The best camping near Old Hickory Lake

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

96% (3088 reviews)
96% (3088 reviews)

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Community favorites near Old Hickory Lake

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds near Old Hickory Lake

Top-rated campgrounds near Old Hickory Lake

95%
(981)

The Slab (by the Barren)

80 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents500 acres · Gamaliel, KY
Welcome to Heaven on Earth for those that love the Great Outdoors!! If you cant find something to do here then you obviously don't want to do anything and thats ok we have ya covered there too!! We will be hosting some special events in 202at we would like to make you aware of first thing so you can plan your visit accordingl Tanking, kayaking, camping and the trails will remain OPEN year round!! Now that all of that is out of the way... Let me introduce you to our little hidden gem in scenic Monroe county Kentucky.  The Slab by the Barren campground is an outdoor recreation area like no other!!!  We are the perfect place for all of your family fun in the sun!!!   We have 75 very large shaded primitive sites spread out all over our 500 acre farm with nice gravel roads to most of the campsites.  We do NOT have any hookups but can accommodate RV's on most sites and you are welcome to run a quiet generator. ( We will be setting up at least 3 sites this winter with hook ups for Rvs. Please follow us here or on facebook for updates on those sites) Sites 1 - 40 are located on the banks of Salt Lick creek and Barren River with direct water access. The gravel bars are open for all campers to enjoy. Camping areas A, B, and C are spread out across different sections of the farm. Even though they aren't directly on the water you are still welcome to go down to the creek at any site and swim and fish and just enjoy the water. If you need any help in choosing the perfect site for your stay feel free to message me or call the office at (812)653-0102 and I will help in anyway I can. On to our amenities!!!! THE BARN!!  Is our converted milk barn where Kent and his mother Linda used to milk cows. The tank room is now our office for check in and camp store that we try to keep stocked with the best ice cream and anything else you might have forgotten at home. The old milk parlor where they actually milked the cows has been converted into 4 separate shower houses that are open 24/7. The Holding barn is currently undergoing some major changes this winter. It was such a large room that we have decided, in order to maximize its space, to split the barn in half and make 2 separate areas out of it. The front half by the showers will remain the kids and family play area, it will still have the pool and air hockey tables, family friendly games, tables and chairs. We will be adding more games to this area this winter and adding some exciting outdoor activities for the whole family for this summer. The other half of the barn is currently becoming the Jenkins Joint at The Slab. The Joint will be our full service bar where those 21 and older can enjoy a cold beverage, a game of pool, live music, karaoke, or just hang out. We will have a food truck set up every Friday thru Sunday until we get our kitchen completed and can serve our own food. The food truck and the kitchen will be available for anyone that would like to order food, especially those that check in late and don't feel like cooking their first night. KAYAKING!!! Take a relaxing paddle down the river in your kayak or ours. We have multiple trips 1, 2, 3, 6, and 10 miles and offer a shuttle service, and kayak rentals for those that don't have their own. LAZY RIVER TUBING!!!! Go with the flow in your tube or ours and float your cares away on our 2 mile float down Barren River. Float as many times as you would like per day, stop at the rope swing, or hang out at your campsite and then take off again. TANKING!!! Yes you read that right we now offer Tanking!! I'm sure you have never heard of it but let me tell you, as one group of campers exclaimed... "It is the most genius, redneck, fun thing we have ever done". Depending on the size of your group we will either put you in a 6ft or 8ft round metal cattle water tank and float you 2 miles down the river in it!! We have designed them for the maximum amount of fun and relaxation you can have on the water without getting wet... unless you want to. We have installed benches in them so all you need to bring is your cooler and friends and come spend the day on the river with new unique experience. FISHING!! Multiple fishing holes where you can catch stripe, small mouth, rock bass, Kentucky bass, channel cats, flat heads, and walleye on a regular basis. HIKING We have trails all over the farm from the scenic views on top of the bluffs to the quiet spring fed slate rock holler there is a trail for everyone to enjoy while you explore the farm.  WATER SLIDE!!!! On the upper side of the Slab bridge is a 75 ft long water slide into one of our many swimming holes. It is steep and fast and you are sure to make a splash!!! SLIP N SLAB 600!!!! New at the end of 2023... is my Greatest Creation!! The Slip N Slab 600. What is it you might ask.... well.... It is the LONGEST Slip N Slide in ALL of Kentucky!! Come take a ride down our 600 Ft long Slip N Slide!! It starts up at the top of the hill by the office and you slide down the natural hollar and end in the pond just below the amphitheater. It really is Fun for the WHOLE Family!! We have had people as young a 2 and as old as 73 slide down it and each and every one of them came back up to the top with a smile on their face and was ready to do it again!! NOW ON TO THE RULES!!!! NO OUTSIDE FIRE WOOD!!!  We sell large bundles for $10 at the camp store. We DO NOT allow ANY outside fire wood to be brought onto the farm!! DO NOT CUT DOWN ANY TREES ON THE FARM NO MATTER HOW SMALL!!! CAMPSITES WILL BE CHECKED AFTER YOUR STAY.  IF WE FIND ANY TREES CUT DOWN ON YOUR SITE  YOU WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AND WILL BE CHARGED 7 TIMES THE MATURE VALUE OF THE DAMAGED TREE. BOOKING A CAMPSITE AT THE SLAB BY THE BARREN THRU THIS SITE MEANS THAT YOU AGREE TO THESE TERMS.  We hate to have to do this but we have had trees chopped down for no reason. There is firewood available at the camp store and you are welcome to burn anything laying on the ground, trim low hanging branches, or pull stuff out of our brush piles. just don't cut down any trees. NO GLASS BOTTLES ARE ALLOWED ON THE FARM!! If we see them we will confiscate and dispose of them!! We are a WATER park and people run around barefoot. The last thing we need is broken glass all over the farm and people cutting their feet. So leave the GLASS AT HOME!! DIRT BIKES AND ATVS ARE NOW ALLOWED ON THE FARM!! Rider be respectful of our campers and ONLY ride on the designated trails!!  There are idle only areas around Pickett Bottom cabin and ALL Campsites. If you are caught riding with throttle down the gravel roads in the campground or thru campsites you will be given ONE WARNING!!  THE SECOND TIME it happens YOUR VEHICLE WILL BE IMPOUNDED for the remainder of your stay and you will receive A LIFETIME RIDING BAN FROM OUR CAMPGROUND. Be respectful and courteous and we will all have a great time!! We are trying to be inclusive to new activities while still staying the quiet peaceful slice of heaven that everyone has come to love. Please bear with us while we grow and try to work with everyone to make the Slab a place that everyone can enjoy. Thank you for your interest in our campground and we look forward to meeting you this 2024 camping season. God Bless!!
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$30
 / night
100%
(1167)

