Best Camping in and near Old Hickory Lake

100% (2 reviews)

Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Old Hickory Lake.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Old Hickory Lake

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Camp Nashville Highland Rim

9 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Goodlettsville, TN

Primitive camping near Nashville on a secluded hilltop nestled in a hardwood forest. Flat areas for tents, car / van camping, and trees for hammocks, Drive to camping location. First arrive / first choice of favorite of available spaces upon arrival. Spaces are not numbered or pre-assigned. Camping guests supply camping gear. Amenities: 2 community water hydrants, community vault toilet, fire pit at each site. Firewood bundles available for additional fee on HipCamp or VENMO. Five gallon bucket equals a bundle. Firewood located in rack at top of hill. Return bucket if used to carry firewood. Outdoor hot water heater for shower Apr-Oct, except freezing temperatures. Kid friendly. No extra charge for children. (verify not charged for children if selected.) Camping location north of downtown Nashville on a ridge at a higher elevation overlooking Nashville. Camp away from noisy highways, convenient to I65 near multiple amenities, grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops . 5 miles from three I65 exits. 14 miles from I24. 18 miles from I40. 18 miles from Nashville downtown riverfront. Uber or Lyft to Nashville available. Check in & out times are flexible. Quiet hours after 10PM. If you're hanging out or arriving after 10PM.... keep it quiet for other guests. Pets permitted under owner supervision. Clean up after pets, and do not allow pets to interfere with other guests. Please be sure all guests know camping rules! Do Not Leave Trash!! Trash policy is carry in / carry out with you for disposal somewhere else. Trash service is not provided as part of camping fees. Vault toilet works on a septic system and is not pumped. Only place toilet paper in toilet. Wipes, feminine products, excess tp should be placed in trash can outside vault toilet (only trash exception). Unfortunately, some guests are abusing the no trash rule. $50 trash disposal will be requested if trash left on property. Do not burn noncombustible items or materials in fire pits or leave trash in firepits. Only firewood or ashes should remain in firepit.

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Howlin Hill

17 sites · RVs, Tents26 acres · Lewisburg, TN

Primitive, Hammock, Tent camping, and small campers (16ft ish and under only, WITH NO HOOKUPS) at its absolute best! Great riverfront campsites as well as more secluded wooded sites just a short walk away from the riverfront. Howlin' Hill has the best riverfront beach access on this stretch of the gorgeous Duck River. Most of our campsites are shaded by a continuous tree canopy and each site is equipped with a fire pit. We have firewood for sale near the check-in station. Early summertime offers an amazing light show performed by thousands of lightning bugs. Portables and spring fed showers are provided within walking distance from your site. Located just 8 miles from Chapel Hill and Henry Horton State Park, our campgrounds can be reached in under an hour from many of Middle Tennessee’s more urban areas.

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Beech Hollow Hideout

2 sites · Lodging100 acres · Dowelltown, TN

Peaceful healing property. We do organic gardening and have animals that you can visit with as well. I have a sculpture studio and art gallery that you can come check out. We've been living off the grid for over 30 years. Come visit us and learn about our way of life! Enjoy complete privacy in a cozy forest retreat hut in a beautiful hollow in Middle Tennessee. Accommodates 2. Pretty steep 200 yd uphill hike to hut. Perfect for relationship getaway, spiritual retreat, or writing - planning intensive. Nationally-known spelunking (Indian Grave Point Cave) within 1/2 mile. 3 miles from Center Hill Lake. Hiking trails. Experience our alternative lifestyle with owner built solar log home, organic gardens and sculpture studio. Guests must arrive before dark to ensure finding correct address (GPS errs a last moment) and to facilitate hike up to hut. Potable water, trash disposal, and a toilet are available on site. Pets are permitted, as well as campfires (outside of burn bans). Guests love staying here: "Wow! This place is amazing, beautiful, peaceful, relaxing, and super cozy on cold nights. I can not recommend this place enough. William is a gracious host. He made sure I had enough wood for the wood stove and spring water to drink. If you are anywhere close and want a totally unique experience check this place out."

