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Best Dispersed Camping near Summertown, TN

34 Reviews

The rolling hills surrounding Summertown, Tennessee feature several notable camping options, with the Meriwether Lewis Campground standing out as a particularly well-regarded destination. Located along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, this free National Park Service campground offers 31 paved sites suitable for both tent and RV camping. The campground is steeped in history, situated near the monument commemorating the famous explorer's death. Within driving distance, campers can also explore the TVA Nature Trail and Recreation Area, which provides more primitive camping opportunities along riverside trails. Most camping in the region is dispersed in style, with varying levels of amenities from basic sites to those with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to flush toilets.

Camping availability operates primarily on a first-come, first-served basis, with Meriwether Lewis Campground allowing stays up to 14 days per year. The region experiences typical Tennessee seasonal patterns with humid summers requiring insect protection and mild winters when campgrounds are less crowded. As one camper noted, "Bug spray is a must, the mosquitoes are thick here because of all the moisture of the forest and ticks can also be a problem during certain months." Access roads throughout the area are generally well-maintained, with the Natchez Trace Parkway providing smooth driving conditions. Cell service is available at most sites, though visitors should stock up on supplies in Hohenwald (8 miles from Meriwether Lewis) or Summertown (11 miles) as on-site stores are not available.

Many campers highlight the exceptional value of free camping in the area. According to visitor reviews, the Meriwether Lewis sites include amenities that surpass expectations: "Free water in various places, garbage cans by your site, numbered sites, paved driveways and parking spaces, and bathroom buildings with multiple flush toilets." Wildlife sightings are common, with reports of encounters with native species like box turtles and green snakes. Hiking opportunities abound, with trails leading to small waterfalls and along creek cascades. Visitors frequently mention the tranquility of the camping experience, though some note that popular sites fill quickly, particularly during weekends and summer months. Early arrival is recommended, as one camper observed, "If you want a flat spot or a pull-through spot, get there early!"

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Summertown, Tennessee (3)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Summertown, TN

12 Photos of 3 Summertown Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Summertown, TN

34 Reviews of 3 Summertown Campgrounds

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    When you think FREE you probably don't think of sites THIS NICE!

    For My FULL VIDEO Of My Experience At This Campground CLICK HERE

    Following the winding a scenic Natchez Trace you begin to climb higher and higher into the beauty of the mountains. When I was making this trip in late August, I could already see the shifting of the leave in its most early stages and I could only imagine what it would be like only a month later.

    As I entered the park and followed the signs toward the campground I was very eager to see what this FREE site had to offer. I had discovered this site when searching youtube for things to do and someone suggested camping here because of the historic landmark in the park. After further research I discovered it was a pretty decently sized campground with semi primitive camping.

    I arrived at the camping loops and discovered two loops of camping each with differing sizes of spaces, some designed for pull through style RV parking and some for back in car parking. Spaces were large and while there were several people staying here it did not seem overly crowded.

    The first loop was much further from the restroom than the second, which also housed the campground host in his RV just as you entered the loop. He was welcoming with a smile and wave and I just felt like this was going to be a nice place to stay for the night.

    You can stay for up to 14 days at this location and I could easily see this being one of those stops you wouldn’t necessarily want to leave in a hurry because it was so peaceful. There were numerous hiking trails and a well landscaped creek area which made for a great place to come for day use as well.

    My site was pretty typical in that it had a fire ring and picnic table. The ground was semi level and very rough so camping in a tent I was happy to have brought a little padding. The restrooms were very nice and had both flush toilets and drinking water. They were well lit and for a minute when I walked in I wondered how on earth this was a free site because they were so nice.

    All was great until about 8 p.m. when some people pulled in after dark and weren’t quite sure how to set up their tent and were pretty loudly disagreeing with one another in debate of how to do so. But after they finally figured that out about an hour later the night was again left to the sounds of the cicadas and frogs.

    TIPS

    • If you are tent camping bring some kind of cushion on pad for your floor otherwise it will be a rough evening on the ground.
    • Bug spray is a must, the mosquitoes are thick here because of all the moisture of the forest and ticks can also be a problem during certain months.
    • Don’t tell all your friends, they will take over your secret little camping spot after they find out just how amazing this site really is!! (lol)
  • Kristina D.
    Apr. 25, 2021

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    It’s open!

    Great place and it’s FREE! Bathrooms and trash cans. This is dry camping - no electric/dump. Water at bathrooms

  • Jeremy A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 11, 2021

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    Great rest stop along the Natchez Trace

    One of three first come first serve free camps on the Trace. Potable water and flush toilets, fire rings and tables, pull through and back in sites. There’s relative privacy, though that’s largely dependent on seasonal deciduous canopy. The campground sits next to a creek cascade and some hiking trails, including part of the old Trace. The Trace today is a far cry from the early days of interstate travel with sunken roads, mud bogs, and bandits. The two-lane is closed to commercial traffic, making this a fun alternative route for a leisurely paced road trip.

