11 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Camping options around Lafayette, Tennessee include both developed campgrounds and primitive sites across the region's lakes and forests. Defeated Creek Campground near Carthage sits along the water with sites for tents and RVs, offering electric hookups and picnic tables for campers. The area features several Corps of Engineers campgrounds including Salt Lick Creek on Cordell Hull Lake, providing boat-in access and waterfront camping opportunities. Cedar Creek, Floating Mill, and Bledsoe Creek State Park expand the range of options with varying levels of amenities and site types from primitive tent sites to fully developed RV pads with hookups.
Seasonal considerations shape camping experiences throughout the region, with many campgrounds operating from spring through fall. According to one visitor, "It's very well-kept with plenty of room on the camping pads for all types and sizes of RVs. The area is absolutely stunning and beautiful." Road access varies, with some campgrounds featuring paved pads while others have gravel sites that "flood when it rains." Center Hill Lake and Dale Hollow Lake areas offer extensive water recreation opportunities, influencing site selection and availability. Summer weekends tend to fill quickly, especially at waterfront locations, while spring and fall provide more moderate temperatures and fewer crowds. Camping permits and reservations are required at most established sites, with different rules depending on whether the area is managed by Tennessee State Parks, the Corps of Engineers, or other agencies.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the region. "We stayed on site #61 - the lake was literally steps away from our door, and it was a no wake zone," reported one camper at Lillydale. Campgrounds like Floating Mill provide direct water access, with many sites offering views of Center Hill Lake. The terrain varies from flat, accessible sites near Nashville to more secluded areas tucked into the hills and forests. Cell service can be limited in many locations, particularly in the more remote campgrounds. Facilities range from basic toilets to full bathhouses with laundry, depending on the campground. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, turkey, and waterfowl, particularly at campgrounds adjacent to protected natural areas or forest land.
"Our site was atop a hill overlooking Cordell Hull Lake. The place was nearly full capacity yet quiet. Sites are spread out nicely, many are lakeside or have lake views."
"Sites 51 and 52 are a shared pull through site, so if you book one of them, you will more than likely have people you don't know backed up right close next to you."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $100 / night
"There is a flat trail next to the lake that my two year old loves to run up and down, playgrounds, and a story trail."
"Easy hiking trails with little to moderate inclines and terrain. Around 5-7 miles of trails, plenty of camping sites. I always see wildlife when i visit this park."
Available this weekend
"Our site was right on the creek and very near the beach. We went for an evening swim and we had a picturesque view of the sun setting over the mountains."
"And it was adequate but situated on an inlet with mucky water. We took a walk and found an empty site (45) with breathtaking views. We asked to switch and they were happy to oblige."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $56 / night
"Campground Review: Roughly 20 miles from the Bowling Green, Ky I65 exit Baileys Point is a well laid out large campground."
"This campground is a favorite spot of ours that is close to home. it is only a 40 minute drive from Bowling Green. it has nice bathroom and shower facilities."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $50 / night
"I'm from New England and relocated to Tennessee in 2016. The first time I went camping at Edgar Evans, I had no idea what was going on!"
"The park is a gorgeous property with a lake and hiking trails. There are ADA sights. The hills are steep and some of the sights have angle ramps."
Available this weekend
"Bathrooms were close by and air conditioned too! The showers are in the general store building where the post office is so a short walk or drive there."
"There is a restroom in the campground and a shower house, laundry room, post office and store adjacent. The dump station is next to that facility right outside the front “gate”."
Available this weekend
from $25 - $50 / night
"Being able to park your boat within walking distance of your camper, load up and go when you please, we loved that!
The park was clean and the neighborhood of the campground was very friendly!""There is a walk/bike trail around the golfing greens, with a dirt trail off the backside. The stable is closed currently due to no contract with a wrangler."
Available this weekend
from $25 - $34 / night
"Our host was amazing, the nature was peaceful, serene, and everything we needed for a relaxing time away from home."
from $35 - $85 / night
TravelerNow called Paradise Ridge. They have owned it for just over a year. There are 87 sites. Mostly long term parking but we got in for a night on our way out of Nashville. We paid $64.38 for one night. It was full hook up. Nice location from Nashville. Mail and UPS delivery. The only bummer is close to I-24. So if you can’t do some road noise you would not like it. The people that checked us in were very nice and helpful.
ScoutThe hosts were extremely helpful and accommodating. Very clean and well maintained, little campground. Would stay again on a heartbeat.
GuideI came here an early November, and it has been very quiet. There is very little signal for AT&T, and my Starlink is not very helpful because many of the trees still have leaves on, and it makes for a dense canopy. Site C 079 is fine for my 23’ sprinter van, though I had to put two levels of blocks under the front to get close to level.
