- Waterside Camping
The best waterside camping near Murfreesboro
97% (2.7K) • 17 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Murfreesboro
Belle and Beau Acres
1. Belle and Beau Acres
100%
(1255)
47mi from Murfreesboro · 19 sites · Tents, RVs
Whether you're looking for peace, relaxation, or riverside adventure, Belle and Beau Acres hits the mark for any nature enthusiast. Location, location! BBA has taken the guess work out of rustic camping. Consistently ranked as a Best of Tennessee Hipcamp and situated in a convenient spot for Upper Cumberland waterfalls, hiking, kayaking, lake life and more. A short list of what to expect on site includes:
PRIVACY - ADVENTURE - GETAWAY
Quick response time/Clear communication
Spacious, shady, leaf-bed campsites
360 degree views of relaxing nature
27 Foot Waterfall (365 days of flow except during severe drought)
Rock shelter under Ledge Waterfall
Two shallow lazy rivers for soaking
Hiking trails onsite
Multiple spring-fed creeks
Countless water cascades for exploring
Star gazing over wide pastures
Old forests for ample shade and hammock hanging
Cellular reception at campsites (usually at least 1 bar)
Please read the site descriptions carefully to match your style of camping with the appropriate campsite. BBA guests frequently camp with a tent, vehicle, smaller camper, hammock tent, roof top tent, pop-up camper and similar styles. Most photos in this listing are taken onsite. Please keep in mind this is primitive and wild Tennessee landscape that may also contain poisonous plants and wildlife in or around camp.
Access to fresh water fun is a short down-hill hike for all guests, with the exception of our hike-in campsites which are positioned alongside the river. Each spot has been strategically selected to provide as much privacy as possible, and comfortably accommodates groups with two vehicles. We provide a rock fire pit and heavy-duty, cast-iron grill grate. You provide everything else, including drinking water and personal toilet waste bags if you plan to use our system. The hike-in sites come with extra seating. Every guest must be included on your reservation, and adult guests may be required to provide identification. Thank you!
COMMUNITY COMFORT STATION: There is a comfort station with an outdoor shower stall for hanging your own solar shower bag. The comfort station also includes a changing room which doubles as a private place to use your portable camping toilet. A toilet seat and bucket system is provided but guests will need to use their own waste disposal bags, available at most camping supply stores. The backside of the comfort station has a rain barrel (not potable) collection system for extinguishing fires.
OFF-ROAD CONDITIONS: Due to the primitive nature of our location, all reservations should expect hilly terrain and potential bumpy or some muddy road access, especially after heavy rain. We ask all guests to help us minimize impacts by driving with care. Vehicles with low ground clearance or low-profile tires are no longer permitted to use the off-road drive and must park at the entrance. If you want a campsite with the shortest walk from the entrance parking area, you will want to select campsite 5, 9 or 6. When the road is open during unusually wet periods, we recommend AWD or 4WD as a precaution. We are continuously working on improvements for our off-road drive.
Belle and Beau Acres is a farm homestead with a personal campground, conveniently located less than five minutes from I40. Expect nothing short of 360 degree views of relaxing nature, privacy, and spontaneous adventure when recreating at this agritourism location. Central to the most beautiful middle Tennessee destinations, BBA is the perfect home base for hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing excursions to at least 10 nearby state parks and lakes. Conveniently located on the Eastern Highland Rim between Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga in the lower Appalachian mountains, this area sits at the Upper Cumberland Plateau and is part of Tennessee's largest micropolitan area of Cookeville. Visit popular nearby attractions such as Cummins Falls, Burgess Falls, Fancher Falls, Greeter Falls, Fall Creek Falls, Blue Hole, Rock Island, Center Hill Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, Caney Fork River, Standing Stone State Park, Virgin Falls, Rock Island, Cordell Hull, and Edgar Evins State Park. The choices are endless!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
Big East Fork Valley
2. Big East Fork Valley
89%
(28)
34mi from Murfreesboro · 14 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
3. J Percy Priest Lake
100%
(13)
Park 24mi from Murfreesboro · 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!
Old Hickory Lake
4. Old Hickory Lake
100%
(2)
Park 33mi from Murfreesboro · 100 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Old Hickory Lake.
