Campgrounds near Murfreesboro offer diverse camping options within 30 miles of the city. The Percy Priest Lake area provides water-based recreation across 14,000 acres of lake surface with elevations ranging from 490 to 530 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with average temperatures between 65-80°F.
What to do
Hiking trails and cedar forests: Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground features a unique ecosystem with hiking opportunities through cedar glades. "We hiked a trail with our 3 boys and 2 dogs. We saw 10 deer one morning," notes Ines M. The park preserves rare cedar glade habitats containing endemic plant species.
Fishing from your campsite: Anderson Road Campground provides direct lake access for fishing. "Great, spacious sites with concrete or wood picnic tables, fire pits and grills. Fairly level sites," reports Taissa K. about Poole Knobs. For dedicated anglers, some waterfront sites allow fishing directly from camp.
Swimming beaches and water recreation: "The swimming pool and laundry facility were clean. Note: The washers and dryers do not take quarters; pay by credit/debit card," explains Erich H. about Four Corners RV Resort. Many lakeside campgrounds offer designated swimming areas, boat rentals, and water access points during summer months.
What campers like
Level, spacious campsites: "We stayed in site 18 and it was very level, paved and double wide. Parking was easy and it accommodated the 38' RV and a SUV," explains Randy C. about Henry Horton State Park Campground. Many campgrounds in the area feature paved or concrete pads for easier setup.
Waterfront views: "Perfect for people who like to be surrounded with nature. Very clean and well maintained spots. Great price. Water and electric but no sewer. There is a dump station in the campground," shares Sarah F. about Seven Points. Campers consistently mention the quality of lake views at Percy Priest Lake campgrounds.
Clean facilities: "The bathrooms are nice and camp sites are set up to be quite spacious/private with good tree coverage for even summer camping," says Wendy J. Sites with modern amenities typically receive positive reviews, particularly for bathroom cleanliness and shower facilities.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Many lakeside campgrounds operate seasonally. Seven Points runs from April 1 to October 30, while Anderson Road Campground opens May 16 to September 30. Plan accordingly for off-season visits.
Bathroom accessibility: "If you get a site along the lake, expect a long walk and then an arduous climb to the bathroom and showers or hop in your vehicle and drive there," warns Larry R. about Poole Knobs. Consider site location relative to facilities when booking.
Insect concerns: "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," reports Mandy C. about Long Hunter State Park Campground. Bring appropriate bug repellent, particularly for water-adjacent sites.
Tips for camping with families
Halloween festivities: "Their halloween weekend is a great time of fun for the kids!" shares Justin L. about Cedars of Lebanon State Park. Several campgrounds host seasonal events with decorations and activities for children, particularly during fall months.
Playground access: "Plenty of places for the kiddos to ride their bikes," notes Laur H. about Henry Horton State Park. For family camping, prioritize campgrounds with dedicated recreation spaces and paved surfaces for bicycles.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: "We saw 10 deer one morning and hiked a trail with our 3 boys and 2 dogs," reports Ines M. Morning and evening hours offer best wildlife viewing conditions at dog friendly campgrounds near Murfreesboro, particularly at sites backing up to wooded areas.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: "Be very cautious of the site lengths. Some are extremely short and I'd say the measurements are nearly exact," warns Beth H. about Elm Hill RV Resort. Verify exact dimensions before booking, especially for larger rigs.
Hookup variability: "I'm set up for 30 amp, so I had to use an adapter," explains Gregory G. about camping at Cedars of Lebanon. Many pet-friendly camping options near Murfreesboro offer electric hookups, but amperage varies between parks and specific sites.
Weekend congestion: "The road is one way and there's not enough room to get around anyone. Makes for some traffic back ups during check in and check out," notes Beth H. about Elm Hill RV Resort. Plan arrival and departure outside peak times for easier navigation, particularly at more popular destinations.