    Hohenwald, the “High Forest”, holds an Oktoberfest heritage festival and craft fair highlighting the Swiss-German Community that was established here, which is an excellent opportunity to get a feel for the local culture. It was in nearby Grinder House on the night of October 11,1809 that the tragic last chapter in the life of Meriwether Lewis unfolded. Following the Corps of Discovery Expedition, Lewis had been appointed second governor of the Louisiana Territory, and turned his hand to expanding the road networks, negotiating treaties between Native American nations and managing the encroaching settlers moving west. In response to political infighting over his policies, including an expedition to return a Mandan chief to his people, the War Department refused to reimburse him for debts incurred in office, threatening personal financial ruin. The state of the mail led Washington to believe him incommunicado and, on the brink of insolvency, he set out to the Capitol with receipts to make his case. Rather than continuing by boat via New Orleans, Lewis elected to travel the Trace. After finishing a meal at the roadhouse and retiring to his room, shots rang out, and Lewis was discovered by the innkeeper’s family shortly before he passed away. Over a century of dispute followed, with competing narratives of suicide, robbery, and even assassination. His gravesite was lost among the final resting places of the pioneer cemetery, and a monument to one of the great explorers was later erected in his honor.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2021

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    Awesome free camping

    Boondocked here for the night.. got way more than expected! It was extremely clean. Flat, paved campsites with firepits, picnic tables, and trash cans. No water or bathrooms but a great little stop over for our trip west.

  • Jeremy H.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    Camp Where An Explorer Died Mysteriously

    “Let’s go camping where one of the most remembered American explorers died a tragic death.” That’s probably not something I would have said before visiting the Meriwether Lewis Campground near Hohenwald, Tennessee. This campground is amazing. First, its setting couldn’t be anymore beautiful being nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of central Tennessee. The campground is filled with tall, stately oak trees that provide great, all day shade and shelter from the sun. It was hypnotizing listening to the wind from a summer storm swoosh through them. The sites are tent, car camper, and RV friendly though if you are staying in a tent you might have to be selective about which site you choose. Some are rocky and have quite a slant. Site 16, the one we chose to call home for the night, would not have made a good tent site at all even though it offered a breath-taking view of a cool, green hollow. Each site has a fire ring with an attached grill. The rings are about three feet wide and around 18 inches deep. They rest on a concrete slab. Camp parking is asphalt as are all the roads that wind through the park. All sites are within walking distance of a fully functional and positively clean bathroom that is cleaned regularly. You will need to bring your own soap to the bathroom though. The park doesn’t supply it or paper towels. Each campsite also has a secure trash can that is emptied daily(late in the evening during our stay). The campground is full of wildlife so it's nice to know they won’t be feasting on full trash cans. We shared our campsite with a pleasant and oddly curious Tennessee Rough Green Snake or Vine Snake. He enjoyed hunting bugs in the leaf litter at our campsite, and for about an hour, my son Oz and I enjoyed watching him on the hunt. We also saw a box turtle speeding down one of the many trails located within walking distance of the campground. The campground had three rounds of campers arrive on Friday night, July 5. The early campers who arrived between 2PM and 6PM, the after-work campers arriving just before sunset, and the evening crowd that arrived after sunset. The after-sunset crowd made a quick camp and went right to sleep. The camp has fresh water sources scattered throughout the campground including water fountains and spigots. Park staff were welcoming and hard working as you can instantly tell by the overall tidiness of the entire park. You may want to grab supplies before you head into camp since the two nearest towns are a few miles from the camp: Hohenwald (8 miles) and Summertown (11 miles). There is no store in the park or vending machines. You will also need to purchase firewood or be willing to walk to get it. The campground is well used so most sites only have twigs available. We lucked out and found some charred wood in unused campsites that supplemented our kindling we found while hiking. Overall, this is a great family campground. Access to the park isn’t restricted at night so you may want to make sure you carry a light with you as you walk around the campground in the dark. There is a lot of after dark traffic and you want to make sure you can be seen by other campers driving to the bathroom or the occasional guest who might just be driving through. I look forward to going back again soon. This is a five star park.

  • Sable A.
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    Free site

    Nice first come free camping location just off the Trace. Grounds seem to be keep up on every time I’ve been there.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 10, 2025

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    The best in free camping!

    This place is a gem! 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, and a bathroom building with multiple flush toilets for each sex and sinks with running water! These are in at least two places. Picnic tables and fire rings with lift-off on a hinge grates.

