Kristina D.
Guide
GuideMeriwether Lewis Campground
It’s open!
Great place and it’s FREE! Bathrooms and trash cans. This is dry camping - no electric/dump. Water at bathrooms
Best Dispersed Camping near Mount Pleasant, TN
Meriwether Lewis Campground offers free dispersed camping along the Natchez Trace Parkway about 20 minutes from Hohenwald, Tennessee. The campground features paved sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and trash receptacles. Flush toilets and potable water are available at the bathhouse facilities. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required and permits a maximum 14-day stay.
The area provides several hiking trails, including access to portions of the old Natchez Trace and nearby creek cascades with small waterfalls. Sites accommodate both tent camping and RVs, though many spots are not level, which may require additional setup planning. A recent visitor noted, "If you're tent camping or wondering about be sure to spray down with bug spray, red bugs and ticks are present as with any natural camping woods." The campground fills quickly during peak seasons and holidays, so arriving early is recommended for best site selection.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Mount Pleasant, Tennessee (2)
1. Meriwether Lewis Campground
36 ReviewsHohenwald, TN15 milesWebsite+1 (800) 305-7417"This is dry camping - no electric/dump. Water at bathrooms"
"One of three first come first serve free camps on the Trace. Potable water and flush toilets, fire rings and tables, pull through and back in sites."
2. Lentzville Road
1 ReviewRogersville, AL49 miles
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Mount Pleasant, TN
14 Photos of 2 Mount Pleasant Campgrounds
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mount Pleasant, TN
36 Reviews of 2 Mount Pleasant Campgrounds
Jeremy A.
RangerMeriwether Lewis Campground
Great rest stop along the Natchez Trace
One of three first come first serve free camps on the Trace. Potable water and flush toilets, fire rings and tables, pull through and back in sites. There’s relative privacy, though that’s largely dependent on seasonal deciduous canopy. The campground sits next to a creek cascade and some hiking trails, including part of the old Trace. The Trace today is a far cry from the early days of interstate travel with sunken roads, mud bogs, and bandits. The two-lane is closed to commercial traffic, making this a fun alternative route for a leisurely paced road trip.
Hohenwald, the “High Forest”, holds an Oktoberfest heritage festival and craft fair highlighting the Swiss-German Community that was established here, which is an excellent opportunity to get a feel for the local culture. It was in nearby Grinder House on the night of October 11,1809 that the tragic last chapter in the life of Meriwether Lewis unfolded. Following the Corps of Discovery Expedition, Lewis had been appointed second governor of the Louisiana Territory, and turned his hand to expanding the road networks, negotiating treaties between Native American nations and managing the encroaching settlers moving west. In response to political infighting over his policies, including an expedition to return a Mandan chief to his people, the War Department refused to reimburse him for debts incurred in office, threatening personal financial ruin. The state of the mail led Washington to believe him incommunicado and, on the brink of insolvency, he set out to the Capitol with receipts to make his case. Rather than continuing by boat via New Orleans, Lewis elected to travel the Trace. After finishing a meal at the roadhouse and retiring to his room, shots rang out, and Lewis was discovered by the innkeeper’s family shortly before he passed away. Over a century of dispute followed, with competing narratives of suicide, robbery, and even assassination. His gravesite was lost among the final resting places of the pioneer cemetery, and a monument to one of the great explorers was later erected in his honor.
- HHannah L.Guide
Meriwether Lewis Campground
Awesome free camping
Boondocked here for the night.. got way more than expected! It was extremely clean. Flat, paved campsites with firepits, picnic tables, and trash cans. No water or bathrooms but a great little stop over for our trip west.
Sable A.RangerMeriwether Lewis Campground
Free site
Nice first come free camping location just off the Trace. Grounds seem to be keep up on every time I’ve been there.
- Joey S.
TravelerMeriwether Lewis Campground
Historic
Walk down the Natchez Trace, visit the grave of Meriwether Lewis, all around a good visit. No electric, first come first served free campground, show up early and you're good to go. Beautiful park to stay
- LLara M.Traveler
Meriwether Lewis Campground
The best in free camping!
