Tent camping near Culleoka, Tennessee offers opportunities across both primitive backcountry sites and walk-in areas within a 40-mile radius. The region features elevations ranging from 600-800 feet with rolling hills characteristic of Middle Tennessee's Highland Rim geography. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons bring milder conditions with nighttime lows in the 40-60°F range.
What to do
**Cave exploration: 12 miles south of Columbia, Southport Saltpeter Cave offers guided tours with camping access. "Enjoyed this rough camping trip and Spelunking with our Royal Ambassador boys (1st to 9th grade). Buddy gives a guided tour along with camping privilege's," reports Daniel L.
**Stargazing: Clear night skies provide excellent viewing conditions at Ray of Hope Guest Ranch, about 30 minutes northeast of Culleoka. "The yurt sets on the side of a beautiful Tennessee Hill offering almost a complete view of the nighttime sky. We watched the moon rise over a hill directly in front of the campsite, and we even saw a brilliant shooting star blaze across the sky for what seems like an eternity," writes Jeremy H.
**Fishing: Access to ponds and waterways makes fishing a popular activity. At Whooping Crane Farm, one camper noted, "There is a pond on the property, which the host, Ellen, allowed us to fish in. The River would be difficult to access, at least while we were there in late August, as there is a big drop off from the bank."
What campers like
**Natural swimming spots: Waterfront camping areas provide swimming access. "It is a great swimming spot with flat rocks to hang out on," mentions one camper about Long Hunter State Park Campground.
**Wildlife viewing: The rural setting supports diverse wildlife sightings. "I saw so many deer and turkeys I finally quit taking pics of them," notes a Long Hunter State Park visitor, adding details about a "monster snapping turtle" encountered during their stay.
**Island camping: For more adventurous tent campers, Evans Loop Backcountry Sites offer unique island camping options. "We visit here every summer, great paddling, few cliffs to jump off of, awesome old cemetery right beside campsite," reports Buddy G. about Devils Step Island at Tim's Ford.
What you should know
**Pack-in requirements: Most tent sites require bringing your own supplies. "If you enjoy carrying all your essentials on your back and sucking your water through a filtered straw then this is the camping/backpacking park for you!" explains one Long Hunter State Park camper.
**Seasonal insect concerns: Summer camping requires pest preparation. "It was the most ticks any of us had seen, including tiny seed ticks. We left with multiple bites, and were constantly picking them off each other and our gear," warns a camper at Long Hunter State Park.
**Trail difficulty: Some sites require challenging hikes to access. At Bells Bend Park, "No drive up. Pack it in, pack it out," explains Krista A., while at Evans Loop, a camper advises, "The hike is rough though so pack light and be prepared."
Tips for camping with families
**Group camping options: Several locations accommodate larger family groups. Bells Bend Park offers group camping with "10 total sites" and the option to "reserve all 10 sites for $50.00" according to a reviewer.
**Kid-friendly hikes: While some trails are challenging, others work well for younger campers. "Even though 6 miles is quite the hike for a young Girl Scout Troop just to reach our Campsite it was beyond worth it!" shares a Long Hunter State Park visitor.
**Private farm stays: For families seeking a more controlled camping environment, Turkey Creek Campground offers "great straight forward campsite, awesome lake access!" according to Travis J.
Tips from RVers
**Limited RV options: Most camping near Culleoka is tent-focused with minimal RV infrastructure. "Great place to camp both RV and primitive!" notes Joshua G. about Long Hunter State Park, though most sites lack hookups.
**Parking logistics: At Stones River Getaway, the walk-in tent sites require planning for gear transport from parking areas to campsites, with 5 dedicated sites available for reservation.
**Alternative glamping: For those wanting tent-like experiences with more comfort, glamping options exist. Whooping Crane Farm provides "a canvas tent decorated nicely, with some cool lanterns and a wood burning stove. There was a battery powered fan, that lasted most of the night. The bed was comfortable for glamping."