Hidden Timbers Homestead

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Joelton, TN

Hidden Timbers Homestead is a 7 acre campground retreat just 25 minutes outside the city of Nashville. With its open space and tall trees, it’s a private getaway still close to the action. The easy access and gravel roads give way to covered camping spots and quiet slips. The property also serves as a working homestead in its early years of development. On any given day you may be accompanied on your walks by our farm dogs or a chicken or two. Here you’ll find peace. It’s our goal that you leave revived and refreshed after hiding away for a few days on the homestead.

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Wild Meadows atop Rutherford County

5 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Lascassas, TN

25 years ago, we camped this spot and dreamed of building a house here. The view was so captivating. Needless to say, we’ve been here 20+yrs and still camping our land. Now we are sharing the beautiful landscape and remote feel that's so close to so much to see and do. We love where we are and we think you will too. Oh and I should also mention, you must love dogs. We have 3 plus 2 cats and chickens. Isolated or wide open. 1 tent or group camping. No electricity or water hookups. Free Access to water hose. We do not allow recreational motorized vehicles, firearms or bows. This is a peaceful serene getaway. We also have Airbnb rentals that consist of our home, that's also listed as "Wild Meadows atop Rutherford County", a travel trailer referred to as "Wildwood 17' Western RV and an RV listed as "Boutique RV at Wild Meadows". See trees, birds, lightning bugs and gorgeous views of Rutherford county. 5 min. from water. Swim, bike, fish, walk or run. Boating 15 min. from Percy priest lake. 10 min. from Cedars of Lebanon state park. 5 min. from Murfreesboro. 15 min. from downtown Murfreesboro. On the city square, there's live music first Friday every month. Fantastic farmers market sat mornings in the summer, starting in May. Checkout “Quarter Spring Farm” goat soap booth. Tell Heather hello for us. Her lemongrass and clove soap are my favorites. 30 min. from Nashville. 5 min. from Greenway walking trails. 20 min. from shopping. Hundreds of restaurants within a 20 min. radius. Championship soccer park 10 min. Sports com 15 min./workout or Olympic size pool w/slides and fantastic playground with Amazing handicap baseball field. Historic: Stones River Battlefield 20 min. Oakland’s Mansion 20 min. Sam Davis Home 20 min. Home of Middle Tennessee State University(MTSU)20min

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(63)

Wooded Farmland

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents110 acres · Nashville , TN

Young aspiring orchard vineyard biodynamic 110 acre farm woods mountain and fields. There is tons of secluded wildlife to explore , ponds and mountain trails, and groves. We have porta potty on site. Picknick tables and a fire pit and wood grill you can use . Cedar, maple, oak, poplar Gardens lavender fruit trees trails pigs, goats, cows, deer, groundhogs, ducks.

