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Best Tent Camping near New Johnsonville, TN

423 Reviews

Tent campsites throughout Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park provide multiple backcountry shelter options for campers near New Johnsonville, Tennessee. The park offers five backcountry shelters including Chester Hollow and Red Rock Trail shelters, with most requiring a hike to access. Santa's Woods also provides tent-only camping with five established sites located near forested areas where campers can pitch tents.

Access varies significantly between campgrounds, with most backcountry shelters requiring hike-in travel along established trails. Most sites include basic fire rings where permitted, though Campground Road Backcountry Shelters prohibit fires. Primitive tent sites have minimal amenities - no drinking water, electricity, or bathroom facilities are available at shelter locations. Visitors must carry in all water and supplies needed for their stay. The park maintains reservable backcountry sites, though some tent camping areas like Chester Hollow Backcountry Shelters are free to use.

Areas along Kentucky Lake provide scenic camping opportunities with several shoreline tent sites offering water views. Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Group Campground accommodates tent campers looking for drive-in access, while the various backcountry shelters serve hikers seeking more remote experiences. Stewart State Forest, located approximately 25 miles north, offers additional primitive tent camping with firewood available and designated trails. One camper noted, "We love the primitive sites at Nathan Bedford Forest! Each site is along the River banks, so you get the best views!" For more secluded options, Land Between the Lakes area provides tent camping at locations like Gatlin Point, which includes vault toilets, picnic tables and trash service while maintaining a natural setting.

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Best Tent Sites Near New Johnsonville, Tennessee (17)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near New Johnsonville, TN

9 Photos of 17 New Johnsonville Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near New Johnsonville, TN

423 Reviews of 17 New Johnsonville Campgrounds

  • Vince B.
    Mar. 31, 2021

    Gatlin Point

    A Good Boondocking Spot!

    About four miles of winding hills off the paved road. Cleared and not too rough. The site has 18 designed spots, all tiered into the wooded hillside. There is a natural boat launch into Bards Lake. A single Vault toilet and Dumpster as well. The gravel camping pads are reasonably level, each with a concrete picnic table and large fire ring with grate.The hillside spots were designed for tent camping and are tight. No campers larger than 20' will fit on the hillside, however the bottom four spaces will accommodate a class A rig. A fork at the top of the hill provides a space for small campers to turn around if needed. Space number 16 has poor drainage. The area is very shady, a nice deep woods feeling. Firewood must be deadfall or bring your own "bug free" wood. The welcome center at the entrance has fresh and "potable" water, and a blackwater dump. The center also has maps, sodas, candy, etc. Great area to hike, the weird history of the area can be seen everywhere. Hundreds of very old cemeteries and homestead ruins... Att signal was two bars at all times. Overall, a big thumbs up!!!

  • David B.
    Oct. 8, 2018

    Gatlin Point

    Five miles off paved roads and no electricity or running water.

    Located at Land Between the Lakes at the south end. This campground has about 18 sites. You can can camp near the water or back in the woods. The sites have concrete picnic tables, fire rings and gravel for parking and to set up your site. As m motioned, no electricity or running water. Nearest water point is about five miles away at the South welcome center. Vault toilet (one seat). Sites are close but not crowded. There is a small no wake lake next to the site and lake Barkley is 50 yards away. There is also a boat ramp into Lake Barkley a quarter mile away. This is a great site for relaxing and fishing.

  • B
    Jun. 8, 2020

    Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

    Well kept

    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. And close to a boat ramp if bringing a boat. It’s shaded. The bath house is a bit of a walk and they have restrooms only, no showers.

  • Staci R.
    Aug. 16, 2022

    Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Redd Hollow Campground

    Redd Hollow is prime for being primitive!

    Redd Hollow is a Self-service campground in Land Between the Lakes (LBL) with improved camp sites, fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilet and trash dumpsters. Some sites are directly on the water, some are higher up, with great views of the lake.  The campsites are pea gravel based, and while some are smaller and closer together (ideal for tents or car camping) there are a few that are large enough for dry docking a small RV.  I didn't pay attention to whether there was potable water, (I haul mine in) but the Dump Station just south of Golden Pond Visitor Center has potable water.  

    The road going back to Redd Hollow is an improved gravel road that is in good condition. Easily traveled in a car, 4WD is not needed.  All sites are first come- first served, so you will want to come early.  At Self Service areas, I drive through, find my site, then walk back to the entrance and complete the registration card, place payment in the envelope and drop it in the "Iron Ranger".   A Dispersed Camping permit does not allow you to camp in a self-service campground.

