R
Ryan C.
Guide
GuideMeriwether Lewis Campground
Quiet, clean
Stopped just for the overnight rest. Was a great spot and the plumbed bathrooms were spotless.
Best Campgrounds near Summertown, TN
Located in south-central Tennessee, the Summertown area provides access to diverse camping environments across state parks and private campgrounds. Meriwether Lewis Campground, situated along the Natchez Trace Parkway, offers free primitive camping under tall oak trees with tent and RV options but no hookups. David Crockett State Park Campground near Lawrenceburg features year-round developed sites with electric hookups, showers, and cabin accommodations. The region encompasses everything from full-service RV parks to rustic woodland camping near Amish communities.
Camping facilities in the Summertown region generally remain open year-round, though spring and fall bring the most comfortable temperatures for tent camping. Road access to most developed campgrounds is well-maintained, with paved surfaces leading to Meriwether Lewis and David Crockett State Park. Cell phone coverage varies significantly—stronger near towns like Lawrenceburg and Hohenwald but potentially spotty in more remote areas. Many campgrounds require reservations during peak summer weekends, while first-come, first-served sites like those at Meriwether Lewis fill quickly on holiday weekends. A visitor noted that "this campground is amazing. First, its setting couldn't be anymore beautiful being nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of central Tennessee."
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the region. Fall Hollow Resort and Natchez Trace RV Campground provide developed camping with electricity and water hookups for those seeking more amenities, while areas like Blackberry Row at Shalom Farm offer a more rustic experience with composting toilets and limited facilities. The Tennessee River and Buffalo River provide opportunities for paddling and fishing within driving distance of most campgrounds. Wildlife sightings are common, with one camper reporting encounters with "a pleasant Tennessee Rough Green Snake" and box turtles along the trails. Many campers appreciate the cultural dimension of camping in this area, particularly the proximity to Amish communities near Ethridge, where visitors can observe horse-drawn buggies and purchase handmade goods.
Best Camping Sites Near Summertown, Tennessee (85)
1. Meriwether Lewis Campground
36 ReviewsHohenwald, TN10 milesWebsite+1 (800) 305-7417"That’s probably not something I would have said before visiting the Meriwether Lewis Campground near Hohenwald, Tennessee. This campground is amazing."
"I did not expect to find something like this in Tennessee! Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. It is a cute little campground with clean bathrooms nearby."
2. David Crockett State Park Campground
28 ReviewsLawrenceburg, TN12 milesWebsite+1 (931) 762-9408"Beautiful campsite surround trees. Very quiet and secluded. There is water and electric hookups at each site and a dump station on the grounds as you leave. This was a very clean and safe campground."
"Has a small lake and dock for fishing, paddling, etc... They have rentals on site. Has a few miles of decent flat trails, all of which are young kid friendly."
3. Thousand Trails Natchez Trace
20 ReviewsHohenwald, TN9 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"Nice lake at 102 sq acres in size. Did have an issue that most sites are only 50 or 30amp hookups only, so I had to borrow a 30 to 120 adapter."
"Very clean Friendly staff Lots of activities in park, and many more along the nearby Natchez Trace Parkway. Cons: Game room has seen better days. Not very many sites with sewer."
4. Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 — Natchez Trace Parkway
4 ReviewsHohenwald, TN10 milesWebsite+1 (800) 305-74175. Fall Hollow Resort
6 ReviewsHohenwald, TN12 milesWebsite+1 (931) 796-1480$10 - $69 / night
"When searching for something to put you close to the Natchez Trace you have basically two options one considered to be dry camping and this one which is improved camping equipped for primitive tent campers"
"Between fishing, riding the trails, having campfires and watching the fireflies I don't know what we enjoyed better. Well worth the trip well cared for and real nice people!"
6. Marcella Falls RV Park and Campground
1 ReviewSummertown, TN5 miles+1 (931) 242-7276$22 - $50 / night
"It was so cool sitting outside and watching the amish buggies drive by! We visited some amish farms close by and found all kinds of stuff! Their candy is so good!!!"
