The best camping near Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Where can you see a naval battle site 800 miles from the sea? Welcome to Fort Donelson, Tennessee. In 1862, this spot hosted a battle that turned the tide of the Civil War.

Start at the Confederate batteries, where you can look down the barrel of massive cannons. From this viewpoint, it's easy to imagine Union gunboats sailing up the river. Legend has it that the roaring cannons could be heard 35 miles away. You can also see where the Union soldiers camped during the campaign. If you only see one thing, make it the Dover Hotel. It's where General Ulysses S. Grant and General Buckner finalized the Confederate surrender.

During the summer and fall, hit the hiking trails. The Donelson Trail follows the soldiers' route to the Union Camp and the fort grounds. On the way back, detour across the river to the Fort Donelson National Cemetery. A side trail takes you past Confederate earthworks at Grave's Battery and Maney's Battery. Don't feel like getting out of the car? Drive through history using the park's self-guided audio tour.

Want to extend your Tennessee wilderness experience? Find well-maintained campsites Paris Landing State Park or Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area.