If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near New Johnsonville, look no further. With The Dyrt, it's easy to find New Johnsonville campgrounds for you and your tent. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
This primitive site has a beautiful view of the lake. From the Pilot Knob trailhead, this shelter is approximately 4 miles. It sits atop the ridges of the Campground Road Trail, overlooking Kentucky Lake. There is no water available. You should pack in what you need. The shelter is fully enclosed and provides ample room for two hikers and gear. The shelter is 8'x10'. Please call visitor center for additional details. Coordinates listed here are for the entrance to the park.
21 acres of your choosing to set up your primitive camp. This is an old, growth wooded area. There are a few areas in which a tent can be set up. There are plenty of beautiful trees to place a hammock or bring a tarp to set up a camp, maybe even sleep under the stars. You will have to hike in, or Santa can possibly use his Jeep to bring you as close as possible.
Santa would love for you to visit his southern part of his woods. There are many wild critters he loves to share his woods with. White Tail Deer, Wild Turkeys, Raccoons, Foxes, all woodland critters to possibly spot.
Santa has some trails for hiking, mountain biking, even some 4x4ing he loves to share.
$15 / night
This primitive site has a beautiful view of the lake. From the Pilot Knob trailhead, this shelter is approximately 3.75 miles. It sits atop the ridges of the Campground Road Trail, overlooking Kentucky Lake. There is no water available. You should pack in what you need. The shelter is fully enclosed and provides ample room for two hikers and gear. The shelter is 8'x10'. Please call visitor center for additional details. Coordinates listed here are for the entrance to the park.
Located on the Chester Hollow Trail, this shelter sits atop a very steep hill. The trail elevation rises 150 feet in under one-quarter of a mile. Consult with a ranger if you are not confident of your ability to complete such an ascent. Water may be filtered from the creek at the base of the hill on which the shelter is located, but it is highly recommended to pack in your own. There is a fire ring. The distance to the shelter is 2.95 miles. There is room for two tents and an eight person limit. Please call visitor center for additional details. Coordinates listed here are for the entrance to the park.
It is 4.50-miles to this shelter from the Pilot Knob trailhead. The nearest creek is 5/8th of a mile away. It is highly recommended to pack in your water. There is a fire ring. There is a 14 person limit and room for five tents. Please call visitor center for additional details. Coordinates listed here are for the entrance to the park.
STEWART STATE FOREST This Forest is located in northwestern Tenn-essee, in south-central Stewart County. State Highway 49 was an old rail bed that connected iron furnaces, that now bisects the forest. It is south of the western boundary of the Cross Creek National Wildlife Refuge. The Forest was acquired from a larger tract of land that was the Leech Estate, it became State land in 1933 in lieu of taxes. In 1935 governor McAllister declared it a state forest. There also are many sites of historic or cultural interest on the forest, including hundreds of areas where charcoal was produced, an iron ore pit, and several old house sites and stills. There are also several small areas where prairie grasses have been established. The 101st Airborne Division of Fort Campbell Military Reservation utilizes the forest on a renewable permit basis for training purposes on a biannual basis. Hunting has been a traditional use of the forest. Other recreational activities on the forest include hiking and some mountain biking. A large proportion of the forest has received salvage cutting due to blow down of older age class stands in 1983, 1991, and 2000. Approximately 96% is in hardwoods and only about 3% is in pine. The dominant hardwood type is oak/hickory and is generally even aged (70-95 years) containing mostly mature to over-mature hardwood.
A permit is required to camp here.
A Basic Camping Area is an open field area without defined campsites. Amenities might include a vault toilet, trash removal, mowed areas, and a boat ramp. However, they may or may not have picnic tables and fire rings and/or grills. You may camp anywhere within the camping area with a Basic Camping Permit. Basic Camping Areas include:
Demumbers Bay
Pisgah Point
Ginger Bay
Neville Bay
You may camp almost anywhere in Land Between the Lakes (LBL). A Basic Camping Permit is required for each person 18 and over when camping in Basic Camping Facilities. A Dispersed Camping Permit is required when camping in non-designated areas of the recreation area. Both permits currently cost $50 for annual permit and $10 for a three-day permit and can be purchased https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/reservations/ or any LBL facility. Please note that these permits do not apply when camping at Self-Service Campgrounds.
$10 / night
The Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Group Campground provides the ideal setting for groups who want to enjoy a unique outdoor experience in a private camp. This primitive group tent-camping area is located in a large, open field with access to the park’s trail system as well as a perennial stream. Water may be collected on-site, but must be treated before use. A grill and central fire ring offer areas for cooking and gathering for evening campfire stories. This campground is frequented by deer, turkey, butterflies, and more. It has an authentic feel of getting back to nature. Parking is available for twenty cars. Campsite capacity is fifty people, however, arrangements for larger capacity groups may be made in advance by calling the park office. Please call visitor center for additional details. Coordinates listed here are for the entrance to the park.
