Primitive and developed camping options dot the shores of Percy Priest Lake within 15-30 minutes of La Vergne. The lake's 14,200 acres of water create numerous peninsulas and coves where campgrounds operate from February through December, with most sites requiring advance reservations during peak summer months. Winter campers find fewer crowds but need to prepare for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Hiking trails at Cedars of Lebanon: The park features unique cedar glades ecosystems with endemic plant species. "Cedars of Lebanon is a great State Park in middle TN for camping and for day hikes. It has a great pool, and the natural area where it's located features tons of endemic species to the area!" notes Phoebe A. at Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground.
Water activities on Percy Priest Lake: The lake offers numerous access points for paddling and swimming. At Anderson Road Campground, campers appreciate the direct water access: "This spot was among my favorites... The spots are beautiful though. Right on the water. Think how awesome it'd be to fish for supper right from the tent almost," explains DrDavid P. at Anderson Road Campground.
Urban exploration of Nashville: Many campgrounds offer shuttle services to Nashville attractions. "The proximity to the Opry and surrounding sites is fantastic. Top that off with front desk, event and maintenance staff that were all super nice and you've got a great combo," shares Jennifer H. who stayed at Nashville KOA Resort.
What campers like
Spacious lakefront sites: Many campgrounds offer direct waterfront access with enough room between sites. "The campsites are level cement pads with large well spaced sites. If you can get a lake view it is wonderful," notes Tony D. about Seven Points.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain high standards for bathhouses and common areas. At Poole Knobs, "The facilities were well maintained and clean. Each site has a concrete picnic table, fire ring, and a moveable lantern hook. The primitive area has several water spigots to use (near each restroom and a few in between)," reports Dan R.
Proximity to amenities: Despite feeling remote, many campgrounds are close to shopping and services. Seven Points campers appreciate that "We love how it is secluded and clearly camping but minutes from shopping!" according to Jennifer W. who rated the campground highly.
What you should know
Bathroom accessibility varies: Some campgrounds have challenging bathroom locations. "Poole Knobs has all of that, but the bathrooms were ridiculously hard to get to. If you get a site along the lake, expect a long walk and then an arduous climb to the bathroom and showers or hop in your vehicle and drive there," warns Larry R. at Poole Knobs.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes and ticks can be problematic, especially in waterfront areas. At Long Hunter State Park, campers report: "It was the most ticks any of us had seen, including tiny seed ticks. We left with multiple bites, and were constantly picking them off each other and our gear. They seemed to be worst around the fire pit."
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds close during winter months. Anderson Road operates from "May 16 to September 30," while Seven Points is open "April 1 to October 30," making advance planning necessary for off-season camping.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds and pools: Several dog friendly campgrounds near La Vergne offer dedicated children's areas. Cedars of Lebanon State Park provides "a great pool, and the natural area where it's located features tons of endemic species to the area!" making it ideal for educational family outings.
Consider the camping loop layout: Some loops are more family-friendly than others. At Elm Hill RV Resort, "From the second we pulled in we had nothing but great vibes. The amenities were top notch and tons to do with kids," notes Dan W.
Check for planned activities: Some campgrounds offer scheduled events. "Their halloween weekend is a great time of fun for the kids!" shares Justin L. about Cedars of Lebanon State Park, which organizes seasonal activities during peak camping periods.
Tips from RVers
Site length accuracy: Some campgrounds list exact measurements with no flexibility. "Be very cautious of the site lengths. Some are extremely short and I'd say the measurements are nearly exact... It was exactly the length we needed with nearly zero wiggle room," advises Beth H. about Elm Hill RV Resort.
Varying hookup options: Different campgrounds offer different utility setups. At Nashville I-24 Campground, campers found "Full hookups including sewer. Convenient to Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Nashville. Staff is very friendly and helpful," though they noted "Spot was a little tight for our 38 ft 5th wheel."
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant leveling equipment. "I did notice, however, some the the sites had seriously sloping drives so lots of leveling would have been required," reports a camper at Anderson Road, highlighting the importance of bringing leveling blocks to dog friendly campgrounds near La Vergne.
Ranger