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Lionsgate Campground

4 sites · Lodging, Tents48 acres · Bon Aqua Junction, TN

Enjoy glamping in our optional 2017 19' retro style camper with a bathroom and kitchen or go primitive and set up your tent or hammock by the waterfalls and rough it. 2 sites have electricity. No bathrooms or showers if you're roughing it. Just 35 minutes west of Loveless Cafe' in Nashville and 20 minutes south of the Dickson exit at I40. The 48 acre campground has just 3 big tent sites for more seclusion and is almost all old forest with wide trails and huge old growth trees. There is about a 1/2 acre of field to park in between the road and the creek if you don't have an off road vehicle. The rest is woods. Mother Nature has a lot to offer when you cross the creek into the first two campsites that are on the 30' creek. One big spring runs through the middle of the 2 sites with small cascading waterfalls. Both sites have string lights and 120V extension cords. These two sites are separated by the driveway and about 150' apart but a bridge connects the two if you have another couple that wants to join you these two spots are perfect for privacy and companionship. Expand the pictures to a full screen as you scroll so the description will show up at the bottom of the picture. Not all pictures are on the property but describe close places to visit as well. FIREWOOD: Split wood is available upon request and sold in the area (if it's available at the time) or any fallen dead wood from the forest is free. $7.00 for a 20" bundle. Please let us know ahead of time or order it on the site. SITE 1: The nicer of the two sites along the creek, has granite counters, a round fire pit with a fold down heavy cooking grate, charcoal grill and a large wrought iron table and chairs. RENT A CAMPER WITH SITE 1 or BRING YOUR PERSONAL CAMPER: Our retro style 2017 option on the other side of the creek with stairs and stones to cross the creek. Sometimes the walking stones get washed out. 30 amp. 240 and 120 volt plugs. Click on additional fees for camper electrical hook up. SITE 2: Also along side the 30' creek. There is a round steel fire pit surrounded with wrought iron chairs, a separate picnic table, granite countertop work space and a small grill. 2 fairly flat areas for tents. Set your chairs in the creek in front of your site. The clear cold water is a great place to relax and cool off or watch crawfish, minnows and salamanders and the occasional blue herron. 120V and string lights. Parking is a little tight unless you're in a Jeep of more off road vehicle that can park up the hill a bit. SITE 3: "Still Hollow" is more private and located right in the middle valley of the property where a different spring fed creek runs down the wooded valley. There is no electricity but you can still enjoy the sound of small cascading waterfalls and a creek that runs along the side of the site for a relaxing sleep. There is a granite countertop, charcoal grill and a fire ring. A small round wrought iron table and 4 chairs are there for a place to eat lunch. The old moonshine barrels are still barely standing by the spring. This site is also accessed from the opposite side of the campground on Ben Fly Rd or Greer Rd for the serious off roaders. 4 wheel drive may be necessary but a Hyundai car entered through the creek in 2 wheel drive. It was dry though. STAR GAZING for all 3 sites: There is a cleared area on top of a hill side for stargazing far from the city lights. CHECK IN: Check in can be as early as you like if the present campers have checked out. You can always hang out elsewhere on the property and start your day to explore and hike till they leave. Just let us know in advance. And you can stay all day the day of check out but you may have to pack up and park elsewhere if other campers need the spot. If not. Stay till dark. PHOTOS: EXPAND THE PHOTOS TO A SINGLE VIEW! Some photos are of nearby attractions. You can see the description of each photo and which site is in the picture when you expand them. VEHICLE TYPE AND PARKING: In order to drive up into the campsite, you may need a 4x4 vehicle but definitely need ground clearance. If you do not have a 4x4 vehicle or ground clearance, that is okay, park in the field and bring your water shoes for campsite 2. There are stairs and usually stepping stones to cross over to Site 1. Stepping stones for site 2 are coming soon. LOCAL ACTIVITIES: 4 WHEELING!!! FISHERS OFF ROAD RENTALS https://www.fishersoffroadrentals.com/ TOUR THE AREA IN A CAN-AM: Check out 'Fisher's Off Road' to rent a really nice 4 seater CAN-AM machine. Drive around the local dirt roads for miles and learn the history of Moon Shine Alley, drive through many creeks and see some beautiful views. We took to tour with Fisher and it was a blast. This company supports the locals and cleans up the trash on the sides of the roads; a great service to the area. FISHING: https://www.fishingworks.com/tennessee/maury-tn/lake/hooker-chemical-pond-d/ 30 minutes away are 3 small lakes, or very large ponds. I think it costs $5.00. They have small boats for rent as well. FISHING, KAYAKING AND CANOEING: PINEY RIVER Canoe rental: https://www.pinewoodcanoecamp.com/ Great fishing, floating and they have camping as well. OTHER CAMPING OPTIONS: Fisheroffroadrentals also has a Hipcamp site. PINEY RIVER GLAMPING: https://www.campspot.com/book/pineyriverresort Beautiful place on the piney river. Beautiful tiny home cabins, Glamping tents that are amazing. Park your own camper on the river. If you like to meet other campers, this is the place to go.