From the Pilot Knob trailhead, this shelter is approximately 2.95 miles. There is no water available. You should pack in what you need. The shelter is fully enclosed and provides ample room for two hikers and gear. The shelter is 8'x10'. Please call visitor center for additional details. Coordinates listed here are for the entrance to the park.
Scout
I pulled in really late to tent camp. Richard, the owner came down and checked me in. Such a chill spot to set up for the night. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a spot to rest for the night. Not real sure how many tent sites he has but the one I am at right now is super close to the showers and the main office which is cool for a couple reasons. Convenience and safety! Check this place out for sure!
Legend
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
TravelerGood bathhouse with flush toilets and cold water sink. No Shower. Great for tent camping.
TravelerI have tent camped here twice, once in 2013 and just last week. Both times I was traveling the Trace by motorcycle and stopped for the night. Camping spots are easy accessible and first come first served. Both times I’ve been here has been during 4th of July week/weekend and the campground has only had a few campers, never packed. The grounds are nice and well maintained. If you’re tent camping or wondering about be sure to spray down with bug spay, red bugs and ticks are present as with an natural camping woods.
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.
Scout
We tent camp here at least 3 times a year. There are plenty of Ranger lead activities for the kids, fishing, swimming, good hiking trails.
Scout
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. The tent pad does have drainage.
TravelerQuiet, near shopping, family oriented, Pet friendly, boat launch, shore fishing, store, pull through sites, friendly helpful staff, tent sites, great place to camp.
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.
Traveler
Several nice tent camping spots right on the river with lots of shade. RV spots are quite a distance from the river and behind a tree line so not much of a view. Looked like a good place to float the river but didn’t get to try it.
RangerMy favorite thing about this campground was it’s proximity to Narrows of the Harper, which I wanted to hike. Tent site, a little close in the campground, but not so bad it affected the experience negatively. Facilities well-maintained.
Traveler
This campground is a very nice place to stay. There are lots of things to do and places to see. The campsites are varied with electric, water and sewer hookups. Or basic sites for tent camping. There is a store for camping needs, ice and wood. Swimming area, basketball, volleyball, boat ramp and playgrounds.
Ranger
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.
LegendThe park is amazing! The campground is ok, the spaces are good sized with plenty of space between, If tent camping, I would try to get one along the wooded sides, you’ll have more privacy that way. We stayed on site 99, across from a small creek, but right in the middle of the campground. The bathrooms are just ok, there’s no changing room in the shower stalls, so be prepared.
Ranger
We tent camped in the Cub Lake loop, campsite 2, site 2. The restrooms was incredibly out of date. Loop 1 looked like all the sites were on an incline falling down a hill. Loop 2, our site was flat but some others in this loop were on an incline. All sites, restrooms and the park overall looked dilapidated and like it needs some TLC. There were water pumps though. Would not stay here again.
Guide
Site 1 was on it own little peninsula with cypress tree, flat ground, and nice views. The whole primitive/tent campground was nice, with all site being on or viewing the water. Clean and nice to walk around. The primitive section js also the boat ramp area and doesn’t have running water facilities
LegendMontgomery Bell (MB) is a very well kept State Park and campground. The campground is well planned with RVs and tent sites somewhat segregated, yet close enough to utilize the spaces well. Old shower point is Old, and needs modernizing, but the new shower house is very clean, has wash sinks, vending, and is worth the walk to for showering. The state park as a whole offers well kept trails, dispersed camping (by permit) and many amenities
Guide
On the way back from Pickett State Park, to Texas, we decided to stay at the Wrangler site again. This time, I picked a new pad (56) and again, it was dark, quiet and beautiful. This park is huge, with TONS of site choices available. The tent sites seemed full, but we prefer less people. The updated photo below. We had to book through recreation.gov app, which was easy enough, but misleading on what sites are booked and not booked. Would absolutely return to this beautiful State Park.
Traveler
I recently had the pleasure of staying at Parkers Crossroads RV Park and Campground, and I must say that it exceeded all my expectations. The location is conveniently situated halfway between Nashville and Memphis at I-40 on Exit 108, making it easily accessible. The sites are spacious and situated on 18 acres of picturesque rolling Tennessee Farmland, making it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy nature. The amenities offered are exceptional, with all the necessary hookups available for both RV and tent camping. I particularly loved the market, which offered a wide variety of supplies to make my stay comfortable. The staff used to be pleasant and accommodating, making my trip all the greater enjoyable. If you are planning a day out to the area, I pretty endorse you visit this gorgeous campground. You may not be disappointed!
GuideA fantastic family-friendly state campground. Mostly quiet after dark. Neighbors are friendly and welcoming (you’ll find that many visit in groups).
