Lake Camping Near Milan, Tennessee, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Lake camping around Milan means easy mornings on the water and evenings by a campfire. With over 540 options just for lakeside sites, you’ll find tent spots tucked in the trees, grassy clearings, and stretches of private shoreline. The average night runs $39, but you can often snag a site for as little as $25. Fishing, swimming, and horseback riding are all right out your tent flap. Most sites have toilets, allow campfires, and welcome pets. Locals rate Blue Heron Landing (132 reviews), I 40 Hideaway (82 reviews), and Getaway Camp & Retreat (53 reviews) as the top campsites—expect quiet docks, shady trails, and plenty of room to cast a line. If you want real lake access and a no-fuss setup, this is the place to pitch in.

97% (346)

Top-rated campgrounds

Lake camping around Milan means easy mornings on the water and evenings by a campfire. With over 540 options just for lakeside sites, you’ll find tent spots tucked in the trees, grassy clearings, and stretches of private shoreline. The average night runs $39, but you can often snag a site for as little as $25. Fishing, swimming, and horseback riding are all right out your tent flap. Most sites have toilets, allow campfires, and welcome pets. Locals rate Blue Heron Landing (132 reviews), I 40 Hideaway (82 reviews), and Getaway Camp & Retreat (53 reviews) as the top campsites—expect quiet docks, shady trails, and plenty of room to cast a line. If you want real lake access and a no-fuss setup, this is the place to pitch in.

97% (346)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Blue Heron Landing

99%

(207)

44mi from Milan · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Lobelville, TN

Blue Heron Campground: A Hidden Gem of History and Nature Nestled along the Tennessee River, Blue Heron Campground offers a unique blend of rich history and natural beauty. Once home to the Cherokee Indians, this 358-acre property is surrounded by water on all sides, boasting a mile-and-a-half shoreline. Just to the north, a designated 20-mile Wildlife Refuge begins, following the river and offering plenty of opportunities for nature enthusiasts. The land itself is a treasure trove, with rich farmland that has grazed cattle and now offers primitive camping with no services, located just 10 miles west of Lobelville, Tennessee. People's Landing, now a swim beach and sand boat ramp, was once a bustling port of commerce. Before the advent of good roads, steamboats, ferry boats, and trains were the primary means of transportation. Just north of People's Landing, Daniel's Landing housed a post office and small store, serving the local community. The Tennessee River is one of only three rivers in the United States that flow north, making it a unique feature of the region. Today, visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, or simply watching the boats and barges pass by. For those looking to explore, a 20-mile day trip to Loretta Lynn's ranch or a 70-mile journey to Nashville awaits. The campground offers 358 acres of open meadows and forests to hike and explore, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local wildlife and a beautiful sunset over the river to end the day. Blue Heron Campground is truly a hidden gem, offering a perfect escape into history and nature.

2. I 40 Hideaway

94%

(107)

48mi from Milan · 34 sites · Tents, Lodging · Waverly, TN

We are located on 26 Acres in the Tennessee woods next to Cuba Landing Marina on the Tennessee River. When you book a Cabin, RV, Tent site or The House please be able to arrive before 8pm. We do not accept people after hours. We have both Tent camping in the woods and sites within the RV Park. Camp fires have to be kept small. NO BON FIRES. Hope to see you soon. Management

3. Serendipity Resort

91%

(16)

39mi from Milan · 42 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Brownsville, TN

