Nashville's pet-friendly camping options surround Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake, both Corps of Engineers reservoirs within 20 miles of downtown. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while spring brings frequent thunderstorms. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with Seven Points and Nashville KOA Resort offering the most extensive pet exercise areas near the city.
What to do
Swim at designated areas: Cedar Creek Campground offers a beach area for swimming where pets must remain at least 100 feet from swimmers. One camper noted, "The lake view and night skies are amazing. The water is warm, which isn't something I'm used to being from further north, but the campsites are so nicely groomed and the place is pristine."
Take a shuttle to downtown: Two Rivers Campground provides a convenient shuttle service to Nashville's entertainment district. "There's a $10 round trip shuttle that takes you to downtown Nashville from the campground parking lot which is super convenient," shares one reviewer who appreciated not having to navigate city parking.
Explore waterfront trails: Seven Points features lakeside paths ideal for morning pet walks. A camper reported, "Love that it's so close to Nashville and even close enough to make a morning coffee run if you forget to pack yours."
Attend weekend concerts: During summer months, several campgrounds host live music events. A visitor to Grand Ole RV Resort mentioned, "Live music every night was nice. Backing my trailer is not my strong suite but they guided me through it like it was nothing."
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Poole Knobs offers some of the most spread-out waterfront sites. "We stayed on the center strip in the primitive area. The facilities were well maintained and clean. Each site has a concrete picnic table, fire ring, and a moveable lantern hook," according to one visitor.
Clean bathroom facilities: Anderson Road Campground maintains well-kept shower buildings. A reviewer mentioned, "If you need a campsite with nicer amenities and want to feel super safe, check this place out. Mostly secluded campsites with showers, toilets, and sinks."
Proximity to Nashville attractions: Nashville KOA Resort sits just minutes from the Grand Ole Opry. "The proximity to the Opry and surrounding sites is fantastic. Top that off with front desk, event and maintenance staff that were all super nice and you've got a great combo," writes one camper.
Shaded campsites: Several campgrounds offer tree cover important for summer camping with pets. At Cedar Creek, a visitor commented, "Very nice campground with water and electric hook-ups. The campsites are level cement pads with large well spaced sites. If you can get a lake view it is wonderful."
What you should know
Interstate noise: Several campgrounds located near highways experience road noise. A Nashville North KOA camper noted, "Not much room between my RV and neighbor. The website shows a creek but it's more of a storm water runoff. Noisy due to the highway that is very close."
Water access limitations: Not all waterfront sites permit direct water entry. At Elm Hill RV Resort, a reviewer pointed out, "Some sites, on higher land, are mostly long-term residents. Most sites are back in but there are a few pull through."
Airport proximity: Several campgrounds sit under Nashville airport flight paths. One camper at Poole Knobs mentioned, "Campground is near the Nashville airport so air traffic can be heard. Generators are allowed in the campground."
Seasonal operation: Many Corps of Engineers campgrounds close from November through March. A Seven Points camper noted, "We have stayed at Seven Points around Memorial Day for 3 years now. This year was fabulous! Love the improvements they have made and the clear out they did on some of the spots."
Tips for camping with families
Book lakefront sites early: The most popular waterfront locations fill 3-6 months in advance. At Anderson Road Campground, one camper shared, "Stopped for one afternoon and night on our way through. We picked an awesome site- number 8 is a huge pull through with water and electric, a grill, prep table, picnic table, and fire ring with grill."
Check playground availability: Playground facilities vary widely between campgrounds. A camper at Grand Ole RV Resort noted, "They show a playset on their map and it was two regular swings and a baby swing. This was disappointing since we had little ones."
Consider seasonal water activities: Nashville Shores combines camping with waterpark access during summer. "The waterpark is just steps away, I would suggest not eating food within the park it is over priced and not very tasty, go to the marina restaurant or eat at your campsite," advised one visitor.
Verify swim areas: Not all waterfront campgrounds have designated swimming beaches. A Cedar Creek visitor reported, "The site has its own path and private lake access. The lake is rocky here but we had no trouble walking in and swimming with our Crocs on."
Tips from RVers
Site length restrictions: Check specific site measurements before booking. A visitor to Grand Ole RV Resort shared, "The spaces are close together; however this seemed to be part of the character of the park...the pleasantries seemed to spread from the staff through the other RV'ers."
Road design considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging navigation for larger units. At Elm Hill RV Resort, a camper noted, "Be very cautious of the site lengths. Some are extremely short and I'd say the measurements are nearly exact. Also notable is when you are backing in you're blocking the entire road."
Utilities placement: At Nashville KOA Resort, a reviewer pointed out, "Our GPS brought us right to this KOA resort near the Grand Old Opry. Check-in was fairly quick and we were escorted to pull through site J-2 with FHUs and KOA patio. The utilities are more to the front of the site with two sewer connections."
Weather planning: Gravel sites get extremely hot during summer months. A Two Rivers Campground visitor advised, "Only negative is you must bring your own fireplace and it must be raised off the ground. Parking with our truck and trailer was a little awkward, we were a little too long for the spot we were in."
