Best Tent Camping near Nashville, TN
Tent campsites around Nashville, Tennessee range from primitive backcountry sites to established campgrounds with basic amenities. Long Hunter State Park offers primitive tent camping with sites located directly on the water, providing both seclusion and scenic views. Bells Bend Park maintains ten walk-in tent sites year-round, offering a natural retreat just minutes from downtown Nashville. Several additional options exist within a 30-minute drive of the city, making tent camping accessible for both weekend getaways and longer outdoor adventures.
Most tent sites near Nashville require campers to pack in their own supplies and pack out all trash. Bells Bend Park provides firewood at their primitive sites, but facilities are minimal with only a porta-potty available in the parking lot. Long Hunter State Park primitive campsites feature fire rings and bench seating but no restroom facilities or running water. Both parks accommodate tent camping exclusively, with no RV access to primitive areas. During summer months, tick activity increases dramatically, particularly at Long Hunter State Park. A visitor commented, "It was the most ticks any of us had seen, including tiny seed ticks. I would bring LOTS of DEET bug spray."
The tent camping experience near Nashville balances natural settings with proximity to urban amenities. Sites at Bells Bend Park are situated on a hillside within a wooded area, offering hammock camping options and protection from the elements. The park's primitive tent campground provides enough separation between sites to maintain privacy while still being accessible via a short hike from the parking area. Long Hunter State Park's backcountry tent sites require a more substantial hike, with some campers noting the 6-mile trek to reach certain sites. Despite the effort, the reward is direct waterfront access and excellent swimming opportunities. According to one review on The Dyrt, the primitive campsites at Long Hunter State Park are "excellent practice for your primitive skills" with the backpacking trail offering "no major climbs" making it "a good trail to try out your skills before attempting a more challenging trip."
