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 (18)
1. Long Hunter State Park Campground
7 Reviews•59 Photos•128 SavesJ Percy Priest Lake, TennesseeBackcountry 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
2 Reviews•4 SavesMount Juliet, TennesseeOverview
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
3. Cook - J. Percy Priest Reservoir
3 Reviews•15 Photos•19 SavesJ Percy Priest Lake, Tennessee- Tents
- Showers
4. Camp Nashville Highland Rim
1 Review•12 Photos•32 SavesGoodlettsville, TennesseeSecluded 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
2 Reviews•13 Photos•25 SavesLa Vergne, TennesseeOverview
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
1 Review•22 Photos•17 SavesHendersonville, TennesseeOverview
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
3 Reviews•20 Photos•72 SavesPegram, Tennessee- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$10 - $11 / night
8. Lone Branch
1 Review•10 Photos•12 SavesMount Juliet, TennesseeOverview
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
1 Review•3 Photos•7 SavesGallatin, TennesseeOverview
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
2 Reviews•24 Photos•51 SavesAshland City, Tennessee- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$100 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Old Hickory Lake
710 Reviews of 18 Old Hickory Lake Campgrounds
Ethan K.
Legend
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Nashville - CLOSED
Near Nashville but more catered towards RV's
A decent campground a short drive outside of Nashville. Most of the space was taking up by RV's but there was a small area for tent camping as well. The tent campsites did have grills which was nice a touch to make dinner. There was a sandlot playground as well which I did not use but would be nice for families camping with children.
CC C.Legend
Nashville I-24 Campground
Lovely stay
We are RTT campers and chose this place on a whim as the rest of the local tent camping spots closed on October 1st. We were lucky to find they had space available. However, it should be noted that this is more of an RV campground, the traditional tent sites are right by the gate and not very private. The RV slot we were given backed up to a green space that has grazing deer from time to time. The site did not have a fire ring or a picnic table and was a little far from the bathrooms, but it did have power and water available. That being said the bathrooms were extremely tidy, well heated, and the water pressure in the showers was amazing! The other RV’ers were super friendly and the staff was very helpful in our stay and responsive to our request for availability.
- KKathy G.
Scout
Cedar Creek (TN)
Lovely Lakeside
This is one of my favorite campsites. 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. National Park pass offers significant discount to seniors.
Jessica L.
Guide
Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground
Not one of Tennesse's finest.
Usually, most of the parks in Tennessee are great, but I did not have a great experience at Bledsoe Creek. The campground was dirty and not well kept. It seemed like people had been basically living out of the campground. Old Hickory Lake is nice, but there are better places to view it. The trails were ok, nothing special. I wouldn't really recommend this place especially when there are others so close!
- MMichael K.
Traveler
Cages Bend
Water view, and convenient to amenities
Corp of Engineers campground with a view of Old Hickory Lake. Some waterfront sites. Adjacent boat ramp. Fishing platform. Well kept. Convenient to amenities in Hendersonville and Gallatin. Several sites have parking & picnic areas at different Some sites are gravel, other’s concrete. Playground with adjacent shelter .
I booked site 17 as most other sites were booked. Rarely get the best pick in that scenario. Just enough room for my truck & 24ft camper . It’s concrete picnic table & grill at different level . Door opening is opposite water views.
Shelly S.LegendCages Bend
Neat and orderly
Cages Bend Campground and Boatramp is a very clean, organized, well maintained area.
The entire Old Hickory Lake has a lot of nice areas to enjoy your leisure pursuits. A little too organized for my taste.
Off Nashville Pike, in the suburbs, near the city but fells like the country. The campground sites are close together , placed strategically so your not staring at your next site neighbor. The outer ring would be a little more private. There are water sites close enough to the water to walk your yak down for a paddle.
One showerhouse not centrally located, a boat ramp and parking area. Reserve ahead, definitely on the weekends.
- BBill E.Scout
Montgomery Bell State Park Campground
Good campground for kids
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.