Belle and Beau Acres

19 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Baxter, TN
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!
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$40
 / night
99%
(46)

Twisted River

2 sites · Tents120 acres · Scottsville, KY
A recent addition to our already spacious and secluded bed and breakfast.  A tremendous wooded area with trails, woods, water and an awesome camping/fire pit area!  If you enjoy watching the stars after a delicious, over the campfire cooked meal, you'll love the sights, sounds and smells of backwoods Kentucky. The land is bordered by a winding, twisting river that is ample enough for bathing, boating and/or fishing that seems to go on for days. Idea for overnight stays, weekend getaways or family or group gatherings.Learn more about this land:A long flowing log trail that travels through gorgeous woods and time then temporarily halts at the centerpiece campsite for fire, food and laughs.   Space around a stone framed fire pit for up to 5 tents to enjoy peace or family at the same time.  Off you continue along a groomed 4 wheel trail that guides you past our deer plot, beaver workings, stretches of wild low lands and a refreshing creek for swimming, fishing, boating, you name it!  The main camp site is about a :15 minute hike off the main road but close enough to receive support if required.
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$20
 / night
100%
(1)

Aly Farm Relaxing Retreat

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Spring Hill, TN
A New RV Experience - 25+ acres nestled in Spring Hill TN Aly Farm has a total of 8 full hook up sites (plus 2 cottage type rental homes available). We give our guests the attention and service that is missing in the larger facilities. We welcome you to our property, and strive to make you feel at home with us. We enjoy sharing our love of nature and the wildlife on our property. Start your day to the sounds of birds chirping, sightings of wild deer and turkeys walking the property and unwind with an amazing golden hour sunset. Aly Farm sites include ** Full Hook-up (water/electric/sewer) at each site ** Parking for 2 vehicles** Personal garbage can w/weekly service** Each site has a multi acre view ** Close to the towns of Franklin, Columbia, Lewisburg, Leipers Fork, and Nashville TN.
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$30
 / night
95%
(328)

