Best Tent Camping near Lebanon, TN
Tent campsites near Lebanon, Tennessee offer varied experiences from established state park grounds to primitive backcountry sites. Long Hunter State Park Campground provides walk-in primitive campsites on the shore of Percy Priest Lake, while Laguardo offers tent-only locations with boat-in and walk-in access options. Several locations around the J. Percy Priest Reservoir provide tent camping with differing amenities and access types within a 20-mile radius of Lebanon.
Most tent sites in the area require campers to bring their own water or use filtration systems for nearby water sources. Long Hunter State Park offers primitive camping with fire rings but minimal other amenities. A visitor reported, "If you enjoy carrying all your essentials on your back and sucking your water through a filtered straw then this is the camping/backpacking park for you." Sites generally have fire rings, though some locations like Laguardo prohibit open fires. Tent pads are available at select backcountry sites, but many locations require setting up on natural, ungraded surfaces. Summer camping brings tick concerns, with one camper noting they "left with multiple bites" despite the beautiful waterfront setting.
The primitive camping experience near Lebanon provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and water access. Bells Bend Park offers year-round tent camping with ten primitive sites requiring pack-in, pack-out practices. According to reviews, deer sightings are common at several campgrounds, particularly at sites like Lone Branch where "there is wildlife everywhere" with numerous whitetail deer wandering through camp areas. Percy Priest Lake provides water-based recreation opportunities for tent campers, with fishing and swimming access at multiple tent camping areas. Several tent-only locations offer good stargazing conditions, especially at backcountry sites away from urban light pollution. Most tent campsites maintain natural surroundings with moderate tree cover, providing a blend of shade and open areas.