Tent camping options near Linden, Tennessee include several backcountry shelters within Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park and primitive sites at nearby recreation areas. The park features multiple backcountry shelters along hiking trails, with some sites positioned along the banks of Kentucky Lake. Santa's Woods and Southport Saltpeter Cave offer additional tent camping alternatives within driving distance.
Most primitive tent sites in the area provide basic amenities with varying levels of facilities. Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park's backcountry shelters require hiking in and offer fire pits at some locations, though fires are prohibited at others. Second Creek Recreation Area provides free camping with concrete picnic tables but limited facilities. Campers should note that many sites lack drinking water, and bathroom facilities range from rustic outhouses to porta-potties or no facilities at all. Several campgrounds allow pets, but others strictly prohibit them, so verification before arrival is essential.
The tent camping experience in this region offers peaceful lakeside settings and wooded environments. Kentucky Lake views are available from several of the Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park sites, providing serene water vistas. Southport Saltpeter Cave combines camping with historical cave exploration, creating a unique outdoor experience. The area generally remains quiet, though weekend activity increases at some locations. A visitor commented, "It's quiet, depending on your camping neighbors, and just sitting on the banks watching the boats go by is peaceful." Tent campers at Second Creek should prepare for mosquitoes, especially during evening hours, while those seeking more amenities might consider Stillwaters Farm's rustic campsites, which offer drinking water, showers, and toilets.
"Lots of great trails to hike. A good place for a Civil War history buff."
"It’s quiet, depending on your camping neighbors, and just sitting on the banks watching the boats go by is peaceful."
"There are 3 different campgrounds and 2 of them are primitive, so there is something for everyone. There are also some backcountry sites along the NBF 10 and 20 mile trails."
"We love the primitive sites at Nathan Bedford Forest! Each site is along the River banks, so you get the best views! Fire pits and picnic tables included."
$15 / night
"Santa's Woods is full of large trees and trails, he welcomes you to find the spot that calls to you for your camping adventure. Check them out and make sure to share your trip on the Dyrt!"
$10 / night
"Southport Saltpeter Cave is a historic cave located 12 miles south of Columbia TN. We offer cave tours, primitive camping, hiking, and exploring."
"Multiple spots to set up camp with concrete tables at each."
"Good location and easy to get to. We have been camping here for years good spot for fishing kayaking and just good family time. They have on site porta potties and picnic tables."
$40 - $45 / night
RangerThe tent sites were well kept. They are gravel pads with a grill and fire ring. They are right on the water with easy access to put in a kayak. And close to a boat ramp if bringing a boat. It’s shaded. The bath house is a bit of a walk and they have restrooms only, no showers.
TravelerThis place is a gem! You can stay for 14 days each year because, let's face it, it's too nice for them to let people hog it. Free water in various places, garbage cans by your site, numbered sites, paved driveways and parking spaces, manicured and litter-controlled park, and a bathroom building with multiple flush toilets for each sex and sinks with running water! These are in at least two places. Picnic tables and fire rings with lift-off on a hinge grates.
GuideI was really looking forward to this place on my way to Arkansas. However, as soon as I turned into the camping area I was “greeted” by not one but TWO off leash dogs barking and running toward my van (they were not together). Fortunately, I took vinegar spray with me when I took my dog for a walk. It was a useful deterrent when one of the loose dogs ran at us. I yelled to put the dog on leash but of course nobody emerged from the van. On the return trip I made sure to have my spray and body pointed straight toward the dog who was just waiting for me to turn around so he could attack again. If you want a flat spot, a pull through spot, or one that you can’t smell the toilets, get there early! I got there around noon and maybe 15 people were there. By sundown most spots were taken…on a Tuesday. Restrooms toward the entrance were nice with running water and flush toilets.
GuideWhat a hidden treasure! We had so much fun! It really is in the woods, complete with songbirds to wake you up and crickets to sing you to sleep. The creek makes a relaxing backdrop to your campfire time at night. The creek is deep enough to sit in, but not swim. It’s very reasonably priced, pretty, and SO worth the drive!
The campground owners are friendly and take great care of the place and campers, but they don’t hang around all the time. They obviously love their place because it was tidy and neat.
The “outhouse” is a four stall building - very clean and private. The owners make sure to think of everything you would need (and a few little extras) We took showers with our solar bags in a outdoor little stall built on a hill. It was so cool to shower “outside”! There is plenty of firewood around the campground, and each site has a fire ring, and a picnic table. There are plenty of trash cans throughout.
Heartstone is a primitive campground, with no hook-ups or electricity. They only allow dry camping for trailer campers. I’m pretty sure the limit for a Camper is 25’. Cell phone signals are spotty depending on your carrier, but they have a land line for emergencies. Welcome to off grid camping!
Although it feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere there are actually stores and restaurants about 15 minutes away in the towns of Hohenwald, or Linden, or Waynesboro. The Buffalo River is only about 5 minutes away where you can go canoeing or floating, and the Tennessee River is about 30 minutes drive. It’s also near Amish communities where you can buy locally made and grown items. Nashville and Huntsville are both about an hour and a half away, depending which way on Hwy 65 you go.
We really loved it there, and will definitely make it a regular stop this year. Hope this helped!