LegendWe stayed here overnight on the way to Gatlinburg and three nights on the way back. GPS and signage was good as getting to this COE was easy. Often you don’t know what you’re going to get at a COE i.e. tight roads, low hanging branches etc. This was not the case as the campground (CG) is big rig friendly. For the overnighter, we checked in at the gate and proceeded to back in site 50 with water and electric (50/30/20 AMP). We had no problem backing into site 50 which sits above the creek that runs through the side of the CG. The gravel pad was fairly level(didn’t need any blocks under tires) with a picnic table, fish cleaning station, fire pit and stand up bbq. For the three nights we were in back in site 37, which was along the fence side of the CG. Site 37 had the same picnic table, cleaning table, stand up bbq and fire pit. This site’s pad was plenty long enough so we could put our toy hauler patio down. For both sites we got 1 bar on both Verizon and T-Mobile. As there is no Wifi in this CG, we used starlink. Since our starlink antenna is not hard mounted, we were able to move the antenna around to get a good signal through the trees. We were surprised this COE didn’t sell firewood nor ice. We enjoyed walking our dog around and even did some fly fishing in the adjacent river. We thoroughly enjoyed this COE.
LegendWe originally reserved three nights at Whispering Falls RV Park but changed our plans to an overnight stay with only 24 hours' notice. The staff was very accommodating and changed our reservation without any fees. On travel day, we called to see if we could arrive early since check-in wasn't until 3:00 PM. Again, no problem! Awesome customer service. We followed RV Life Trip Wizard GPS along with the directions in our confirmation email, which accounted for a detour due to construction of the new Burgess Falls State Park visitor center. The drive took us along country roads that we wouldn't want to navigate after dark. Check-in was simple, and we entered the gate code and proceeded to back-in site 7. We were impressed with the newer campsites featuring pavers and long pads. Utilities were conveniently placed, making hookups easy. Water pressure was decent at around 45 psi. Campground (CG) WiFi was pretty good at 20.5 Mbps download. We received one bar on both Verizon and T-Mobile, but our T-Mobile Home Internet was unusable, so we set up Starlink. Mature trees surrounded the CG perimeter but didn't cause us any satellite reception issues. Sites were decently spaced, with sites 9 and 10 looking like great choices for those traveling together. There were quite a few seasonal or permanent campers, but their sites were very well maintained. The CG also had a good-sized, unfenced dog area. One nice feature was being able to hear the falls from sites toward the back of the CG. We especially enjoyed being able to walk directly from our campsite into Burgess Falls State Park and access the trails leading to the falls to include bringing our dog on a leash. The store, which also serves as the check-in location, offered fast food, beer, and basic grocery items. Between the excellent customer service, well-maintained sites, and convenient access to the state park, we would definitely stay here again!
LegendWe followed RV Life Trip Wizard GPS and Waze off I-40 to Nashville Shores RV Resort without any issues. Check-in was quick, easy, and informative, and we headed to back-in site 7 with full hookups (FHUs). The concrete pad was level, with the water hookup located at the very back of the site. Water pressure was good at around 60 psi but dropped somewhat as the campground (CG) filled up over the weekend. We had 3 bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile, with T-Mobile providing a respectable 108 Mbps download. We used our T-Mobile Home Internet, which delivered 126 Mbps, rather than Starlink. Although there were trees along the CG's perimeter, most sites appeared to have a reasonably clear view of the sky for satellite internet. Site spacing was okay, although neighboring RVs were still fairly close. Several sites were located along the lake, with a few appearing long enough to accommodate larger rigs. We suggest calling the office for details on reserving one of those waterfront sites. One of our favorite amenities was the large fenced dog run, with plenty of room to throw a ball and let our pup burn off some energy. We also appreciated having two fire pits at our site. One was behind our rig, providing a nice spot away from the CG road, while the other was near the front, next to a small concrete patio with a picnic table. Although the CG filled up during our mid-October weekend stay, the adjacent water park had closed for the season on October 1. Without the water park crowds and activity, we found Nashville Shores to be a very enjoyable place to stay."
TravelerLots of traffic right off the interstate. Their pricing is expensive, and then they add charges for showers and wast dump. Most traditional RV parks include showers and waste dumps in the costs for an overnight. I don't recommend this.
ScoutCurrent owners are great but they are in the middle of a sale. The 59Amp power at site 12 is missing leg 2 so we used 30 Amp socket instead. No problem as the weather was wonderful.
RangerThe hosts, Kent and Lisa, were extremely friendly and accommodating. This is a private lot beside their pole barn on level concrete. It fit my 30ft TT perfectly. You'll enjoy time with the horses, chickens, and cows. Great sunsets and sunrises, but better people. Felt like a bed and breakfast but you sleep in your own bed. And just about 30 minutes to Mammoth Cave.
