Best Tent Camping near La Vergne, TN
Tent campers can choose from several campgrounds within a short drive of La Vergne, Tennessee. Long Hunter State Park Campground offers primitive tent sites along Percy Priest Lake, with both drive-in and walk-in options. Bells Bend Park provides year-round primitive tent camping with 10 total sites that require hikers to pack in their gear. Other options include Smith Springs in Antioch and Cook - J. Percy Priest Reservoir, both offering tent-specific camping areas within 20 miles of La Vergne.
Most tent campgrounds in the area require campers to be self-sufficient with limited amenities. Long Hunter State Park's primitive sites feature fire rings and tent pads, but campers must pack in their own water or filter from the lake. At Bells Bend Park, firewood is provided, but all sites require walking in, with no drive-up access available. A review on The Dyrt noted, "Pack it in, pack it out. Firewood provided. Call the outdoor center for availability." Portable toilets are typically available in parking areas, with some parks offering access to flush toilets at nearby facilities. Many sites operate on a reservation system, particularly during peak summer months.
The tent camping experience near La Vergne offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and water activities. Areas around Percy Priest Lake provide waterfront tent sites with swimming and fishing access. One camper described Long Hunter State Park as having "beautiful campsite right on the water," though they warned to "bring DEET" due to ticks, especially around fire pits. Tent sites at Bells Bend Park offer more seclusion with "beautiful views of the park" according to reviews. The primitive backcountry tent sites typically provide more isolation from crowds and noise than developed campgrounds, making them popular with hikers seeking a more authentic outdoor experience. Most tent-only areas feature natural surroundings with moderate tree cover for shade during summer months.