Happy Campers: 8 Places To Go Camping Near Williamson County, Tennessee
Summertime often brings a certain nostalgia that’s hard to name. Balmy weather, green foliage, sunshine, and later sunsets have us longing to get back to our roots as we remember the child-like excitement and possibilities of summer break. If adventure seems hard to come by these days, this feeling can be hard—but certainly not impossible—to recreate. What a better way to return to the spirit of adventure than going on a good, old-fashioned camping trip near Williamson County, Tennessee?
Picture this: Lightning bugs blinking through the trees. Trading stories or songs over a pleasant campfire. Being surrounded by the smell of smoke, s’mores, and people you love. If you’re looking to recreate a scene like that this summer, we’re right there with you. Below are some camp sites and outdoor amenities in close proximity to Williamson County, ready and able to host your next adventure.
Henry Horton State Park
Henry Horton State Park is located in Chapel Hill, Tennessee and is adjacent to the historic Duck River, a body of water considered to house one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Constructed in the 1960s, the park is located on the estate of former Tennessee governor Henry Horton. Alongside the park’s hiking trails, it also offers a variety of event spaces including various indoor and outdoor venues, conference rooms, and comfortable lodging available for booking. The Buford Ellington championship golf course at Henry Horton State Park is also known as one of the best courses in the state. Other recreation at the park includes several playgrounds, disc golf, and skeet shooting.
All types of camping are welcome at Henry Horton State Park, whether you’re looking for RV, tent, hammock, backcountry, or group site options. Drive-in sites, also known as “overland campsites” include a fire ring and picnic table, but do not have access to water, electric, or Wi-Fi, though they are in fairly close proximity to 1 of the 2 bath houses on property. Vehicles and trailers must comfortably fit into the site without modification. Only 2 tents or vehicles are allowed on site. There are 6 hammock-only, primitive campsites behind the RV campground that include picnic tables, a grill/fire ring, and Wi-Fi. The backcountry campsites are about a 1.5 hike from the camp store and are considered a great spot for backcountry camping beginners. Campsites are limited to 6 people; rates vary. Pets are welcome, but must be leashed and attended to. Standard and rustic cabin retreats are also available, with rates ranging from $135-$342, depending on booking preferences.
Visitor Center Address: 4209 Nashville Highway, Chapel Hill, TN 37034
RV Park & Campground at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort
Nashville Shores is a popular entertainment destination nearby, complete with a water park, adventure courses, and a campground located right beside Percy Priest Lake. Lodging options include nearly 100 RV sites, 24 lakefront cabins, and 8 hillside cabins. Just 10 miles from downtown Nashville, this campsite has the best of both worlds, offering a family-oriented nature retreat within close proximity to Music City. With this in mind, there is a shuttle service to nearby attractions.
RV sites at the campground cost between $70-$105 per night, depending on time of year and the site of your choosing. There is a 1-3 night minimum (dependent on dates and site type) and a 14 day maximum for RV parking. Keep in mind there are no weekly or monthly rates. If you’re more interested in an indoor adventure, the lakefront and hillside cabins are an incredible option, ranging from $175-$299 per night. Each cabin sleeps a maximum of 6, with a 2-3 night minimum, and a 14 night maximum. Cabins include kitchenware, linens, bathrooms, showers, television, a fire pit, picnic tables, and a small charcoal grill. There are pet friendly and handicap accessible cabins available upon request. Camping at Nashville Shores also gains guests discounted access to resort experiences including the waterpark, ropes course & zipline, jet-ski and boat rentals, and the on-site BBQ restaurant.
Address: 4001 Bell Road, Hermitage, TN 37076
Long Hunter State Park
Long Hunter State Park is a 2,600 acre state park located in Hermitage, Tennessee. There are over 30 miles of hiking trails within the park and recreational areas where visitors can also fish, bike, boat, and swim. The park is situated on the eastern side of Percy Priest Lake, and extends between Davidson and Rutherford County, about 50 minutes from downtown Franklin. The self-guided trails and recreational areas showcase a variety of native wildlife habitats and gorgeous scenery, perfect for anyone looking to escape into our region’s vibrant ecosystem.
