Our 3 Favorite Camping Spots within 2 hours of Nashville
There’s a growing list of why we love camping:
cooking your food in the wilderness
sitting in a hammock for hours on end
ruminating on big ideas by the fire
taking in the whispery light of morning
snuggling with a puppy on your lap and a beer in your hand
hanging out with friends far from distractions
We could go on and on. Camping has been a grad-student-budget-friendly way for us to feel like we’re getting to travel a bit. Since we pack everything into the car, we are pretty versatile in terms of the kinds of sites we use. Sometimes we go full boondock or even ditch the car and walk in a bit with a tent. For the most part, we try to find sites away from the big RVs and campers and opt for something more primitive. We give strong preference to places that have a scenic drive, good local hiking routes, and interesting terrain.
We’ve camped our from Tennessee to California and back, up and down the coast. We’ve camped in the Rocky Mountains at -13 degrees; we’ve camped in July in a heat wave of 101 in Nashville. (Not that we’d recommend either, but it’s possible). Having to bring all your stuff with you reminds you how much stuff you have (and probably don’t need). We’ve camped with groups of friends for birthdays. We’ve camped just us—no other souls—in the desert. We’ve gotten so see so much of this country and meet so many folks through our adventures. If you’re interested in starting your own camping adventure, but not ready to convert one of your cars into a camper, then here are a few of our favorite places near Nashville that we’d recommend trying out. We saved the best for last.
Evado Travel
3. Fall Creek Falls Campgrounds
This is one of the more popular sites in Tennessee and for good reason—it’s got all the amenities you need and is only 45 minutes from Virgin Falls. If you’re not into camping, they’ve also got lodge rooms and cabins for rent in the area.
RoverPass
2. Cedar Creek Campground
With views of Old Hickory Lake, settle in for a restful weekend at Cedar Creek. Snag one of the lake-front campgrounds and enjoy the other offerings: showers, swimming, boating, fishing, ADA accessible sites, bbq pits, and a playground. There are electrical hook ups and even a washing facility if you’ve been camping for a bit and need to do some laundry. Only 40 minutes outside Nashville (30 from east!), Cedar Creek is a great option.
1. Merriweather Lewis National Monument Campground
I truly debated whether or not to share this one. Because it’s my absolute favorite and I’m selfish like that. Alas, I gave in to my better angels and opted to reveal this gem. Merriweather Lewis’ place of death (spooky) is just off the Natchez Trace. Right around here is my most favoritest gold star diamond camping spot. It’s not crowded. It’s free. It’s 90 minutes from Nashville. It’s a beautiful drive to get there. It’s near several hiking trails and waterfalls. It’s ADA accessible. It has real bathrooms. And trash cans. And fire pits. I MEAN. C’mon. Just do me a favor and don’t spoil it for anyone else, k? K. Bring your own firewood (we may have learned this one the hard way).
