Percy Priest Lake campsites sit at approximately 490 feet above sea level in Tennessee's Highland Rim region. The lake spans 14,200 acres with 213 miles of shoreline, creating numerous waterfront camping options. Summer temperatures often reach 90°F with high humidity while spring and fall camping conditions typically range from 60-80°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Boating access points: Anderson Road Campground provides excellent boat launch facilities for visitors bringing their own watercraft. "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," notes camper Reuben S. The campground maintains lakeside sites with direct water access.
Swimming beach access: Cedar Creek Campground features a designated swimming area with sandy beach. "Right across the lawn was a beach for swimming, clean bathrooms, and a sandy court for volleyball etc.," shares Jeni N. The beach area charges a $5 per vehicle fee for day use visitors.
Fitness trails: Poole Knobs Campground maintains short marked hiking paths suitable for all skill levels. "There's a great short fitness trail that's well marked and great for a small getaway," notes DrDavid P. Trails connect most campsites to the waterfront areas of the campground.
Nature viewing: Seven Points Campground offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "These campsites are great - nice and spread out and tucked in the woods. Plus, the campsites closest to the lakes are right on the water or across the road from the water," explains Sara U. Early morning hours provide the best opportunity to spot deer and waterfowl.
What campers like
Waterfront camping spaces: Elm Hill RV Resort features premium lake view sites. "Almost every site has a view of the water on flat concrete big pads. Some sites, on higher land, are mostly long term residents," explains reviewer Stacey. Most waterfront sites require advance booking during summer months.
Concrete camping pads: Four Corners RV Resort maintains level, reinforced camping sites. "The site itself looks brand new. Everything is up to date, and there were no issues at all. The site we stayed at was very level," shares Chris L. Concrete pads remain usable even during rainy periods.
Accessibility to Nashville: Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground provides campsites within reasonable distance to city attractions. "Located near a Dollar General for basic needs. Will definitely camp here again," notes Laura C. Most campgrounds maintain 20-30 minute drive times to downtown Nashville.
Clean bathroom facilities: Nashville KOA Resort keeps well-maintained shower and restroom buildings. "Top that off with front desk, event and maintenance staff that were all super nice and you've got a great combo. Tidy sites, tons of them, something for everyone and then some," shares Jennifer H.
What you should know
Insect management: Mosquitoes remain a significant challenge at lakefront sites, particularly in summer. "The first and last night we stayed the mosquitoes were so bad we couldn't be outside. There were two nights in between that it was tolerable," warns Chris L. from Four Corners RV Resort. Sites farther from the waterfront typically experience fewer insect issues.
Seasonal operation schedules: Most Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds operate limited seasons. "Anderson Road Campground is open May 16 to September 30, while Poole Knobs operates May 1 - Oct 31," according to park information. Commercial campgrounds typically remain open year-round with limited amenities during winter.
Airport noise proximity: Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort experiences regular aircraft noise. "No one mentioned that this place is on the flight path of the international airport," notes Mary P. Nighttime air traffic generally decreases after 11pm.
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds report wildlife activity near campsites. "The only issue was that they have a skunk problem - two skunks at various times wandered into our campsite," reports Sara U. from Seven Points. Food storage in secured containers helps minimize unwanted animal interactions.
Tips for camping with families
Beach swimming areas: Anderson Road Campground maintains designated swimming zones suitable for children. "There is a swim beach and a boat ramp...great for families with children who want to swim," explains a reviewer. Non-glass containers permitted at swim areas with no lifeguards present.
Playground facilities: Nashville I-24 Campground provides family-friendly play equipment. "The playground area across from us went crazy with kids running around and screaming with no adult supervision," notes a camper. Most playgrounds close at dusk with quiet hours beginning at 10pm.
Dog washing stations: Some dog friendly campgrounds at J Percy Priest Lake offer pet cleaning facilities. "There is a bark park and a dog washing station," shares Susan & Kevin W. about Four Corners RV Resort. Pet owners should bring leashes no longer than 6 feet to comply with campground regulations.
Camping cabins: Nashville KOA Resort offers alternative lodging options. "They have a heated pool with hot tub (adults only). They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in the game room. They have site that have their own dog runs!!" reports Alisa P. Cabin rentals typically require 2-night minimum stays.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Seven Points Campground provides proper waste disposal facilities. "Water and electric but no sewer. There is a dump station in the campground," notes Sarah F. Most Corps of Engineers campgrounds offer dump stations near campground exits.
Site leveling requirements: Cedar Creek sites may require adjustment equipment. "I did notice, however, some the sites had seriously sloping drives so lots of leveling would have been required," advises T K. Bringing leveling blocks remains recommended for most campgrounds in the area.
Electrical service variations: Nashville I-24 Campground accommodates various power needs. "Our site was full hookup and probably the easiest sewer connection I've had at any campground, very low and easy to drain and flush my tanks," shares River R. Most J Percy Priest Lake dog friendly campgrounds offer 30 or 50-amp service with water hookups.
Road navigation challenges: Some campgrounds present tight turning spaces for large rigs. "It 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," reports Randy B. Checking specific site dimensions before booking helps ensure adequate space.