    Further details for LBL's camp grounds:  https://landbetweenthelakes.us/seendo/camping/rules/

  • D
    Sep. 7, 2018

    Redd Hollow

    Tent and Small Camper Camping, Basic Sites

    Well kept campground offering a more basic camping experience as compared to the larger campgrounds at LBL. Gravel pads with concrete picnic tables and fire rings. Be mindful when picking a site that some of the fire rings are damaged, some are the older short (12" tall tops) style and still others are brand new and have the adjustable cooking grate.

    The actual gravel pads that we saw were for the most part in good shape. One or two sites suffered a bit from heavy wash running across them and rutting or washing gravel off the pads.

    About half the sites are on the left hand side when you drive in and you can pick from sites tucked back in the woods a bit or sites nearer the water. Farther into the campground the road passes the vault toilet and boat ramp and goes uphill to higher up sites still. Sites in the woods with a longer walk to the lake but potentially better views and breezes.

    We found that campers here did not limit themselves to staying on the defined tent pads. They would park on the pads and set up tents around the true camp site. Not a super big deal but it made getting down to the water a little awkward because you had to walk a little too close to someone else's tent for my liking.

    The Forest Service could stand to go in and add some of the timber framing or bigger rip-rap bordering around the sites and maybe a splash of the smaller sized gravel to help level out the pads. You do need watch to make sure you get a level site.

    If there are say 30 sites here, only about 15 were occupied over Labor Day weekend. Way less than what we expected for a holiday but it was exactly what we were hoping for, avoid the crowds at the larger, more amenity-filled campgrounds.

    Last thing regarding the lake. The back end of Redd Hollow is shallow. Nice place to wade for kids. However, when they start pulling the lake down what were water access sites become gravel and mud bar access sites. In the dead middle of the summer the back end of the cove is probably full of water. Early spring and late summer early fall it is not. I suspect you can use the boat ramp year round though.

  • D
    Oct. 18, 2022

    Lock A

    Great place to camp for $

    While the facilities are limited, we enjoyed being here. We were in site 25 with the river right behind us. 50A power and water, dump on the way out. Concrete pad, level, picnic table, fire ring and a trash can at every site. The road in is small and winding, nighttime driving is difficult. Senior pass got us in for just $12 a night. Boat ramp close by. Would certainly stay here again.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    When you think FREE you probably don't think of sites THIS NICE!

    For My FULL VIDEO Of My Experience At This Campground CLICK HERE

    Following the winding a scenic Natchez Trace you begin to climb higher and higher into the beauty of the mountains. When I was making this trip in late August, I could already see the shifting of the leave in its most early stages and I could only imagine what it would be like only a month later.

    As I entered the park and followed the signs toward the campground I was very eager to see what this FREE site had to offer. I had discovered this site when searching youtube for things to do and someone suggested camping here because of the historic landmark in the park. After further research I discovered it was a pretty decently sized campground with semi primitive camping.

    I arrived at the camping loops and discovered two loops of camping each with differing sizes of spaces, some designed for pull through style RV parking and some for back in car parking. Spaces were large and while there were several people staying here it did not seem overly crowded.

    The first loop was much further from the restroom than the second, which also housed the campground host in his RV just as you entered the loop. He was welcoming with a smile and wave and I just felt like this was going to be a nice place to stay for the night.

    You can stay for up to 14 days at this location and I could easily see this being one of those stops you wouldn’t necessarily want to leave in a hurry because it was so peaceful. There were numerous hiking trails and a well landscaped creek area which made for a great place to come for day use as well.

    My site was pretty typical in that it had a fire ring and picnic table. The ground was semi level and very rough so camping in a tent I was happy to have brought a little padding. The restrooms were very nice and had both flush toilets and drinking water. They were well lit and for a minute when I walked in I wondered how on earth this was a free site because they were so nice.

    All was great until about 8 p.m. when some people pulled in after dark and weren’t quite sure how to set up their tent and were pretty loudly disagreeing with one another in debate of how to do so. But after they finally figured that out about an hour later the night was again left to the sounds of the cicadas and frogs.

