Normandy Lake and Tim's Ford Lake form the key waterways for camping near Manchester, Tennessee, situated in the Highland Rim region at approximately 1,000 feet elevation. Most campgrounds in this area operate between April and October, with several remaining open year-round. Summer temperatures typically range from 85-95°F during peak camping season, with higher humidity levels from June through August.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 0.5-mile trail at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park leads to multiple cascades. "There are three waterfall's inside the park... hiking to them is a mild hike. The hiking trails are well maintained," notes Michael P. The trails follow Duck River with its distinct waterfall breaks.
Lake activities: boat rentals available at Cedar Point Campground for exploring Normandy Lake. "We brought our kayaks and were able to launch directly from the campsite. Lake is extremely quiet and calm," reports Michael T. The campground includes a swimming beach with sand and lakeside campsites.
Fishing: multiple species year-round in area lakes and rivers. At Barton Springs Campground, campers can fish directly from their sites. "Pull through spots right by the water... The reservoir is just beautiful, peaceful nights perfect for fire fly watching," explains Patrice S. Bass and crappie are common catches in spring and fall.
What campers like
Shaded sites: mature trees throughout most campgrounds provide cooling cover. At Whispering Oaks Campground, "All sites are shady with trees" according to Maggie C., who also notes they have "a large field and playground for the kiddos." The combination of shade and open play areas appeals to many visitors.
Clean facilities: regularly maintained bathhouses at most locations. Scott G. reports that at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, "The showers are SUPER clean!!" This sentiment is echoed at other campgrounds, though frequency of cleaning varies between locations.
Proximity to attractions: convenient location for exploring regional destinations. "Jack Daniel's Distillery is close buy & so worth doing the tour and tasting... George Dickel Distillery is close too," mentions B.M. from Old Stone Fort. The area provides access to Lynchburg, Murfreesboro, and multiple state parks within 30-60 minutes.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: reduced options between November and March. Most lakeside campgrounds operate March through October. "Barton Springs Campground... operates seasonally from March to November," according to Tim T., who adds, "There are 10 campsites that are lakeside six of those having 50 amps."
Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. At Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground, Andrea S. warns, "The camp slots on area C are so close to one another that most people couldn't use their fire pits for fear of burning their own tent, or their neighbor's."
Dynamic pricing at some locations affects budget planning. Eric R. cautions about Barton Springs: "Use to be one of my favorite campgrounds. Campspot has turned it into a money racket. Educate yourself and look up dynamic pricing which is nothing but greed."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: multiple locations for safe water recreation. At Tims Ford State Park Main Campground, visitors find "a big classic TN lake. You absolutely need to have a boat or kayak of some kind to enjoy the park fully," suggests Lynn G. The park also features "a big swimming pool" for those who prefer chlorinated water.
Playgrounds: dedicated areas for children at several campgrounds. Wayne K. notes Whispering Oaks has "a large field and playground for the kiddos." Most family-oriented sites include basic playground equipment and open spaces for games.
Wildlife viewing: daily opportunities for nature observation. "We had deer in our site everyday" at Old Stone Fort, shares B.M. Morning and evening hours offer the best chances for spotting local wildlife, particularly around water features.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: bring extra equipment at certain campgrounds. Richard F. advises at Fall Creek Falls State Park: "Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out."
Hookup locations: check placement before parking to avoid issues. Wayne K. points out at Whispering Oaks, "We enjoyed two overnight stays, charging our car as we slept." Some sites require extension cords or longer hoses due to hookup placement.
Pull-through availability: limited at some locations requiring advanced planning. MickandKarla W. found at Rvino - The Broken Banjo "site 27 was the easiest pull through we've ever had as its angled straight in from the street, no turns or maneuvering to center the rig." For larger RVs, advance research on site dimensions and access is essential.
