Looking for an adventure where you can explore South Carthage and then fall asleep in your tent? Find the best information on tent camping near South Carthage, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Tennessee camping adventure.
The park offers thirteen designated backcountry campsites that are accessible only by hiking or horseback. Backcounty sites are primitive, with only a fire ring and horse hitching posts available. All sites except McCoy Hollow have a nearby water source, but campers should boil and treat water before drinking, or plan to carry in drinking water. Campsites are limited to one party up to eight people in size. Pickup a Backcountry map at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk, or the Visitor Information desk. Permit Required - $10 per trip. Reservations through Recreation.gov. Overnight camping is permitted along floodplains and on islands along the Green and Nolin Rivers. Camping in these areas is only accessible by boat. When camping on floodplains, campers must camp at least ½ mile away from Green River Ferry, Houchin Ferry and Dennison Ferry Day Use Area. Know where you are. Riverside camping on private lands outside the park may not be permitted. Sudden rainstorms can cause rapid flooding along riverways and river levels and currents fluctuate dramatically, particularly during winter months. Always check the river level and weather forecast before launching or camping along the rivers. Pickup a Backcountry map at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk, or the Visitor Information desk. Permit Required - $10 per trip. Permits available online, up to a week in advance. Permits are subject to cancelation due to river levels. River levels must remain below 20 feet.
Tailwater Recreation Area is located just below Cordell Hull Lake and Dam on the Cumberland River System, outside the town of Carthage, TN. The lake itself was named after one of America's outstanding statesmen and one of Tennessee's finest volunteers. Hull was born in a log cabin in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains. Families and friends enjoy coming to the lake for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, hunting and relaxing in the outdoors. Click here for a virtual tour of the Cordell Hull Lake facilities.
Boating and fishing opportunities abound on the Cumberland River below the dam. Cordell Hull Lake is a 12,000-acre lake that stretches 72 miles upstream and has 381 miles of shoreline, offering recreational activities for just about any type of visitor. Anglers enjoy fishing for white bass, rockfish, largemouth bass, catfish, shad, and crappie. Boating, sailing, water skiing and jet skiing are popular activities on the water.
This day-use area offers one large, group shelter. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a playground, interpretive trail and boat ramp.
The Cumberland River runs along the park, which is wooded with a mix of shady maple, hickory, oak, beech, and chestnut trees. The lake is situated among scenic rolling hills. Summer temperatures range from the 60s to the 90s. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Whitetail deer, wild turkeys, quail, squirrels, rabbits, and a wide variety of waterfowl are commonly seen throughout the area.
The historic town of Granville, TN is a 45-minute drive from the campground. Visitors enjoy celebrating the town's Heritage Day annually in May. Events include the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival, antique car and tractor shows, and Confederate Civil War living history presentations.
$50 / night
Horseshoe Bend Marina is a secluded get away situated on the scenic head waters of Center Hill Lake. Our marina is only (by water) a mile from Rock Island State Park's Sand Bar and boat ramp. It is the perfect place to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you are wanting to go boating, fishing, or camping, we have quite a bit to offer. As one of the few marinas on Center Hill Lake that stays open year 'round, we rent boats, boat slips, and camp sites. Fall scenic tours and year 'round guided fishing tours are available also. We have a boat ramp that is easily accessible even when the lake water level is low. Our store offers a variety of drinks, snacks, camping supplies, boating supplies, and fishing supplies. We are also operating under new ownership and new management. With this said, we invite you to come by, meet the new managers, and see the improvements that have been made. Please, take the time to look through our web site for all the services we offer!
$75 / night
Backcountry 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 sunset
Pet Policy
Leashed pets are allowed on this site.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$85 - $120 / night
Our beautiful setting overlooks the West Fork of the Stones River. With walk-in access to the water, the camp is perfect for exploring a thriving river system (2, 6, and 8 mile floats are easy since take-out points are just up the road a piece or just paddle up and down the river, depending on the rains). The river is wadable most of the year. Smallmouth and seasonal trout make for easy fishing. The river is home to an abundance of birds, turtles, and fur-bearing friends.
The tent is equipped with a queen bed, sheets and blankets, a heater for the colder nights and fans for the warmer ones. We have an additional pop up tent that can accommodate 2 people, however you will need to bring a sleeping bag. We also have space for more pop-up tents, so if you have a bigger group there will be plenty of space to spread out. The tent is off-grid but we provide battery operated lights, a charging power bank and the ability to use electric plugs outside our house if there is a real need.
Two rock beaches on our property are across from a river island! Beyond that is a small creek and 190 acres of vacant land.
In case you run out of Lunchables, we have several methods for camp cooking with fire or our dual-fuel Coleman stove. Keep your refreshments fresh all weekend with our big Coleman cooler.
If you don't feel like cooking, Downtown Nashville (40 minutes) and Murfreesboro (15 minutes) are close for campers needing an escape from nature. Last minute supplies are just minutes away.
