Best Tent Camping near Old Hickory Lake in Tennessee
Searching for a tent camping spot near Old Hickory Lake? Find the best tent camping sites near Old Hickory Lake. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Tennessee camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Old Hickory Lake, TN (18)
1. Long Hunter State Park Campground
J Percy Priest Lake, Tennessee7 Reviews•59 Photos•126 SavesBackcountry Camping- Reservation Required
Long Hunter has 2 primitive campsites for tent camping only, each site has a designated fire ring. Both sites are wooded, offering shade, they are located on the shoreline of J.Percy Priest Lake.
A 6-mile hike is required to reach the sites, beginning at the parking lot, using the Day Loop/Volunteer Trailhead. Backpacking equipment is strongly suggested. There is no running water, electricity, restrooms or heated showers available. Water must be filtered from natural sources or carried in. The campsites are open year-round. Campsite capacity ranges from 8-10 persons. What to Know Before You Go
Reservations are required for ALL backcountry camping. Your reservation receipt is your permit. A copy of the camping receipt MUST on your person, during your overnight stay. A copy of the camping receipt or a piece of paper with the name associated with the reservation MUST be placed in the dash of each vehicle that is to be parked overnight at the trail head. No hiking on trails after dark. Please allow enough time to reach your destination in daylight. The last permit issued will be 2-3 hours before sunsetPet Policy
Leashed pets are allowed on this site.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
2. Laguardo
Mount Juliet, Tennessee2 Reviews•4 SavesOverview
Not far from Nashville, Laguardo is a great day-trip destination for kids and families. It offers a playground, boat ramp, and sandy beach to keep both the kids and adults entertained. Visitors looking for a little more action will find this area is also ideal for bank fishing.
Recreation
Laguardo is a popular spot for picnicking, swimming, bank fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and other water sports with a convenient boat ramp located within the facility.
Facilities
The group picnic shelter holds up to 50 guests and parking may be available for up to 50 vehicles. A restroom facility, family friendly playground, swimming area with sandy beach, and picnic tables located throughout the park are also available.
Natural Features
Old Hickory Lake is a 22,500 acre reservoir created by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam on the Cumberland River. The lake is surrounded by wooded areas and grassy flatlands in addition to 440 miles of scenic shoreline.
Nearby Attractions
Just across the Old Hickory Lake to the North, hikers and cyclist can enjoy the trails at Lock 4 Park. Mountain bikers may also try the Shutes Branch Mountain Biking Trail. In Hendersonville, located at the dam, Archers and bow hunters can sharpen their skills using the Old Hickory Lake Archery Range and trail.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
$85 - $120 / night
4. Camp Nashville Highland Rim
Goodlettsville, Tennessee1 Review•12 Photos•32 SavesSecluded hilltop primitive camping nestled among the hardwoods near Nashville.
Amenities: community water hydrant, fire pit, vault toilet, tent shower (cold & hot water).
Supply your own tent, hammock, vehicle, and camping gear. No electricity.
Choose your favorite available camping space upon arrival.
Base price includes two adults (18 or older) per reservation. Under 18 no cost with adult reservation.
Contact host for special requests, and tips for local amenities.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$32 - $45 / night
5. Smith Springs
La Vergne, Tennessee2 Reviews•13 Photos•24 SavesOverview
Smith Springs Recreation Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands.
Recreation
The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities to choose from, including fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass, and white bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers. Nearby Anderson Road Fitness Trail is a paved trail winding a little over a mile through the cedar glade area beside the lake.
Facilities
Smith Springs Recreation Area offers a large group shelter for day use and can accommodate up to 50 guests. There is limited parking suitable only for 12 vehicles.
Natural Features
J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its justification. The dam, completed in 1968, impounds 42 miles, with 14,200 surface acres of water. In soothing contrast to the sparkling waters of the lake are the adjacent 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands. A highlight of the region, the Cedar Glades Natural Area, is home to countless wildlife and plant species, including the Tennessee coneflower.
Nearby Attractions
J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors countless cultural activities and the conveniences of a metro area.
