Tennessee River camping options near New Johnsonville feature sites adjacent to Kentucky Lake at elevations between 350-400 feet, with summer humidity levels regularly exceeding 80%. The Tennessee Valley Authority manages water levels on Kentucky Lake, causing seasonal fluctuations that can affect shoreline camping areas by up to 5 vertical feet between winter and summer pool stages. Most campgrounds remain open year-round but have reduced services from November through March.
What to do
Hiking and historical exploration: Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park offers multiple trail systems across varying terrain with the most popular being the 2.5-mile Pilot Knob Trail. According to a visitor at Chester Hollow Backcountry Shelter, "Would love for the park to be renamed, because it's beauty far exceeds its namesake... Bit of a steep hill to access some of the sites."
Water activities: Kentucky Lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating and kayaking directly from many campsites. At Lakefront Campground, one camper noted, "The tent sites were well kept. They are gravel pads with a grill and fire ring. They are right on the water with easy access to put in a kayak."
Local attractions: Loretta Lynn's Ranch in Hurricane Mills offers tours of the plantation home and museum, located 20 minutes from New Johnsonville. A visitor commented, "The best part of our stay was the tour of the plantation and Loretta Lynn's Museum."
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many sites provide direct lake views and boat access. At Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Group Campground, a camper observed, "This is the BEST state park in West TN. It's quiet, depending on your camping neighbors, and just sitting on the banks watching the boats go by is peaceful."
Electrical hookups and amenities: Happy Hollow Campground provides 50/30/110 electrical service, water hookups, and a dumping station. A reviewer stated, "Great campground, definitely a hidden gem. It's about 15 minutes from the nearest town. The main campground (Happy Hollow) is separated and by itself."
Tent camping locations: Tent sites at many campgrounds feature gravel pads, fire rings, and direct water access. One camper mentioned, "We had a tent site with water and power. The hosts were awesome, sold us firewood and ice for fair prices. Made sure we were good to go."
What you should know
Highway noise concerns: Some campgrounds near I-40 experience traffic noise issues. A camper at Buffalo I-40 Exit 143 KOA noted, "The tent sites back onto I40 and are very loud. The ground is clay so, there are standing puddles in the rain around the camp."
Industrial impacts: Several industrial facilities operate near camping areas. A visitor commented, "Beautiful view of the river and water access but the bad smells coming from the factory across the river is almost unbearable at times."
Navigation challenges: GPS devices often provide incorrect directions to several campgrounds. One reviewer advised, "Nice park once you get there. Do NOT follow your gps!!! Go to Camden then follow the state park signs (Hwy 191) 8 plus miles to the park."
Limited shower facilities: Some campgrounds have restrooms without shower facilities. A camper at Birdsong Resort and Marina noted it was "Quiet, near shopping, family oriented, Pet friendly, boat launch, shore fishing, store, pull through sites, friendly helpful staff, tent sites."
Tips for camping with families
Book sites away from boat ramps: At lakefront locations, boat traffic starts early. One reviewer advised, "We enjoyed our visit and the wonderful view, but if we return, we will get a site further from the boat access ramp. There are 2 ramps, but everyone wants to use the one right in the middle of the site at zero dark thirty."
Consider seasonal crowds: Weekends and holidays bring significantly more visitors. A camper shared, "Clean shower house and general grounds. Very busy on weekends and people park any where they please. All in all I'd stay here again, but maybe not on the weekend. Locals rule!"
Look for campgrounds with children's activities: Some locations offer scheduled weekend activities. A visitor to Southern Comfort RV Park appreciated that it's "Pet friendly great place to stay 50 and 30 amp full hookups free WiFi."
Tips from RVers
Check site length and leveling: Many RV sites in the area present challenges for larger rigs. An RVer with a 42-foot rig reported, "The fact that the camper was at such a slant it was not good for the slides obviously because it was so un-level that the jacks wouldn't go down."
Bring extra-long utility connections: Hookup placement varies widely between campgrounds. One RVer noted, "The electric and water were all in one spot which was at the very end of the camper. We've been on this journey for 10 months so not our first rodeo."
Select sites near the front: For larger RVs, sites closer to entrances typically offer better access. A reviewer recommended, "If you have a larger rig I highly recommend using the sites towards the front of the campground."