Amenities: Trails are pleasant. Playground is great. Bathrooms are clean but need an update. Not much in terms of wifi or tv if you are looking for that but att and verizon were usable.
Roads feel narrow but we had no problem maneuvering in our 36’ 5er. River sites look great but we booked last minute. Wound up with a corner interior spot (107) that backs to a tent camping area so was fantastic for views, too and this spot was quite spacious.
Location is lovely but is not that close to Nashville if that’s your goal.
GuideWe’ve been tent camping for years and try to find places somewhat close to home because we bring our bulldogs with us. This campground is absolutely one of our favorites.
It is relatively small, but the bathhouses are super clean, and the staff are amazing. I’m hesitant to let our secret out, but we just bought a camper so we won’t be using this campsite anymore. Campsite 78 is the best! One of the scout troops built a platform there years ago, and its perfect to pitch your tent off the ground. In addition, the site is in the back corner, so it’s private and huge! We’ve camped there for their big Halloween shindig for the past three years.
I hope someone else will enjoy it as much as we have!
TravelerWe have visited several times in the last couple of years. This last visit we stayed at one of the non electric tent sites. It was very nice and close to the lake. (PLEASE don’t wash in our lake! We don’t need more chemicals in our local lakes, use the designated wash rooms!!) The sites are clean and reasonably spaced. The kids love the playground and you can get decently priced firewood at the shop or check in area. The staff have always been nice and patient. There is a beach to swim in the lake which is nice especially if you have kids.
Traveler
The nicest tent site we have ever camped on. Sits on a peninsula with the Cumberland River on one side and a small cove on the other. Great for fishing for those who can catch fish (no luck for me). Campground was well maintained. Bath and shower facilities were clean. We would have given it 5 Stars had it not been for these god awful sounds outside of the tent waking us up at 2:00AM every morning (no fault of the campground). I asked the host Cheryl (great host) what made the sounds and she said it was frogs. I've been camping, fishing and frog gigging for over 50 years, and have never heard any frogs that sound like these. All in all, it was a GREAT campground! In fact, We liked it so much we we booked it again in June and July. We're hoping our new froggie friends that kept waking us up will be gone. If not, we're bringing ear plugs!
Guide
First, I want to say that the employees in "Western Town" & tour guides were AMAZING! 👏
The campground was HORRIBLE! It was run down. The toilets at the pool house were backed up. The pool was well kept. They did close the pool for storms and did NOT reopen it until the next day. NOT good management of resources.
There are NO fire rings for safe fires. The tent sites have no picnic tables. It appeared that it is geared more towards the "EVENT" aspect of the campground. They also had people place their garbage by the road for pickup instead of dumpsters or garbage cans.
The speed limit is 10 mph. HOWEVER, kids were racing around the campground and going off road on quads. This was daily and continued until after 9pm. I would think for liability reasons the employees would monitor things better.
The tours of Loretta's homestead replica, her mansion and the museums was AMAZING! That would be the only reason I would ever return.
God bless Loretta Lynn and her family. A fan forever
ScoutMy family and I took a little trip over fall break to tent camp. We stayed in the Cub Lake area in campground 2, which is their primitive campground. There were a few other campers already there in the campground, but we still felt very secluded which was nice. The campground itself is absolutely beautiful and there is plenty to do. Very family friendly as they have a few nice playgrounds for our little ones.
My one complaint, which turned out to be a pretty big hurdle, revolves around firewood. The check in time for campsites is 4 PM and we were there around that time. On the website when you book it mentions not bringing in any firewood from outside the park, which is understandable, but that wood is available inside. The camp store was closed the entire time we were there (We stayed Tuesday and Wednesday), and our campsite host was not available in the times listed either. We knocked on their RV door and called and left a message and never heard back, which left us trying to scramble and salvage dead drop wood for our fires.
Traveler
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!!!
RangerOne great thing about here is the beautiful lake nearby! My family and I spent our entire day here and had an absolute blast. The lake front views are incredible. You have the option to camp right next to the lake and have the best view ever. They also have spots for RVs for electrical hookups. The sites are amazing because they are orettt big. We fit my dads big truck and all our tents in the campsite we had. There is a small beach area, bike trail which was a lot of fun, an archery range, theater, and great hiking trails. The campfire theater was amazing! You honestly can’t beat that. Some other things we enjoyed were:
I would definitely call and make reservations beforehand. It wasn’t very busy. The cost is pretty cheap too. For a basic, tent campsite it was $12. More expensive if you use the electrical hookup areas. When we went it was pretty Smokey. There were some fires nearby and the smoke just settled in. That was the only downside of our trip.
Tent camping near New Johnsonville, Tennessee, offers a blend of serene nature and adventure, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
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.
Keep Exploring