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Group
$45 / night
6. Old Hickory Beach
Hendersonville, Tennessee1 Review•22 Photos•13 SavesOverview
Old Hickory Beach sits along the lengthy shoreline of Old Hickory Lake. The day-use area is perfect for visitors looking to spend a day on the lake or lounging on the beach. Entertaining is easy with a large group picnic shelter accommodating up to 100 guests and grills for cooking out. Birders can find a mix of waterfowl, wading birds, migratory songbirds and the occasional Blue heron or Snowy egret. Other wildlife in the area includes wild turkey, rabbits and white-tailed deer.
Recreation
Swimming and sailing are popular activities on the lake, while anglers will find an abundant population of catfish, crappie and bass for exceptional bank and boat fishing. Hikers can explore the 1.1-mile Old Hickory Lake Nature Trail, featuring three loops (the Woodland Loop, Willow Swamp Loop and the Wildlife Loop), covering varying terrain. The trail is located below Old Hickory Dam near the tailwater parking lot.
Facilities
A sandy swimming beach, a playground for the kids, small shelter near the beach and water, large reserveable shelter, and boat ramps.
Natural Features
Old Hickory Lake is a 22,500 acre reservoir created by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam on the Cumberland River. The lake is named after former president Andrew Jackson, a Tennessee-native nicknamed "Old Hickory" for his tough and aggressive personality.
Nearby Attractions
Take in the nightlife of downtown Nashville if city entertainment beckons or stick with the great outdoors and sit on the fishing piers at Rockland, Sanders Ferry, Shutes Branch, and Bledsoe Creek State Park. The lake is also near the Hermitage, the plantation where U.S. President Andrew Jackson lived in the early 1800s.
Charges & Cancellations
If a customer cancels a group day use facility (shelter) reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service charge.
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Group
$75 / night
7. Bells Bend Park
Pegram, Tennessee3 Reviews•20 Photos•68 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$10 - $11 / night
8. Lone Branch
Mount Juliet, Tennessee1 Review•10 Photos•12 SavesOverview
Lone Branch offers all the amenities visitors need for a peaceful Tennessee getaway. Plenty of trees to provide shade, grassy open areas to run around, grills for barbequing and a boat ramp.
Recreation
Boating and fishing are generally the main attractions for lake-goers, with anglers often catching black bass, crappie and catfish.
Facilities
Both group picnic shelters have electric hookups and grills, and each holds up to 50 guests; however, parking may be limited. A boat ramp is also available for use.
Natural Features
Old Hickory Lake is a reservoir in north-central Tennessee created by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam. The lake spans 22,500 acres and receives its primary inflow from the Cumberland River.
Nearby Attractions
Lone Branch is just beyond the Nashville metropolitan area. Head to the "Music City" to tour the Country Music Hall of Fame or explore former President, Andrew Jackson's early 19th century home, The Hermitage-- a National Historic Landmark.
Charges & Cancellations
If a customer cancels a group day use facility (shelter) reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge.
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
$50 / night
9. Nat Caldwell Park
Gallatin, Tennessee1 Review•3 Photos•7 SavesOverview
Nat Caldwell Park is located right off of US-31E/Nashville Pike. This park is an ideal place for a day of picnicking and other outdoor activities.
Recreation
Nat Caldwell is smaller and not as busy as some of the other parks in the area making it a great place to relax and enjoy your day. It offers a reserveable group picnic shelter, grill, open grassy areas, and shoreline for fishing. It also serves as a great place to launch kayaks and canoes from the shoreline due to the fact is is in the headwaters of Station Camp Creek on Old Hickory Lake. If you need to launch a larger boat, Station Camp Creek is located straight across Nashville Pike just off of Douglas Bend Road.
Facilities
The group picnic shelter holds up to 50 guests with parking available for approximately 25 vehicles.
Natural Features
Old Hickory Lake is a 22,500 acre reservoir created by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam on the Cumberland River. The lake is named after former president Andrew Jackson, a Tennessee-native nicknamed "Old Hickory" for his tough and aggressive personality. The lake features 440 miles of scenic shoreline, surrounded by wooded flatlands and plenty of access points.
Nearby Attractions
Hikers may be interested in the nearby Lock 4 Park. It offers hiking trails as well as mountain bike trails.
Charges & Cancellations
If a customer cancels a group day use facility (shelter) reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge.
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
$50 / night
10. Whooping Crane Farm
Ashland City, Tennessee2 Reviews•24 Photos•50 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$100 / night
Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews in Old Hickory Lake
651 Reviews of 18 Old Hickory Lake Campgrounds
MickandKarla W.
