Camping near Holladay, Tennessee offers several options within a 20-mile radius. The area sits at the western edge of Tennessee's Highland Rim, characterized by rolling hills and diverse forest ecosystems. Cell service varies significantly by carrier, with Verizon generally providing better coverage than AT&T in most campgrounds around Kentucky Lake.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Cub Lake Campground #1, the lake provides multiple fishing spots. "We ended up hiking the many trails that begin near the campground. Cub Lake was my favorite trail, and if I ever make it back down I might try Red Leaves, as other campers recommended it," notes one visitor.
Water activities: Birdsong Resort and Marina offers boat launch facilities and shoreline fishing options. One visitor commented, "Quiet, near shopping, family oriented, Pet friendly, boat launch, shore fishing, store, pull through sites, friendly helpful staff."
Hiking trails: Multiple interconnected trail networks span across the state parks. At Spring Creek Primitive Campground, "The ranger took the kids on a fossil hunt. Great family feel to the whole place," according to one review.
Swimming: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas during summer months. "We went to the beach at Cub Lake for hours every day! There were several playgrounds around the campgrounds, I'm sure we tried them all," mentions one Cub Lake camper.
What campers like
Lake views: Pin Oak Campground offers some of the most scenic waterfront sites. "The site was in great shape, there was wood left for us, and the bathhouses were super clean. The campground landscape is rolling hills so everyone has a different view of the lake," notes a recent visitor.
Shower facilities: Clean bathhouses are consistently mentioned across reviews. At Parkers Crossroads RV Park, "Bathhouses were not fancy but cleaner than most, we were impressed," and "The owners are onsite and run the day to day operation. We saw the owners on the campground several times a day."
Quiet evenings: Several campgrounds offer peaceful settings despite their proximity to water recreation. "We were just passing through and picked this park to stay the night in our 21 ft trailer. Wow! Super quiet, dark and cool the first week of October," reports a visitor at Natchez Trace Wrangler Camp.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and dusk provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Nice views with nice people all around and some of the hottest showers of you life," shared a Bradley C. at Cub Lake Campground.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Download maps before arrival as cell service is spotty. "Will say make sure you download the map before you head in. There isn't cell service at least for Verizon. It's a bit confusing to see where you're headed and where the Campsite 2 is, at least if you arrive at night," advises an Anna at Cub Lake Campground #2.
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. "Bathrooms are super outdated but the place is not expensive so that's not a real complaint. Dead bugs and cobwebs All over the bathroom and no soap for washing your hands," notes Tori at Cub Lake Campground.
GPS reliability: Several campgrounds report GPS navigation problems. "Do NOT follow your gps!!! Go to Camden then follow the state park signs (Hwy 191) 8 plus miles to the park," warns Gary P. at Lakefront Campground.
Off-season benefits: Fall and winter camping offers fewer crowds but limited services. "Completely Empty on a Fall Tuesday. Nice trails right out of campground. Meant for horse camping but no horses (or anyone but Host)," notes Susan M. about Natchez Trace Wrangler Camp in October.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lakefront Campground at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park offers several recreational areas for children. "Lots of activities for the kids on weekends. Clean shower house and general grounds. Very busy on weekends and people park any where they please," shares one camper.
Swimming options: Several lakes offer designated swimming areas with varying water quality. "We went to the beach at Cub Lake for hours every day! There were several playgrounds around the campgrounds, I'm sure we tried them all," shares Rachel C.
Site selection strategy: Families should consider proximity to facilities. "We stayed at the Cub Lake campground, which I prefer as the sites are treed and shaded, unlike most sites at Pin Oak. We preferred the sites towards the middle of the campground. Keep in mind that the sites closer to the lake are indeed beautiful but they are also close to the summer swimming area and playground."
Rainy day options: Weather can change quickly in this region. "After the Covid lockdowns, this was the perfect getaway for our family. The bathrooms were clean, the campsites were a good size and well shaded. The lake is BEAUTIFUL! The cabins looked wonderful, too."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: I 40 Hideaway provides accessible overnight spots for RVers. "We thought the traffic noise would be bad being so close to I40 but we didn't even hear it. We had a tent site with water and power. The hosts were awesome, sold us firewood and ice for fair prices."
RV repair availability: Some campgrounds offer on-site services. "Parker's Crossroads is located very conveniently off of I-40 and the park is gorgeous! They have some long term campers, storage, and an RV Repair Center on site. The shop inside has more parts then we have ever seen at an RV Park."
Site selection for big rigs: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs. "When we asked how we could get into one of the sites in the 29-35 area, which had plenty of open sites during our stay, we were told those were for big rigs 40' and over."
Electrical hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying electrical capabilities. "We popped in (we had a reservation) for a one night stay, 56.00, our 42ft coach sat on a concrete pad with 50a elec, water and waste, access to trash dumpster, fire pit, pick nick table, 8 min from I-40."
