Tent camping in La Grange, Tennessee offers solitude through nearby woodland experiences accessed via quiet gravel roads and forest service routes. Camping options within driving distance of La Grange include several small, rustic sites scattered throughout the Holly Springs National Forest. Sites often remain uncrowded on weekdays, with peak visitation occurring during spring and fall when temperatures moderate and insect populations decrease.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Puskus Lake, visitors find accessible shoreline fishing and docks. "The docks nice, wide with bench seating," notes Alex B., making them suitable for both fishing and relaxing by the water.
Kayaking and paddling: Water activities provide primary recreation at most sites. "Fun little quick trip to paddle around in kayak, fish & enjoy great meal over grill," shares David H. about his experience at Puskus Lake. Most water bodies in the area are small to medium-sized lakes with minimal boat traffic.
Disconnected relaxation: The remote settings serve as digital detox opportunities. Hunter H. describes Puskus as "a great location to disconnect, but do not expect the amenities other sites offer (bathrooms, electricity, water, etc.)." Cell service ranges from limited to non-existent at most camping locations.
What campers like
Affordable camping: National Forest sites maintain low fees compared to private campgrounds. At Graham Lake, Steve G. notes, "It's rather nice there. This is a very small campground with about 5 spots." Self-check stations require exact cash for payment.
Spacious sites: Campsites typically offer good separation from neighbors. Regarding Puskus Lake, Kim N. mentions "the camping spaces have a good amount of room to them so you do not feel like you are on top of each other." This design provides privacy even when sites fill up on weekends.
Wildlife viewing: The natural settings support diverse bird and animal sightings. Campers regularly report deer encounters, particularly at dawn and dusk. Morning birding opportunities abound, though campers should maintain proper food storage as raccoons frequently visit sites after dark.
What you should know
Facility limitations: Prepare for minimal amenities at most locations. At Cox Lake, Kelly C. warns about "lots of litter and shot gun shells," indicating maintenance varies significantly between sites. Water sources may be unreliable or completely absent.
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat and humidity affect comfort levels significantly. "Lots of bugs" mentions Ben H. about Puskus Lake, reflecting the typical summer camping experience. Spring and fall offer more comfortable temperatures but can bring sudden rain storms.
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles during wet weather. Justin Y. notes that Puskus Lake is "very well remote off of HWY 30 in the Holly Springs National Forest," requiring navigation of forest service roads to reach camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose locations closer to facilities when camping with children. At Puskus Lake, campsites vary in proximity to toilets, with Natalee F. noting: "bathrooms are what you can expect from a small campground, bring your own TP." Some sites offer better shade coverage than others.
Safety awareness: Game warden patrols provide some oversight but prepare for self-sufficiency. "It's fairly well patrolled by game wardens and the camping spots are well maintained," mentions Justin Y. about Puskus Lake, though weekday presence may be limited.
Activity planning: Bring games and activities as trail systems remain limited. Kim N. notes about Puskus Lake: "There are 2 trails you can walk on around the campsite but they only equal about 5 miles and are not maintained very well in some areas although they are flat and easy to explore."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Small to medium RVs fare better at these primitive sites. Regarding Stillwaters Farm Rustic Campsites, reviews indicate walk-in tent sites without RV hookups, making it suitable for tent camping near La Grange but requiring alternative arrangements for larger vehicles.
Limited hookups: No electric, water, or sewer connections exist at most locations. Steve G. confirms about Graham Lake: "No hookups. Nothing. But, it is a free campground so what can you say." Generators may be restricted or prohibited, requiring self-contained power solutions.
Leveling challenges: Natural terrain at most sites creates leveling difficulties. Prepare with blocks and leveling equipment as few sites offer engineered pads. During rainy periods, some sites may become too soft for heavier RVs, particularly at Graham Lake and Cox Lake.
