Near Portland, Tennessee, glamping options expand beyond the traditional campground experience. The Cumberland River basin provides a distinctive terrain for camping at elevations ranging from 450 to 600 feet above sea level. Fall camping season typically extends through mid-November with average temperatures between 50-70°F, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
What to do
Kayaking on Barren River Lake: At Baileys Point, water activities dominate the experience. "Enjoyed hanging out in the water and finding fossils on the rocky beach. Kayaking was easy and fun," notes one camper. The lake offers fossil hunting along shorelines and multiple put-in points for paddlers.
Explore cave systems: Located about 30 minutes from Bowling Green, Mammoth Cave National Park provides underground adventures year-round. A visitor to Mammoth Cave Campground commented, "People here were kind and trustworthy... There are trails that leave the campground. Fireflies are great at night." Cave tours require reservations and range from easy walking tours to more challenging spelunking experiences.
Mini golf and recreation: Family-friendly activities at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park include structured recreation options. "We did arts and crafts, bingo, trick or treating, watched the golf cart parade, played on several of the different playgrounds, and putt putt golf," shares a camper who visited during a fall weekend.
What campers like
Waterfront accommodations: Campers appreciate direct lake access at various sites. "Very nice pull through spots. Every amenity needed. Pet friendly with dog park for off-leash use," notes a visitor to Bowling Green KOA. Many waterfront sites include power hookups and grills.
Nature encounters: The natural surroundings offer wildlife viewing opportunities. A camper at Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground observed, "We saw 10 deer one morning and hiked a trail with our 3 boys and 2 dogs." The park features multiple hiking trails through cedar glades with endemic plant species.
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews is the quality of bathhouses. According to one visitor to Nashville East-Lebanon KOA, "Bathrooms were best we've seen at a KOA. Recently renovated and definitely a cut above." Most campgrounds offer shower facilities and maintained restrooms.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. A camper at Nashville North KOA noted, "Sites are very close together. Not much room between my rv and neighbor... Noisy due to the highway that runs right on the other side of the tree line." Request sites further from highways when making reservations.
Seasonal availability: Some amenities operate seasonally. "We didn't actually stay here because after I booked I realized the water park is not open during the week although it had officially opened the week before," shared a potential visitor to Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort. Always verify operating hours for specific attractions before booking.
Site selection matters: Campground sections often have different characteristics. At Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground, a camper advised, "While making reservations, section 1 has very small, cramped together sites... I would recommend them over section 1." Research specific loop characteristics when reserving.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule around campground programs for maximum enjoyment. "This is the kind of campground you can take your kids, never leave the campground, and have fun for days," notes a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, which offers structured activities most weekends from spring through fall.
Budget accordingly: Family-oriented resorts may have higher costs. "It is expensive. We paid almost $100/night," mentioned the same Jellystone Park visitor. Many glamping options near Portland add activity fees beyond base camping rates.
Transportation needs: Consider internal campground mobility. "This is a LARGE campground so renting a golf cart or bringing your bikes is recommended," advises a camper at Jellystone Park. Some resorts offer golf cart rentals for $40-65 per day.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Site topography varies widely throughout the region. A visitor to Nashville East-Lebanon KOA noted, "Friendly folks, but the entire campground is kinda hilly. You can get level in the pull through, but just if you park so-so." Bring extra leveling blocks even for developed sites.
Hookup locations: Utility placement isn't standardized. At Dad's Bluegrass Campground, a camper observed, "My site was slightly uphill where I had to park to reach the water hookup. The water hookup is very close to the ground and leaked for me." Pack extension hoses and adapters for various configurations.
Reservation strategies: For popular times, book well in advance. "Watch the approach since you could head into the truck stop - stay to the right and you will be ok," advises another Dad's Bluegrass visitor regarding navigation. Many campgrounds fill completely during peak season weekends.