ScoutWe took our three kids tent camping overnight and we had a great time! All roads and campsites are paved so the kids all road bikes easily! No electric at sites but there are water spigots periodically placed through the campground. Bathrooms were very clean. No showers. Overall we were very happy!
TravelerShaded, private showers, water and electric hookups, tent friendly, and wildlife-fanatic friendly. Though it is his and gets sweaty at night so bring a fan and appropriate sleeping gear if you'll be tent camping. The grounds are well shaded and comfortable so you don't cook during the day. At night you can indulge in the rich atmosphere of southern cicadas and crickets backdropping owls and coyotes (don't worry! Coyotes are scared of people, they just sound a little jarring when you first hear them yipping). Really nice playground next to the bathrooms.
ScoutI pulled in really late to tent camp. Richard, the owner came down and checked me in. Such a chill spot to set up for the night. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a spot to rest for the night. Not real sure how many tent sites he has but the one I am at right now is super close to the showers and the main office which is cool for a couple reasons. Convenience and safety! Check this place out for sure!
ScoutThe tent sites back onto I40 and are very loud. The ground is clay so, there are standing puddles in the rain around the camp. The tent pad does have drainage.
TravelerCamped here on Christmas Day 2020. It was very quiet and a little windy. I was the only camper but it’s on a disc golf course so I saw a couple of those guys. I went down to the parking lot so I could sleep in my car and have a fire by the water. It was great and quiet except there are parking lot lights which I didn’t see until they turned on. There are picnic tables, trash cans, and portable toilets. All in all a nice spot. I had Verizon and I think I had two bars of service. There’s also a spot a little east off an unmarked dirt road which was ok and had a fire pit. I checked it out but there was just too much litter and a half eaten deer carcass which I wasn’t vibing with.
Tent camping near Linden, Tennessee centers around the forested hills of western Tennessee, approximately 90 miles southwest of Nashville. The region sits at elevations ranging from 400-600 feet, with camping options concentrated around Kentucky Lake, which forms Tennessee's western border. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing from December through February.
Explore cave systems: At Southport Saltpeter Cave, campers can combine primitive camping with guided spelunking tours. "Enjoyed this rough camping trip and Spelunking with our Royal Ambassador boys. Buddy gives a guided tour along with camping privilege's," notes Daniel L.
Hike trail networks: Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park offers both short and extended hiking options along the 20-mile trail system. Some trails connect directly to backcountry shelters. "There are also a few trails (both short and long) and are nice with views of the lake," writes Jessica L.
Water recreation: Kentucky Lake provides opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and swimming at multiple access points. Jake W. describes Second Creek Recreation Area as "a good spot for fishing kayaking and just good family time."
Lakeside camping spots: The backcountry shelters along Kentucky Lake offer water views not available at standard campgrounds. "Each site is along the River banks, so you get the best views! Fire pits and picnic tables included," reports Shana D. about the Red Rock Trail Backcountry Shelter.
Wooden deck platforms: Some sites in Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park feature elevated wooden platforms that keep tents dry during rain. Ryan M. notes about Chester Hollow Backcountry Shelter: "The lakefront sites are really cool and the facilities are pretty decent! Bit of a steep hill to access some of the sites. And some are built on wooden decks."
Free camping options: Several backcountry shelters in the state park system offer no-cost camping. "Quick and easy getaway! Multiple spots to set up camp with concrete tables at each," writes Timothy F. about Second Creek Rec Area, which provides free camping with concrete picnic tables.
Variable bathroom facilities: Amenities differ greatly between sites. "The bathhouse is very old though and does not have a shower. That is the only reason I couldn't give this one 5 stars!" mentions Shana D. regarding primitive sites at Nathan Bedford Forrest.
Fire restrictions: Fire policies vary by location, with some shelters permitting fires while others prohibit them completely. Check regulations before arrival, as several backcountry shelters in Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park do not allow fires.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly during summer evenings. "Lots of mosquitoes at night. Quiet pretty spot to camp. Trees for hammocking. Portopotty for your bathroom needs," warns Summer A. about Second Creek.
Farm experience camping: Stillwaters Farm offers rustic tent sites with access to drinking water, showers and toilets. "This property is so peaceful and well cared for. You can choose to participate in farm activities or kick your feet up and relax," notes Ashley F.
Tree cover for shade: Santa's Woods provides ample tree coverage for shade during hot summer months. "Santa's Woods is full of large trees and trails, he welcomes you to find the spot that calls to you for your camping adventure," describes Jake C.
Accessibility considerations: Some backcountry sites require significant hiking. Ryan M. cautions about Chester Hollow: "Bit of a steep hill to access some of the sites," which may present challenges for families with young children or mobility concerns.
Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas near Linden do not accommodate RVs, with Second Creek Rec Area being one exception. Michael W. notes: "Started 3 May 2023, looks like a few permanent residents... No porta potty in sight... Locals keep mowed. So far quiet and friendly. Three areas to get too, pull offs on left coming in on Hwy 1."
No hookup services: RVers should prepare for dry camping as hookups are unavailable at most sites. Even at Second Creek, where RVs are permitted, there are no electric, water, or sewer connections.
Site selection strategy: For RVers at Second Creek, location matters. Michael W. advises: "Moved from open area to site 1 at entrance better view right on lake," suggesting entrance sites offer superior views and possibly better level ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Linden, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Linden, TN is Campground Road Backcountry Shelter #2 — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Linden, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Linden, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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