Campsites near Greenbrier, Tennessee offer convenient access to Old Hickory Lake and Cumberland River while remaining within 30 minutes of Nashville. The region features a mix of Corps of Engineers campgrounds, private RV resorts, and state parks scattered throughout the Highland Rim geographical area. Summer camping often requires advance planning due to high demand, particularly at lakefront sites that provide water recreation opportunities.
What to do
Fishing at Cedar Creek: Located on Old Hickory Lake, this campground provides excellent bank fishing opportunities. "Most sites have a lovely view of the lake if not directly along the shore. Swimming beach, playground, and marina both within walking distance," notes one visitor at Cedar Creek.
Live music at campgrounds: Several RV parks offer on-site entertainment without driving to Nashville. "Live music and the shuttle service to go downtown. That's all we need," reports a camper at Grand Ole RV Resort & Market. Many campgrounds feature regular performances during summer months.
Hiking at Bledsoe Creek: The park offers several miles of lakeside trails suitable for all skill levels. "We did a nice 4 mile hike around the whole park," shares a visitor, though they noted "when we're hiking we love to get out away from everyone and everything. It felt like we were in earshot of the campground the entire hike."
What campers like
Spacious lakefront campsites: Seven Points campground features well-separated sites with water views. "The lake view and night skies are amazing. The water is warm, which isn't something I'm used to being from further north, but the campsites are so nicely groomed and the place is pristine," writes a camper at Seven Points.
Shuttle service to Nashville: Many campgrounds offer affordable transportation to downtown. "Has shuttle service to downtown for 10.00 great price. Very friendly staff," mentions a visitor at Nashville RV and Cabins Resort. This allows campers to avoid parking challenges in the city.
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common at several area campgrounds. At Bledsoe Creek, one camper reported: "Deer would just walk up near you and just say hello. It's so peaceful and it allows me to think that there's not all bad here on Earth."
What you should know
Train noise affects some campgrounds: Several campgrounds near Goodlettsville experience railroad disruptions. At Grand Ole RV Resort, a visitor warns: "Only downfall are the trains that operate 24/7 directly adjacent to the grounds. Trains rolling by at 3 am is not how I spend my night."
Highway noise is common: Many Nashville-area campgrounds experience traffic sounds. "Very very noisy due to the highway that runs right on the other side of the tree line," reports a camper at Nashville North.
Tick prevention needed: Some campgrounds have notable tick populations. "Our dogs picked up ticks every day, and we had a few as well. Watch out for lyme and other tick born illnesses. We unfortunately found a bullseye rash from one of the bites," warns a visitor at Bledsoe Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Check for swimming areas: Not all lakefront campgrounds permit swimming. A visitor at Bledsoe Creek noted: "The only bad things were that there was no swimming in the lake and there was no pool. We will try a new place next time."
Consider playground facilities: Some campgrounds have limited play equipment. At Grand Ole RV Resort, a camper mentioned: "They show a playset on their map and it was two regular swings and a baby swing. This was disappointing since we had little ones."
Look for evening activities: Campgrounds with scheduled activities keep kids entertained. "The pool was great our kids loved it! Unfortunately missed the live music that plays frequently on their back porch," shares a family at Two Rivers Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions vary significantly: Many campgrounds have tight spacing between sites. At Nashville KOA Resort, one camper observed: "Sites are very compact. You lack any privacy. They do have a lot of trees to make it feel less like a parking lot."
Maneuvering challenges exist: Some campgrounds have limited turning space. "Tight fit for my 43' motorhome, especially maneuvering dump station," notes a visitor at Cedar Creek, highlighting the importance of knowing your vehicle length.
Consider full-hookup availability: Sewer connections aren't universal at area campgrounds. "Perfect for people who like to be surrounded with nature. Very clean and well maintained spots. Water and electric but no sewer. There is a dump station in the campground," shares an RVer at Seven Points.