Legend
Bowling Green KOA
Nice KOA
This KOA was easy to find by following our GPS. We checked in about 45 minutes prior to their 1:00 PM check in time and they didn’t even mention us being early. We decided we didn’t need an escort to our site as it was near the office. We proceeded to deluxe-patio pull-through site H-4 with FHUs. The utilities were nicely placed in the middle of the pad. Water pressure was good at about 50 psi. This site has plenty of shade as does most sites in the campground (CG) due to mature trees, so we did not put out Starlink. We got 4 bars LTE on Verizon and used our MiFi versus Starlink. Site H-4 has a utility box on the yard side, so we had extra space between the adjacent site. They have a decent sized dog park with an agility set up. This KOA has a lot of amenities and lives up to a Holiday KOA rating. The dog park is a nice size. They have a decent laundry room behind the office with 4 washers and 8 dryers. It’s$2.50 to wash and$1.50 to dry. They have 2 fishing ponds. The large one you can keep 2 fish for$20 and the small one is catch and release. There’s some traffic noise from I-65 and surrounding roads. Our main reason to visit the area was to visit the National Corvette Museum. We enjoyed our two night stay.
Devin R.
Traveler
Holleman's Bend Camping Area
Excellent Surprise
This was my first experience with free camping and it will be tough to beat! There was another camper in the small area I found off the gravel road, but it was quiet and peaceful. I woke up early enough to see the sunrise and the fog coming off the river. Simply magical.
Be sure to stop by the little town of Gainesboro (I think that’s the name) for a cup of coffee at Nostalgic Coffee Cafe. They mixed together one of their favorite concoctions that wasn’t on the menu and it was PERFECTION!
M D.
Scout
Harpeth River Bridge Campground (TN)
Peaceful beauty
We cook, kayak, camp, & fish. It has a peaceful family atmosphere, beautiful sunsets*, clean grounds & bathhouse , safe & secure sights, gated at night and patrolled daily by Sherrifs Dept.
tinus B.Scout
Two Rivers Campground
Top campground
Price ok, friendly staff, facilities ok, live music and shuttle service togo downtown. That’s all we need.
- AArt Z.
GuideTwo Rivers Campground
Super Convenient for Visiting Nashville
We stayed two nights. In a perfect world, I would give Two Rivers only four stars because the scenery isn't much. 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.
The people are super friendly and helpful. The sites, though small, are clean and well maintained. The electricity and water both worked as they should. We ended up with a site without sewer so had to use the dump station but that was easy to access and clean.
We will definitely stay at Two Rivers Campground the next time we come to Nashville.
- JJochen H.Traveler
Two Rivers Campground
Expensive and loud
nice staff
restrooms o.k.
over 90 Dollars with 3 Kids 🫣
loud (near the street).
Not our place, but good to explore the city with a cheap Shuttle to downtown.
JessicaScout
Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake
Horrible Attendant, Horrible Roads
It's so funny to see other people seem to have had issues with the staff here. We went one day to scout out campsites around Center Hill Lake. We had already been to one of the other parks around it and checked out the campsites; we'd just driven in and around and noted which spots didn't have enough shade, etc. then left. When we got to the attendant booth, there was a stop sign at the speed bump. I stopped in front of the stop sign and when I started driving again, an older man opened the window at the booth and yelled at us. I slammed on my breaks and backed up to talk to him. He was an absolute aubergine to us for not talking to him. I told him I was sorry but I didn't know I needed to as I've never had to at any other area parks. He copped an attitude and said "There's a sign!" So, I guessed I just missed it. However, when we were leaving, I turned around and checked and the only sign was the stop sign..... He was sarcastic and rude to us as I explained what we were there to do and insinuated that we were trying to kidnap children...
Beyond the Belligerent Balding Boomer, the roads in the campground and even just on the way to it from the main road are VERY narrow, crumbling, in BAD need of repaving/repainting arrows, and have lots of tight turns. We went into one area and a car had pulled over to the side of the road but was on the asphalt still which made getting around them not even close to possible. You might have been able to get around a motorcycle. Maybe. We ended up having to back up all the way back out of there with a rock wall on one side of the asphalt and dropoff on the other.