Cordell Hull Lake
5. Cordell Hull Lake
100%
(3)
Park 40mi from Murfreesboro · 300 sites
Whether you are a creature of the land or water, Cordell Hull Lake is a wonderful place to burn off some steam and soak in some outdoor, lakefront goodness. Boating and fishing are great ways to spend the days around here, with 321 miles of shoreline waiting to be explored. Or you can choose between the many miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horse trails that surround the lake to scope out the abundant wildlife and find that peace and solitude you’ve been looking for. Nights can be spent stargazing at either the primitive or developed campgrounds, depending on what kind of experience you seek. Here's you’ve got many ways to take in all that Mother Nature has to offer. Not too shabby, right?
Tims Ford State Park
6. Tims Ford State Park
100%
(5)
State park 44mi from Murfreesboro · 72 sites
Aquatic activities are the main draw at this Tennessee park.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
97% (2.7K) • 17 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Murfreesboro
Belle and Beau Acres
1. Belle and Beau Acres
100%
(1255)
47mi from Murfreesboro · 19 sites · Tents, RVs
Whether you're looking for peace, relaxation, or riverside adventure, Belle and Beau Acres hits the mark for any nature enthusiast. Location, location! BBA has taken the guess work out of rustic camping. Consistently ranked as a Best of Tennessee Hipcamp and situated in a convenient spot for Upper Cumberland waterfalls, hiking, kayaking, lake life and more. A short list of what to expect on site includes:
PRIVACY - ADVENTURE - GETAWAY
Quick response time/Clear communication
Spacious, shady, leaf-bed campsites
360 degree views of relaxing nature
27 Foot Waterfall (365 days of flow except during severe drought)
Rock shelter under Ledge Waterfall
Two shallow lazy rivers for soaking
Hiking trails onsite
Multiple spring-fed creeks
Countless water cascades for exploring
Star gazing over wide pastures
Old forests for ample shade and hammock hanging
Cellular reception at campsites (usually at least 1 bar)
Please read the site descriptions carefully to match your style of camping with the appropriate campsite. BBA guests frequently camp with a tent, vehicle, smaller camper, hammock tent, roof top tent, pop-up camper and similar styles. Most photos in this listing are taken onsite. Please keep in mind this is primitive and wild Tennessee landscape that may also contain poisonous plants and wildlife in or around camp.
Access to fresh water fun is a short down-hill hike for all guests, with the exception of our hike-in campsites which are positioned alongside the river. Each spot has been strategically selected to provide as much privacy as possible, and comfortably accommodates groups with two vehicles. We provide a rock fire pit and heavy-duty, cast-iron grill grate. You provide everything else, including drinking water and personal toilet waste bags if you plan to use our system. The hike-in sites come with extra seating. Every guest must be included on your reservation, and adult guests may be required to provide identification. Thank you!
COMMUNITY COMFORT STATION: There is a comfort station with an outdoor shower stall for hanging your own solar shower bag. The comfort station also includes a changing room which doubles as a private place to use your portable camping toilet. A toilet seat and bucket system is provided but guests will need to use their own waste disposal bags, available at most camping supply stores. The backside of the comfort station has a rain barrel (not potable) collection system for extinguishing fires.
OFF-ROAD CONDITIONS: Due to the primitive nature of our location, all reservations should expect hilly terrain and potential bumpy or some muddy road access, especially after heavy rain. We ask all guests to help us minimize impacts by driving with care. Vehicles with low ground clearance or low-profile tires are no longer permitted to use the off-road drive and must park at the entrance. If you want a campsite with the shortest walk from the entrance parking area, you will want to select campsite 5, 9 or 6. When the road is open during unusually wet periods, we recommend AWD or 4WD as a precaution. We are continuously working on improvements for our off-road drive.
