Looking for the best Natchez Trace Parkway tent camping? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Natchez Trace Parkway campgrounds for you and your tent. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
$10 / night
If you are a fan of the great outdoors then this is the place for you!! We are located "down in the hollar" in beautiful Ethridge, TN. We are small and secluded on 3 acres of Tennessee countryside at its finest! On the property is fresh running water in a natural creek that flows non stop providing nourishment if needed as well as soothing sounds to ease your mind and relax you while you escape from everyday life. We also allow some minor hunting if there are no other campsites set up at the time. This place is truly stunning and unlike any other and a guaranteed "must check it out" for your next camping adventure. We are pet and kid friendly 😃. Contact us now before the opportunity passes by!! We'll love to have ya!
$25 - $45 / night
50 acres of beautiful grassy pasture surrounded by woods on a very private road.
$30 / night
Backcountry campsites are not typical walk in campsites and will require backpacking from the Visitor Center. Vehicles are not allowed at backcountry campsites. The Cub Lake Campsite is approximately 2.5 miles from the Park Visitor Center/Parking Area.
A permit, obtainable from the Visitor Center, is required in addition to site registration. Contact the park Visitor Center for additional information. 731-968-3742
Ranger
Came in on a Tuesday in late October and found about 10 campsites occupied, so lots to choose from. The campsite has two adjoining loop roads. The lower loop has a bathroom with flush toilets and sinks.
The campground appears to be very well maintained. There is not much privacy between campsites as there are only a few trees and no shubbery between campsites.
We met two other camping groups that were simply delightful Americans.
TravelerI 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.
Scout
Stayed in primitive area and a couple sites are close to water but not a good walk way down to water.
Scout
Pet friendly great place to stay 50 and 30 amp full hookups free WiFi
Scout
Very friendly staff, nice surroundings of Amish settlement, campground itself looks old but, heritage, it’s great.
ScoutThe owners are super helpful
Ranger
It’s a large campground with a lot of full time campers on site. Nice lake at 102 sq acres in size. Did have an issue that most sites are only 50 or 30amp hookups only, so I had to borrow a 30 to 120 adapter. The hiking trails were closed which sucked since I was looking forward to a hike with the dog. They are building a new pool. Good luck getting a lakeside site since I was told only 8 are available and are full most of the time.
Scout
It was so cool sitting outside and watching the amish buggies drive by! We visited some amish farms close by and found all kinds of stuff! Their candy is so good!!!
Legend
Stopped at Pickwick Landing SP on a trip West to the Ozark National River. Nice campground but a little worn around the edges. Campground was mostly empty. We were in site 30, and the only people in that loop on a Friday night. They had recently had a lot of rain, and it rained most of the night. But it didn’t bother us. The asphalt on some of the roads was breaking up making for a rough road. But the campsite was large and mostly level. The bathrooms and showers were modern and well maintained. It is only 20 minutes from Shiloh National Battlefield Park which is worth the visit. We only stayed one night. Also- be sure to visit the Catfish Farm Restaurant. Smoked catfish is outstanding!
Traveler
It's just numbered spots with fire rings and picnic tables. I tent camp so it was perfect for me and I really liked it.
Ranger
We will be back in the fall for an extended weekend trip. Staff was super friendly and helpful helping us find ice cream during a storm rolling thru. The site we had was up hill facing the lake which worked out with a small trailer.
RangerStayed here for two nights. The site we booked was way too close to the restrooms, so we asked for a different location. The staff was great and let us pick a spot to change to. Lots of wildlife that comes out at dark looking for free food!
RangerNice first come free camping location just off the Trace. Grounds seem to be keep up on every time I’ve been there.
Guide
First impressions pulling in I was thinking it was going to be awesome but while setting up we noticed thrash all over. The wife picked up a full bag of garbage while I was setting up. It was around 7pm we noticed that this camping area is a special spot for tweakers and some sketchy people. They did keep to themselves which worked out. I’d say this location isn’t that bad if you’re a believer in the 2nd and watching out constantly. The camper next to us decided to run the loudest generator from 8pm on. Going to the restroom early am noticed a guy up and watching from a distance. Also someone in the stall having a weird intense conversation with himself and was in there for over a hour. Park does have the possibility of being a great campground with some improvements and someone keeping out the tweakers.
