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Camping near Old Hickory Lake

807 Reviews

Several state parks and private campgrounds circle Old Hickory Lake, giving campers different options around this central Tennessee waterspot. Cedars of Lebanon State Park sits 17 miles from the lake with sites near hiking trails and a swimming pool for hot days. Bledsoe Creek State Park is closer, about 12 miles away, with camping spots right on the water for fishing and boating. The Nashville KOA Resort, 9 miles from the lake, has full RV hookups plus a swimming pool and play areas. Cedar Creek in Mount Juliet has good shade trees over its sites, with standard picnic tables and fire rings at each spot. Seven Points, another Mount Juliet camping area, puts you close to the water for swimming and boating. Grand Ole RV Resort & Market in Goodlettsville works well for campers who want to visit Nashville, with basic facilities and helpful staff. Poole Knobs in La Vergne stays quieter than other areas and includes a boat ramp for getting onto the lake. Elm Hill RV Resort near J. Percy Priest Lake has a marina and waterfront camping. The roads to all these campgrounds stay in good shape year-round. You'll find spots for both tents and RVs throughout the Old Hickory Lake area.

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Best Camping Sites Near Old Hickory Lake (117)

    1. Nashville KOA Resort

    38 Reviews
    Nashville, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 889-0282

    "Nashville north koa was a nice campground with a proximity to Nashville but away from the bustle. We stayed for a week and enjoyed ourselves."

    "The proximity to the Opry and surrounding sites is fantastic. Top that off with front desk, event and maintenance staff that were all super nice and you’ve got a great combo."

    2. Cedar Creek (TN)

    22 Reviews
    Mount Juliet, TN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 754-4947

    $30 - $50 / night

    "On Old Hickory Lake. Accomodates both tents and RV’s. Most sites have a lovely view of the lake if not directly along the shore. Swimming beach, playground, and marina both within walking distance."

    "We came from Idaho to Tennessee in May for two weeks and this was our first campsite. We fell in love with peaceful walks along the river, watching the ducks and birds along with a few turtles 🐢."

    3. Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Castalian Springs, TN
    12 miles
    Website

    "There is a flat trail next to the lake that my two year old loves to run up and down, playgrounds, and a story trail."

    "Easy hiking trails with little to moderate inclines and terrain. Around 5-7 miles of trails, plenty of camping sites. I always see wildlife when i visit this park."

    4. Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Lebanon, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 443-2769

    $25 - $30 / night

    "The campground at Cedars of Lebanon State Park deserves 5 stars for their proximity to Nashville, the large paved pads for campers, the peaceful woods, and their overall cleanliness."

    "We hiked some of the 2 mile running trail and then veered off to explore the CCC original looking covered bench which overlooks a currently dry stream bed."

    5. Seven Points

    23 Reviews
    Mount Juliet, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 889-5198

    $32 - $50 / night

    "Paved roads, showers, playground, Big lake side sites wth shade. lots of space between the campsites. fire rings, picnic tables."

    "The campsite was surrounded by trees and it was a quick walk to the lake. The bathroom and shower facilities were clean and had warm water."

    6. Grand Ole RV Resort & Market

    17 Reviews
    Goodlettsville, TN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 420-6036

    "The Grand Ole RV Resort is a nice park to stay in near all the fun and sightseeing of Nashville, Tennessee. The campground is very tidy and well-kept."

    "There’s a train that passes by on the nearby track a couple of times a day, but it was never super early or late and didn’t bother us at all."

    7. Two Rivers Campground

    14 Reviews
    Nashville, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 883-8559

    "Highway noise is really bad but there’s not anything they can do about that. Close by restaurants and Camping World for any needed supplies."

    "But given where they are located, crammed in with two other RV parks and a Camping World all next to the highway, there isn't any way to make things better."

    8. Elm Hill RV Resort

    15 Reviews
    J Percy Priest Lake, TN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 710-9365

    "Sitting in a lake, the campground is a peninsula surrounded by water. Great views, super clean and very nice amenities. Saturday night they had a band and a Halloween celebration. Very safe."

    "Nice lake. Nice pool. Good sites. Lake is close to all sites. Very helpful store at the front with items you need."

    9. Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort

    13 Reviews
    Mount Juliet, TN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 889-7434

    "There are very few RV parks in the Nashville/Franklin area and are more on the outskirts. We were happy to get a site here as it's relaxing by the lake."

    "This campground was very convenient for those visiting the Nashville area, its just off the highway and they offer shuttles for a fee to downtown and opryland."

    10. Nashville East-Lebanon KOA

    16 Reviews
    Lebanon, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 449-5527

    "Campground is near the road but is still quite. This would be a good place for easy access to the lake and Nashville. Multiple places to eat within 5 miles. Great pass through"

    "Plenty of dog walking area, even a fenced area for the dogs to run. Friendly staff."

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Recent Camping Photos near Old Hickory Lake

249 Photos of 117 Old Hickory Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Old Hickory Lake

807 Reviews of 117 Old Hickory Lake Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Two Rivers Campground

    Nashville

    Two rivers is a nice park friendly people clean and well maintained.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Seven Points

    Great COE Campground

    Best camp hosts ever. Very friendly, kind and helpful. Great views. Clean bathrooms. Water and electric at every site. Dump station. Discount for America the Beautiful pass. You need to book your reservations on recreation.gov

  • Michele R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Morning View Farms

    Weekend getaway

    I could not say enough enough wonderful things about our stay. Our host was amazing, the nature was peaceful, serene, and everything we needed for a relaxing time away from home.

