Portland offers a variety of camping experiences across the state line into Kentucky, with sites situated at elevations between 500-800 feet across the Cumberland Plateau region. Campgrounds near Portland, TN typically remain open from early April through mid-October, with a few year-round options. Weather patterns create distinct camping seasons with spring wildflowers and fall color changes marking prime reservation periods.
What to Do
Hiking trails: Cedars of Lebanon State Park offers unique ecological exploration with endemic plant species. "Beautiful hiking on calm trails and lots of wildlife! And fishing!" notes Abby C. about Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground, which features several accessible paths for campers of all abilities.
Water activities: Many campgrounds provide lake access for kayaking and fishing. A camper at Cedar Creek mentions, "Adjacent boat ramp. Fishing platform. Well kept. Convenient to amenities in Hendersonville and Gallatin." Some sites feature designated swimming areas, though availability varies seasonally.
Educational opportunities: Visit nearby Mammoth Cave National Park for guided tours requiring advance reservations. "Never a dull moment at Mammoth! Our normally restless kids were so taken by the 2-hour cave tour that they remained in near total silence and awe," reports one visitor about the underground experience.
What Campers Like
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds feature resident deer populations that frequently visit campsites. At Bledsoe Creek, one camper observed, "Deer would just walk up near you and just say hello. It's so peaceful and it allows me to think that there's not all bad here on Earth."
Evening entertainment: Some private campgrounds provide scheduled activities. A reviewer at Grand Ole RV Resort & Market appreciated that "The entertainment for NYE was seriously the most fun we've had out in a while. Nothing says Nashville like live country music!"
Clean facilities: Maintained bathhouses receive consistent praise. "Bathrooms were very clean. The hosts were nice, and rode by to see if we needed wood or ice," noted one Bledsoe Creek visitor. Another mentioned, "The bathhouse was clean, air-conditioned, and accessed with a key code — two toilet stalls and three showers for women, all very well maintained."
What You Should Know
Tick precautions: Ticks pose a seasonal challenge at many campgrounds. A Bledsoe visitor warns, "Our dogs picked up ticks every day, and we had a few as well. Watch out for lyme and other tick born illnesses. We unfortunately found a bullseye rash from one of the bites."
Noise considerations: Campgrounds near highways or railroad tracks experience regular sound disturbances. At Nashville North KOA, a camper noted, "Noisy due to the highway that runs right on the other side of the tree line," while another explained highway noise was "not audible inside the RV so it wasn't enough to disturb sleep."
Site variations: Campground sections often feature significant differences in privacy and amenities. About Cedars of Lebanon, one camper advised, "Keep in mind, while making reservations, section 1 has very small, cramped together sites. We took a walk around section 2, and section 3. There was a lot more room, and seemed a little more private."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. At Bowling Green KOA, "This KOA has a pool, fishing, putt putt, dump station, general store, cabins, a little run down restroom/bath houses, kids play scape, large chess board, and a dog park."
Budget considerations: Tent camping costs vary significantly. One visitor to Nashville North KOA observed, "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."
Educational activities: Several campgrounds offer ranger programs or nature walks. "Cedars of Lebanon is a great State Park in middle TN for camping and for day hikes. It has a great pool, and the natural area where it's located features tons of endemic species to the area!" notes one reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Dump station challenges: Some facilities have limited turning radius for larger rigs. At Cages Bend, a camper mentioned, "The dump station was clean but short and tight. I have a 25' camper and fit ok, but speaking to another camper with a large 5th wheel, he couldn't use it."
Site selection advice: Request specific site numbers based on rig requirements. "Site 22 has a slightly declined slope and is right next to another site that is a pull through. It is also right next to the main road for the park," notes a Bledsoe Creek visitor, providing useful details for RV leveling needs.
Electrical hookup variations: Check amperage availability when booking. A Cedar Creek visitor observed, "To my surprise I opened the electric pedestal, and there was only 50 amp service. I'm set up for 30 amp, so I had to use an adapter."
