The best camping near Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Fort Donelson National Battlefield adventure.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Top-rated campgrounds near Fort Donelson National Battlefield

100%

(6)

Brand'n Iron Hills

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Dover, TN

40 acres Located in beautiful Dover TN 5 miles from Lake Barkley & the Cumberland River. Conveniently located a few miles from town, far enough that it is quiet, but close enough that it is not a long trip to town. The property features a variety of thriving wildlife due to our fresh water stream that gently flows through the property year round. The stream is roughly ankle to hip deep depending on the area. The water is crystal clear and safe to play in if you have little ones. Walk along the stream and discover all kinds of fish, turtles, beautiful river stones and possibly see a beaver or 2. If you have Archery equipment, you can use our Archery Range. The property is split by a 2 lane road. 7 acres to the North and 33 acres to the South. The smaller side is flat with many trails, fresh water stream and a gravel road. It features relatively junior trees and is home to a family of Whitetail Deer. The Southern side of the property features a mature hardwood forest full of giant white oak trees. Be sure to put on your hiking boots though, because there's a few Hills to climb. Three hills that form a beautiful valley in the center, with another fresh waterstream. The valley was once home to a 1700s settlement, so you may find some artifacts. (We just ask that you leave them where you find them.) Main trails are marked clearly with large reflectors for safety. With the near-by wildlife refuge you are sure to see and hear a variety of wildlife. We have large steel firepits in every campsite. So feel free to bring your own firewood! Enjoy a good book or nap while relaxing in a hammock. Swing with a loved one while over looking the fresh water stream. Walk down along the stream and collect rocks, feed the fish, or go for a dip! Currently our property is very Primative, whichever there is no electricity or plumbing. We do offer clean composting toilets & a locking gate at night for your security. **Cellular service is limited in some areas. Signal can be found by the road, or cross the road and take the trail up the 1st hill**

100%

(3)

Bryson's Boondocking+

15 sites · Tents23 acres · Dover, TN

23 acres total but 5 acres are mowed. Well water, RV dump station. It has two creeks and a lot of forest full of wildlife. Three miles away is Dover TN with restaurants. grocery store and Fort Donelson National Battlefield. Five miles to LBL or Land Between the Lakes national recreation area. There are plenty places to fish, swim and have picnic at lake Barkley, Kentucky lake and Paris Landing. And plenty places for boating and kayaking, thirty minutes away is plenty of shopping at the cities of Paris and Clarksville.+

99%

(68)

Camping Off The Grid -Barbour Farms

2 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Woodlawn, TN

Barbour Farms Camp sets on the hallowed grounds of the historic Ol' Ledford Farm. Our Great-Great grandparents, Jim and Mary Ledford, purchased this farm in the early 1870s. At an additional cost you may request a guided tour of: "A Day in the Life of Jim & Mary Ledford." See were the historic Montgomery Co. Griffey School once set on property. View Jim and Mary's Ol' house seat and drink from the artesian spring where they got their water in the 1870's. Jim and Mary were quite industrious, along with their seven children. Picture their mule drawn wagon, sawmill, sorghum mill, and grist mill. Once upon a time, their family provided these services and many others to the community. Go to The Ol' Ledford Farm aka Barbour Farms on Facebook to learn more, and don't forget to follow us. So, totally unplug and enjoy a rustic back-country experience. All campers are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles.

100%

(5)

Join the Adventure at SkallyWag's

53 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Mc Ewen, TN

Learn more about this land: A beautiful 5 acre homestead in the quiet country side, with ample space for camping/exploration. The property is surrounded by huge trees and vegetation, and also includes a pond, walking trails, lush garden, fruit tree orchard and beautiful babbling creek. Expect to meet our crew of free range chickens, ducks and Spud Muffin McGhee, the mini pot belly pig. Structures/Amenities: Large space behind barn provides shelter with table and 4 chairs, huge couch swing -two compost toilets -electric outlets - basic camp solar showers -access to well water (suggested to bring large container to collect water) -one large group size fire ring and two small fire rings on back property (for more private campsites and gathering spaces) -large open fields with ample group camping space -walking paths -opportunities to private camping spaces Local Attractions: Loretta Lynn’s Ranch -Tours, Museum, Events, Concerts-20 miles Kentucky River-swim, kayak, boat- 20 miles Humphrey's County Museum & Civil War Fort- 10 miles Walls of Waverly- Cool local art installation- 10 miles Antique Shopping- McEwen and Waverly New Johnsonville State Historic Park- 20 miles Turkey Creek- Lakefront White Sand Beach 20 milesNashville- 65 miles (just over an hour drive) Local Swimming holes

97%

(89)

I 40 Hideaway

34 sites · Lodging, Tents26 acres · Waverly, TN

100%

(4)

Hardwoods and rolling hills.