Erich H.
RangerBowling Green KOA
A must stay to enjoy that KOA feeling
After completing the warranty work at Camping World, we enjoyed this fabulous campground for two months.
The vibe is great, the campground is clean, and the office staff is fabulous. We enjoyed playing putt-putt golf and fishing in the catch-and-release and paid ponds.
Be sure to check out the Flight Museum across the street, the Corvette Museum, and the friendly people in the area.
The only downside is at night due to the road noise from the I-65/I-165 split.
- JJacob D.Scout
Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake
Don’t stay here
The people that run this campground are rude and considerate jerks and talk to my kids and I like we where not worth there time.
- AArthur P.Scout
Lock A
“Best Value”
Senior Pass $12/night. Wide, level campsite on the water. Very nice and well kept. Great Starlink access.
Gloria L.Scout
Nashville KOA
Very bad, costly experience
Ugh, I hate to write bad reviews...but this was, to us, such a bad experience, from what I call deceptive pricing, to location within camp, no signage/direction locators, crowding, safety issues, and more. 1) Our"delux" cabin was located/surrounded in a row filled with BIG RVs. 2) There was no signage/location indicators at the dark row corners or roads within park. It is even hard to identify what are actually road at night so finding it at night amongst the HUGH RVs was horrific! 3) There was no sidewalks or places to walk except on the one lane roads...this is unsafe for kids, especially if you have to go out at night. 4) The"Deluxe" cabin is small, but tha bathtub is REALLY small. More of a small kids tub. 5) Air conditioner is across from foot of bed. The grid on the front of ours was broken, so the air came straight at us on bed, made the bed sheets feel moist and uncomfortable to sleep on. 6) Sun shines in from window above tub into room blinding you, we had to stuff a towel over it. 7) Crowding. Spaces are small, so there are BIG RVs boxing you in everywhere. 8) Floor tiles are warped on edges, you can tell animals have went to the bathroom on them. 9) Floor was dirty (room itself was clean and looked good and so was the bed sheets) 10) Pricing, to me, was deceptive, see my receipt. In making the reservation online, I put 2 adults and 2 pets. It came up$182.69 as a total and I paid that. There is a note that other charges for"additional" adults, pets, etc may apply. It says"additional" not that they don't charge you for your pets until you get there. So I had to pay an additional $58...making my total for the night almost $250. Would never stay again!
- Megan A.Guide
Two Rivers Campground
Nice place!
Only negative is you must bring your own fireplace and it must be raised off the ground. Parking with our truck and trailer was a little awkward, we were a little too long for the spot we were in and the person next to us had the same issue. The staff was super friendly and everything was well kept. Everything else was pretty much everything you’d expect from an rv park. There’s a $10 round trip shuttle that takes you to downtown Nashville from the campground parking lot which is super convenient!
- Simon B.Scout
Holleman's Bend Camping Area
Great overall
No Service (showed me how addicted i am). Other than that as described.
Pam R.Guide
Montgomery Bell State Park Campground
Pretty park with Excellent staff
For a State Park, Montgomery Bell is pretty great. We had a decent sized level site with large trees and a view to the creek. We walked a couple of the trails through the woods which were perfect after a long drive. The bathroom/showers were clean and the water was hot. A strong storm came up suddenly and the staff came by to check on every camper to make sure we were all inside and safe. After the storm passed, they came by again checking on every camper. The power went out for two hours, and the staff came by once more to keep us informed. The park is beautiful, but it's the super competent staff earned the excellent rating I gave this park.
- Charles M.Scout
Two Rivers Campground
Don’t go anywhere else
Excellent in all ways. Even had entertainment each night. Very helpful staff.
Andrew K.GuideHolleman's Bend Camping Area
Go past the main sites for more private sites
Overall, great. Easy to find, download a map on the way as you loose service 20 minutes out. Garbage cans at each site. Someone came and got my name and plate to make sure I followed the 14 day rule but was super nice. Great experience, and free.
Tony S.Scout
Indian Creek Campground
I wouldn't no they took our money and didn't get to stay
Ww made a reservation for April 19th and 20th but we had an emergency and had to cancel on April 16th and the lady said it was ok we couldn't make it but she said we couldn't get a refund but could come another time so we called yesterday to schedule the weekend of memorial day but they said we don't have a credit and we're just out of the money they just made it like it's OK I guess then once it got past the time we was supposed to come the lied
- JJustin H.Scout
Montgomery Bell State Park Campground
Great
Campground is well marked and super friendly people. Fire pits at every spot.
