92% (154) • 13 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Franklin
Howlin Hill
1. Howlin Hill
98%
(144)
21mi from Franklin · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
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. 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.
We do allow early check in as long as the campsite is clear out from previous campers.
We are very strict on our speed limit on the property. It is 5 mph for a reason. Please do the requested speed.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
Howlin' Hill
2. Howlin' Hill
94%
(70)
21mi from Franklin
A premier live music venue with primitive camping at it’s absolute best! We are strictly tent camping, just nature and all it has to offer.Great riverfront campsites as well as more secluded wooded sites just a short walk away from the riverfront. Trails 1,2 & 3 are a hammock camper’s dream! Howlin’ Hill (formally Rats Nest Campground) has the best riverfront beach access on this stretch of the gorgeous Duck River. All of our campsites are shaded by a continuous tree canopy and each site is equipped with a fire pit. We have firewood for sale and will deliver it directly to your campsite. Early summertime offers an amazing light show performed by thousands of lightning bugs. Portlets are provided within walking distance from your site. Otherwise, it’s just you and nature!
Big East Fork Valley
3. Big East Fork Valley
89%
(28)
9.2mi from Franklin · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located in a quiet, pristine
valley,
adjacent to the Natchez Trace State Park twenty miles southwest of
Nashville, Tennessee, on 5000 acres of forested land. Miles of hiking trails.
Big East Fork is a preserved natural space dedicated to connecting people to
Tennessee's beautiful
wilderness. Ten private parcels were cobbled together, originally built as private residences and farmstead. All houses are available for rent and camping sites are located near by.
Twenty miles of hiking trails wind throughout the forest, leading campers by the
lake, creeks, and
seasonal and perennial small waterfalls. Wildlife residents include hawks, turkeys, coyotes, beavers, and deer.
Showers are available at Big East Fork Retreat. See bigeastfork.com.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$60
/ night
J Percy Priest Lake
4. J Percy Priest Lake
100%
(13)
Park 21mi from Franklin · 181 sites
Fondly referred to as “Percy Priest” by Nashvillians, J Percy Priest Lake offers locals and visitors camping, beautiful scenery, and the chance for plenty of adventure. Those wanting to visit for a day will find biking and hiking trails with lake views, and plenty of day use shelters for a chance to chill and grill. You can get on the water in any way you choose—boats, kayaks, jet skis, and water skis are all welcome. You’ll be wowed by the lush green trees and sunny skies so much you’ll find yourself booking a campsite in one of their cushy campgrounds for a night under the stars. On top of all the adventure Mama Nature provides at Percy Priest, you can swing down to Music City; Nashville is only 15 miles away, where you can tour the Grand Ole Opry or grab a drink on Broadway. With access to this much adventure and the city of Nashville, you might just become a local yourself!
Montgomery Bell State Park
5. Montgomery Bell State Park
92%
(6)
State park 27mi from Franklin · 41 sites
Three lakes and many miles of trails make this park the ideal setting for adventure.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Old Hickory Lake
6. Old Hickory Lake
100%
(2)
Park 27mi from Franklin · 100 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Old Hickory Lake.
92% (154) • 13 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Franklin
Howlin Hill
1. Howlin Hill
98%
(144)
21mi from Franklin · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
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. 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.
We do allow early check in as long as the campsite is clear out from previous campers.
We are very strict on our speed limit on the property. It is 5 mph for a reason. Please do the requested speed.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
Howlin' Hill
2. Howlin' Hill
94%
(70)
21mi from Franklin
A premier live music venue with primitive camping at it’s absolute best! We are strictly tent camping, just nature and all it has to offer.Great riverfront campsites as well as more secluded wooded sites just a short walk away from the riverfront. Trails 1,2 & 3 are a hammock camper’s dream! Howlin’ Hill (formally Rats Nest Campground) has the best riverfront beach access on this stretch of the gorgeous Duck River. All of our campsites are shaded by a continuous tree canopy and each site is equipped with a fire pit. We have firewood for sale and will deliver it directly to your campsite. Early summertime offers an amazing light show performed by thousands of lightning bugs. Portlets are provided within walking distance from your site. Otherwise, it’s just you and nature!
Big East Fork Valley
3. Big East Fork Valley
89%
(28)
9.2mi from Franklin · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located in a quiet, pristine
valley,
adjacent to the Natchez Trace State Park twenty miles southwest of
Nashville, Tennessee, on 5000 acres of forested land. Miles of hiking trails.
Big East Fork is a preserved natural space dedicated to connecting people to
Tennessee's beautiful
wilderness. Ten private parcels were cobbled together, originally built as private residences and farmstead. All houses are available for rent and camping sites are located near by.
Twenty miles of hiking trails wind throughout the forest, leading campers by the
lake, creeks, and
seasonal and perennial small waterfalls. Wildlife residents include hawks, turkeys, coyotes, beavers, and deer.