4 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Bumpus Mills, TN

Learn more about this land:Off grid camping with access to surrounding National and local parks. 10 minutes from Lake Barkley. Quiet and relaxing location for off grid camping.

100%

(16)

The Forest Retreat

20 sites · RVs, Tents136 acres · Waverly, TN

Learn more about this land:Enjoy the wonders of the Tennessee countryside, the site is located on the edge of the Tennessee River within 20 minutes of Waverly TN. A public boat ramp is a little further down Bear Creek Road (1 mile) where you can put your boats into the water and enjoy the over 250sq mile lake. The Forest Retreat is a great location to enjoy camping in a pine forest area and enjoy the wildlife that surrounds the 130+ acre area.

100%

(15)

Lost acres

14 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Mc Ewen, TN

Learn more about this land:Acers of camping far from civilization. Primitive camping. Green fields awesome woods and a spring feed creek. find fossils. Please camp responsibly and hike out what you hike in.

Saved 3 times

Creekside Acres

1 site · RV, Tent28 acres · Stewart, TN

Bring your RV, pitch a tent and enjoy the peace and quiet the area has to offer. Public Boat launches are nearby for use, The City of Dover offers a Historical Civil War History/sites, restaurants/Bars on the lake for food and weekend entertainment. Please reach out to me for any additional questions

Pine Ridge Farm

1 site · RV420 acres · Indian Mound, TN

Pine Ridge Farm is a 420 acre working farm, hunting preserve, and clay shooting facility with event space. Enjoy free fishing and discounts on clay shooting for staying with us. Far enough from the hustle and bustle but conveniently located between Clarksville, TN and Dover, TN. Easy access to Land Between the Lakes.

Camp Cypress

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · TN

Nestled in a charming lakeside community just 2 miles away, our property offers a serene camping experience surrounded by lush woods. The Dew Drop, a local gem, provides delicious and affordable fare, creating a homey atmosphere for both dining and grocery shopping. The camping area boasts ample flat spaces and some gently sloped sections amidst a plethora of trees, ensuring easy accessibility for setting up camp. Bordered by a natural curtain of trees on both sides, the site maintains a peaceful ambiance, with friendly residents across the street. Engage with the welcoming lakeside community, where numerous opportunities for exploration await. Paris, TN, a stone's throw away, promises a vibrant atmosphere with attractions like the April Catfish Festival and a lively Country Music festival in June. Experience a memorable date night at Moustos in Paris, followed by a visit to the illuminated Eiffel Tower. Don't miss the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks show at Paris Landing State Park, conveniently located just 2 miles away. Paris itself offers unique experiences, from Eiffel Tower Park days to indulging in delectable treats at Sweet Jordan's, a popular local coffee, ice cream, and bakery shop. For music enthusiasts, Breaker's Marina, a mere mile away, hosts live performances spanning various genres and features the exciting Poker Run every June. Explore the natural wonders of Land Between the Lakes, whose southern end graces Tennessee, or venture to Dover, TN, where the Donelson Battleground Civil War Museum and grounds along the Cumberland River await discovery. Wildlife enthusiasts will find solace in the nearby Wildlife Refuge, a haven for bird watching and encounters with diverse wildlife. Head south to Big Sandy or embark on an exhilarating ATV razor side-by-side journey across the Tennessee River using the Danville Ferry. With so much to offer, our camping site provides the perfect gateway to a multitude of experiences, ensuring your stay is filled with adventure and relaxation alike.

91%

(27)

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. Ten 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 Fort Donelson National Battlefield guide

Overview

About

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.