    TIPS

    • If you are tent camping bring some kind of cushion on pad for your floor otherwise it will be a rough evening on the ground.
    • Bug spray is a must, the mosquitoes are thick here because of all the moisture of the forest and ticks can also be a problem during certain months.
    • Don’t tell all your friends, they will take over your secret little camping spot after they find out just how amazing this site really is!! (lol)
  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 10, 2025

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    The best in free camping!

    This place is a gem! You can stay for 14 days each year because, let's face it, it's too nice for them to let people hog it. Free water in various places, garbage cans by your site, numbered sites, paved driveways and parking spaces, manicured and litter-controlled park, and a bathroom building with multiple flush toilets for each sex and sinks with running water! These are in at least two places. Picnic tables and fire rings with lift-off on a hinge grates.

  • Devin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    Hey, It’s Free

    I 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.

Guide to New Johnsonville

Tent camping near New Johnsonville, Tennessee offers diverse terrain across Kentucky Lake shorelines and nearby forested areas. Campsites range from 350 to 600 feet in elevation with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F during peak season. Winter camping remains available at most locations with temperatures typically ranging from 30-50°F.

What to do

Fishing access points: Most lakefront tent sites at Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area provide direct water access. "We fished, we hiked, we kayaked!! We all enjoyed the peaceful exclusivity this site offers and we plan to return soon," notes camper Brittni F.

Hiking opportunities: The NBF 10 and 20 mile trails connect multiple backcountry shelters and offer moderate terrain suitable for day hiking or backpacking. "There are marked trails throughout the area," explains Douglas K. about Stewart State Forest, located approximately 25 miles north.

Wildlife observation: Early morning hours provide optimal birdwatching conditions along lake edges. "We watched turtles, popping their head up in the lake and really enjoyed ourselves," shares Michelle T. about their camping experience.

What campers like

Water proximity: Many sites offer direct lake access without crowds. "This is an excellent campground to get away at... There are some awesome rocky areas right next to the water to camp at," explains Tim D. about his experience at Ginger Bay.

Wooded privacy: Santa's Woods provides five established tent sites with substantial tree cover. "Santa's Woods is full of large trees and trails, he welcomes you to find the spot that calls to you for your camping adventure," shares Jake C.

Seasonal flexibility: Most primitive sites remain accessible year-round, though spring and fall offer optimal temperatures. "We have used this area in all seasons," reports Douglas K. about Stewart State Forest, indicating consistent availability regardless of season.

What you should know

Access considerations: Many backcountry sites require navigating unimproved roads. "The drive in is pretty rough even with us being in a jeep though," warns Jessica M. about Ginger Bay's entrance road. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be necessary during wet conditions.

Water requirements: No drinking water exists at primitive sites. "There is no water, so bring plenty. There is a spring, however you have to know where it is," advises Douglas K. regarding Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground.

Fire regulations: Fire rules vary significantly between sites. Campground Road Backcountry Shelters prohibit fires entirely, while most other locations permit fires within designated rings. Stewart State Forest notes "plenty of firewood available" on-site for campers.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: Choose less remote options for first-time family trips. "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," shares KO4FIE-Logan about Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Group Campground.

Wildlife awareness: While no large predators inhabit the area, smaller wildlife remains active. "Realize when you dispersed camp at LBL though there are no large predators there are coyotes so if you have dogs keep an eye out," advises Shelly S.

Seasonal planning: Consider hunting seasons when planning family trips. "Please be aware that hunting is allowed in this area, so deer and turkey seasons could present issues for those who are looking for peace and quiet," warns Douglas K.

Tips from RVers

Road conditions: Access roads to primitive sites often present challenges for larger vehicles. "I don't recommend a pull behind trailer as the road is so rough you wont get a camper up it. The sites are just a clearing in the trees so there is no place to park a rig," cautions GoWhereYouAreDraw N.

Self-contained requirements: No hookups exist at primitive locations, requiring complete self-sufficiency. Chester Hollow Backcountry Shelter #1 sites are "built on wooden decks" with a "steep hill to access," according to Ryan M., making them unsuitable for most RVs.

Designated RV areas: Standard campgrounds with RV facilities exist at nearby Kentucky Lake locations rather than the primitive backcountry sites. "4x4 or awd may come in handy leaving the sites (going back up the gravel hill)," notes Abraham about Ginger Bay, emphasizing access limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near New Johnsonville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near New Johnsonville, TN is Campground Road Backcountry Shelter #2 — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near New Johnsonville, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near New Johnsonville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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