  • Joey S.
    Nov. 8, 2021

    Meriwether Lewis Campground

    Historic

    Walk down the Natchez Trace, visit the grave of Meriwether Lewis, all around a good visit. No electric, first come first served free campground, show up early and you're good to go. Beautiful park to stay

  • Trinity W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2019

    TVA-Nature Trail and Recreation Area

    Free Camping on TVA land

    I assumed for a long time that you weren't allowed to camp on the TVA trails, because while there are many hikers and birdwatchers who enjoy the trails, you rarely see anyone camping out there. I learned recently, and confirmed through their website, that you can camp for free on TVA land. It just isn't well advertised. This particular trail is a great area, and there are many little side trails to explore. Plenty of places to make a primitive campsite. Many of the side trails lead to the river. There is even a small beach area down the one that leads along the river to the old train bridge. This trail is rich in history, and there are a lot of plaques telling about certain natural and man made features along the trails. The trails are clean, well-kept, and well-marked. At the trail head and parking area, there is a nice well-kept, clean restroom building with flush toilets. Behind that building, they recently put in a very nice playground and a pavilion with picnic tables. There are not really any ready made campsites with tables or firepits or trash cans, but there are plenty of benches and trash cans along the trails. I highly recommend going to the train bridge. There are also small plaques around some of the plants telling what they are and a little about them. If you want a beautiful, primitive camping area, with nice, fairly modern facilities nearby, this is a great place to go. Also, keep in mind there are several trail heads along this road, and you could potentially start out at any of them, but the particular trail head I mentioned has the best restroom facilities and a wonderful playground. Most of the others only have a parking area.

Guide to Summertown

Dispersed camping near Summertown, Tennessee offers several rustic options beyond the well-known sites. The region sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation within the Highland Rim physiographic province, characterized by karst topography with limestone bedrock and numerous small caves and sinkholes. Local weather patterns bring approximately 54 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush vegetation and numerous small seasonal creeks throughout primitive camping areas.

What to do

Waterfall exploration: Multiple campsites provide access to small waterfalls, especially after rainfall. At Meriwether Lewis Campground, visitors can hike to nearby cascades. "Trails to hike that are challenging but not too hard for kids of multiple ages. Pretty water falls not far from the camp site. History and adventure!" notes Brittni F.

Historic site visits: The region contains significant historical landmarks connected to the early American frontier. Jessica L. reports about Meriwether Lewis Campground: "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!"

Birdwatching: The wooded areas around rustic campsites near Summertown provide habitat for numerous bird species. At TVA-Nature Trail and Recreation Area, Trinity W. notes: "There are many hikers and birdwatchers who enjoy the trails. This particular trail is a great area, and there are many little side trails to explore."

What campers like

Free accommodations: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the no-cost primitive camping options. Tiel M. comments about Meriwether Lewis: "Clean, well maintained, quiet. Spots have some space between them but sparse trees for separation. I am just travelling through the area but if I lived within a days drive of here I'd be here regularly."

Natural swimming areas: During warmer months, riverside camping provides cooling opportunities. According to Trinity W., TVA trails feature water access points: "Many of the side trails lead to the river. There is even a small beach area down the one that leads along the river to the old train bridge."

Educational opportunities: Lentzville Road and surrounding dispersed camping areas contain interpretive elements. Trinity W. observed at nearby sites: "There are also small plaques around some of the plants telling what they are and a little about them. This trail is rich in history, and there are a lot of plaques telling about certain natural and man made features along the trails."

What you should know

Campsite availability: Rustic camping near Summertown operates primarily first-come, first-served. David R. advises: "As busy as it was I still found a quiet spot. Level pads, table and fire ring at all the sites. Will definitely add this to my repeat stop list."

Bathroom facilities: Toilet availability varies significantly between sites. Anita C. reports about Meriwether Lewis Campground: "Good bathhouse with flush toilets and cold water sink. No Shower. Great for tent camping."

Trail navigation challenges: Some hiking routes near primitive campsites lack clear markings. Ashley R. cautions: "Careful on the hiking trails though, many cross paths with no directions on how to get back to camp. We wondered around for a few hours before making it out."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Some rustic camping areas include child-friendly facilities. Trinity W. notes about TVA-Nature Trail and Recreation Area: "Behind that building, they recently put in a very nice playground and a pavilion with picnic tables."

Educational trails: Several camping areas feature learning opportunities for children. Trinity shares: "This trail is rich in history, and there are a lot of plaques telling about certain natural and man made features along the trails."

Safety considerations: Parents should prepare for typical woodland hazards. Seanna M. observed at Meriwether Lewis: "It is a cute little campground with clean bathrooms nearby. There are picnic tables and fire pits at each site."

Tips from RVers

Concrete pads: Some rustic sites accommodate RVs better than expected. Len L. comments about Meriwether Lewis Campground: "There are many concrete parking spots for RV's and spots for camping. The parking spot also has a Littering box and a table."

Limited hookups: RV campers should prepare for primitive conditions. Ruth S. states about Meriwether Lewis: "This place has everything you'll want," but most visitors note the lack of water or electrical hookups at rustic sites.

Site selection timing: Arriving early improves chances for preferred RV spots. Lara M. explains: "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Summertown, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Summertown, TN is Meriwether Lewis Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 33 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Summertown, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Summertown, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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