J Percy Priest Lake offers year-round tent and RV camping at several waterfront locations within 20 miles of Nashville. The reservoir spans 14,200 acres with 213 miles of shoreline, reaching depths up to 90 feet. Water temperatures range from the mid-40s in winter to upper 80s during summer months, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences across the lake's recreation areas.
What to do
Swimming beach access: Cedar Creek Campground features a swimming beach within walking distance of campsites. "Nice place to go downtown the day to relax and swim," notes one visitor about the $5 per vehicle day-use area at Cedar Creek.
Kayaking and paddling: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for non-motorized boats. "We stayed here for a night on our cross country tour. Really pretty lake and beautifully maintained property," shares a camper at Poole Knobs, where lakefront sites allow easy launching of personal watercraft.
Hiking and fitness trails: Campgrounds around the lake connect to walking paths of varying difficulty. "There's a great short fitness trail that's well marked and great for a small getaway," mentions a visitor to Anderson Road Campground, highlighting the exercise options beyond water recreation.
What campers like
Spacious concrete pads: Many RV sites feature level concrete pads with ample room for equipment. "The sites are concrete, level and roomy with full hookups (great water pressure!), new picnic tables and fire rings," describes a camper at Elm Hill RV Resort, noting the quality of site infrastructure.
Wildlife viewing: Deer and waterfowl are common sightings throughout the camping areas. "The view of Percy Priest is incredible and serene," notes a visitor about watching wildlife at Elm Hill RV Resort, where natural areas remain despite developed camping facilities.
Proximity to Nashville attractions: Campers appreciate the balance between natural settings and urban accessibility. "This is a great park. Everything worked as expected. Clean, organized, friendly. Very close to all attractions!" says a guest at Nashville KOA Resort, which offers shuttle service to downtown Nashville for $15.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most Corps of Engineers campgrounds have limited operating seasons. "We live in Nashville and were looking for a place to dump our tanks. We decided to spend the night here and take our kayaks out onto the lake," mentions a visitor to Cedar Creek, which typically operates from mid-April through mid-October.
Insect challenges: Lakeside camping often means dealing with mosquitoes and other bugs. "The mayflies swarm into your rig if you have lights on at night," warns a camper at Elm Hill RV Resort, suggesting campers bring adequate repellent and screen protection.
Reservation requirements: Sites at popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer. "Stopped in just for a night while driving across many states. The check in gate wasn't attended at the time and directed us to make a reservation online," notes a visitor to Cedar Creek, highlighting the importance of advance planning.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play equipment for children. "The amenities were top notch and tons to do with kids," shares a visitor at Four Corners RV Resort, where facilities include a swimming beach and playground.
Safety features: Some campgrounds provide controlled access for added security. "There is a gated entrance, which I like. The crew is constantly working on cleaning, landscaping and maintenance," mentions a Four Corners guest, appreciating the maintained environment.
Off-season activities: Family camping options extend beyond summer months. "Their halloween weekend is a great time of fun for the kids!" notes a visitor to Cedars of Lebanon State Park, which hosts special events during shoulder seasons.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers recommend researching specific site configurations before booking. "Our site was a little tight for our 38 ft 5th wheel. With slides on both sides and our awning out we were close to our neighbor," cautions a visitor to Nashville I-24 Campground, stressing the importance of knowing site dimensions.
Utility connections: Water and electric hookup placement varies between campgrounds. "The utilities are more to the front of the site with two sewer connections. We had decent water pressure," reports a visitor about Nashville KOA, noting that hookup positions may require extra hose or cord length.
Dump station access: RVers highlight the availability of sanitation facilities even at campgrounds without full hookups. "Discount for America the Beautiful pass. You need to book your reservations on recreation.gov," advises a Seven Points visitor, mentioning the dump station available within the campground for those without sewer connections.
