1 campground with availability next weekend
State parks and public lands surrounding Grandview, Tennessee provide diverse tent camping options with varying levels of amenities and seclusion. Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park offers several backcountry tent-only sites, including primitive shelters along hiking trails and waterfront tent campsites with views of Kentucky Lake. Santa's Woods, located within driving distance of Grandview, features five walk-in tent sites nestled among large trees and trail networks. Natchez Trace State Park provides backcountry camping opportunities for hikers seeking more remote tent camping experiences away from developed areas.
Tent campsites in the region range from basic dirt pads to wooden platforms at some locations. Most primitive tent sites include fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Campers should note that backcountry shelters at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park require reservations but offer few amenities beyond basic shelter structures. According to visitor reports, some areas lack reliable drinking water sources, requiring tent campers to bring their own supplies. Portable toilets are available at Second Creek Recreation Area, while other primitive tent camping locations may have no sanitation facilities. Walk-in tent sites typically require short hikes from parking areas, with distances varying by location.
Waterfront tent camping provides distinctive experiences for visitors. One camper noted that primitive sites at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park are positioned "along the river banks" offering "the best views" with fire pits and picnic tables included. Tent campers at Second Creek Recreation Area appreciate the concrete picnic tables and trees suitable for hammocking, though summer visitors should prepare for mosquitoes. Santa's Woods allows tent campers to select their own sites among the forested landscape, providing flexibility uncommon at more structured campgrounds. Backcountry tent camping areas throughout the region offer varying degrees of solitude, with some sites remaining peaceful even during peak weekend periods. Many tent-only areas connect to hiking trail networks, making them suitable bases for day hikes or longer backpacking routes.
"Overall: Small, shaded and quiet. Way off the beaten path near the Tennessee River. A drive to the nearby Lady’s Bluff Small Wild Area is worthwhile. "
"The only issue we had was the camp being next to a couple boat docks, so you might wake up to some boaters sitting right outside your campsite."
Available next weekend
from $40 - $45 / night
"Multiple spots to set up camp with concrete tables at each."
"Good location and easy to get to. We have been camping here for years good spot for fishing kayaking and just good family time. They have on site porta potties and picnic tables."
"Primitive camping, no water or electric. Not big enough for RVs. Nice bathrooms, excellent showers. Very pretty with lots of hiking trails and a lake for fishing."
"We brought our small Aliner camper here to primitive camp for the first time and we couldn’t have picked a better place! The campsites have been redone in the last couple of years."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when available"Santa's Woods is full of large trees and trails, he welcomes you to find the spot that calls to you for your camping adventure. Check them out and make sure to share your trip on the Dyrt!"
from $15 / night
"It’s quiet, depending on your camping neighbors, and just sitting on the banks watching the boats go by is peaceful."
"Lots of great trails to hike. A good place for a Civil War history buff."
"We love the primitive sites at Nathan Bedford Forest! Each site is along the River banks, so you get the best views! Fire pits and picnic tables included."
GuideNice campground with wooded area. Had a full hook up and pull through site since we were only here for one night. Facilities and showers very clean as is the entire place. Camp office and store are lovely and staff are exceptional. Easy to reserve by calling at last minute. Site was a bit tight on the side of a hill for trailer and truck but we did ok.
GuideI liked this NPS free campground on the Natchez Trace. It is convenient to the Nashville Area and accessible by other nice highways, not just the Trace. The town of Hohenwald is just a couple of miles away.
There were many camping people on a Friday night in October from strictly tenters to fancy busses and everything in between (motorcycles, truck campers, suv campers, car campers etc). Everyone was respectful of others and quiet at night.
The grounds have lots of mature trees and the pads are in pretty good condition and fairly level. There are pull-throughs and back-ins. There is a central restroom, which I did not use.
ScoutThe bathrooms have Flushing toilets. No showers. No electrical hookups. A mix of tent camping and RV's. No fees. 14-day limit. Nice place to stay and rest.
TravelerWe have been to Hollow Hideaway for the past few years to camp and ride SXS’s. I highly recommend this place. The owners are the best I’ve ever felt with and now have become our friends. The RV sites are well maintained and the rental cabins and house are amazing. Get your spot booked now! You won’t be disappointed.
GuideBeautiful camp area. The tent camp loop was closed so I stayed in the full hook up area. Did not need electricity or water but the great washroom had flush toilets and showers. Very clean. Camp host was wonderful. It says it’s just off I40 but the camping area was more like 7 or 8 miles in. Perfect for no road noise. The lake is wonderful. Great walking around the area.