This place is a gem! You can stay for 14 days each year because, let's face it, it's too nice for them to let people hog it. Free water in various places, garbage cans by your site, numbered sites, paved driveways and parking spaces, manicured and litter-controlled park, and a bathroom building with multiple flush toilets for each sex and sinks with running water! These are in at least two places. Picnic tables and fire rings with lift-off on a hinge grates.
Jeremy H.RangerMeriwether Lewis Campground
Camp Where An Explorer Died Mysteriously
“Let’s go camping where one of the most remembered American explorers died a tragic death.” That’s probably not something I would have said before visiting the Meriwether Lewis Campground near Hohenwald, Tennessee. This campground is amazing. First, its setting couldn’t be anymore beautiful being nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of central Tennessee. The campground is filled with tall, stately oak trees that provide great, all day shade and shelter from the sun. It was hypnotizing listening to the wind from a summer storm swoosh through them. The sites are tent, car camper, and RV friendly though if you are staying in a tent you might have to be selective about which site you choose. Some are rocky and have quite a slant. Site 16, the one we chose to call home for the night, would not have made a good tent site at all even though it offered a breath-taking view of a cool, green hollow. Each site has a fire ring with an attached grill. The rings are about three feet wide and around 18 inches deep. They rest on a concrete slab. Camp parking is asphalt as are all the roads that wind through the park. All sites are within walking distance of a fully functional and positively clean bathroom that is cleaned regularly. You will need to bring your own soap to the bathroom though. The park doesn’t supply it or paper towels. Each campsite also has a secure trash can that is emptied daily(late in the evening during our stay). The campground is full of wildlife so it's nice to know they won’t be feasting on full trash cans. We shared our campsite with a pleasant and oddly curious Tennessee Rough Green Snake or Vine Snake. He enjoyed hunting bugs in the leaf litter at our campsite, and for about an hour, my son Oz and I enjoyed watching him on the hunt. We also saw a box turtle speeding down one of the many trails located within walking distance of the campground. The campground had three rounds of campers arrive on Friday night, July 5. The early campers who arrived between 2PM and 6PM, the after-work campers arriving just before sunset, and the evening crowd that arrived after sunset. The after-sunset crowd made a quick camp and went right to sleep. The camp has fresh water sources scattered throughout the campground including water fountains and spigots. Park staff were welcoming and hard working as you can instantly tell by the overall tidiness of the entire park. You may want to grab supplies before you head into camp since the two nearest towns are a few miles from the camp: Hohenwald (8 miles) and Summertown (11 miles). There is no store in the park or vending machines. You will also need to purchase firewood or be willing to walk to get it. The campground is well used so most sites only have twigs available. We lucked out and found some charred wood in unused campsites that supplemented our kindling we found while hiking. Overall, this is a great family campground. Access to the park isn’t restricted at night so you may want to make sure you carry a light with you as you walk around the campground in the dark. There is a lot of after dark traffic and you want to make sure you can be seen by other campers driving to the bathroom or the occasional guest who might just be driving through. I look forward to going back again soon. This is a five star park.
Devin R.GuideMeriwether Lewis Campground
Hey, It’s Free
I was really looking forward to this place on my way to Arkansas. However, as soon as I turned into the camping area I was “greeted” by not one but TWO off leash dogs barking and running toward my van (they were not together). Fortunately, I took vinegar spray with me when I took my dog for a walk. It was a useful deterrent when one of the loose dogs ran at us. I yelled to put the dog on leash but of course nobody emerged from the van. On the return trip I made sure to have my spray and body pointed straight toward the dog who was just waiting for me to turn around so he could attack again. If you want a flat spot, a pull through spot, or one that you can’t smell the toilets, get there early! I got there around noon and maybe 15 people were there. By sundown most spots were taken…on a Tuesday. Restrooms toward the entrance were nice with running water and flush toilets.