Camp Nashville Highland Rim

9 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Goodlettsville, TN
Primitive camping near Nashville on a secluded hilltop nestled in a hardwood forest. Flat areas for tents, car / van camping, and trees for hammocks. Plan to carry your trash out with you. Do not leave trash on property. Please read all details / rules, and share with family or group. Drive to camping location. First arrive / first choice of favorite of available spaces upon arrival. Spaces are not numbered or pre-assigned. Camping guests supply camping gear. No gear rental available. Amenities: 2 community water hydrants, community vault toilet, fire pit at each site. Firewood bundles available for additional fee on HipCamp or VENMO. Five gallon bucket equals a bundle. Firewood located in rack at top of hill. Return bucket if used to carry firewood. Outdoor hot water heater for shower Apr-Oct, after forecasted freezing temperatures. Kid friendly. No extra charge for children. (verify not charged for children if selected.) Camping location north of downtown Nashville on a ridge at a higher elevation overlooking Nashville. Camp away from noisy highways, convenient to I65 near multiple amenities, grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops . 5 miles from three I65 exits. 14 miles from I24. 18 miles from I40. 18 miles from Nashville downtown riverfront. Uber or Lyft to Nashville available. Check in & out times are flexible. Quiet hours after 10PM. If you're hanging out or arriving after 10PM.... keep it quiet for other guests. Pets permitted under owner supervision. Clean up after pets, and do not allow pets to interfere with other guests. Please be sure all guests know camping rules! Do Not Leave Trash!! Trash policy is carry in / carry out with you for disposal somewhere else. Trash service is not provided as part of camping fees. $50 trash disposal will be requested if trash left on property. Vault toilet works on a septic system and is not pumped. Only place toilet paper in toilet. Wipes, feminine products, excess tp should be placed in trash can outside vault toilet (only trash exception). Do not burn noncombustible items. materials or cigarettes in fire pits or leave trash in firepits. Only firewood or ashes should remain in firepit. Do not use knives, hatches, axes, saws on live trees. This will be considered damaging to property.
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$35
 / night
100%
(302)

Beech Hollow Hideout

2 sites · Lodging100 acres · Dowelltown, TN
Peaceful healing property. We do organic gardening and have animals that you can visit with as well. I have a sculpture studio and art sales gallery that you can come check out. We've been living off the grid for over 30 years. Come visit us and learn about our way of life! Enjoy complete privacy in a cozy forest retreat hut in a beautiful hollow in Middle Tennessee. Accommodates 2. Pretty steep 200 yd uphill hike to hut. Perfect for relationship getaway, spiritual retreat, or writing - planning intensive. Nationally-known spelunking (Indian Grave Point Cave) within 1/2 mile. 3 miles from Center Hill Lake. Hiking trails. Experience our alternative lifestyle with owner built solar log home, organic gardens and sculpture studio. Guests must arrive before dark to ensure finding correct address (GPS errs at last moment) and to facilitate hike up to hut. Potable water, trash disposal, and a toilet are available on site. Pets are permitted, as well as campfires (outside of burn bans). Guests love staying here: "Wow! This place is amazing, beautiful, peaceful, relaxing, and super cozy on cold nights. I can not recommend this place enough. William is a gracious host. He made sure I had enough wood for the wood stove and spring water to drink. If you are anywhere close and want a totally unique experience check this place out."
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$60
 / night
100%
(141)

Benjamin's RV Sanctuary

1 site · RV3 acres · Franklin, TN
Accessible from either I40, I65 or the Natchez Trace Parkway in scenic Franklin, TN come unwind and relax after a long day on the road. Pull your RV onto a cement pad surrounded by 3 acres of lush green splendor, uncork a bottle and let your dog roam. Owner Chef Robert lives onsite and is happy to prepare culinary meals to your liking under the stars (call for menu and separate pricing). The play area along with 3 Dwarf Goats and chickens are in the back of the property and make for a unique, fun time for children and adults as well! If you're rested and ready to explore, the Sanctuary is a quick drive to nearby trailheads, historic sites, distilleries and cafes. Have a road bike? The Sanctuary is directly on one of the best scenic bike routes! This 3 acre property is nestled in the quiet area of Franklin Tennessee, near Historic Leipers Fork and only 20 miles from Downtown Nashville.
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$58.90
 / night

The best camping near Old Hickory Lake guide

Overview

Old Hickory Lake draws campers who want quick lake access, hundreds of tent pitches, and a shot at landing a bass before breakfast. You’ll find over 2,300 sites in the area—most clustered near the water’s edge, spread along shaded coves, or tucked back from the main road for a quieter stay. Average nights run about $50, but you can snag a spot for as little as $10 if you look. Hot showers, pet-friendly policies, and campfire rings are standard at many sites. Hikers work the lakeside trails; wildlife-watchers spot herons, turtles, and deer at dawn. Anglers cast off from the docks before the sun burns off the mist. Locals rave about Belle and Beau Acres (569 reviews), The Slab (by the Barren) (400 reviews), and Camp Nashville Highland Rim (251 reviews) for good reason—expect clean grounds, straightforward check-in, and plenty of regulars returning each year.

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