GuideEnded up at this location after a crappy night in Alabama. It was very clean nice location. Very nice Mississippi State Park Campground. All the staff were very friendly and Gary was a great guy that we chatted with for a bit after checking in. Restrooms were clean and air conditioned. Family type campgrounds with friendly happy campers. We will be back a lot more in the future.
GuideNice location just off the Trace! Nice free getaway spot with plenty to do around.
GuideOlder campsite some improvements needed in the parking locations. Nice quiet, camping plenty of trees great for the dogs. Watching the squirrels chasing their nuts. We did have a raccoon jump on top of the RV at 1am and I think the wife shit herself! Write that down….
Guide
This campground has become our favorite. The campground is amazing, the bathrooms are cleaned everyday on weekends and every other day during the week. Completely cleaned!
The site has 77 sites full hook-up with sewage. Every site has grill, fire pit, table and lantern hook. We were #38 it was easy to back into and pretty level. The campground also have small cabins with bunk beds to rent. There is no indoor water just beds, electric and air for a great price. There is a small swimming area too at Pin Oak.
There are a few lakes in the area. Pin Oak is the only motor lake. Cub lake has a larger swim area with paddle boat, Jon boat and kayak rentals. The rentals are only weekends. Browns Creek Lake also has honest system rentals of Jon boat but for fishing purposes only and you have to pay for a lake permit.
The park is great! Lexington is close for quick runs for anything you need. We loved this park so much we may be changing our family BBQ to this park next year.
Ranger
Had a premium FHU site right on the late near the dock. Beautiful views of the lake. Bath house was immaculate and laundry on site. Lots of availability during the week.
Ranger
The sites themselves here are really nice, but they’re very close together so you only get privacy when it’s empty. Bathhouse currently closed indefinitely for repairs but they’re still charging full price, looks like it does have laundry when it opens. Campground is on top of a big hill so hard to get to anything else in the park without driving.
Decent cell service, if you ask rangers will bring firewood to your site for $8/bundle.
RangerWe stayed one night at the Oak Campground. We drove straight to our site (per the Visitor Center’s instruction) - it’s about 15 minutes off I-40. The site was in great shape, there was wood left for us, and the bathhouses were super clean. The campground landscape is rolling hills so everyone has a different view of the lake. Our kids enjoyed riding their bikes and playing on the small beach. There was a playground for smaller kids and several people were fishing and boating. The campsites are not super private, but they are nicely spaced, everyone was pleasant and it was quiet in the evening. Lots of folks w pups, but they were all leashed or fenced. The lodge was over a mile away so we didn’t make it over there and if you are looking for amenities, there really aren’t any. There are other campgrounds in the Park, as well as a Visitor Center. For a nice and reasonably priced overnight, I would strongly recommend.
Scout
We camp here regularly on the weekends. Good location and easy to get to. We have been camping here for years good spot for fishing kayaking and just good family time. They have on site porta potties and picnic tables.
GuideThis is pinned wrong on Dyrt. If you clicked Waze directions on the other pin and you’re heading down Jennie Smith road, you’re heading the wrong way.
Sites a little closer than I like and no showers, but the ride in was beautiful and it’s free. Good place for a stopover.
Scout
Great anytime of year. Fishing, golf, restaurant and many other activities. Campground recently updated.
GuideOn the gorgeous Piney River! Tent camping and RV spots. Gets busy during holiday weekend and middle of summer but still a great place and worth a visit! Also a kayak rental company so you can camp and float the river.
GuideWe stayed on campsite #55. It was back away from the water but we had a clear view to the water. Beautiful park.
GuideThe campground is quite large with lots of things to explore. A lot of the roads, especially around the campsites were in need of repair. I had full hookup with 30 amp service, though not all of the sites have sewer. All of the lakeside sites are taken up by resident campers (of which there are a lot). I had absolutely no cell service through Verizon and my T-Mobile 5g internet had no reception either (even with a booster). Luckily, I was able to rely on my Starlink. A lot of the buildings looked like they had seen better days, but were maintained as well as they could be. Staff were nice and pleasant. Meriwether Lewis death/gravesite was nearby and interesting to check out. Not a whole lot else to do in the area. There is a low bridge (11ft) that you need to pass under to get onto the Natchez Trace Parkway. If you can’t fit, you have to take Napier road north several miles. There is a wal-mart in town about 20 or so minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Natchez Trace Parkway?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Natchez Trace Parkway is Second Creek Rec Area with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Natchez Trace Parkway?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Natchez Trace Parkway, with real photos and reviews from campers.