Showers are available at Big East Fork Retreat. See bigeastfork.com.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$60
/ night
J Percy Priest Lake
4. J Percy Priest Lake
100%
(13)
Park 21mi from Franklin · 181 sites
Fondly referred to as “Percy Priest” by Nashvillians, J Percy Priest Lake offers locals and visitors camping, beautiful scenery, and the chance for plenty of adventure. Those wanting to visit for a day will find biking and hiking trails with lake views, and plenty of day use shelters for a chance to chill and grill. You can get on the water in any way you choose—boats, kayaks, jet skis, and water skis are all welcome. You’ll be wowed by the lush green trees and sunny skies so much you’ll find yourself booking a campsite in one of their cushy campgrounds for a night under the stars. On top of all the adventure Mama Nature provides at Percy Priest, you can swing down to Music City; Nashville is only 15 miles away, where you can tour the Grand Ole Opry or grab a drink on Broadway. With access to this much adventure and the city of Nashville, you might just become a local yourself!
Montgomery Bell State Park
5. Montgomery Bell State Park
92%
(6)
State park 27mi from Franklin · 41 sites
Three lakes and many miles of trails make this park the ideal setting for adventure.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Old Hickory Lake
6. Old Hickory Lake
100%
(2)
Park 27mi from Franklin · 100 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Old Hickory Lake.
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
R
Reb
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
What a great place to stay. Wide open spaces. Great campsite right next to the river. It was everything I needed to have a fun time with kids. I would recommend.
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J
Jim
October 2025
12 ft campervan
Jenny and the team are so welcoming and friendly. The camp sites were well kept and the location was perfect.
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J
Jorge
October 2025
Tent
With kids
My family and I had a great time, it's a quiet and beautiful place to rest, we will definitely come back!
See moreE
Ericka
September 2025
Tent
With kids
I loved tent camping on Jenny's land. They were really welcoming and accommodating. I will be back. It was my first time camping and it'll be hard to beat this place.
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Emily
September 2025
Tent
Perfect! This was our first time camping and we will definitely be back. The host was great and checked on us a couple of times throughout the night and the site was secluded and private. 10/10 would recommend 🤗
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Samantha
July 2025
Tent
With kids
Had a awesome time ended up getting a little visitor in the middle of the night looking for snacks so always make sure all food is in your vehicle lol but he didn't leave hungry lol but we had a good time loved enjoying the water
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Ashley
July 2025
Tent
Jenny’s campsites are just what you need! We stayed on a Monday night. Jenny wasn’t there to greet us herself, but had another regular check in on us shortly after our arrival. Jenny herself came down and greeted us later and was just lovely. Safe, clean, spacious, water access! What more can you ask for?!?
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T
Taylor
June 2025
Tent
Despite all the rain we had, the sites were all well kept. The owner was very welcoming. All around a great stay.
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V
Vicki
June 2025
16 ft pop-up camper
We truly enjoyed our stay at Howlin Hills. Jenny was a gracious host that made sure we had everything we needed. The sites are nicely laid out and right along the river. Campers can enjoy a relaxing day of fishing and floating! The porta John’s were kept clean and the spring fed showers were refreshing after a hot and humid day in the sun! We will definitely be visiting again.
See moreR
Richard
June 2025
16 ft travel trailer
The campground hosts are very pleasant and make you feel like family. The campground has a river hippie vibe to it and the hang out spot at the river is really cool as well. We floated the duck river back to our campsite and it was more scenic that I expected. It's also very convenient access to the First Bank amphitheatre for concerts.
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Donnie & Bree
May 2025
Tent
With kids
We loved tent camping on this property! The host is super friendly and welcoming. Spot #1 was a great place to sent up are large tent and still have plenty of room for a cooler, camping container, 4 chairs and our two kids. This property was mostly quiet besides occasionally hearing the cars from the highway. It was mostly tuned out by crickets at night and birds during the day. Very pretty spot to camp and I felt safe letting my little ones walk around infront of our site. The porta pottys were the cleanest I've EVER seen! Only downfall is a lot of mud when it's rainy but that's out of their control and there was definitely ticks around but again out of their control. We will definitely be staying here again and probably even kayak! They do have rentals and easy access to put in at the river! Thank you for letting us enjoy your beautiful place. Oh and there's lots of deer and wild turkeys to see!
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Kathy
April 2025
Tent
If looking for a camping experience between primitive and water and sewer hook ups this is it. Porta johns and natural spring shower no hot water
(freezing but refreshing....lol). Just a few campers and all spread out. Enjoyed the level site but is across from river side wish I'd know this. Another camper above us played music loudly until 1 am. I didn't see quite time signage. Sites are mowed and well kept.
Waking in the morning to a woodpecker, turkey gobbles and birds was refreshing.
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Corbin
December 2024
12 ft travel trailer
We stayed at Howlin Hill for a quick overnight stay when traveling from New Orleans to Cincinnati during the winter. While it was cold and empty during our stay, we could tell the land would be beautiful during warmer months with some fun concerts. Campsites 11 and 13 are near the river and tucked into a cozy little valley. The porta potty was clean. We’d definitely stay here again.
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Charles
November 2024
Tent
The site was perfect. Attending a seminar at Henry Horton State Park. Hip Camps are awesome. Jenny came down to the site to check on us even though we came in late. Clean and comfortable!
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