- Jessica L.Guide
Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake
Beautiful and Quaint Lakeside Sites
This area has around 100 sites, both RV and tent sites both with and without electricity, so you can camp any way you'd like. All of the tent sites here are facing the lake so it feels a little more private. The RV sites are more grouped together (but I don't have an RV so I can't speak for these as much) There is some great hiking in the area and you can find some quiet and restful spots. There is the Lost Springs Trail that is right near the campground if you like hiking and hikes above the nearby Marina and this campground.
Tim S.ScoutBledsoe Creek State Park Campground
Great spot but for showers
Tent camped for 2 nights. Terrific time in late September. Not too crowded. Camp hosts were very nice. Shower/bath facilities need reconfiguring and updating as the stalls leave you very exposed, water not hot. That said looking to visit once more this autumn.
Eli L.Traveler
Edgar Evins State Park Campground
Good Campground, on water
Pretty campground on water. Even though it's a mostly RV type place there are some good tent sites and it's a pretty remote quiet place. Very good bathrooms and showers.
- Chrischelle N.Guide
Poole Knobs
Quiet and peaceful
Nice quiet campground where I highly recommend getting a spot by the water. A bit un-level in most spots for tent camping. Bathroom and showers are a bit old, but it’s cleaned often and the shower water is hot. Not wowed by this place but it’s close and affordable.
- Jason J.
RangerMontgomery Bell State Park Campground
Good spot
My 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.
- Arden S.Guide
Edgar Evins State Park Campground
All the Water Views
Almost all of their sites have a view of the lake. Tent sites give just enough space for seclusion and everyone sites are on elevated platforms. Plenty of bathhouse access and if you like to paddle the candy is close by too.
- Evan G.Traveler
Bowling Green KOA
Needs some love
The camp ground itself isn't bad. I don't think it's quite up to the usual KOA standards. Bathrooms were centrally located which was fine unless you're tent camping on the outer edge. The shower curtains were moldy and the bathrooms seemed a little run down, but everything functioned well.
Some TLC would definitely help this place out a bit.
Sarah N.Guide
Baileys Point
Mighty fine place to be!
Booked this campground online and was very happy with our night stay! Be sure to reserve a spot right alongside water! Online booking shows a very easy to view map of different tent sites.
Enjoyed watching sunset here. Wish we had arrived earlier so we could swim!
Rachelle W.GuideEdgar Evins State Park Campground
Primitive Tent Camping in woods by lake
We loved this primitive tent camping spot. All sites were nestled in the woods along the edge of the lake. Each site had a fire ring & tent landing. It was near parking, but all gear had to be carried into the woods. These were not pull in campsites. Shower house was a decent walk. Maybe at 1/4 mile? Water spigots were dotted throughout the woods, but not at every site.
- Tim S.Scout
Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
Great back to back weekends for two novice tent campers
We tent camped for two consecutive weekends at Cedars of Lebanon. We are local novice campers. The campsites were well maintained with electric and water hookups. The bathhouse at Campground 2 is quite clean and is newer than Campground 1. Both of our stays were in Campground 2 near the bath house. Our first visit was with our dog, second was without. The fire ring in our second stay was weirdly located. Firewood is for sale inside the park and late afternoons the campground host drives thru on a gator like vehicle and offers bundles for sale at $6 each. The place is busy and active but very chill.
We hiked a little on Saturday midday. When I say “hike” I mean we strolled on a trail. Very nice time.
Any critiques by us would be unwarranted. Folks who work there were quite nice. We are very early on the learning curve. That we were able to go and tent camp and have a good time at our age proves that COL is a great place for newer campers to enjoy. We plan to go back a lot.
Lori H.LegendMontgomery Bell State Park Campground
Beautiful Park!
The 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.
- HHaley B.Traveler
Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake
Nice campground!
The tent sites were really nice. I love how close you are to the water. It also includes two swim areas which is nice. Bathrooms are good in campground standards! The hiking trail is ok. Canoe the Caney is a few minute drive from the campground which is great if you like canoeing. We really enjoyed it!