Camping options at Long Hunter State Park include backcountry camping and group primitive camping. There are 2 available campsites for backcountry camping. Sites are tent-only, wooded, shaded, and on the shoreline of J. Percy Priest Lake. Keep in mind that—in true backcountry fashion—it’s a 6 mile hike from the parking lot to get to the campsites, and there is no running water, electricity, restrooms, or showers available. Because of this, backpacking equipment is necessary. Site capacity is 8-10 people. Reservations are required, and rates vary. Reservation receipts should be on your person during visits, as they count as a permit. Group camps work similarly, with 3 available sites that can be reserved by organized groups. Group camp sites include picnic tables, fire rings, nearby water, and access to the park office bathroom.
Park Office Address: 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076
Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Cedars of Lebanon State Park is located in Wilson County, about 40 minutes outside of Nashville. Named after the eastern red cedar trees, early American settlers were reminded of the cedar forests known to grow across the biblical Mount Lebanon in the Mediterranean. Due to its unique natural landscape, the park was declared a protected state natural area in 1955. Particularly unique, the park’s rock gardens—known as limestone glades—are home to 19 rare and endangered plant species that don’t grow anywhere else in the world. There are 8 miles of hiking trails that weave through the cedar forest and glades, alongside popular picnic areas and campsites.
There are 117 campsites across the park, equipped with picnic tables, grills, and RV hookups. There are also bathhouses located within each campground loop. Additionally, Wi-Fi is available and ice and firewood can be purchased on site. The campground is open year round and is pet-friendly. All sites are accessible by vehicle. Nightly rates vary depending on reservation date and site availability. Cabins are also available to rent, with 9 deluxe, 2-bedroom options that can accommodate up to 5 people at a rate that ranges between $158—$318 per night. Cabins can be reserved year-round and up to a year in advance. There is a 3-night minimum during peak times (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day). The maximum stay between March 1st and November 30th is 14 nights, or 28 nights between December 1st and February 29th. A premium option, Ricketts Historical Cabin, is also available for special occasion stays.
Visitor Center Address: 328 Cedar Forest Road, Lebanon, TN 37090
Montgomery Bell State Park
Montgomery Bell State Park is a 3,850 acre park in Dickson County, with 3 beautiful lakes on park property. Named after well-known historical figure Montgomery Bell, an ironmaster in Middle Tennessee, the site of the park was once the center of the regional iron industry. Another historical destination of the park is the site of the first Cumberland Presbyterian Church, founded in 1810. A replica of the first church, the cabin that belonged to Reverend Samuel McAdow, is located inside the park. Alongside lodging options and hiking trails, there are also opportunities to bike, fish, and golf at The Par 72, an 18-hole course. Lake access within the park also give visitors the chance to kayak, canoe, and paddle boat.
Year-round camping options at Montgomery Bell include tent, RV, and backcountry. There are 47 sites that have water and electric, 40 sites with sewer, and 22 tent-only campsites. For campers in need of extra accessibility, there are 2 pull-through campsites available. Campsites can accommodate 1 of 2 combinations: 1 motor home (fifth-wheel, travel trailer, pop-up, etc.) plus a tent or 2 tents only. Camping rates vary and include 4 people per site, plus 3 additional guests at a rate of $1/person per night. Pets are allowed, but most be leashed and well-attended. Campsites include access to picnic tables, trash cans, and grills. 3 bathhouses are located on the grounds. Group camp and cabin options are also available for premium booking.
Note: the campground at Montgomery Bell (also known as the Four Mile Creek Campground) is currently closed for renovations, with an anticipated reopening in fall of 2025.
Visitor Center Address: 1020 Jackson Hill Road, Burns, TN 37029
Nashville KOA Resort
20 minutes from the city, Nashville KOA Resort is a luxury camping destination offering a rustic, outdoor vacation for the whole family that includes a resort-style pool, staff-led activities, a rec room, hammocks, bike and golf cart rentals, a downtown shuttle, dining at Notes Café, a General Store, and more. In true Music City style, the resort also hosts 250 live-music events throughout the year, featuring up and coming bands and musicians. Themed weekends and weekly activities add to the fun, providing a true summer camp-style vacation that everyone can enjoy.
Camping and lodging options at Nashville KOA Resort are expansive, with paved, standard, and rustic RV sites, deluxe cabins, studios, rustic camping cabins, and premium tent sites. Likewise, Nashville KOA recently merged with Nashville RV Resort and Cabins, offering nearby accommodations that include over 200 RV sites, 16 deluxe cabins, 4 camping cabins, and 18 tent sites (including group options). Booking any of these options gives guests access to resort amenities. Campground amenities include cable TV, a snack bar, a pavilion, a year-round pool, Wi-Fi, a hot tub/ sauna, firewood and propane available for purchase, and much more. Vacation rates vary. There are also extended-stay RV site options for those looking for monthly accommodations, which include long-term access to amenities such as a coin-operated laundry room, workout room, and recreation area. Long-term rates vary by time of year, from $925/month to $1000/month.
