too, pull offs on left coming in on Hwy 1," with some areas appearing to have "permanent residents."

Resource planning: With few facilities available, RVers must plan for self-contained camping. "Moved from open area to site 1 at entrance better view right on lake," adds Michael W., suggesting finding optimal locations for RV parking that maximize views while managing limited resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Grandview, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Grandview, TN is Stillwaters Farm Rustic Campsites with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Grandview, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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