Kathy L.RangerNashville KOA
Great location
Awesome KOA campground, well located with easy access to all that Nashville has to offer. Campground is clean with tons of amenities, great pool, playgrounds, etc. We stayed in campsite and my elderly parents stayed in cabin, which worked out great. Would definitely return
Megan C.Guide
Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
Great Campground, Large Paved Pads, Close to Nashville, BUT CONSTRUCTION!
We camped here for 2 full weeks. 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.
However, we were here when there was construction going on. It was LOUD from 8am to 4, 5, and even 6pm somedays with working trucks and digging up the Tennessee Rock.
The weekends were peaceful without the construction, and the trails are all easy and flat. The showers worked well and were the typical campground showers.
The wifi that is listed on the website is basically nonexistent, so don't count on that for anything important. But Verizon had good service, while AT&T was fair.
Only Campground 3 was open during our stay and you can see the work they are doing here is going to make a huge difference to be big rig friendly. Enjoy!
- aadam S.Scout
Grand Ole RV Resort & Market
Great First Experience
I’m in Nashville frequently due to work. First time traveling with the camper, and chose this place after seeing it a few times. They were great. Clean report and nice people.
Lucy P.Ranger
Henry Horton State Park Campground
Highly recommend primitive camping
Stayed with our van in the primitive sites here and had a great time! Very affordable and not many other campers (but if the group camp sites are booked I’d go elsewhere, they’re very close). The bathroom is super far away, but there was a portable potty for a few days until they inexplicably took it away. If you have a camping bathroom setup and are comfy going to get water if needed, it’s a great value and gives you want more privacy.
Also the showers here are the best I’ve ever experienced at a campground. They have signs saying you can shower for $5 even if you don’t camp here.
Micheal S.Traveler
Cedar Creek (TN)
Clean, Well Maintained
We used this as an overnight stop on our way to Georgia. Google Maps was right on for getting us here. The park was well maintained and the bathrooms were clean. There is water and electricity on site with a dump station at the back of the park. The sites along the lake have great views. Nights were quiet.
Eleanor the Airstream R.RangerBowling Green KOA
Clean but noisy
Nice campground but very loud due to interstate. Made it less than enjoyable sitting by the beautiful fire pit provided. Had higher expectations for KOA based on other experiences but should have researched to know how close the highway was.
Convenient to stores and restaurants. Laundry open 24/7 ($2.50). Campstore has most of what you need but you are less than a couple miles from most other places.
Campsites are long and ideal for bigger rigs, but our little 25’ would have been too far back from the pad in order to reach the sewer, even with two hoses, so we disconnected the camper and parked the TV behind the camper. This enabled us to parked the camper on the most level part of the gravel spot without leveling boards and be able to step out on to the concrete pad. We are only here a couple days, so we’ll pump out before leaving. An inconvenience but not a deal breaker.
Looks like a new pool being built near the front!
Beth LeVar L.Guide
Defeated Creek Campground
Nice Park
We enjoyed our stay. The bathrooms were clean, bring your own hand soap. Our site had a great view of the water and was HUGE. No phone service for AT&T or Verizon. We enjoyed our stay.
- Micheal S.Traveler
Cedar Creek (TN)
Great Overnight Spot
We pulled in about 7 PM. We found our ticket for the campsite taped to the window of the booth. Reatroom are clean a little chilly As we were in beginning of April. It was a very quiet campground this time of year. Very clean and well maintained.
David S.ScoutNashville KOA
Nice But Pricey
In KOA’s classification system, this campground is classified as a “resort”. With that comes a high price tag. Our pull through patio site was $120/nt, and that was during early spring time. Is it worth it? Maybe during the summer as the pool is quite nice and there are plenty of activities. And of course the close proximity to Opryland and also downtown Nashville comes with a price. For our recent stay the price seemed a bit high for what we got. But still it’s a nice place and if you want to visit Nashville this will probably work fine for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Old Hickory Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Old Hickory Lake is Long Hunter State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Old Hickory Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Old Hickory Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.