Tent camping near La Vergne, Tennessee offers access to both Percy Priest Lake and the Cumberland River watershed within a 20-mile radius. The region's moderate climate allows for year-round camping with summer highs averaging in the 90s and winter lows rarely falling below 30°F. Most primitive campsites in this area sit at elevations between 400-600 feet above sea level, creating moderate hiking conditions for backpackers.
What to do
Fishing at dawn: Turnhole Backcountry Campsite provides access to water for fishing enthusiasts. "The Green River Ferry seems to be non-operational a lot. Call the hotline the day of your drive in to see which route you should take: 270-758-2166," advises camper Mandy C.
Wildlife observation: Lone Branch offers abundant wildlife viewing opportunities within the campground itself. According to one camper, "One great thing about this campground is that there is wildlife everywhere. We saw so many Whitetail Deer, it was amazing. They would just come into the campground, feed and walk around."
Kayaking: Laguardo provides water access for paddle sports. "I've only been here kayaking but it's nice and clean," notes reviewer Tya T. The site offers boat-in camping options for those exploring the waterways by kayak.
Farm exploration: Whooping Crane Farm combines tent camping with farm experiences just outside Nashville. "The property is 12 minutes from downtown Nashville, making it a perfect Glamping location. Being close to great restaurants is definitely a plus," writes Nate H., highlighting its convenient location.
What campers like
Waterfront proximity: Smith Springs provides direct lake access that campers appreciate. As reviewer DrDavid P. notes, "The water area here is slightly different than some of the other areas I visited on the lake. Looks like it'd be great for just jumping in and lots of shallows for kids."
Privacy: Turnhole Backcountry Campsite offers a secluded setting that many tent campers seek. "This is a nice, secluded spot. You are on the end of a ridge. Clear nights with a bright moon were magical here," writes Mandy C., highlighting the private location.
Family-friendly activities: Long Hunter State Park Campground combines water access with hiking trails. One camper shared, "My fave thing here was the trails. There are some really great wooded trails you can take. I saw so many deer and turkeys I finally quit taking pics of them."
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Long Hunter State Park provides an entry point for new backpackers. Reviewer Shelly S. explains this is "excellent practice run on your primitive skills. Pack distribution and what you need, no major climbs. This is a good trail to try out your skills before attempting a more challenging trip."
What you should know
Water access challenges: At some sites, river access can be difficult despite proximity. At Turnhole, "water is hard to come by here, and hiking it in may be your best bet. The river is at least 1/2 mile away, through extremely dense brush, and the banks are not easy to access."
Reservation requirements: Bells Bend Park requires advance planning. "10 total sites. No drive up. Pack it in, pack it out. Firewood provided. Call the outdoor center for availability. Campground is open year round," explains Krista A.
Weather preparedness: Tent camping La Vergne requires preparation for occasional heavy rain. At Whooping Crane Farm, one camper noted, "We had some heavy rains overnight, and did have some dripping water from the center seam of the tent and had to scoot the bed over."
Trail conditions: Some trails may be less maintained than others. On the Sal Hollow Trail near Mammoth Cave, "a lot of the trail seems pretty unused/not kept up," according to one reviewer, suggesting hikers should prepare for potentially challenging conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming: Smith Springs offers good options for children. One reviewer notes the area has "lots of shallows for kids," making it safer for younger swimmers compared to other lake access points.
Wildlife education: Lone Branch provides natural learning opportunities. "We saw so many Whitetail Deer, it was amazing. They would just come into the campground, feed and walk around. They didn't see too worried or scared of us or others around," making it ideal for wildlife observation with children.
Shorter hiking options: Cook - J. Percy Priest Reservoir offers alternatives to longer backpacking trips. The area provides camping options with "ample room between campers, close to local shopping," which can be important for families needing supplies.
Island camping adventures: At J. Percy Priest Lake, families can try boat-in camping for a special experience. One camper shared they "Boated in and camped on an island," though they caution about potential noise from other campers.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping areas near La Vergne have few or no RV hookups. While Old Hickory Beach has some electric hookups, most primitive camping areas like Bells Bend Park explicitly note "No drive up" access.
Access road considerations: The industrial areas around some campgrounds can surprise first-time visitors. At Old Hickory Beach, one camper noted it was "Sorta out of the way and past an industrial area, not exactly picturesque, but gets the job done."
Day use facilities: RVers camping elsewhere can utilize the day-use areas for recreation. A reviewer mentioned Old Hickory Beach Day Use Area has a "Boat ramp, fishing, picnic and beach areas," with a "$5 for beach access" fee.
