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.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Fort Donelson National Battlefield

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.
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$15
 / night
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.+
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$40
 / night
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**
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$30
 / night

Poplar Springs LLC

1 site · Lodging70 acres · Waverly, TN
Come and experience the beauty of Poplar Springs in Waverly, TN! Our tree farm covers almost 70 acres of land with lots of trees and trails to explore. You'll see plenty of animals, find wild blackberries and mushrooms, and enjoy a clear creek. In the fall, pick your own pumpkin at our small patch, and in the spring, walk through our flower field. Hang out with friends at our community area with a big fire pit and a deck for parties. Poplar Springs is the perfect place to relax and have fun in nature!
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$80
 / night

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.
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$25
 / night
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.
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$25
 / night
Booked 1 time

Big Beech

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Tennessee Ridge, TN
This is a beautiful property with breathtaking views. The back side of the creek has bluffs that are several stories high. It is secluded yet just 15 minutes to town, grocery stores, restaurants, and the liquor store, ect. Kentucky Lake is just 10 minutes away. There is 800 feet of creek frontage, 3 fire pits, a grill and several primitive camp sites.
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$25
 / night

Hummingbird Hill Acres

9 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Stewart, TN
This was once a working farm, but was sold to logging interests for the many hardwoods that covered it. Once the Loggers were finished it was broken up in parcels to be sold as farmettes, residential lots, etc. I found my beautiful Hummingbird Hill on a Zillow site, when I came to look at the property I discovered the only way to get to my hill was a right of way through three other parcels. Those are the properties I was shown! The realtor didn't even realize the gem of the hill was there. I went back a week later and hiked up a barely visible path through the trees and out onto an open hill that looks out over the ridges in three directions,and down on the field all around it .A small pond in one corner. You have a view clear to the Church next to Hurricane Creek. But no one can see the hill. I bought the three parcels on the lower 7 acres, rejoining them and I bought the 27 acres that is the hill and fields. This property got its name from the locals who tell me it was named that due to the multiple Hummingbirds that return every year to the property. I have had them fly right up and hover inches from my face! This property was a favorite hunting spot for the locals due to the amount of wildlife that come from the 5,000 acre logging forest it backs up to. I no longer allow hunting on the property except for my own family when there are no campers . With a clear sky at night there is no ambient light to interfere with stargazing. Billions of diamonds in the sky. Bring you telescope. Campfires are only allowed within the fire rings and not after midnight. Please bring your own portable camp potty or pack out your waste. No firearms allowed. I lived in a small shed cabin on the property completely off grid for 7 years and am in the process of developing the lower acres into garden, orchard and small homestead. We are planning to add Alpacas, sheep, Highland Cattle, and Chickens. I am an old fashioned quilter, and do all forms of needlework. I can spin with a spindle and am learning to use a spinning wheel. I sew as well. If any campers are interested I will offer a basic class in sewing, quilting, Knitting or Crochet. Very private, raw land camping. Completely off Grid. Lots of wildlife, Small pond is their watering hole. No ambient light so you can really see the stars at night. Bring your telescopes. Beautiful view across the tree tops to the next ridge Quiet except for the sounds of nature. Campfires allowed in fire pits only and not after midnight.
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$28
 / night

The Hole-Up at Hurricane Creek

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Tennessee Ridge, TN
Ten clean, peaceful acres on which to pitch a tent or hook up your RV. Take a walk through open and uncluttered, gently rolling woodlands perfect for hiking or wildlife watching. Sit by the small pond and take it all in as our chorus of frogs serenade you into the sunset. Explore the crystal clear rock and gravel-bottom little creek nearby. 50amp electrical RV pole on a large pull through driveway 15-minutes to Kentucky Lake.
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$100
 / night
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
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$39.95
 / night
89%
(42)

Ande's Place 148 Green Rd, Kuttawa

2 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Kuttawa, KY
Learn more about this land:Rolling Hills and wide-open spaces. Primitive to (6) full-service (water, sewer, and 120, 30, or 50 amp electric) camping, located on 60 acres of rolling hills and timber just a few minutes walk to Lake Barkley in beautiful Kentucky. Wooded areas with plenty of room to enjoy yourselves without being on top of your neighbors.  Our address is 148 Green Rd. Kuttawa, KY 42055. NOTE: Our primitive tent sites are $20 per night and our Full hook-up sites are $29. Please call us to verify availability before booking!
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$29
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100%
(2)

Flying D Ranch

4 sites · Tents26 acres · Murray, KY
RARE ONE OF A KIND space situated on over 26 beautifully manicured acres. Many unique features. 3 fenced in pastures, one with a 60 foot lighted 6 foot high round pen, one with a 3 stall horse barn and one with a run in shed, well and a 50 amp, 30 amp and 110 RV hookup available. 2 stocked fishing ponds. Fabulous 50,000 gallon custom saltwater swimming pool accompanied by a spacious ranch style pavilion with outdoor kitchen and full bath which features a custom tiled shower. Fiber Optics internet , Smart television, full size refrigerator with ice. Acres to choose a tent site, all mowed grass with trees for shade. Bass, catfish and blue gill abound. Bald Eagle and Osprey sightings. Red Tail and Red Shoulder hawks everywhere. Lessor Canadian Geese with families make the ponds home. Deer and turkey join us every day. Hiking path around both ponds and down past the pastures. Pool sits atop a hill to catch the breeze. Located a quarter mile away from the road for private and serene camping. Located just 7 miles away from Murray State University. Corn fields, Soy beans and Tobacco fields are the main topographical features. 20 miles to Land Between the Lakes, 27 miles to Paris Landing, 18 miles to Mayfield.
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$70
 / night

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.

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