Camping near Lafayette, Tennessee offers access to both Cordell Hull Lake and Center Hill Lake within a 30-minute drive. The region sits at elevations between 500-1,200 feet, creating varied terrain from lakefront flats to wooded hills. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring camping often faces afternoon thunderstorms that can quickly saturate unpaved sites.
Fishing access points: At Defeated Creek Campground, the lake is steps away for shore fishing. "We always get sites on the water. The kids ride bikes and fish," mentions Holly G., who found the waterfront spots ideal for quick fishing access.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Edgar Evins State Park offers excellent deer spotting. "Deer would just walk up near you and just say hello. It's so peaceful," notes Grace E., who found the abundant wildlife a highlight of her stay.
Swimming beaches: Barren River Lake features dedicated swimming areas. "The beach was awesome. We swam at the beach, and in early September, we had the place to ourselves," shares Paul O., who appreciated having lake access without crowds during shoulder season.
Historical exploration: Cedar forests contain unique limestone formations. "The park was wet and infested with BOY SCOUTS! Facilities were clean, trails and signage well maintained. Historical stuff too," mentions Shelly S., who noted the educational opportunities beyond just natural features.
Platform camping: Edgar Evins State Park offers unique raised deck campsites. "We love the platform sites that are so spacious and private. Easy access to dump station and bath houses. Almost all sites have view of water," reports Betheny, who found the elevated sites provided better views than traditional pads.
Clean facilities: Bledsoe Creek State Park maintains excellent bathhouses. "The bathhouses were VERY clean, and the hosts were friendly and helpful," notes Robbie M., who found the cleanliness standards exceeded expectations even during busy periods.
Space between sites: COE Cordell Hull Lake Salt Lick Creek Campground provides generous site dimensions. "Great size sites. Many with waterfront property and others totally wooded. Shower house had amazing water pressure," reports Chris Y., who appreciated both the privacy and amenities.
Family activities: Cedar parks organize seasonal events. "Their halloween weekend is a great time of fun for the kids!" mentions Justin L., highlighting the organized activities that supplement natural recreation options.
Cell service limitations: COE Cordell Hull Lake Salt Lick Creek Campground has virtually no connectivity. "There is absolutely no cell coverage for any carrier at the campground and about a 30 minute drive in any direction. Also no stores around as well," warns Chris Y., emphasizing the importance of bringing all supplies.
Site drainage issues: Gravel sites can become problematic after rain. "Site 22 has a slightly declined slope and is right next to another site that is a pull through. It is also right next to the main road for the park," explains Kyle S., highlighting how site selection impacts water runoff.
Tick prevalence: Wooded areas harbor ticks year-round. "Our dogs picked up ticks every day, and we had a few as well. Watch out for lyme and other tick born illnesses," cautions Kyle S., who encountered disease-carrying ticks during their stay.
Supply distance: Remote campgrounds require planning. "There is only one gas station within 30-45 minutes that have ice and firewood. Make sure to bring everything you need," advises Chris Y., noting the lack of nearby resupply options.
Beach options: Defeated Creek Marina offers kid-friendly swimming. "Clean baths and sandy shore swimming area - book sites 90, 91 or 92!" recommends LuAnn R., who found these specific waterfront sites ideal for families with children.
Biking considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain for young cyclists. "It is pretty spread out, so biking with the family was a little challenging. And their bike loop was really pretty, but SUPER bumpy and hilly. Pretty hard for the younger ones," cautions Paul O., whose children struggled with the terrain.
Primitive camping access: Some parks offer backpack-in sites for more adventurous families. "We camped in the primitive camping section which has a parking area up top and you hike with your equipment down some stairs into a wooded area with about 7 primitive campsites," explains Emily W., describing the layout for families considering non-vehicle sites.
Hookup configurations: Baileys Point provides water and electric but limited sewer. "Beware of some of the best sites in the B loop. Some of them do not have electric hookup, but the view is amazing!" warns Beth H., highlighting the trade-off between premium views and full hookups.
Platform challenges: Edgar Evins State Park's unique design requires adaptation. "The sites are tiered and you will get a workout if your walking from one level to the next, which if you need the showerhouse, you will be on certain tiers," explains Shelly S., noting the physical demands of the multi-level design.
Dump station timing: Plan your departure to avoid waits. "Also gets a little crowded at the dump station on the weekends at check our time," advises Beth H., suggesting off-peak timing for easier service access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lafayette, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lafayette, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 146 campgrounds and RV parks near Lafayette, TN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lafayette, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lafayette, TN is Defeated Creek Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lafayette, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Lafayette, TN.
What parks are near Lafayette, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Lafayette, TN that allow camping, notably Stillhouse Hollow Lake and Barren River Lake.
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