Hannah C.
LegendMeriwether Lewis Campground
Very Impressed
This is one of three free campgrounds that can be found along the Natchez Trace. After visiting all three, this one is by far the nicest. Located at the site of Meriwether Lewis’s death, this campground is steeped in history. There are many great hiking trails around this campground and there are amazing views. Be sure to drive down to the creek and check it out. There were 31 campsites. They are pretty close together and some of them are pretty far from the bathroom. Everything is in good condition and there are trash cans scattered throughout the campsites.
Guide to Mount Pleasant
Meriwether Lewis Campground offers free camping opportunities approximately 80 miles southwest of Mount Pleasant, Tennessee along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway. The campground serves as the final resting place of explorer Meriwether Lewis and features a monument marking his grave. Sites are situated in a forested setting with moderate terrain changes and varying levels of shade throughout the day.
What to do
Explore historic trails: Visitors can hike portions of the Old Natchez Trace where hiking routes offer varying difficulty levels. "There are many 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!" notes Brittni F. about Meriwether Lewis Campground.
Visit Lewis Monument: The memorial and remnants of Grinder's Stand where Lewis died are accessible via short walking paths. "I like campgrounds that kind of feel like you are in the backcountry and this is exactly what this felt like! It has stuff about Meriwether Lewis, like the cabin he died in (weird I know, but kinda cool, right?!)" shares Jessica L.
Navigate interconnected paths: Trail junctions require attention to navigation. "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," cautions Ashley R. about her experience at Meriwether Lewis.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: The campground offers basic amenities that exceed expectations for free camping near Mount Pleasant, Tennessee. "Clean, well maintained, quiet. Spots have some space between them but sparse trees for separation. I am just travelling through the area but if I lived within a days drive of here I'd be here regularly," writes Tiel M. about Meriwether Lewis Campground.
Concrete parking areas: RV sites include hardened surfaces for stable setup. "There are many concrete parking spots for RVs and spots for camping. The parking spot also has a Littering box and a table," explains Len L.
Nighttime environment: The area offers notable stargazing opportunities. "I got in late last night and the road to get there was majestic under the stars. There are lots of trails and scenic stops along the way," reports Seanna M.
What you should know
Site capacity limitations: During peak seasons, arrive early to secure camping spots. "As busy as it was I still found a quiet spot. Level pads, table and fire ring at all the sites. Will definitely add this to my repeat stop list," advises David R. about his May visit to Meriwether Lewis Campground.
Restroom facilities: Bathhouses provide basic necessities without full services. "Good bathhouse with flush toilets and cold water sink. No Shower. Great for tent camping," states Anita C.
Maximum stay restrictions: Rules limit extended camping periods. "You can stay for 14 days each year because, let's face it, it's too nice for them to let people hog it," explains Lara M.
Tips for camping with families
Trail difficulty assessment: The network of paths accommodates various age groups. "Trails to hike that are challenging but not too hard for kids of multiple ages. Pretty water falls not far from the camp site," recommends Brittni F. when discussing Meriwether Lewis Campground.
Amenities comparison: The campground offers exceptional value for no-cost camping destinations. "This place is a gem! Free water in various places, garbage cans by your site, numbered sites, paved driveways and parking spaces, manicured and litter-controlled park," details Lara M.
Allow extra time: Trail intersections can confuse young hikers. "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," warns Ashley R.
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: Many parking areas require minimal adjustments. "Level pads, table and fire ring at all the sites. Will definitely add this to my repeat stop list," notes David R. about his experience at Meriwether Lewis Campground.
Restroom access considerations: Plan accordingly for limited facilities. "Good bathhouse with flush toilets and cold water sink. No Shower," explains Anita C.
Site spacing assessment: RV sites offer moderate separation between neighbors. "Spots have some space between them but sparse trees for separation," advises Tiel M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed
campsite near Mount Pleasant, TN?
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mount Pleasant, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mount Pleasant, TN is Meriwether Lewis Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 36 reviews.
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