Camping sites near Columbia, Tennessee range from established campgrounds to rustic sites in the surrounding areas of central Tennessee. Elevation varies from around 600-800 feet throughout the region, with hot, humid summers often reaching above 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for potentially muddy conditions during Tennessee's wet season.
What to do
River activities: Piney River Resort offers excellent water-based recreation. "We enjoyed daily time sitting by the river while our kids play and swim," shares one visitor. "The water is crystal clear and cold. We sat in beach chairs and let the current wash over us. The swimming hole was great!" Another camper adds, "We loved watching the younger crowd jump off the cliff into the water. Fishing and kayaking too!"
Historical exploration: Meriwether Lewis Campground provides camping with historical significance. "History and adventure! Trails to hike that are challenging but not too hard for kids of multiple ages. Pretty water falls not far from the camp site," notes one reviewer. Another mentions the "cabin he died in (weird I know, but kinda cool, right?!)."
Local attractions: David Crockett State Park serves as a base for regional exploration. "We also explored the downtown square and then drove out to Amish country. We had the best time driving from house to house to purchase different goodies," shares a camper. The park offers "a pool, covered bridge, fishing lake w/boat & kayak rentals plus a beautiful waterfall that is great for sunsets!"
What campers like
Level sites: Montgomery Bell State Park campsites receive praise for accessibility. "We were on site 18 and it was very level, paved and double wide. Parking was easy and it accommodated the 38' RV and a SUV," notes one camper. Another mentions, "Some sites are level, some aren't. We ended up booking another site to stay another couple of days because we loved it so much."
Quiet atmosphere: Henry Horton State Park offers peaceful camping experiences. "Peaceful, serene, cool rangers help all hours, has a great vibe here," shares one visitor. Another mentions, "For several months while living in TN, we spent almost every weekend at Henry Horton State Park... We always got a primitive site, shady site. I was never disappointed by any of our sites and never felt cramped or too close to other campers."
Facilities: Stoney Creek Travel Park (formerly Texas T) offers convenient amenities. "All sites are pull through which was nice if you're towing. You dont neccessarily have to unload," says a reviewer. Another mentions, "Clean restrooms and showers. Gravel sites. Campground right near off ramp allowing easy access. Traffic noise from interstate was not bad."
What you should know
Access limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on facilities. At Campers RV Park, "You have to rent one of their cabins to get to use the bathhouses," explains one visitor. This information is particularly important when planning tent camping or minimalist RV trips.
Weather impacts: Winter camping requires preparation. At Henry Horton, a visitor notes, "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." Another shares their experience at a different park: "Great December sleep in go as we headed south. Clean campground and beautiful scenery...will return outside winter season."
Reservation planning: Campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "Make your reservations early!! Beautiful area lakes, groomed trails, nice hosts - highly recommend," advises a Montgomery Bell visitor. At more remote locations like Meriwether Lewis, remember "It is a first come site but well worth checking out."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple campgrounds feature designated children's areas. "Montgomery Bell State Park is wonderful for families," writes one camper. "We took our 3 young kids during monsoon season and the staff where amazing and getting the kids out and into nature!" The park offers "a great pavilion, Vb court, ball diamond, and playground, the far side of the camp is perfect for families."
Beginner-friendly options: First-time campers should consider Henry Horton's 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! Definitely recommend for quick overnight trips!"
Educational opportunities: Look for parks with interpretive programs. At Southport Saltpeter Cave, located 12 miles south of Columbia, one group leader shares: "Enjoyed this rough camping trip and Spelunking with our Royal Ambassador boys (1st to 9th grade). Buddy gives a guided tour along with camping privilege's. Great Trip."
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Some parks have tricky approaches. One RVer at Piney River Resort warns: "The drive in from the highway was very scary on narrow, windy roads with dropoffs on the side. We took the staff recommended route in and Co-Pilot's route out and both were scary in our Class A towing a car hauler." Always follow campground-provided directions.
Site selection: When traveling in larger rigs, research site specifics. "I had a site up on hill farther from the river (which was lovely) but we couldn't get level and couldn't put our slides out," notes a camper at Piney River. At another park, a visitor recommends: "The pull thru sites have been widened and are more accommodating for larger RVs."
Hookup variations: Not all sites offer full hookups. A visitor at Natchez Trace RV Campground notes: "I had full hookup with 30 amp service, though not all of the sites have sewer." Another adds, "Most sites have at least partial shade and spaced sufficiently apart. Travel to and from the park is on good roads."