Belle and Beau Acres is a farm homestead with a personal campground, conveniently located less than five minutes from I40. Expect nothing short of 360 degree views of relaxing nature, privacy, and spontaneous adventure when recreating at this agritourism location. Central to the most beautiful middle Tennessee destinations, BBA is the perfect home base for hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing excursions to at least 10 nearby state parks and lakes. Conveniently located on the Eastern Highland Rim between Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga in the lower Appalachian mountains, this area sits at the Upper Cumberland Plateau and is part of Tennessee's largest micropolitan area of Cookeville. Visit popular nearby attractions such as Cummins Falls, Burgess Falls, Fancher Falls, Greeter Falls, Fall Creek Falls, Blue Hole, Rock Island, Center Hill Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, Caney Fork River, Standing Stone State Park, Virgin Falls, Rock Island, Cordell Hull, and Edgar Evins State Park. The choices are endless!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
Big East Fork Valley
2. Big East Fork Valley
89%
(28)
34mi from Murfreesboro · 14 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
3. J Percy Priest Lake
100%
(13)
Park 24mi from Murfreesboro · 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!
Old Hickory Lake
4. Old Hickory Lake
100%
(2)
Park 33mi from Murfreesboro · 100 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Old Hickory Lake.
Cordell Hull Lake
5. Cordell Hull Lake
100%
(3)
Park 40mi from Murfreesboro · 300 sites
Whether you are a creature of the land or water, Cordell Hull Lake is a wonderful place to burn off some steam and soak in some outdoor, lakefront goodness. Boating and fishing are great ways to spend the days around here, with 321 miles of shoreline waiting to be explored. Or you can choose between the many miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horse trails that surround the lake to scope out the abundant wildlife and find that peace and solitude you’ve been looking for. Nights can be spent stargazing at either the primitive or developed campgrounds, depending on what kind of experience you seek. Here's you’ve got many ways to take in all that Mother Nature has to offer. Not too shabby, right?
Tims Ford State Park
6. Tims Ford State Park
100%
(5)
State park 44mi from Murfreesboro · 72 sites
Aquatic activities are the main draw at this Tennessee park.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
D
Delaney
November 2025
16 ft car
With pets
We loved our stay at Belle and Beaus Acres! The property was beautiful and the campsites were spacious.
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J
Julia
October 2025
Tent
Christine's land is beautiful and the campsites are well spaced to provide privacy. We loved the convenience of having firewood and fire starters on the property for purchase. I would highly recommend for anyone looking for something close to Nashville while still feeling off-grid.
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F
Forrest
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Our stay at Belle and Beau Acres was absolutely perfect! We chose two reserve both of the hike in camping sites down by the river for extra privacy. As advertised, it’s a short hike in, but the trail is narrow and a bit steep—so plan accordingly. The effort is completely worth it, though. The sites are very private, nestled between two hills beside a gently flowing stream. The combination of privacy and the relaxing sound of the water made for an amazing atmosphere.
The farm itself is in an ideal location. When you arrive, it feels like you’re deep in the countryside, yet you’re only about 15 minutes from downtown Cookeville for food or supplies. Plus, both Burgess Falls and Cummins Falls are just a short drive away—highly recommend visiting both!
Christine and her husband were incredibly kind, responsive, and helpful throughout our stay. I really appreciated how thorough they are and how they verify that all guests are registered—it adds a nice sense of safety and respect among everyone on the property.
Everything about our trip was fantastic. We’ll definitely be back!
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F
Forrest
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Belle and Baua Acres was absolutely incredible! We reserved hike-in tent sites #2 and #4, and they were just as advertised. The short, somewhat steep hike down makes it important to pack light, but it’s well worth it once you arrive. If you’re looking for a peaceful, primitive camping experience with plenty of privacy, these sites are perfect.
Both sites sit just a few feet from a tranquil stream—an ideal backdrop for relaxing by the water or drifting off to the sound of nature. Christine and her husband were wonderful hosts: incredibly responsive, organized, and clearly take great pride in maintaining their beautiful farm.
The location couldn’t be better—close to Burgess Falls and Cummins Falls, both stunning hikes with breathtaking waterfalls, and only about 15 minutes from Cookeville if you need supplies or want to grab a bite to eat.
We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Great hosts, great place, great location, and an all-around amazing stay. 100% recommend!
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D
Derek
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Easy to access, get communication with host, clean, and gorgeous property to camp with fam and friends.
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N
Nina
October 2025
Tent
With kids
We had a great time. This was a perfect camping spot for our getaway. We loved playing in the creek. As long as you are expecting the steep hike, you'll love this spot.