Serendipity offers furnished Yurts for glamping, A-Frame Cabins, RV sites with full hook-ups and Tent sites. We are open year round. We have lots of activities that are included with your accommodation. Activities are all outdoors and filled with memory making potential. Swimming pools, fishing, trails, 18 hole disc golf course, kayaking, paddle boards, paddle boats all fall under the included activities for those adventure seekers! Please see our “Serendipity Resort” Tab for more information. Amenities & Activities Amenities: Spacious Bathhouses WIFI available in the camp store Picnic tables and firepit at each site Camp store Pavilion at Waterpark Clean restrooms Serendipity Bar & Grill Firewood for purchase (no outside firewood allowed) Golf Cart rental – contact your camp host for pricing and details Activities: All included in yurt/campsite/cabin rentals- 4 person max. occupancy 18-hole Disc Golf Course Multiple playgrounds Fishing (catch and release) Walking and biking trails Outdoor Seasonal Swimming Pool Kayaking, Paddle Boat & Paddle Board Horseshoes Water Park (open Memorial Day to Labor Day) – $20 per person per day

4. Natchez Trace State Park

93%

(7)

208 sites · Chesterfield, Tennessee

With views at every turn, Natchez Trace is a must-visit for nature lovers.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Chickasaw State Park

100%

(2)

126 sites · Silerton, Tennessee

Discover Chickasaw State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

6. Getaway Camp & Retreat

100%

(103)

12mi from Milan · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Bradford, TN

In the heart of rural West Tennessee... Learn more about this land: 40 private acres. Woods, pastures & lake. 2 spaces for RVs (with full hookups) overlook lake, Lots of grassy space for tent campers. Wildlife & bird life. From May thru Sept, there is an above-ground pool and bath house with shower, toilet and washing machine. We have some walking trails. No unregistered guests ever! No lifeguard on duty so no minor children, please. Adults only. Swim and relax in a natural setting --enjoying privacy, seclusion and a tolerant "laid-back" vibe.

7. Lazy Acres Lake

95%

(46)

31mi from Milan · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Lexington, TN

We are located about 11 miles from exit 116 on interstate 40 in the beautiful farming community of Chesterfield, Tennessee where there's an abundance of wildlife including our own team of Khaki Campbell guard ducks and a piebald whitetail buck named Lucky who enjoys hanging out by the levee. Lake access is included with each site reservation. Life jackets required at all times for those with paddle please. Canoe rentals available upon request. Camp sites 1-3, the boat ramp and main parking area are located at the main entrance and offer gravel roads and parking. Look for the LAL logo on the left gate post. Camp site #4 the hiking trailhead and our back country campsites are located at the east entrance. Look for patriotic fence post near the road. If you end up traveling a long paved road that leads to a boat ramp with lots of parking, you zigged when you should have zagged. Turn around and lazy acres is across from where that road ends. Follow the access road along the tree line down to the water. The hiking trail is to the east across the footbridge. Look for white AT style blazes for trail markers. The blue blazes leading to each campsite. * All gates are open 24 hours when campers are present.

8. Shalom Selah Hills

100%

(1)

12mi from Milan · 2 sites · Lodging · Cedar Grove, TN

Located just north of Jackson Tennessee, between Memphis and Nashville we found this little piece of heaven to share. Come experience rustic camping amongst the Pines and Cedars of our 28 acre forest. Hike the trails with plenty of wildlife and beautiful rolling hills of many native trees. Just 8 miles north of us you will find the beautiful Carroll County 1000 Acre Lake featuring swimming, boating and fishing. Just 14 miles east of us is the Parker's Crossroads Civil War Battle site and park. Plenty to see and do. Come check us out. Find serenity and peace hereLearn more about this land:Located just north of Jackson Tennessee, between Memphis and Nashville our family found this little piece of heaven to share. Come experience rustic shelter camping amongst the Pines and Cedars of our 28 acre forest. Fall is beautiful here! Hike the trails with plenty of wildlife and beautiful rolling hills of many native trees. Just 8 miles north of us you will find the beautiful Carroll County 1000 Acre Lake featuring swimming, boating and fishing. Just 14 miles east of us is the Parker's Crossroads Civil War Battle site and park. There is plenty to see and do. Our first camp site offers a shelter, fire ring, picnic table, preparation table, and lanterns. We also provide complimentary citronella candles for lighting and bug repellent. Look no further. You have found a place of shalom shalom to Selah ~ perfect peace to rest.

9. Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

50 sites · Eva, Tennessee

Discover the natural splendor of Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park.

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

10. Reelfoot Lake State Park

100%

(3)

86 sites · Tiptonville, Tennessee

Birdwatchers and boaters love this park’s unique environment.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Milan

100%

(1)

Wrangler Campground

27mi from Milan · 62 sites · Tents, RVs · in Natchez Trace State Park

In between Memphis and Nashville... the perfect spot to stop for a night!

88%

(4)

Campground 12

30mi from Milan · 69 sites · Tents, RVs · in Natchez Trace State Park

100%

(2)

Pin Oak RV Campground

30mi from Milan · 77 sites · Tents, RVs · in Natchez Trace State Park

100%

(2)

Chickasaw Campground

39mi from Milan · 126 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chickasaw State Park

Nathan Bedford Forrest Campground

45mi from Milan · 50 sites · Tents, RVs · in Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

100%

(3)

Reelfoot Lake Campground

49mi from Milan · 86 sites · Tents, RVs · in Reelfoot Lake State Park

Stories from the community

E

Eric

2 weeks ago

12 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Blue Heron Landing

Don's land was perfect for our quick overnight stop. We stayed in one of the spots near the back of the property and we were the only people back there so it was like we had the whole place to ourselves. It was very quiet and being right on the river was a plus. We even go to see a couple of barges go by while we were drinking coffee in the morning.

Timothy

3 weeks ago

13 ft travel trailer

1 night at Blue Heron Landing

Last minute stay overnight chasing the Aurora. Great star gazing spot by the river.

E

Erin

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Blue Heron Landing

I can’t express enough how peaceful it is to stay at Don’s place. Blue Heron Landing is nothing short of an oasis. He’s an amazing host on an amazing piece of Earth. The water is way down this time of year, allowing so much more beach exploring. Despite not wanting everyone to know about it, I have to say… you’ve really got to see this space. Especially if you want a place to camp that feels all your own.

R

Rebecca

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blue Heron Landing

Wonderful place! Our favorite camping spot yet! We will definitely be back!

M

Mark

October 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Blue Heron Landing

Riverside camp site was awesome! Well groomed and very secluded. Directions were easy to follow. I believe I stayed at the very last site and felt like I owned paradise. Cleared areas are much larger than needed, which creates a ‘safe’ piece of mind in such a remote area. The gravel road in could use a bit of TLC if you’re heading to the back forty, but it forces you to go slow and take in the beauty. Coyotes got to yippin around midnight, but that seems to be quite familiar in these areas. Highly recommend it if you are looking to get away from all that bothers you! Don’t forget your fishing pole!

B

Brandon

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blue Heron Landing

this is probably my new favorite spot. i’m so glad it’s primitive so i don’t have to share it with the glampers

Mimi

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Blue Heron Landing

An incredibly picturesque site! We brought paddle boards and kayaks and paddled to the other side of the river each day—an easy and enjoyable trek. We picked the second site and it had perfectly spaced trees for hammocks and took hammock naps daily. We enjoyed the dark sky so much at night and could not believe how many stars we could see! We were thankful for clear nights because the night sky was absolutely breathtaking. We loved seeing the barges go by day and night—infrequent enough that it was an “event” every time we saw one but enough that we got to see a few while there! Pro tip—don’t run out of bug spray, even if it’s the last day and you’re just packing up and heading out. The bottom of my legs were so itchy for a week afterward—definitely not mosquito bites, I’m not sure what but me but it bit a lot! All said, we will absolutely be back, fully stocked with bug spray!

Nathan

October 2025

1 night at Serendipity Resort

We felt we were at a special place as soon as we entered the property. The property was so well kept and nice. We loved our stay in our Yurt. Clean and the beds were extra comfy. Will definitely return and highly recommend. Memories made. Thank you.

T

Tejas

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Serendipity Resort

The resort is beautifully maintained. All the amenities are as described. Loved our stay and had a great time.