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Quarter Spring Farm

1 site · Lodging65 acres · Liberty, TN

Quarter Spring Farm is located in Liberty, TN on the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau. It comprises 63 acres of wooded ridges and hollows with exceptional hiking and distinct landscape features. Smith Fork Creek, which feeds Center Hill Lake, is visible from the campsite. Quarter Spring Farm’s history is murky and still being discovered. The house is over 100 years old. There are stone property walls that may predate the civil war. We believe this site was a Mississippian period settlement because of the large amount of artifacts we have found.

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Organic Oasis 2 miles to DOWNTOWN

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Nashville, TN

* Please read the whole listing, or do not book with us. There have been a small amount of reservations cancelled last minute due to NOT reading the listing :-) * DEETS in short form VEHICLE AND RV you can ONLY park in the alley along the white concrete wall in the photos. there is no way to drive into the backyard. CAMPING tents, hammocks, etc. in the backyard and patio. Walk in / set up camp. No drive-in. DRUGS DRINKS AND NUDITY Alcohol, 420, nature medicines. You do you. Be responsible Clothing optional for both genders No drugs, No needles. Do no harm. Leave no trace BATHING and TOILET Flushing toilet and cold water sink available in the patio (1/2 bathroom) hot water outdoor shower at the bottom of the basement stairwell. Use biodegradable soap or no soap please. We have soap if you need some! It pumps out to the front yard compost. *want a glamp++ experience? indoor hot water shower available for $5 donation :D* VIBE From time to time there are community jam sessions, drum circles, full moon hot baths, ice baths that occur on property. If you’re here for the scheduled activities, you're welcome to join for free! check sha615.org/events for calendar. the current nesters at the Music Monastery: humans: Christina, Chrissy dogs: Rox, Douglas Other on site donation amenities: Laundry $5 per load Indoor shower $5 outdoor tub / bath (300 gallon personal hot water trough) $20 LOCATION 2.2 miles to Assembly Food Hall and Broadway, Downtown Nashville, Honky Tonk ing! :) 45 min urban hike if you're on foot. Scooters, Ubers, and more are easily accessible. FOOD & STORES There is a brewery and pizzeria behind the music monastery (Smith and Lentz) Restaurants and food courts (Koi, Hunters Station, 5 points pizza, buds and brews, The Wash, Butcher and Bee, Redheaded Stranger, Hawkers, Joyland) Convenient stores and alcohol stores a block away, and grocery stores (turnip truck, aldi, kroger within a few minutes drive) NEIGHBOR AIRBNB 2 properties over, there is a 3 story airbnb that can see into our backyard. You don’t have to change your behavior, just be aware possible voyeurs. SECURITY CAMERAS there 3 visual (no audio) security cameras mounted on the exterior of the house, they're visibly mounted of the house (non- hidden).

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Historic Log Cabin

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Christiana, TN

Learn more about this land:This is a one room historic log cabin furnished with a queen bed. It has a stone fireplace. The bathroom is located in the adjacent cabin. There is a table outdoors and a large fire ring. Hiking: Old Stone Fort is located 43 minutes away, with beautiful waterfalls. Rock Climbing and Hiking: at Stone Door, Foster Falls, and Denny Cove, all 1 hr 24 minutes away. Biking: the 12 mile Stones River Greenway is 13 minutes away. Kayaking: the Duck River is 39 minutes away, and the Collins River is 1 hour away. Stones River National Battlefield is 23 minutes away.Bonnaroo Music Festival is 43 minutes away.Hop Springs Brewery 27 minutesUncle Dave Macon Days 23 minutes