Campground Address: 2626 Music Valley Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
Two Rivers Campground Nashville
Two Rivers Campground is Nashville’s premier, modern RV campground. The family-run facility is located just 2 miles North of one of Music City’s most popular destinations—the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills shopping center. Alongside a place to stay, Two Rivers provides a convenience store with grocery and RV items, a gift shop, a game room, and a full-service concierge desk. Staff is more than willing to help facilitate Nashville excursions, helping guests book reservations for car rentals, city tours, dining, and shows. Shuttles are also available for guests looking to visit downtown.
Campsite amenities include free Wi-Fi, free coffee, electric hook-ups, bathhouses, laundry, patio access, propane, HD cable, and live, seasonal entertainment. There are also a wide variety of recommended tours; however, keep in mind that tour providers are ultimately responsible for guest experience, as they are not directly affiliated with the campground. Camping rates at Two Rivers are affordable, and vary based on duration of stay. All rates are based off of 2 people, with an extra charge of $10/person, per night for additional guests over the age of 6. Though there are no weekly rates during holidays or special events, there is a weekly rate discount other times throughout the year: pay for 6 nights, get the 7th free. A 1-night deposit is required for reservations; rates are subject to change.
Campground Address: 2616 Music Valley Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
Camping at Percy Priest Lake
J. Percy Priest Lake is a 42 mile lake that was created in 1968 by the J. Percy Priest Dam. Located 15 minutes from Downtown Nashville, the lake is a popular destination for outdoor recreation among both locals and tourists. Activities around the lake include fishing, boating, camping, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, wakeboarding, sailing, jet and water skiing, biking, and hiking surrounding trails. The expansive natural area makes Percy Priest the top place for outdoor adventure in Music City.
Camping options, in addition to and overlapping with state parks and facilities mentioned above, range from primitive campsites to full water and electrical hookup campsites. Developed camping locations at the lake include restrooms, fresh water, waste disposal stations, and shower facilities. Depending on location, rates range from $14-$24 per day, plus an additional visitor fee of $3/person per day. The 3 main campground locations are Anderson Road Campground, Poole Knobs Campground, and Seven Points Campground. These sites also have access to day-use recreational amenities such as fishing areas, hiking and biking trails, boat launch ramps, swimming beaches, picnic shelter rentals, and playgrounds. Open camping season runs between April and October, depending on the site. For extra-adventurous, primitive camping spots, there are locations available on select islands on the lake. Places where primitive camping is permitted are well marked with a white post and a tent symbol. Keep in mind that outside firewood is not permitted at Percy Priest campsites. Campers are encouraged to collect firewood from around their designated site.
Addresses:
Anderson Road Campground: 4010 Anderson Road, Nashville, TN 37217
Poole Knobs Campground: 493 Jones Mill Road, LaVergne, TN 37086
Seven Points Campground: 1810 Stewarts Ferry Pike Hermitage, TN 37076
Adventure Awaits
When summer comes around, it’s hard to miss the extraordinary beauty of Tennessee. If you want to immerse yourself in the scenic landscape, but aren’t so keen on staying overnight, there are a variety of family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, nature preserves, and hands-on farm experiences here in and around Williamson County that will satisfy your thirst for exploration while still allowing you to spend the night in the comfort of your own bed. Some local, outdoor adventures you may pique your interest include. . .
- Horseback riding in Williamson County
- Visiting Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville
- Exploring Brentwood’s Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary
- Hiking around Nashville’s Radnor Lake
- Tours and Events at Morning Glory Orchard in Nolensville
- Hosting a picnic or cookout at public county parks
- Visiting Tennessee’s scenic waterfalls, located within 3 hours of Franklin
- Enjoying a luxuriously rural stay at Southall Farm & Inn
- Enjoying a sunny day at Franklin’s newly opened Bicentennial Park
These experiences are great ways to stay connected to tour natural landscape, enjoying the beauty and wonder that surrounds us here in Middle Tennessee. However, if you are down for an overnight adventure under the stars, we hope that with our help you’ve stumbled upon a peaceful site for your next outdoor adventure. Happy camping!
