Percy Priest Lake dominates the camping landscape near Lebanon, Tennessee with several campgrounds situated around its 14,200-acre shoreline. Most established camping options sit within a 30-minute radius of downtown Lebanon, creating convenient access to both outdoor recreation and urban amenities. Seasonal temperature variations range from winter lows around 30°F to summer highs in the 90s, affecting campground availability and recreation options throughout the year.
What to do
Lake activities on Percy Priest Lake: The majority of campgrounds near Lebanon provide direct water access with varying amenities. At Poole Knobs, campers appreciate the waterfront options: "Great, lakefront campsite... Really pretty lake and beautifully maintained property. Water and electric hooks, campsites very spread apart." Swimming, fishing and boating remain the primary draws.
Hiking trails with diverse terrain: Several state parks offer dedicated hiking paths within 20 miles of Lebanon. The Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground provides "beautiful hiking on calm trails and lots of wildlife," according to campers. The park's smaller size makes it ideal for families with young children or those wanting shorter trail options.
Seasonal events and entertainment: Many campgrounds host scheduled activities during peak camping season. One camper noted that at Cedars of Lebanon State Park, "their halloween weekend is a great time of fun for the kids!" From May through September, several campgrounds coordinate weekend programming like live music, themed weekends, and outdoor movie nights.
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Many campers mention site spacing as a key factor in their experience. At Seven Points, reviewers consistently highlight the layout: "The campsites are level cement pads with large well spaced sites. If you can get a lake view it is wonderful." The Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds generally provide more space between sites than private campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower quality significantly impacts camper satisfaction. One visitor to Cedar Creek described it as having "Nice coated metal mesh large picnic table and fire ring. Restrooms are clean, well lit etc. Sites closer to the waterfront are beautiful and more spread out than the inland sites."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to observe local wildlife. At Bledsoe Creek, one camper shared, "Deer would just walk up near you and just say hello. It's so peaceful." Bird watching is particularly good around the lake shorelines during spring and fall migrations.
What you should know
Seasonal operation schedules: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. While commercial facilities like Nashville East-Lebanon KOA remain open year-round, Army Corps of Engineers sites typically close from October through April. One camper noted at Cedar Creek, "We pulled in about 7 PM. We found our ticket for the campsite taped to the window of the booth. Restroom are clean a little chilly as we were in beginning of April."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend stays from May through September. One visitor to Seven Points advised, "You need to book your reservations on recreation.gov."
Bug considerations: Ticks present a concern in wooded sites. A camper at Bledsoe Creek warned, "Our dogs picked up ticks every day, and we had a few as well. Watch out for lyme and other tick born illnesses. We unfortunately found a bullseye rash from one of the bites. This means the deer are carriers as well."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. The Nashville East-Lebanon KOA has "Paved roads the kids loved scootering on." When selecting a family-friendly site, proximity to playgrounds often determines children's enjoyment.
Swimming areas: Most waterfront campgrounds offer swimming access, though facilities vary significantly. At Elm Hill RV Resort, "The amenities were top notch and tons to do with kids. We enjoyed our stay and took full advantage of the lake. We paddle boarded, swam, and kayaked."
Safety considerations: Campgrounds with gated access provide additional security for families. One parent mentioned at Elm Hill RV Resort that it was "Very safe. Full hookups, decent WiFi. It is a bit expensive but well worth it for the proximity to Nashville and the beauty of the site."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds feature unlevel sites requiring preparation. At Nashville East-Lebanon KOA, one RVer noted, "The site was nowhere near level side to side."
Big rig accessibility: Most campgrounds accommodate larger RVs, but internal roads vary in quality. One camper at Cedars of Lebanon mentioned, "While making reservations, section 1 has very small, cramped together sites. We took a walk around section 2, and section 3. There was a lot more room, and seemed a little more private. I would recommend them over section 1."
Hookup variations: Water pressure and electrical service differ between facilities. An RVer at Cedars of Lebanon warned, "To my surprise I opened the electric pedestal, and there was only 50 amp service. I'm set up for 30 amp, so I had to use an adapter."
