Tent camping near Mount Juliet, Tennessee centers around several state and municipal recreation areas within 30 miles of the city. Situated in the Highland Rim geographical region at elevations between 500-600 feet, these campsites experience typical Middle Tennessee seasonal patterns with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most tent sites require advanced preparation for water access and sanitation needs.
What to do
Water activities at Percy Priest Lake: Cook Recreation Area offers swimming and fishing opportunities along Percy Priest Lake. Camper Charlotte B. noted, "Boated in and camped on an island. Only drawback was the other campers on the island blaring music until 3 AM."
Wildlife observation at Long Hunter State Park Campground: The park features multiple hiking trails with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Camper DrDavid P. shared, "I saw so many deer and turkeys I finally quit taking pics of them. There's also a really nice paved trail around the lake for the kids or handicapped folks."
Primitive skills practice: Backcountry sites provide opportunities to test wilderness skills in a controlled environment. Reviewer Shelly S. commented about Long Hunter, "Excellent practice run on your primitive skills. Pack distribution and what you need, no major climbs. This is a good trail to try out your skills before attempting a more challenging trip."
Visit Nashville attractions: The proximity to Nashville allows for day trips into the city from campgrounds. Jake C. noted about Camp Nashville Highland Rim, "You can make day trips to the city and come back to your cozy campsite after a day exploring the city!"
What campers like
Lake access: Multiple campsites around Mount Juliet feature direct water access for swimming and fishing. At Smith Springs, DrDavid P. observed, "The water area here is slightly different than some of the other areas I visited on the lake. Looks like it'd be great for just jumping in and lots of shallows for kids."
Wildlife encounters: Many campers appreciate the frequent wildlife sightings. At Lone Branch, reviewer Melani T. shared, "One great thing about this campground is that there is wildlife everywhere. We saw so many Whitetail Deer, it was amazing. They would just come into the campground, feed and walk around."
Water filtration sources: For backcountry campers, direct lake access provides water filtration options. Mandy C. noted at Long Hunter State Park, "Primitive campsite 1 has 3 long log benches and a grill. It is located directly by the water, so you have a water filtration source at your finger tips."
Quick escape from urban areas: The best tent camping near Mount Juliet offers natural settings despite proximity to Nashville. Justin L. said about Long Hunter State Park, "our family loves this park! we go there often. one of our favorites in Tennessee!"
What you should know
Insect preparation: Ticks and other insects can be problematic, especially in warmer months. At Long Hunter State Park, camper Mandy C. warned, "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."
Water access challenges: Despite lakeside locations, reaching water can sometimes be difficult. At Turnhole Backcountry Campsite, Mandy C. advised, "Despite this campsite being surrounded by the Green River on 3 sides, water is hard to come by here, and hiking it in may be your best bet."
Variable facilities: Campground amenities vary significantly. At Laguardo, Tya T. mentioned, "I've only been here kayaking but it's nice and clean," indicating minimal camping facilities but well-maintained grounds.
Fire regulations: Fire policies differ between sites with many recreation areas restricting fires. Before visiting any campground, check current fire restrictions with park authorities as rules may change seasonally.
Tips for camping with families
Shallow water areas: Smith Springs offers kid-friendly swimming areas with gradual entry points. DrDavid P. noted, "Looks like it'd be great for just jumping in and lots of shallows for kids."
Paved trails for accessibility: Several parks offer paved trails suitable for children or mobility-limited visitors. At Long Hunter State Park, reviewer DrDavid P. shared, "There's also a really nice paved trail around the lake for the kids or handicapped folks."
Difficulty assessment: Match trail difficulty to your group's abilities. At Stones River Getaway, walk-in tent sites offer easier access than backcountry alternatives, making them suitable for families with young children.
Wildlife education opportunities: The abundant wildlife provides natural learning experiences. At Lone Branch, Melani T. observed, "They didn't seem too worried or scared of us or others around. We also saw some wild turkey on our way in to the campground, which was pretty cool too."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most sites near Mount Juliet primarily accommodate tent camping with few RV amenities. At Old Hickory Beach, electric hookups and thirty-amp service are available, but water hookups may be limited.
Industrial surroundings: Some campgrounds near Mount Juliet sit near industrial areas. Shelly S. noted about Old Hickory Beach, "Sorta out of the way and past an industrial area, not exactly picturesque, but gets the job done."
Day use alternatives: Some lake areas offer day use without overnight camping. Shelly S. mentioned, "Boat ramp, fishing, picnic and beach areas, no camping. 5$ for beach access and no dogs in the beach area."