We provide board games, outdoor games, kayaks for rent, tubes for rent, fishing gear for rent and other seasonal amenities!
Because the location is very convenient, it also comes with passing cars and the hum of I-840 in the distance mingling harmoniously with the babbling brook. The groundhogs and kingfishers don't seem to mind it too much.
Please let us know if you need an earlier check in or later check out. We will always try to accommodate if we can.
$112 - $160 / night
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.
Boating and fishing are generally the main attractions for lake-goers, with anglers often catching black bass, crappie and catfish.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$50 / night
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$45 / night
Traveler
The location of the sprawling campground is beautiful on the popular Dale Hollow Lake. The kids enjoyed the beach. However, the tent sites were limited to the inner circle areas, as opposed to the right on the water with great views for the concrete-heavy RV sites. However, the worst part was the size and placement of the tent sites. they are tiny and I have no idea how anyone would find the space, much less a level spot, for a normal family tent. We didn't actually stay within our site with 2 small 2-person backpacking tents. We considered using an RV site but didn't see one with level grassy areas.
Edited: We were camped illegally on the grass. Tents are supposed to be on the uneven gravel pads. So 3 tent sites and their parking have a maybe 40 x 50 gravel/asphalt area.
There has to be better places to tent camp in this beautiful area
Legend
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.
Guide
Beautiful state park! Unbelievable waterfalls with many of hiking trails! There is a lot of history in the park! Tent campground was nice and level! Each tent site had a tent pad, lantern pole, fire ring and sturdy table! The bathhouses was clean and warm water! Wood is sold in the near by town or at the park visitor center!
Legend
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.
Guide
The tent camp sites on the island were aptly distanced from one another. The other campers seemed to have an unspoken sense of support. Multiple people offered ice, and even campground host offered to air up air mattresses.
There was plenty of driftwood on site to burn, but if you're going to cook all your meals, I'd bring charcoal or your own wood. Note: they have wood restrictions - heed those.
There was some noise at night from the boats, but nothing unmanageable or what I would consider a nuisance.
The island tent area is a park and walk and the campground has 2 carts for people to use.
The views from the island are unfathomably beautiful.
Legend
Had a nice week camping in a tent right on the side of the lake. The bathroom facilities were good, plenty of hot water for showers and the place was kept clean. When we stayed it was nice and quiet during the first week of the season.
Scout
The tent sites are park and walk. The furthest tent site is about a 1/4 mile from where you park. Just an FYI.
Guide
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.
Traveler
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.
Scout
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.
Guide
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.
Scout
My only complaint is I didn't have more time to spend. Our site (L4) was shaded all day long, which is important when you tent camp. The grounds are well kept. Plenty of park hosted activities for kiddos and adults. A lot of trails, good clean pool, nice clean bathrooms, excellent staff!
GuideAlmost 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.
GuideWe 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.
Guide
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!
Scout
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.
TravelerThe 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!
Guide
This this campsite offers everything you need for a great camping experience. Out tent camping was complete with electricity and a short walk to the bathhouse. It also offered a fire pit and picnic table and lots of shade. You can rent a small Jon Boat for $50 a day and they also offer small bundles of firewood for $5. We fished on Kelly Lake and caught about six fish that were keepers.
ScoutPoole 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.
Traveler
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.
Scout
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.
Scout
This site is perfect for primitive tent camping and laying back to look at the stars. Pickett County Tennnessee is one of the few places in the world with a Dark Sky rating, meaning there is little to no light pollution. Tuscarora Glade is so dark at night and the stars are just so brilliant looking up through the opening in the Glade. You are surrounded by trees with a fabulous open spot to view the heavens. Come enjoy this little bit of paradise.
GuideThis 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.
RangerLovely 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.
Traveler
Our family loves coming here every year; the amenities are kept clean and in good working order, the campsites are well maintained and it has a beautiful biking/walking path. The fish hatchery is fun for kids And there is a perfect swimming area by the dam. The park rangers have always been very friendly. It has a park and volleyball area for kids to play at. It is close enough to the small town to pick up anything needed; but there isn’t any camp store at the site itself. Even when we were tent camping in the pouring rain we had a good time.
Traveler
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.
RangerReally neat old stonework dam and bridges. Lots of easy to moderate trails through forests and around lakes. The park's namesake is connected to Native American history. Heat suspended bridge has great views. Really pretty place to explore and close to a lot of other parks and state forest in the area. Lots of the campers seemed to be locals so you can get some unique recommendations. The campground is a bit more modern than I expect from a typical state park tent site, each spot has electricity. Great shade. Lots of families but didn't seem too loud. Every site seems to have both a BBQ grill and a fire pit.
Tent camping near South Carthage, Tennessee, offers a blend of natural beauty and unique experiences. With several well-reviewed spots, campers can enjoy serene environments and various outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near South Carthage, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near South Carthage, TN is Holleman's Bend Camping Area with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near South Carthage, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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