This article about Nashville camping is brought to you by our friends at Roanline, whose broad selection of gear from Fayettechill is guaranteed to bring warmth and style to your next Nashville camping adventure.
Among the star-studded cities in America known for playing home to celebrities and musicians, Nashville boasts a unique blend of its country roots with the modern pop vibe. With a world-famous music scene and celebrity-artists that are regulars at local coffee shops, “Music City USA” promises an abundance of big stage fun mixed with a variety of local experiences such as food, coffee, and more karaoke bars than you can count. Behind the bright lights of Nashville, though, is a camping scene that includes some of the most unique outdoor experiences in the country.
Where to Find the Best Camping Near Nashville, TN
Though not necessarily known for its wilderness, Nashville and the surrounding region provides an eclectic assortment of campgrounds that offer guests everything from Yogi Bear-themed attractions to live music on site.
1. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park — 30 minutes from Nashville
Large pull-thru RV sites at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park // Image from The Dyrt camper Shelly S.
Part kid-friendly camp resort and part wacky theme park, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park has the feel of an adventure park with the comfort and convenience of a traditional KOA. Complete with a pool and tons of pool toys for the kiddos and a market on site for food and other convenience items, this is an RV-centered park that provides solid access to Nashville’s downtown scene. Tents are welcome here, but the atmosphere is more accommodating to RVs.
“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.” –The Dyrt camper Ethan K.
2. Two Rivers Campground—30 Minutes from Nashville
Set up just outside the city limits, this RV-only campground is unique in that it offers a bite-sized taste of Nashville’s music scene right onsite. Along with a convenience store and a pool for the children, Two Rivers has a small music venue where concerts are regularly held and open to the public. The live entertainment schedule is available on the Two Rivers website, so be sure to check the calendar before you go for showtimes.
3. Nashville KOA—30 Minutes from Nashville
Outdoor movie screen at the Nashville KOA // Image from Nashville KOA
The Nashville KOA has done much to improve itself over the last few years. Like other KOAs, this one has a rich variety of activities sure to keep everyone entertained. Between the fire pit, the pool and hot tub, a bowling alley, and a basketball court, you might never want to leave the campground. The summers at the Nashville KOA are even more entertaining, including outdoor movies throughout the week and live music poolside every Thursday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. To add to its staggering list of amenities, the KOA has recently built an amphitheater on site where they will host live entertainment on a regular basis. Safe to say that camping near Nashville has never been easier.
4. Grand Ole RV Resort—20 Minutes from Nashville
For campers interested in a quieter camping experience, the Grand Ole RV Resort is an option in relatively close proximity to the downtown district (15 mins), with enough amenities to keep families entertained. Like most of the closest campgrounds to the city, the central experience of the Grand Ole RV Resort is formed around its activities rather than its proximity to the wilderness. The resort boasts over 100 full hookup sites, a pool, walking trails, a dog park, and karaoke at the community center on site. Earn your Pioneer Badge by being the first to review this campground on The Dyrt! Check out other unreviewed campsites on our Bounty Board for more Pioneer Badge opportunities.
5. Anderson Road—35 Minutes to Nashville
Lake shore campsite at Anderson Road // Image from The Dyrt camper Dr. David P.
Of the campgrounds closest to Nashville, Anderson is the most “primitive” in its offerings, but still presents a variety of activities for families and avid campers seeking a more outdoor-centric experience. Located on the shores of Percy Priest Lake, Anderson Road offers around 10 full hookup RV spots and almost 30 tent sites. The lake is available for boating, canoeing, fishing (bass, sunfish, catfish, bluegill, trout), and swimming.
6. Seven Points Campground—45 Campgrounds from Nashville
Another of the campgrounds located on Priest Lake, Seven Points is slightly larger than its cousin across the water, with 59 campsites and two large picnic shelters that can provide for up to 100 guests. Seven Points is around 30 minutes away from downtown Nashville, but offers the solitude and access to the wilderness of a more traditional mountain escape.
“The bathrooms are nice and camp sites are set up to be quite spacious/private with good tree coverage for even summer camping. Love that it’s so close to Nashville and even close enough to make a morning coffee run if you forget to pack yours.” –The Dyrt camper Wendy J.
7. Poole Knobs—60 Minutes from Nashville
Camping near Nashville, TN at Poole Knobs campground // Image from The Dyrt camper Reuben S.
A little further out than some of the other campgrounds, Poole Knobs is an ideal location for folks seeking a lakeside location with fewer busy-season beachgoers. Featuring 87 campsites as well as the traditional amenities of an established campground, Poole Knobs is perfect for parties of all sizes, and is excellent for larger groups seeking relatively secluded camping near Nashville. This is a popular campground for larger groups, as each individual site has space for both a tent and an RV. Notable amongst the sites at Poole Knobs is the group campsite, which can accommodate up to 40 guests.
8. Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort—55 Minutes from Nashville
As far as all-in-one campgrounds go, the Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort might take the cake for amenities offered within the campground itself. Along with lakeview cabins and RV sites, Nashville Shores includes both a waterpark and a treetop adventure park, which are available to campers and day-use guests for an additional fee. The staggering number of amenities provide an unforgettable experience without even leaving the campground.
9. Harpeth River Bridge Campground—40 Minutes from Nashville
Campsite with river access at Harpeth River Bridge Campground // Image from The Dyrt camper Shelly S.
Harpeth River Bridge is part of the Cheatham Lock and Dam, and consists of sites that can accommodate both RVs and tents. Located on the bank of the Harpeth River, this campground offers direct access to the water via a newly built boat ramp as well as short trail access. Since every site is located on the water’s edge, this campground is popular throughout the year, but particularly during peak season. Though a beautiful spot, Harpeth River is a smaller campground, featuring only 15 sites available for booking, so folks looking for the most exclusive camping near Nashville should book early.
“Harpeth River Bridge Campground is newer, small and very nice. Only 15 sites including the campground hosts. Watersports are the only flavor on the menu. But!!! There are several recreation areas nearby to enjoy in addition to Harpeth.” –The Dyrt camper Shelly S.
10. Safe Harbor RV Resort—60 Minutes from Nashville
Another of the many campgrounds along Percy Priest Lake is the Safe Harbor RV Resort, which provides a stable blend of camping along with various resort-style amenities. Located on a small peninsula, some of the paved RV sites have their own view of the water, and the campground also includes a sanded beach area, outdoor pool, and camper-only docks. With over 130 full hookup spots, Safe Harbor is a great option for families looking for a blend between the remote and the settled. Campers can also rent boats, kayaks, and paddleboards from the resort staff. Earn your Pioneer Badge by being the first to review this campground on The Dyrt!
11. Cages Bend Campground—30 Minutes from Nashville
Lakeside campsite at Cages Bend campground // Image from The Dyrt camper Robert S.
On the outer edges of the 30 minute radius for camping near Nashville, TN is a campground called Cages Bend, which sits on the shores of Old Hickory Lake. The area is full of wildlife, and the lake, fed by the Cumberland River, is perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming, sailing, and fishing. For avid wildlife watchers, there are seasonal rushes of migratory songbirds as well as waterfowl that frequent the area. With over 22,500 acres of water, there’s plenty of space for all types of water activities. It’s worth noting that each of the 42 campsites must be reserved in advance, as the campground does not typically accept walk-ins.
“I almost feel bad writing about Cages Bend because I don’t want people to crowd us out. It’s a core of engineering park one of the best. Small album on the river and so peaceful you’ll think your in a move. We go every year. Please be respectful of staff and neighborhood.” –The Dyrt camper Robert S.