7. Heritage Campground and RV Park
2 ReviewsLawrenceburg, TN7 milesWebsite+1 (931) 201-7940"Very friendly staff, nice surroundings of Amish settlement, campground itself looks old but, heritage, it’s great."
"Had to drive about 5 miles for some really good brisket."
8. Blackberry Row at Shalom Farm
1 ReviewSummertown, TN3 milesWebsite$38 / night
"On August 30, 2019, my wife and I camped at Blackberry Row Campground located on Shalom Farm near Ethridge, Tennessee."
9. Southport Saltpeter Cave
2 ReviewsMount Pleasant, TN11 miles+1 (931) 215-8445$10 / night
"Southport Saltpeter Cave is a historic cave located 12 miles south of Columbia TN. We offer cave tours, primitive camping, hiking, and exploring."
10. Hudson Hideaway RV Retreat
1 ReviewLawrenceburg, TN8 milesWebsite+1 (615) 585-1315$40 - $50 / night
"If a quiet country setting in the heart of Tennessee Amish Country is enjoyable to you, this is the perfect place for you."
Recent Camping Photos near Summertown, TN
112 Photos of 85 Summertown Campgrounds
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Summertown Campground
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Oliver
Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 — Natchez Trace Parkway
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Recent Reviews near Summertown, TN
360 Reviews of 85 Summertown Campgrounds
- LLonnie S.
TravelerMeriwether Lewis Campground
Nice spot
It’s easy to find, every thing is paved. Quiet spot for truck camping or tents, RV or trailer camping. Tables and fire rings at all the campsites and bathrooms.
Will P.GuideMeriwether Lewis Campground
Free?!? Unbelievable. Amazing campground for free
After following the camp signs, I made it to the camp area. Wow! All paved roads, clearly marked spots, many pull through, many level. There is quite a variety of campers here... some expensive rigs, many middle of the road rigs, and some very interesting others. There are also people camping in ground tents and hammock tents. Towables, 5th wheels, lots of class Bs and Cs. Everyone seemed friendly enough, waving as they walk or drive by. The spots are very close together, so do not expect privacy. You will hear lots of conversations and even some hanky panky sounds at night. There are trash cans that are clean, and an amazing restroom that was also very clean. While I enjoyed my stay, it was not for me. Too close to others for me. Be sure to come in the middle of the week and come at noon for the best chance to snag a site.
Thomas T.
ScoutMeriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 — Natchez Trace Parkway
Free
First come first serve plenty of room up here. Bathrooms were clean. People were friendly.
- OOliverScout
Red Coach Resort
Feels like home
I really appreciated the customer service, they really made check-in easy. I enjoyed everything about this place. It is a great value for the price, and I liked the newly developed facilities too.
Jeff L.ScoutCampers RV Park
Beautiful Campground in Tennessee!
This is a very nice campground. Quiet, nice sites, nice hosts, plenty of space, games and nice hangout areas. Perfect distance to local attractions.
- eeric A.Scout
Campers RV Park
Not worth the price
They say they have bathroom and showers for camper but that is not necessarily so. You have to rent one of their cabins to get to use the bathhouses.
Not worth the $65 per night.
Had I known before hand I would have went a few short miles down the road to the much cheaper state park that has bathhouses.
The not so friendly lady at the front desk didn’t say anything about no access to bathhouses until after I had paid and gotten my site number. The “oh yeah by the way” in regards to the bathhouses was kinda underhanded.
Lizzy S.TravelerRed Coach Resort
Tucked away in the trees
This park is tucked away in a private neighborhood on about 80 acres. There are a lot of RV sites as well as primitive camping in the back. We really enjoyed all of the trees and being able to take the kids to play in the small creek in the back of the property. They have a nice playground and a koi pond with a little deck to sit on. The only negative is I feel like they “nickle and dimed” us to death.
- Daniol S.Guide
Henry Horton State Park Campground
Back Country
Went camping with my brother back in May. They seem to have made a lot of improvements to the campground since my last visit years prior. There are new trails and the amenities at the sites appear to be new. The trails are very well maintained.
