Camping sites near Mount Pleasant, Tennessee span a variety of terrain from riverside locations to wooded areas with elevations ranging from 600 to 900 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers reaching into the 90s and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Camping options include both primitive sites with minimal facilities and developed campgrounds with access to rural attractions.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Meriwether Lewis Campground, visitors can explore challenging but accessible trails. As one camper noted, "Trails to hike that are challenging but not too hard for kids of multiple ages. Pretty water falls not far from the camp site. History and adventure!"
Historical exploration: The Natchez Trace Parkway provides access to significant historical sites. A camper at Meriwether Lewis Campground shared, "There was stuff about Meriwether Lewis, like the cabin he died in (weird I know, but kinda cool, right?!). I like campgrounds that kind of feel like you are in the backcountry and this is exactly what this felt like!"
Kayaking: Several waterways near Mount Pleasant offer paddling opportunities. At Fall Hollow Resort, a reviewer recommended, "Bring a kayak, many portions of the Big Swan are ideal for some kayaking and this is a perfect spot to launch. You can list the more shallow areas or deeper depending on which primitive campsite you are choosing."
Amish country visits: The local Amish community provides cultural experiences within short drives of camping areas. A visitor at Marcella Falls RV Park mentioned, "We visited some amish farms close by and found all kinds of stuff! Their candy is so good!!!"
What campers like
Free camping options: The Mount Pleasant area offers no-cost camping with surprising amenities. A camper at Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 reported, "We took our three kids tent camping overnight and we had a great time! All roads and campsites are paved so the kids all road bikes easily! No electric at sites but there are water spigots periodically placed through the campground."
Riverside camping: Several campgrounds feature water access with primitive beach camping. At Fall Hollow Resort, a camper described, "I chose to check out the beach camping which places you right on the Big Swan River in several separate areas. You really have some of the best views and nicest places to sleep right here along the bends as you can hear the water trickling."
Wildlife viewing: The forested areas support diverse wildlife. At Henry Horton State Park Campground, a camper shared, "Most mornings I can sit outside & watch the deer grazing as I have my coffee."
Well-maintained facilities: State parks in the area receive praise for their upkeep. A visitor to David Crockett State Park Campground noted, "We visited this park in late June. The campground and park was immaculate! Sites were level and easy to back in. Bathrooms and showers were wonderful."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across campgrounds near Mount Pleasant. A camper at Natchez Trace RV Campground warned, "I had absolutely no cell service through Verizon and my T-Mobile 5g internet had no reception either (even with a booster). Luckily, I was able to rely on my Starlink."
Bridge clearance issues: Some roads have low clearance limitations. A visitor to Natchez Trace RV Campground advised, "There is a low bridge (11ft) that you need to pass under to get onto the Natchez Trace Parkway. If you can't fit, you have to take Napier road north several miles."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds don't accept advance bookings. A Meriwether Lewis Campground camper explained, "Free on a FCFS basis. Roomy. Clean. Well maintained. Beautiful falls to go see."
Tent site selection: When tent camping, location matters for comfort. A Fall Hollow Resort camper advised, "Temps by the water were a bit cooler than the RV sites which seemed much more exposed to the elements. But there also were a lot of mosquitoes so I would recommend coming prepared with some bug spray."
Tips for camping with families
Bike-friendly campgrounds: For families with kids who enjoy cycling, select paved sites. A camper at Meriwether Lewis Campground observed, "We took our three kids tent camping overnight and we had a great time! All roads and campsites are paved so the kids all road bikes easily!"
Wildlife education programs: Some parks offer educational opportunities. A David Crockett State Park camper shared, "We had a great outdoor class to learn about snakes, hiked the trails, and enjoyed the falls. We look forward to going back to this gem again!"
Activities for various ages: Look for campgrounds with diverse recreation options. At Henry Horton State Park, a camper noted, "The backcountry campsites are just a short trek from the camp store, the hike itself follows the river. We only saw one other couple and no one else was staying at the second site so it was such a secluded weekend!"
Trail safety awareness: Some trail systems have navigation challenges. A camper at Meriwether Lewis Campground cautioned, "Careful on the hiking trails though, many cross paths with no directions on how to get back to camp. We wondered around for a few hours before making it out. Loved it there though and can't wait to go back!"
Tips from RVers
Level sites: For comfortable parking, look for campgrounds with level sites. A camper at Henry Horton State Park mentioned, "We stayed at this campground recently and because the wifi coverage and speed was so good was actually able to 'work from home' here. We were on site 18 and it was very level, paved and double wide. Parking was easy and it accommodated the 38' RV and a SUV."
Site width considerations: Some campgrounds have limited space between sites. A visitor at David Crockett State Park noted, "Have full service sites that are all pull through. Most lots have at least partial shade. Only detriment is the full service sites are close together therefore they do not offer fire rings at each site."
Road conditions: Internal campground roads vary in quality. About Natchez Trace RV Campground, a camper warned, "The roads throughout the park need some work, there are large pot holes that are difficult to avoid."
Pull-through availability: For easier parking with towed vehicles. A visitor to Stoney Creek Travel Park commented, "Very well maintained park right off the HWY for easy access. All sites are pull through which was nice if you're towing. You dont neccessarily have to unload."
