This summer, as health conditions have made continued social distancing necessary, many families are feeling the need to get outdoors. When cabin fever has you down, consider safe staycations at one of our top Family-Friendly Campsites in Middle TN! While many favorite vacation destinations are off-limits for now, camping at any of the following sites is still considered a safe way to bond with your nearest and dearest while exercising and expanding your knowledge of the natural world.

Please pack and use plenty of insect repellent as well as tick-repelling clothing because deer ticks are still a major concern at all sites listed below.


 

Savage Gulf State Natural Area
Savage Gulf State Natural Area
3177 TN-399
Palmer, TN 37365

This ideal family-friendly backpacking site packs panoramic wilderness views, waterfalls, a breathtaking suspension bridge, and over 50 miles of hiking throughout the nearly 16,000-acre state park. At this time, park rangers are still working to clear several downed trees. While the hiking trails at Savage Gulf are normally too difficult for small children, all hikers should use caution.

Savage Gulf holds nine quiet campsites, the famous Stone Door, breathtaking waterfalls (some with plunge pools) and a beautiful array of wildlife, making it an ideal spot to relax, explore, and recharge.


 

Fall Creek Falls
2009 Village Camp Road
Spencer, TN 38585

Boasting over 230 campsites, this park is one of the most massive, oft-visited state parks in the State of Tennessee. Sprawling over 30,000 acres of rugged, forested landscape, this beloved campground features picnic tables, grills, electricity, access to running water, and even a handful of RV-ready spots. Most campsites are ADA-accessible; reservations may only be made by phone. 


 

Old Stone Fort
732 Stone Fort Dr
Manchester, TN 37355 

This historical gem, located a mere hour’s drive from Nashville, hides a stone structure, or “fort,” that’s been dated back to perhaps 2,000 years ago. Erected by ancient Indigenous peoples, this former ceremonial site is now home to over 50 campsites. While the campsites are bare-bones and intended for those who are prepared to create their own comfort, they offer immense natural beauty and privacy.


 

Rock Island State Park
82 Beach Rd
Rock Island, TN 38581

Located where three rivers meet at Center Hill Lake just 70 miles from Nashville, this 900-acre park offers a number of great swimming holes, picturesque waterfalls, hiking trails, kayaking, fishing, and camping at 60 campsites. With electricity and water, picnic tables, grills, and hot showers, Rock Island State Park is both an exciting and convenient camping trip for the whole family.


 

Floating Mill Park at Center Lake
430 Floating Mill Rd.
Silver Point, TN 38582

Located on the shores of the scenic Center Hill Lake on the Highland Rim, Floating Mill Park encompasses 415 miles of verdant shoreline. Campers are invited to hike, hunt, boat, and enjoy observing the plentiful wildlife that make the woods their home. Whitetail deer, rabbits, squirrels, wild turkeys, ducks, and fish against the backdrop of the sprawling blue waters of the lake are sure to bring a sense of peace to what may currently be a stressful time in your life.

Please note: The campsites at Floating Mill Campground have been freshly renumbered for the 2020 summer season. Accordingly, the campground map has been fully updated. For more information, please contact the Resource Manager's Office at (931) 858-3125. 


 

Percy Priest Island Camping
Nashville, TN 37217*

Ideal for car camping, hammock camping, primitive camping, tent camping, and day trips, this quiet island paradise is actually a cluster of roughly 40 islands—only 22 of which are named—nestled in the woods just 25 miles SE of Nashville.

Showers, fresh water, and affordable fees make these campsites ideal through October, so escape the confines of the city and watch turtles, cranes, deer, ducks, and squirrels on the islands of Percy Priest Lake. 

*Call 1-877-444-6777 from 10 a.m. to midnight Eastern Standard Time for detailed information, and to make a reservation. Booking dates are available from March 1 through Oct. 31. 


 

Montgomery Bell State Park
1020 Jackson Hill Rd
Burns, TN 37029

Situated just 7 miles east of Dickson, Montgomery Bell is beloved for its gently rolling hillsides of hardwood forests, spanning nearly 4,000 acres. Families can enjoy fishing, bicycling, hiking (among the 19 miles of trails), boating, golf, and learning about this area’s complex, troubled history. With 94 campsites and eight modern cabins as well as an onsite restaurant and clubhouse, you’re sure to find activities that suit everyone in your group at Montgomery Bell.


 

Land Between the Lakes
(Piney Campground)
621 Fort Henry Rd.
Dover, TN 37058

With multiple campgrounds to choose from in both TN and KY, campers will easily be able to practice social distancing at Land Between the Lakes. Activities like biking, swimming, hiking, archery, fishing, ball fields, boating, and amenities like laundry rooms make this family-friendly campground a no-brainer. Call ahead to secure a secluded spot near the amenities you most prioritize. Be sure to visit the website to check out the myriad of options available at Land Between the Lakes.


 

Henry Horton State Park
4209 Nashville Hwy
Chapel Hill, TN 37034

If you’re looking for a quick getaway, Henry Horton State Park is just one hour from Nashville. This riverside location is a prime spot for observing Tennessee’s rich wildlife. Beginning campers and hardened weekend rangers alike will find their paradise in this diverse spot. Golfing, hiking, on-site dining, and primitive campsites alike are all here; reservations are suggested.


 

South Cumberland State Park
11745 U.S. 41
Monteagle, TN 37356

This outstanding state park is a local favorite, even amongst the many gems Tennessee proudly claims. It spans four TN counties: Grundy, Franklin, Marion, and Sequatchie. Located 1.5 hours from Nashville, this destination is a dream for the active family. Whether you want to hike, rock climb, this 30,000-acre state park has the landscape and backcountry camping you’ve been looking for.


The team at Parks Realty wishes you a happy summer outside in the beautiful Tennessee wilderness. Stay safe and drop us a line if we can help you with your summer realty needs.

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