Camping sites near Murfreesboro, Tennessee provide access within a 30-mile radius to Percy Priest Lake, a 14,200-acre reservoir with 213 miles of shoreline. The region sits at approximately 550 feet above sea level in the Central Basin of Tennessee, characterized by gently rolling hills and limestone outcroppings. Summer temperatures average 88-92°F during peak camping months (June-August), with humidity levels often exceeding 70%.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Seven Points Campground offers direct water access, with sites positioned along the shoreline. As camper Austin R. notes, "This is a great, easy access campground with great amenities. Lake front sites for campers or tents. Close to groceries and gas station."
Swimming beaches: Four Corners RV Resort maintains a designated swimming area with imported sand. "There is a swimming beach as well as several relaxing spots, a playground, a bark park and a dog washing station," according to Susan & Kevin W., who stayed at this newer facility on Percy Priest Lake.
Fishing opportunities: Anderson Road Campground features sites with private lake access paths. One visitor explains, "Great, spacious sites with concrete or wood picnic tables, fire pits and grills. Fairly level sites. Clean and well maintained."
Cedar forest hiking: Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground contains unique cedar glades with rare plant species found nowhere else in the region. "Cedars of Lebanon is a great State Park in middle TN for camping and for day hikes. It has a great pool, and the natural area where it's located features tons of endemic species to the area," reports Phoebe A.
What campers like
Well-maintained shower facilities: Poole Knobs receives positive reviews for its clean bathrooms. "Three bathrooms, two had showers, all very clean," notes Suzanne Z., who appreciated the park's maintenance standards despite some wildlife challenges during her visit.
Privacy between campsites: Seven Points provides well-spaced sites with natural buffers. Wendy J. explains, "The bathrooms are nice and camp sites are set up to be quite spacious/private with good tree coverage for even summer camping."
Accessibility to Nashville: Nashville I-24 Campground offers proximity to city amenities while maintaining a campground atmosphere. According to Randy B., "Pros... Full hookups including sewer. Convenient to Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Nashville. Staff is very friendly and helpful."
Fall and winter camping options: Henry Horton State Park Campground remains open year-round. "We stayed here for the long Presidents Day weekend in a wooded drive through spot with few neighbors. We saw 10 deer one morning and hiked a trail with our 3 boys and 2 dogs," reports Ines M., highlighting the park's off-season appeal.
What you should know
Seasonal insect conditions: Long Hunter State Park primitive sites require proper preparation. "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," warns Mandy C., who recommends bringing "LOTS of DEET bug spray."
Bathroom accessibility: At Poole Knobs, the location of facilities creates challenges for some sites. "The bathrooms were ridiculously hard to get to. 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," Larry R. explains.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly, particularly for waterfront sites. Nashville I-24 Campground often has limited availability during peak times. "I managed to get in here for memorial day weekend at the last minute," notes River R., who found the campground "super quiet, like crazy super quiet even on the holiday weekend."
Topography challenges: Sites at some campgrounds require leveling equipment. One visitor to Safe Harbor RV Resort observed, "Some are extremely short and I'd say the measurements are nearly exact. Since our site backed up to a drop off, there was a small fence so no way to 'hang over' the pad a little for extra room."
Tips for camping with families
Halloween events: Cedars of Lebanon State Park hosts special October weekends. Justin L. says "their halloween weekend is a great time of fun for the kids!" This makes the park particularly attractive for fall camping trips.
Playground facilities: Henry Horton State Park offers recreational areas for children. "Plenty of places for the kiddos to ride their bikes. We loved it here and will definitely return," shares Laur H., who found the park perfect for families.
Bike-friendly areas: Several campgrounds feature paved roads suitable for children's bikes. "We took a walk around section 2, and section 3. There was a lot more room, and seemed a little more private. I would recommend them over section 1," recommends Gregory G. about Cedars of Lebanon's different camping loops.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds feature regular deer sightings, particularly during morning hours. A visitor to Four Corners RV Resort mentioned, "The RV slot we were given backed up to a green space that has grazing deer from time to time."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through site availability: Nashville I-24 Campground offers options for larger rigs. "We were in spot 25 which is a pull through with full hookups. We were in town for the Nascar races," explains Randy B., though he notes the spot was "a little tight for our 38 ft 5th wheel."
Leveling requirements: Safe Harbor RV Resort features concrete pads but some positioning challenges. "Some sites have serious sloping drives so lots of leveling would have been required," notes one camper about navigating the terrain.
Electrical hookup variations: Campers should verify power requirements before arrival. Gregory G. shares this experience at Cedars of Lebanon: "To my surprise I opened the electric pedestal, and there was only 50 amp service. I'm set up for 30 amp, so I had to use an adapter."
Water access considerations: Percy Priest Lake fluctuates seasonally, affecting shoreline accessibility. "The lake is rocky here but we had no trouble walking in and swimming with our Crocs on," notes Greg S., who stayed at Anderson Road Campground.