J

Justin

October 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Blue Heron Landing

Great host and absolutely beautiful property with the creek and the river in close proximity to each other. Zero traffic noise, dry firewood from Don, and easily accessible by any kind of vehicle. Will definitely be returning to this Hipcamp gem. The reviews don't lie. You won't be sorry you booked these sites.

Sarah

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Blue Heron Landing

Such a beautiful site, it was nicely mowed and right on the river. We enjoyed our time there very much as did our dog. Dons directions to get back to the sites were spot on. Very secluded and private as we were the only ones staying. We did hear other camps up the river, not bothersome though. This is definitely a spot for nature lovers or stargazers. A black bear did swim across the river at night and it made landfall right by our camp! Crazy to see it up so close and I mean close! After shining our light at it thankfully it turned around and headed down the beach the other way. So be sure to keep all your food and trash away from your tent at night! We definitely plan to make a trip back. Thank you Don for sharing your beautiful piece of land!

H

Heather

September 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Blue Heron Landing

This was the perfect site for taking our 9 year old camping for the first time! It was absolutely stunning from the fish jumping out of the water to the sunset over the river! We will definitely be coming back!

B

Blake

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blue Heron Landing

This spot was great! We enjoyed the privacy & easy access to the water. The sunsets were beautiful & the stars shined bright at night! Definitely coming back!

Believe this to be site 2. Has good access to the water.

Timothy

September 2025

13 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Blue Heron Landing

An incredible camping experience!! We have boondocked in our 13ft travel trailer before, mainly at state parks. Camping on Don’s land has elevated our camping experience. We were able to experience camping without light pollution and very little noise pollution for the first time. Life changing for us. The serenity of it all had us in awe. The sites were well kept with a very natural feel. We came in on a Wednesday night and left on a Saturday afternoon. We had the place to ourselves until Friday night and barely realized the other guest down the way. Very remote and private. I loved the “speak easy” feel of the entry gates. IYKYK where they are. LOL. The instructions provided were spot on. We came in at night and had no problems. The sites are not marked though and you have to figure out the boundaries. Would recommend arriving before night fall if you are a first time visitor. But, it’s first come first serve so you can’t go wrong. Just pull up! LOL The drive through the fields is beautiful. The roads are dirt and do have dips in them. I loved it in that I haul with a 4X4 mid size pick up. Gave me a overlanding feel. There are also other sites on the property to visit with great views. Half mile or more hike on the property. Don was very nice and responsive on the app and provided firewood we purchased on the app. He was going to stop by but we arrived late. The land gave us everything we needed. It’s our new favorite spot!!!

A

Angie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blue Heron Landing

It felt secluded. Like how close tent can be to water and fish. No one bothered me. View was nice Will be back. This was my 1st trip

M

Miguel

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blue Heron Landing

My wife and I had a wonderful stay on Don’s land! The property was peaceful, well-kept, and exactly what we were hoping for. Don was a fantastic host—friendly, welcoming, and respectful of our space while still being available if we needed anything. You can tell he really cares about making guests feel comfortable. We’re grateful for the experience and appreciate the chance to spend time in such a beautiful setting. Would absolutely stay again—thank you, Don!

N

Nicole

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blue Heron Landing

Great place, fantastic sunset. We will definitely be returning soon.

C

Chris

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Blue Heron Landing

Another great stay. My wife and I brought the canoe and the kids this time and got right out on the Tennessee River from our campsite. Really beautiful place. Thanks again, Don.

Katy

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Blue Heron Landing

My family had an amazing time on the river over Labor Day weekend. The entire day on SAturday was spent swimming and lazing in the water. I'm pretty sure the dog had the best day of her entire life.

C

Connor

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Getaway Camp & Retreat

Had a great time and beautiful weather. Caught several large catfish, bluegill and bass! Hosts were kind and happy to help in any way possible, would love to come back!