ScoutMy daughter door dashes in Florence. Since we live in the Bankhead Forest, sometimes we stay closer to Florence. We love this park for peace and quiet. Easy to find. Only real problem is the showers. They are not heated and there is no door. So you need to bring your own shower curtain. It's wide open to the world.
TravelerThis is a Beautiful camp ground the waterfall in Awesome. All this camp sites are wonderful
TravelerCute little spot hidden about 5 min off of i40. Just need to call ahead and they’ll ask what time you plan on arriving. Seems to be a husband and wife that uses their land as a little campground. Mostly gravel, lots of trees for shade. Does seem to be one or two long term campers but very quiet and quaint. Water and power hook ups. I didn’t hook up as I just camp in my van(:
GuideCampground was great, site 8 was alright, but will probably try a different site next time.
Tent campsites near Grandview, Tennessee provide access to both river and lake environments through Kentucky Lake, Tennessee River, and nearby forested areas. The area sits within the western Highland Rim physiographic region, characterized by rolling hills and limestone outcroppings between 400-600 feet in elevation. Weather conditions vary significantly between seasons, with summer camping requiring preparation for high humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F.
Fishing opportunities: Second Creek Recreation Area offers direct lake access for anglers. "We have been camping here for years good spot for fishing kayaking and just good family time," notes Jake W., who regularly camps there on weekends.
Historical exploration: The region contains significant Civil War history sites accessible from camping areas. As Jessica B. mentions about Campground Road Backcountry Shelter #2, "Lots of great trails to hike. A good place for a Civil War history buff."
Farm activities: Unlike typical campgrounds, Stillwaters Farm offers a unique agricultural experience. "This property is so peaceful and well cared for. You can choose to participate in farm activities or kick your feet up and relax. This isn't your run of the mill farm," explains Ashley F.
Waterfront views: Primitive camping areas provide direct waterfront access at several locations. According to KO4FIE-Logan at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Group Campground, "just sitting on the banks watching the boats go by is peaceful."
Quiet atmosphere: Even during busy seasons, many camping areas maintain a tranquil environment. Michael W. describes Second Creek as having "So far quiet and friendly" atmospheres with "Three areas to get too, pull offs on left coming in on Hwy 1."
Customizable site selection: Unlike structured campgrounds with designated spots, some locations allow flexible site choices. Jake C. mentions that Santa's Woods "is full of large trees and trails, he welcomes you to find the spot that calls to you for your camping adventure."
Bathhouse conditions: Primitive facilities mean limited or basic amenities at many locations. Shana D. notes about primitive sites at Red Rock Trail Backcountry Shelter: "The bathhouse is very old though and does not have a shower. That is the only reason I couldn't give this one 5 stars!"
Terrain challenges: Some tent camping areas require navigation of difficult terrain. Ryan M. mentions about Chester Hollow Backcountry Shelter #1, "Bit of a steep hill to access some of the sites. And some are built on wooden decks."
Seasonal insect activity: Summer campers should prepare for insects, particularly in waterfront areas. Summer A. observed at Second Creek Rec Area: "Lots of mosquitoes at night. Quiet pretty spot to camp. Trees for hammocking. Portopotty for your bathroom needs."
Multiple campground options: The region offers varying levels of development suitable for different family preferences. Jessica L. explains that at Campground Road Backcountry Shelter #1, "There are 3 different campgrounds and 2 of them are primitive, so there is something for everyone."
Basic amenities available: Some recreation areas provide fundamental facilities. Jake W. notes that Second Creek has "on site porta potties and picnic tables," making it suitable for weekend family outings.
Concrete tables for meals: Established picnic facilities enhance mealtime convenience at certain locations. Timothy F. observed, "Multiple spots to set up camp with concrete tables at each" at Second Creek Recreation Area.
Limited RV access: Most primitive camping areas near Grandview require tent camping or small vehicle access only. While Second Creek allows limited RV camping, none of the areas feature electric hookups, water connections, or dump stations.
Site navigation considerations: Michael W. mentions about Second Creek that there are "three areas to get too, pull offs on left coming in on Hwy 1," with some areas appearing to have "permanent residents."
Resource planning: With few facilities available, RVers must plan for self-contained camping. "Moved from open area to site 1 at entrance better view right on lake," adds Michael W., suggesting finding optimal locations for RV parking that maximize views while managing limited resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Grandview, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Grandview, TN is Spring Creek Primitive Campground — Mousetail Landing State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Grandview, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Grandview, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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