Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake form the primary camping destinations around Mount Juliet, Tennessee. The region sits at approximately 500 feet elevation with a humid subtropical climate producing long, hot summers where temperatures regularly reach 95°F in July and August. Fall camping season extends later than many northern destinations, with comfortable overnight temperatures often continuing through late October.
What to do
Fishing access: Cedar Creek Campground offers direct lake access from many campsites. "We stayed in site 22 which is a standard lake view I believe. That side of the park has a pretty big cliff behind it so no water access from the site. The opposite side views the marina," notes a visitor to Elm Hill RV Resort.
Hiking trails: Bledsoe Creek State Park provides several well-maintained paths. "We did a nice 4 mile hike around the whole park, but 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," explains one camper who still rated the experience positively.
Swimming options: While some campgrounds restrict swimming, Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort combines camping with water park access. "The waterpark is just steps away, I would suggest not eating food within the park it is over priced and not very tasty, go to the marina restaurant or eat at your campsite," advises one visitor who appreciated the convenience.
Evening entertainment: Several campgrounds offer organized activities. "Their halloween weekend is a great time of fun for the kids!" reports a Cedars of Lebanon State Park visitor, while Nashville KOA Resort regularly schedules live music during summer months.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Many campers praise the lake access at Seven Points. "The campsites are level cement pads with large well spaced sites. If you can get a lake view it is wonderful," writes one reviewer, while another notes "This place is gorgeous. The lake view and night skies are amazing."
Clean facilities: Anderson Road Campground maintains high standards according to visitors. "Toilets and showers were nice and clean," comments one reviewer, while another mentions "we would definitely camp here again." Several campgrounds in the area have recently upgraded their shower buildings.
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common at multiple locations near Mount Juliet. "We saw 10 deer one morning and hiked a trail with our 3 boys and 2 dogs," reports a visitor to Cedars of Lebanon, while Bledsoe Creek State Park offers even more opportunities: "Deer would just walk up near you and just say hello."
Proximity to Nashville attractions: Campgrounds provide a nature experience with convenient city access. "We chose this campground mainly because we wanted to be close to the city of Nashville. However it took quite a while Uber into the city (about 30+ minutes)," notes a Nashville East-Lebanon KOA guest, indicating that while accessible, visitors should plan for travel time.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites book quickly, especially waterfront locations. "Get here a day early to get full advantage of the weekend," advises a Nashville Shores visitor, while another camper recommends "Reserve early because it seems the campground is always full."
Site spacing: Campground density varies significantly in the area. Anderson Road Campground receives praise for its layout: "Large sites right on the lake" and "Has nice space between sites, with great views." In contrast, Nashville East-Lebanon KOA receives mixed reviews regarding spacing, with one camper noting sites were "too expensive to be that close to other campers."
Weather considerations: The region's heat and humidity affect camping comfort. Swimming areas become crowded during peak summer weekends when temperatures consistently exceed 90°F. Fall brings more comfortable conditions but potentially more variable weather patterns.
Bug awareness: Ticks appear in several campground reviews. "Our dogs picked up ticks every day, and we had a few as well. Watch out for lyme and other tick born illnesses," warns a Bledsoe Creek visitor, emphasizing the importance of regular tick checks after hiking.
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. Anderson Road includes "a playground and swim area" according to reviewers, while Seven Points earns praise for its beach: "We enjoyed the beach! We love how it is secluded and clearly camping but minutes from shopping!"
Cabin options: For families new to camping or traveling without equipment, Nashville KOA Resort offers comfortable alternatives. "We stayed for a week and enjoyed ourselves," writes one visitor, while another mentions "Friendly staff wonderful cabins to stay in. Love staying here verses a hotel when Im in Nashville."
Halloween camping: Several campgrounds host special fall events. "Their halloween weekend is a great time of fun for the kids!" notes a Cedars of Lebanon visitor, making October a popular time for family camping trips near Mount Juliet.
Noise levels: Some campgrounds experience more noise than others. "It was very quiet because nothing was open during the week," reports a Nashville Shores visitor, while another camper mentions "no one mentioned that this place is on the flight path of the international airport" - important information for light sleepers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Cedar Creek receives generally positive reviews but site selection matters. "This campground was nice and quiet and convenient to the cute town of Mount Juliet. Sites a little closer than I like or expect from COE/state parks," notes one visitor regarding site spacing.
Leveling considerations: Check campground reviews before booking. "Our site was nowhere near level side to side," reports a Nashville East-Lebanon KOA visitor, while a Seven Points camper warns "some the the sites had seriously sloping drives so lots of leveling would have been required."
Hookup details: Electrical service varies between campgrounds. "To my surprise I opened the electric pedestal, and there was only 50 amp service. I'm set up for 30 amp, so I had to use an adapter," reports a Cedars of Lebanon camper, highlighting the importance of checking utility specifications before arrival.