- Lauren B.Scout
Poole Knobs
More for RV’s then tents
Poole knobs was not a terrible place to camp but it appeared to have better sites for RV’s then tents. The tent sites had minimal space to pitch a tent unless you have a single person tent or you pitched the tent on a slope. We only stayed one night because a bad storm came through And a tree fell on our tent ending our trip early. The campground lost power but without expecting or asking for it(because they can not control the weather) they refunded the $$ we spent to stay there.
- Terri F.Traveler
Defeated Creek Campground
Quiet lake front
A variety of large sites. From full hooks ups to group tent sites. The trash at the swimming beach was never taken out while we were there, and the dumpsters were all full. The bathrooms were cleaned regularly though, and the views were breathtaking. Dog friendly, but not at the swimming area. Overall it was a great place to go. Out of the way quiet and the lake was beautiful.
- Hannah M.Scout
Anderson Road Campground
NOT FOR TENTS. RV ONLY
I hate leaving bad reviews, but I have to this time. This campground advertised tent camping and that is clearly not true. Spent 3 nights (mostly because we couldn't go anywhere else) with our tent in a literal runoff ditch. Other sites had tents squished in the trees and there was absolutely no flat spot to even pretend is a tent pad. Also, there was broken glass all over the site and only 1 drinkable water pump (which was right next to the rv dump station pump. Gross). The camp attendants were super nice though and it's close to Nashville. So if you have an rv, great! If you have a tent, I strongly recommend somewhere else.
- Jessica L.Guide
Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
Beautiful Cedar Glades
This is a pretty decent sized campground with plenty of electric hookups and also has a few tent sites. However there are no primitive, backcountry sites, so skip this one if you are wanting a backcountry experience. But, it is a very nice area with so many old, old hardwood cedars. It smells wonderful. There are also a few trials that take you through most of the park and is relatively easy so they are great for kids too.
Staci R.LegendMontgomery Bell State Park Campground
Bell ringer of a State Park
Montgomery 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
Dan N.RangerCedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
Cedars everywhere
Lovely park with somewhat unique cedar glades and tons of rare plant life. If you can snag a serious gardener or botanist to visit with you you’re in for a treat. Trails are easy, lots of wildlife, lots of cedars. Lots of horses on site too. And weddings in the lodge all summer. Modern state park setup, clean and well cared for with some extra activities. Tent sites were more private and woody. Cabins seemed popular given what neighbors said. Very nice state park, would return.
- FFinn H.Traveler
Nashville North
Very Noisy and Expensive
Listen to the warnings in the reviews of this campsite. If you are tenting don’t expect to sleep well. I didn’t listen to the cautions and regretted it all night. We picked this campground because the website said they offered a shuttle service to the DT. When I asked the women at the counter (who were very nice) it appeared they had forgotten the website said that quickly said they weren’t offering it that day (it was a Friday). We were then charged 42 dollars for our tent site, we should have just turned around and got an Air B&B at that point. The showers were nice and the wifi connection was good however.
- Kristen M.Guide
Montgomery Bell State Park Campground
Quiet and Friendly
A 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.
Guide to Old Hickory Lake
Tent camping near Old Hickory Lake in Tennessee offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.
Local Attractions and Activities
- Enjoy swimming and fishing at the scenic Long Hunter State Park Campground, where you can set up camp right by the water.
- Explore the trails and wildlife at Bells Bend Park, which features beautiful views and a variety of outdoor programs.
- Experience the tranquility of Smith Springs, a peaceful park ideal for a relaxing day by the water.
Tent Camping Prices
- Tent camping at Whooping Crane Farm starts at around $10 per night, offering a unique glamping experience close to Nashville.
- At Laguardo, prices are competitive, making it an affordable option for those looking to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank.
- Nat Caldwell Park offers a budget-friendly camping experience, perfect for those seeking a simple getaway.
Tent Camper Amenities
- Cook - J. Percy Priest Reservoir provides essential amenities like sanitary dumps and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay.
- Campers at Old Hickory Beach can enjoy electric hookups and easy access to a boat ramp for fishing and water activities.
- Camp Nashville Highland Rim features drinking water, showers, and firewood, making it a well-equipped site for tent camping.
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.
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