  • greg S.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake

    Beware of host

    My family has camped here for years with no issues and we usually stay for at least 3 days if not longer at a time. On holidays we usually stay for a week or more at a time. The last 3 times we've camped there the host were horrible. They police you from the time you check in til you leave. They are very discriminating depending on who you know at the campgrounds. They charge some people to visit and not others. If you have kids they better walk the line during thier time there or they will threaten to have you leave. They have treated my family like we were second class as best. Talked to us like we were ignorant.  Not there to help at all. On a power trip for being the host. When you spend your hard earned money and time to relax and spend time with family and friends you shouldnt have to be harassed and watched over to the point you cant enjoy yourslves for your vacation. Not an enjoyable experience at all. We will not be back until they are no longer the host. Never been treated like that by host.

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Elm Hill RV Resort

    Beautiful Campground

    We stopped here for a quick overnight stop on our way back home

    It is definetly a park that they are stacked in close and open sky’s with not a lot of shade

    Everything was very clean and in great working order

    Kids loved swimming in the pool

    The water around is clear and beautiful

    We had a very lovely sunset as we walked around park

  • L
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Poole Knobs

    Bottom of my COE campgrounds

    First of all, I love COE campgrounds. They are usually clean, scenic, and have lots of space between campsites. Poole Knobs has all of that, but the bathrooms were ridiculously hard to get to. If you get a site along the lake, expect a long walk and then an arduous climb to the bathroom and showers or hop in your vehicle and drive there. Whoever laid out the design of this campground had obviously ever camped.

  • Alisha L.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    COE Cordell Hull Lake Salt Lick Creek Campground

    Salt Lick Creek

    Overall, we enjoyed our experience. It's a nice campground. The site was small and we prefer more space and seclusion since we travel with dogs. We stayed in site 94, which was on the water and nicely shaded. There was no cell service. Our camper has a wifi booster so we were able to boost the signal to our phones from the nearby bathhouse that had wifi. The campground is very remote, but it doesn't feel remote because of how busy and open it feels.

  • Overland O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    The Narrows

    Very clean campground.

    This is a very nice, clean campground. Bathrooms are clean as well. Very nice view of Barren River lake too. I did not use it but there is a nice sand beach for swimming. Camphost is very nice.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Nashville KOA Resort

    Walk to the Opry!

    The proximity to the Opry and surrounding sites is fantastic. Top that off with front desk, event and maintenance staff that were all super nice and you’ve got a great combo. Tidy sites, tons of them, something for everyone and then some. Paved roads the kids loved scootering on. Would definitely stay again

Guide to Old Hickory Lake

Camping near Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: There are numerous trails around the lake. One camper mentioned, "There are so many trails, playgrounds, and bike/walk friendly roads" at Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are right by the water, making it easy to cast a line. A visitor at Defeated Creek Campground said, "Fishing is right there at your doorstep!"
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife. One happy camper at Defeated Creek Campground noted, "The deer wander around here like they own the place!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground said, "The bathhouse was quite adequate, clean and hot showers."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. One visitor at Seven Points remarked, "There is plenty of space between the campsites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful hosts. A reviewer at Grand Ole RV Resort & Market said, "The people who run this campground are super nice."

What you should know:

  • Limited Wi-Fi: Don't count on strong internet connections. A camper at Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground warned, "The wifi that is listed on the website is basically nonexistent."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy. A visitor at Nashville KOA noted, "Spaces are small, so there are BIG RVs boxing you in everywhere."
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Defeated Creek Campground is open from March 14 to November 4.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Amenities: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A family at Nashville East-Lebanon KOA found it a good spot, saying, "Plenty of dog walking area, even a fenced area for the dogs to run."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Grand Ole RV Resort & Market mentioned, "Trains rolling by at 3 am is not how I like to spend my night."
  • Pack for Activities: Bring bikes and fishing gear. A visitor at Lock A said, "Great for fishing for those who can catch fish."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Nashville KOA advised, "Most people used rope lights and left them on all night."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some sites may not have sewer connections. A reviewer at Poole Knobs noted, "Site had water and electric, but did not have sewage."
  • Be Prepared for Steep Roads: Some campgrounds have tricky access roads. A visitor at Lock A mentioned, "The road coming into the campground is a little steep!"

Camping near Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at Old Hickory Lake in Tennessee?

Camping costs at Old Hickory Lake typically range from $20-45 per night depending on the campground and amenities. At The Narrows, you'll find mid-range pricing with some premium charged for shoreline sites where you can park your boat. Four Corners RV Resort offers higher-end pricing for their concrete pad sites, with deluxe options available both on the lake and inside the loops. For budget-conscious campers, Corps of Engineers campgrounds like Cages Bend often offer the best value. National Park passes provide significant discounts for seniors at most federally managed sites around the lake. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays during peak season.

Are fire pits allowed at Old Hickory Lake camping areas?

Yes, fire pits are generally allowed at Old Hickory Lake camping areas, but with important regulations. Most campsites at Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground and RJourney Clarksville RV Resort come equipped with designated fire rings or grills for safe campfire use. Corps of Engineers campgrounds around Old Hickory Lake maintain similar policies. Always keep fires contained within established fire rings, never leave them unattended, and fully extinguish before sleeping or departing. During dry conditions or burn bans, fire restrictions may be implemented. Check with the specific campground office upon arrival as regulations can change seasonally. Gathering firewood on-site is typically prohibited, so plan to purchase wood locally.

What campgrounds are available at Old Hickory Lake?

Old Hickory Lake offers several excellent campgrounds with lake access. Cages Bend is a Corps of Engineers campground with waterfront sites, a boat ramp, and fishing platform. Cedar Creek (TN) accommodates both tents and RVs with many sites offering lake views or shoreline access. Additional options include Seven Points near Hermitage and Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground, though experiences at the latter vary. Most campgrounds around Old Hickory Lake provide amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, and recreation opportunities while being conveniently located near towns like Hendersonville and Gallatin.

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