Tent camping near Old Hickory Lake covers a 22,500-acre reservoir located northeast of Nashville. The region sits at approximately 450 feet elevation with a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Late spring through early fall temperatures often exceed 85°F, while winter lows can drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can fish for bass, catfish, and crappie at Smith Springs, where the water features "lots of shallows for kids" according to a camper. The reservoir contains numerous coves and inlets ideal for morning fishing.
Wildlife watching: The natural areas surrounding tent camping sites showcase abundant wildlife. At Long Hunter State Park Campground, a visitor noted, "I saw so many deer and turkeys I finally quit taking pics of them," highlighting the park's rich biodiversity.
Hiking trails: Many of the parks feature hiking paths with varying difficulty levels. Bells Bend Park offers "trails through farmland and bike friendly" paths that provide different terrain than the wooded trails at other locations. These trails range from 1-6 miles in length with minimal elevation change, suitable for most fitness levels.
What campers like
Water access: The Cumberland River connects to Old Hickory Lake and provides additional camping options. Whooping Crane Farm sits "right on the Cumberland River, the spot is very secluded, and plenty of space for a group," though campers should note "the River would be difficult to access... as there is a big drop off from the bank."
Proximity to Nashville: Several campgrounds offer the benefit of being close to urban amenities while still providing a natural setting. One camper appreciated that Whooping Crane Farm is "12 minutes from downtown Nashville, making it a perfect Glamping location. Being close to great restaurants is definitely a plus."
Primitive camping experience: For those seeking a more rugged experience, primitive sites provide solitude. A camper described Long Hunter State Park as "my kinda camping. If you enjoy carrying all your essentials on your back and sucking your water through a filtered straw then this is the camping/backpacking park for you!"
What you should know
Insects and wildlife: Bug protection is essential at many Old Hickory Lake tent camping spots, particularly during warmer months. A camper at Long Hunter State Park mentioned "lots of squirrels, which seemed pretty okay with humans as well. When we were eating, they were right there with us."
Bathroom facilities: Restroom options vary significantly between locations. At Bells Bend Park, campers will find a "Portapotty in the parking lot or hike to the outdoor center for flushing toilets and running water," while more primitive sites require carrying in all supplies.
Reservation requirements: Most tent camping areas require advance booking. Bells Bend Park charges "$10.00 a night per site for Davidson Co. residents, $11.00 a night per site for out of County residents, you can reserve all 10 sites for $50.00," making it an affordable option for groups.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly swimming areas: Some waterfront locations provide safer swimming for children. Smith Springs has a shoreline that "looks like it'd be great for just jumping in and lots of shallows for kids," making it suitable for families with young swimmers.
Group camping options: For family reunions or scout troops, look for sites that accommodate larger groups. One visitor remarked that at Bells Bend Park, "you can reserve all 10 sites for $50.00," creating an excellent value for family gatherings.
Hiking distance considerations: When camping with children, consider the distance to reach tent sites. A troop leader noted about Long Hunter State Park, "Even though 6 miles is quite the hike for a young Girl Scout Troop just to reach our Campsite it was beyond worth it!" Plan accordingly for younger hikers.
Tips from RVers
Tent-only areas: Most Old Hickory Lake tent camping occurs in designated areas separate from RV facilities. Camp Nashville Highland Rim offers tent-only camping with bathroom amenities, and according to one camper, "you can make day trips to the city and come back to your cozy campsite after a day exploring the city!"
Limited hookups: RV campers should note that many of these sites lack traditional hookups. Areas like J. Percy Priest Lake do offer some facilities, with one camper noting it has "ample room between campers, close to local shopping," making it suitable for those who prefer camping with some conveniences.
Alternative accommodations: Some locations offer glamping options for those wanting a middle ground between tent camping and RVs. Whooping Crane Farm features a "canvas tent decorated nicely, with some cool lanterns and a wood burning stove. There was a battery powered fan, that lasted most of the night. The bed was comfortable for glamping."