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L
Leah
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Great spot, stayed at campsite 2 for the 2nd year in a row. Exactly as referenced in the description, steep .1 mile hike in/out but that doesn’t bother us, it actually makes it more fun.
Will definitely be back.
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K
Kiana
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Loved staying here with my kids. Location was super easy to get to. The layout was great, you feel mostly secluded even though there are other sites in the area. The site itself was nicely shaded so it didn’t get too hot. They have a super cute farm-stand with perfectly precut wood. The hike down to the creek was kinda slippery with fallen leaves but it was still nice and the kids loved checking it out. Christine was a super hero host when someone decided to leave a light on in our car and drained our battery. I would definitely recommend staying here.
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C
Craig
October 2025
Tent
Highly recommend Belle and Beau campsites! Beautiful country setting, clean and easy access from I-40. Christine was very responsive to messages, and met us driving in - great commo! Winery nearby for tasting, excellent food too. Marked on my map with 5 stars.
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Kelly
October 2025
Tent
With pets
My doggo and I stayed for a couple of nights. The incline to the site was as described. I used this site to help get some rust off my backpacking legs, so to speak. It's far enough away to make every trip to the car count! Christine was an amazing host. Very communicative. I will definitely be going back. The only drawback (or not a drawback) the sound of the highway in the distance. Noting the closeness to civilization. Which is also good if you forget something for your site! I enjoyed exploring the creekside and small trails on site. It's close to state parks to for additional hiking. A wonderful well needed stay
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Jerad
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Took my little boy on his first camping trip at BBA and he loved it. Peaceful, beautiful, and natural campground conveniently tucked away on wooded farmland. Nice trails that go along the creek and allow for a variety of nature viewing and discovery.
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M
Marlina
October 2025
Tent
My boyfriend and I wanted a cozy peaceful weekend together and that's exactly what we got! Christine was very hospitable and communicative. She provided clear directions on how to navigate the land and how to get to our site. We booked another site initially and she recommended us a different site that better suited our needs and it was perfect! We love how secluded and quiet our site was. The convenience of the self-service farmstand was also great. All in all we loved our stay here. 10/10!
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Taylor
October 2025
16 ft car
Absolutely amazing! Me and my brother camped out and had the whole place to ourselves, super quiet and easy to access. Highly recommend this to anyone wanting to camp out in the area!
See moreO
Octavius
October 2025
Tent
Beautiful property, slept under the stars and heard the wildlife all about. Host was very pleasant. 10/10
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Ethel
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We had such a lovely stay at belle and beau acres at site 4!! It was my first time hiking into my camp site, and it wasn’t too much of a hassle at all even though the hike was a little challenging — it ended up making me feel off the beaten path and very secluded and secure at our site! The property was very well maintained and groomed and easy to navigate, and everything was thought about and provided that you might need like fire wood. It earns its top 50 spot in the nation for sure! We will absolutely be back :)
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R
Robin
October 2025
18 ft travel trailer
With pets
The property was absolutely beautiful! The sites were clean and very well marked. The hosts are Wonderful!!! Thank you for sharing your gorgeous property with us!!
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Brian
October 2025
8 ft campervan
With pets
Christine was a wonderful communicator working to ensure our stay went off with out a hitch. The site itself and surrounding land was well kept and maintained as natural as possible. The sites were well marked and clean. The trails on the property were short but enjoyable. Listening to the coyotes and owls was wonderful. The check in process conducted by Christine was thorough and informative.
See moreH
Hudson
October 2025
Tent
It was a nice quiet getaway! Christine was super helpful!
See moreB
Brett
September 2025
Tent
With kids
We loved our experience at Belle and Beau’s! 💯 would go back!
See moreJ
Jack
September 2025
Tent
We loved camping here! We spent one night at campsite 5. Christine sent us very thorough instructions and info ahead of time, so check-in was quick and easy. We loved having a private campsite and no loud noisy neighbors, like at the state park campsites. We were able to get away from the city and just “be.” The roads and campsite were well marked and taken care of. We paid extra for firewood and also for toilet bags to use at the convenience station, which were both great to have. We hope to come back with more time to explore the land!
The only downside we noticed, which isn’t enough to remove a star, is that at night we could hear a constant hum of vehicles from I-40. Aside from this, we loved everything about it!
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