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On The Rocks Campsite

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Watertown, TN

We are a 4 Season campsite, offering a fan and shaded areas in the summer, and a small fireplace electric heater in the cooler months. Brand name Bell 16 foot round tent built on sturdy cedar deck on top of a cluster of large limestone rocks in beautiful grove of mostly Maple and Oak trees. My oldest son Ben, and I built this campsite this year from both our visions, and tried to make it a truly magical setting. Ben was also featured in two episodes of Building Off The Grid, on the Discovery Channel, so he put quite a bit of expertise and knowledge into our site. Also features cedar outhouse with composting toilet, cedar bridges built across rocks, as well as hammock area, picnic table and gas grill. Firepit has Adirondack chairs, natural log seating and several more folding chairs, pillows and outdoor blankets stored in waterproof chest. Tent features a queen size bed, adult size folding cot stored under bed, adult size sleeping pad, 2 upholstered chairs set up as reading/relaxing nook, coffee maker, fan and Yeti battery pack for electrical and charging needs. We will provide drinking water and extra water for washing up. We supply all linens and dishware needs. First Aid Kit is provided, but we are just a short walk through the woods if you need anything. Nestled on 1 acre of our 10 acre hobby farm, which includes Peacocks, chickens, 4 cats, 5 Collies and a Weimaraner named Maggie, as well as a couple of goats, including a very friendly dwarf goat named Pickles. You may also see wildlife, such as deer and turkey, strolling down the meadow on the lower part of your site. Strands of lighting and battery candles provide a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere in the evenings. Fire pit area features large metal ice bucket, with coolers available if you need one. For additional fees we can provide you with firewood, fresh eggs, homemade breads, cookies, and ask us about some home cooked meals which will be available this fall.

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Run-A-Muck on the Red River

15 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Adams, TN

As a child I grew up on the river, canoeing down Red River and even playing on this very piece of property. Twelve years ago my best friend and I started a canoe and kayak company to allow people to experience the same things that we experienced as children. We have met thousands of people and had opportunities to become friends with many of them. We look forward to seeing them every year. Three years ago we were able to purchase this piece of property for the kayak company and watch it grow into more than we ever thought it would be. It's almost surreal owning a piece of property that you played on as a kid. We are very thankful to have it and share it with others, and hope that they'll have some of the same experiences that we have had on it. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent or hammock (where available) next to the Red River, across the river from Port Royal State Park and adjacent to the historic Trail of Tears. You can camp along the river or out in the open. Seven minutes from the interstate (exit 8 or 11 on I-24). You can fish or swim in the river, try local restaurants in Clarksville, or just hang out and enjoy being outside.

The best camping near Old Hickory Lake guide

Overview

About

Music City is more epic than you ever thought! At Old Hickory Lake, the outdoor activities are endless. Just a hop and a skip away from downtown, Old Hickory Lake is accessible from Hendersonville and Mount Juliet. Spend several nights camping or come by for a seriously fun day in the sun! With hiking and mountain biking trails that seem endless, you’ll never believe how close you are to the city. And, that’s just how we like it! Bring the scuba gear to explore the depths or float the waters by boat. Take a tour of the historic Old Hickory Dam while you’re at it. Have fun this summer, Nashvillians and visitors!

Notable campgrounds

Cages Bend Campground: A lakeside haven with 43 sites featuring electric and water hook-ups, boat launch, and laundry facilities.
Cedar Creek Campground: Offers 59 sites near The Hermitage, complete with modern amenities and access to a historic landmark.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early through the National Recreation Reservation Service to secure your preferred spot.
Consider visiting during weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellations for last-minute opportunities to snag a campsite.
Explore nearby camping options if your desired campground is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Old Hickory Lake is from April to October, when the campgrounds are open and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Summer months can be busy, so plan ahead for reservations. Off-season visits offer tranquility but with limited services.

Know before you go

Always wear a life jacket when on the water and be mindful of boating safety regulations.
Check for any park closures or special alerts before your visit.
Accessible fishing piers and paths are available for an inclusive experience.
Day use areas may require a fee; annual passes are available for frequent visitors.
Remember to pack essentials for changing weather conditions and stay hydrated.