Guide to Summertown
Campgrounds near Summertown, Tennessee range from primitive sites along the Natchez Trace Parkway to full-service RV parks in the heart of Amish country. The region sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with numerous small creeks and waterfalls creating opportunities for cooling off during hot summer months when temperatures often exceed 90°F. Winter camping remains viable with daytime temperatures typically in the 40-50°F range, though overnight freezes occur from December through February.
What to do
Explore historic sites: The Meriwether Lewis Campground area contains significant historical landmarks including the cabin where Lewis died. One visitor noted, "There was stuff about Meriwether Lewis, like the cabin he died in (weird I know, but kinda cool, right?!). I like campgrounds that kind of feel like you are in the backcountry and this is exactly what this felt like!" (Meriwether Lewis Campground)
Visit waterfalls: Multiple campgrounds provide access to local waterfalls within short hiking distances. A camper at Fall Hollow Resort shared, "Pretty water falls not far from the camp site. History and adventure!" The waterfalls are typically most impressive after spring rains, with some drying up during late summer.
Shop at Amish farms: The Ethridge Amish community offers a unique cultural experience within minutes of several campgrounds. A visitor to Heritage Campground and RV Park remarked, "Ethridge, TN…Nov. 26, 2016. Heritage Campground is in a small Amish community. Several antique shops and flea markets here. Plan on taking a buggy ride to tour the place."
What campers like
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the no-cost sites at Meriwether Lewis. According to one reviewer, "You can stay for 14 days each year because, let's face it, it's too nice for them to let people hog it. Free water in various places, garbage cans by your site, numbered sites, paved driveways and parking spaces, manicured and litter-controlled park."
Creek access: Many campgrounds feature small creeks perfect for cooling off. A camper at David Crockett State Park Campground mentioned, "We camped in Campground #1 and had a great time at this beautiful state park! The clear creek to play in is gorgeous!" Water levels remain highest from March through June.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting attracts various wildlife. One visitor observed, "Most mornings I can sit outside & watch the deer grazing as I have my coffee." Seasonal differences affect wildlife visibility, with spring and fall offering the best viewing opportunities at dawn and dusk.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across the region, with several campgrounds having little to no service. A camper at Natchez Trace RV Campground reported, "I had absolutely no cell service through Verizon and my T-Mobile 5g internet had no reception either (even with a booster)." Signal strength decreases significantly in valleys and wooded areas.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds involves navigating narrow or damaged roads. According to a review, "The roads throughout the park need some work, there are large pot holes that are difficult to avoid." Winter and early spring rains can worsen these conditions, particularly on unpaved access roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find campgrounds near Summertown, TN?
Where can I find campgrounds near Summertown, TN?
Summertown offers several camping options within driving distance. Ray of Hope Guest Ranch and Horse Motel provides a unique experience with yurt camping on a Tennessee hillside offering beautiful night sky views. For those wanting more amenities, Piney River Resort is a popular option with river access. Other nearby options include Henry Horton State Park Campground, Hudson Hideaway RV Retreat in Amish Country, and Spring Creek Primitive Campground at Mousetail Landing State Park.
How far is Summertown, TN from major cities and attractions?
How far is Summertown, TN from major cities and attractions?
Summertown is conveniently located about 75 miles south of Nashville and 95 miles north of Huntsville, Alabama. The Tennessee River attractions are accessible within 30-45 minutes, where Joe Wheeler State Park Campground offers river access for fishing and boating. Montgomery Bell State Park Campground is approximately 60 miles away, offering trails and lakes. For those interested in Amish Country, Ethridge is about 20 miles away. Florence, Alabama with McFarland Park Campground is roughly 50 miles to the south.
Is there free camping available near Summertown, Tennessee?
Is there free camping available near Summertown, Tennessee?
Meriwether Lewis Campground offers free camping in a beautiful setting with historical significance. Located along the Natchez Trace Parkway, this campground provides picnic tables, fire pits, and clean bathrooms. The campground is first-come, first-served with no reservations required. Spring Creek Primitive Campground at Mousetail Landing State Park offers primitive camping at minimal cost with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, and porta-potties, making it nearly free for budget-conscious campers.
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