Luxury glamping close to Lexington, Tennessee typically features climate-controlled accommodations with full amenities, while primitive camping options provide more direct connection to the area's natural features. The region sits at the heart of west Tennessee's river country, where the Buffalo River flows through hardwood forests and limestone formations. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer temperatures can reach into the 90s with high humidity.
What to do
Creek wading opportunities: Several campgrounds have water access for cooling off during hot months. At Heartstone Campground, one camper noted, "The creek is deep enough to sit in, but not swim. It makes a relaxing backdrop to your campfire time at night."
Outdoor shooting ranges: For those interested in target practice, some resorts include shooting facilities. A visitor to Big Buck Resort mentioned, "They do have a rifle range I am going to try out later."
Dam viewing: Check out the impressive Tennessee Valley Authority infrastructure. A camper at Pickwick Dam Campground shared, "Beautiful view on the TN River and the Pickwick Dam. It is also close to the Shiloh National Military Park which is the reason we are here."
Buffalo River kayaking: The Buffalo River provides excellent paddling experiences. A visitor to Crazy Horse Recreational Park explained, "Primative Camping, kayaking & catching tagged small mouth bass was more than an experience! Perks was exploring a cave!!"
What campers like
Recently renovated facilities: Some area campgrounds have been completely rebuilt. A reviewer at Pickwick Dam Campground stated, "This place has been totally rebuilt by the TVA after flooding in 2019. I don't know what it was like before, but wow it's really nice. All the sites are level, plenty of room for a tent and RV on all 92 sites."
Campsite options for different experiences: Some properties offer separate camping areas for different vibes. At Crazy Horse Recreational Park, a camper explained, "Has a family side and another rowdy side across the river. Family side quiet time begins at 10 pm."
Historical attractions: Cultural experiences complement luxury glamping near Lexington. About Loretta Lynn's Ranch, a visitor shared, "The tours of Loretta's homestead replica, her mansion and the museums was AMAZING! That would be the only reason I would ever return."
Off-grid experiences: Some campgrounds provide genuine disconnection opportunities. A Heartstone camper wrote, "Cell phone signals are spotty depending on your carrier, but they have a land line for emergencies. Welcome to off grid camping!"
What you should know
Highway noise factors: Some campgrounds have significant traffic noise. A KOA visitor warned, "Extremely loud traffic noise - you really couldn't get closer to the highway unless you were park on an on-ramp."
Bathroom maintenance varies: Facilities can deteriorate during busy periods. At Crazy Horse, a camper observed, "The bathrooms start out pretty clean, but can quickly get nasty with the traffic of kayak renters and other campers. Showers also are pretty cold on a weekend night."
Seasonal operation: Most luxury tent accommodations near Lexington operate between March and October. At Loretta Lynn's Ranch, the season runs "March 15 to October 31," according to their listing information.
Campground elevation challenges: Some sites have significant slopes. An RVer at Loretta Lynn's Ranch reported, "Area is beautiful but sites were close together and the ground outside of my trailer was very unusable, all hill and large rocks. No way to spend time outside of the camper."
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated family areas: Some campgrounds separate family-friendly from party areas. A visitor to Crazy Horse noted, "There is a family side if you prefer a more quiet, kid-friendly atmosphere."
Consider pool access: Swimming pools provide kid-friendly recreation. However, one camper at Loretta Lynn's Ranch cautioned, "The pool was well kept. They did close the pool for storms and did NOT reopen it until the next day."
Check activity schedules: Some campgrounds offer special programming. At Buffalo I-40-Exit 143 KOA, a visitor enjoyed "Lightning Bugs, Farmer's Markets, good food...oh my!"
Visit nearby attractions: Several historic sites complement glamping experiences. A Pickwick Dam camper wrote, "The site is also very close to Pickwick State Park. My two kids tent camped while my parents had their pop up!"
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. At Loretta Lynn's Ranch, a camper with a large rig complained, "After I leveled it the bottom of the front steps had a 2 foot drop and the rear were on the ground. The slope made the sewage hook up a nightmare."
Bring extra-length hookup equipment: Utilities placement varies significantly between campgrounds. At Buffalo KOA, a frustrated camper was told "that we should have a 50' hose as most people do just for these circumstances."
Request perimeter sites for privacy: Interior sites often lack seclusion. At Pickwick Dam, a camper advised, "The perimeter sites are roomier, offer more privacy than the interior ones."
