Best Tent Camping near Linden, TN

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.

Best Tent Sites Near Linden, Tennessee (14)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Linden, TN

8 Photos of 14 Linden Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Linden, TN

357 Reviews of 14 Linden Campgrounds


  • B
    Jun. 8, 2020

    Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

    Well kept

    The 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.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    When you think FREE you probably don't think of sites THIS NICE!

    For My FULL VIDEO Of My Experience At This Campground CLICK HERE

    Following the winding a scenic Natchez Trace you begin to climb higher and higher into the beauty of the mountains. When I was making this trip in late August, I could already see the shifting of the leave in its most early stages and I could only imagine what it would be like only a month later.

    As I entered the park and followed the signs toward the campground I was very eager to see what this FREE site had to offer. I had discovered this site when searching youtube for things to do and someone suggested camping here because of the historic landmark in the park. After further research I discovered it was a pretty decently sized campground with semi primitive camping.

    I arrived at the camping loops and discovered two loops of camping each with differing sizes of spaces, some designed for pull through style RV parking and some for back in car parking. Spaces were large and while there were several people staying here it did not seem overly crowded.

    The first loop was much further from the restroom than the second, which also housed the campground host in his RV just as you entered the loop. He was welcoming with a smile and wave and I just felt like this was going to be a nice place to stay for the night.

    You can stay for up to 14 days at this location and I could easily see this being one of those stops you wouldn’t necessarily want to leave in a hurry because it was so peaceful. There were numerous hiking trails and a well landscaped creek area which made for a great place to come for day use as well.

    My site was pretty typical in that it had a fire ring and picnic table. The ground was semi level and very rough so camping in a tent I was happy to have brought a little padding. The restrooms were very nice and had both flush toilets and drinking water. They were well lit and for a minute when I walked in I wondered how on earth this was a free site because they were so nice.

    All was great until about 8 p.m. when some people pulled in after dark and weren’t quite sure how to set up their tent and were pretty loudly disagreeing with one another in debate of how to do so. But after they finally figured that out about an hour later the night was again left to the sounds of the cicadas and frogs.

    TIPS

    • If you are tent camping bring some kind of cushion on pad for your floor otherwise it will be a rough evening on the ground.
    • Bug spray is a must, the mosquitoes are thick here because of all the moisture of the forest and ticks can also be a problem during certain months.
    • Don’t tell all your friends, they will take over your secret little camping spot after they find out just how amazing this site really is!! (lol)
  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 10, 2025

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    The best in free camping!

    This 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.

  • Devin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    Hey, It’s Free

    I 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.

  • Mandy F.
    Jun. 28, 2019

    Heartstone Campground

    Heartstone Campground - REAL Camping in the Tn Woods

    What 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!

  • saddie R.
    Mar. 31, 2025

    Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 — Natchez Trace Parkway

    Loved our stay!

    We 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!

  • A
    Aug. 22, 2022

    Pickwick Landing State Park Campground

    Rich with wildlife, quiet human activity

    Shaded, 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.

  • Jimmy C.
    Oct. 2, 2021

    Tanbark Campground

    Awesome Spot!!

    I 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!

  • D
    Jul. 9, 2023

    Buffalo I-40-Exit 143 KOA

    Tent Camp Sites

    The 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.


Guide to Linden

Tent camping near Linden, Tennessee offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Tips for tent camping near Linden

  • For a unique experience, consider staying at Santa's Woods, where you can set up camp among large trees and trails, providing a serene backdrop for your getaway.
  • If you're looking for a more rustic experience, Natchez Trace State Park Backcountry Camping offers hike-in sites that allow you to truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle.
  • Be prepared for a primitive camping experience at Chester Hollow Backcountry Shelter #1, where you'll find no modern amenities but plenty of natural beauty.

Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

  • Explore the scenic trails at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park, which offers various hiking options for all skill levels, making it a great spot for both casual walkers and serious hikers.
  • Enjoy fishing or kayaking along the riverbanks at Red Rock Trail Backcountry Shelter, where the views are stunning and the wildlife is abundant.
  • Experience the thrill of spelunking at Southport Saltpeter Cave, which also offers primitive camping and guided tours for those looking to explore underground wonders.

Unique local attractions to enhance your camping experience

  • Visit the historic sites around Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park, perfect for history buffs interested in Civil War history while enjoying the great outdoors.
  • Take a short drive to Fox Valley Farm, where you can enjoy a farm stay experience along with tent camping, providing a unique blend of rural charm and outdoor adventure.
  • Discover the beauty of the surrounding landscapes at Campground Road Backcountry Shelter #2, where you can relax and soak in the serene environment after a day of exploration.

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.