Best Tent Camping near Parsons, TN
Tent camping near Parsons, Tennessee centers around several state parks with backcountry and primitive options within a short drive. Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park offers multiple backcountry shelters and tent-only sites along Kentucky Lake, while Natchez Trace State Park provides backcountry camping opportunities for hikers seeking a more remote experience. Santa's Woods, a small private campground with just five tent sites, offers walk-in camping among large trees and established trails for those preferring a more intimate setting.
Most tent campsites in the Parsons area require preparation for primitive conditions. The backcountry shelters at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park are accessible via hike-in trails and typically allow fires at designated sites, though several shelters prohibit fires entirely. Campers should note that most backcountry tent sites lack drinking water, toilets, and trash service. According to reviews, the bathhouse facilities that do exist are described as "very old" and without showers. Reservations are required for most sites, and while some backcountry shelters are free, others require payment.
The tent camping experience around Parsons features notable waterfront opportunities. Primitive tent sites at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park are positioned along riverbanks, providing excellent water views. One camper noted that "each site is along the River banks, so you get the best views," with fire pits and picnic tables included at some locations. For those seeking more amenities while still enjoying walk-in tent camping, Stillwaters Farm Rustic Campsites provides drinking water, showers, toilets, and trash service. The park's trail system accommodates both day hikers and backpackers, with backcountry sites available along the 10 and 20-mile trails. Some tent sites require navigating steep hills to access, and several are constructed on wooden decks, creating level platforms for tents in the otherwise hilly terrain.
