The crackling campfire casts a warm glow as laughter echoes through the towering trees. Marshmallows sizzle, flashlights flicker, and bedtime is just a suggestion. Out here, beneath a sky bursting with stars, adventure is the only thing on the agenda — and with the kids leading the way, every moment is filled with wonder.

Here are some of our editor picks for family-friendly camping this spring and summer. Of course, click the links for further information.

Family-Friendly Local Camping

BLEDSOE CREEK
400 Zieglers Fort Road
Gallatin, TN 37066
Located approximately 45 minutes north of Nashville. This Tennessee State Park includes 58 paved campsites equipped with grills, picnic tables and water. Ice and firewood sold on site and there are six miles of scenic trails. $38 – $41 a night.

CAGES BEND CAMPGROUND
1125 Benders Ferry Road
Gallatin, TN 37066
Located on the shores of Old Hickory Lake, this small campground makes for a good first camping experience. Sites have water and electrical hookups. $35 a night.

CEDARS OF LEBANON
328 Cedar Forest Drive
Lebanon, TN 37090
This Tennessee State Park boasts Eastern Red Cedar trees and 117 campsites with picnic tables, grills plus electrical and water hookups. $38 – $45 a night.

EDGAR EVINS
1630 Edgar Evins State Park
Silver Point, TN, 38582
Located on Center Hill Lake, this Tennessee State Park is a family favorite. Find 60 tent and trailer campsites. $13 – $36 a night.

FLOATING MILL PARK
430 Floating Mill Lane
Silver Point, TN 38582
Located on Center Hill Lake about 30 minutes from Edgar Evins, there’s a large campground with a variety of campsites, most with water and electrical. The park is surrounded by the lake on three sides.

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CAMPING ADVENTURES WITH A LITTLE
BEST WATERFALL HIKES NEAR NASHVILLE

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HENRY HORTON
4209 Nashville Hwy.
Chapel Hill, TN 37034
Only one hour south of Nashville and located near the Duck River, find tent-specific sites, RV sites, hammock sites, backcountry sites. A group tent campsite is also available. Sites include a grill, picnic table, and fire ring. Campsites are limited to six people and two vehicles maximum. Wi-Fi is a recent addition. $18 – $42 a night.

MONTGOMERY BELL: The campground at Montgomery Bell State Park is closed for renovation until late Fall, 2025. If you have questions, call (888) 867-2757.

PERCY PRIEST LAKE CAMPING

ANDERSON ROAD
4010 Anderson Road
Nashville, TN 37217
Located on the Eastern side of Percy Priest, find 10 RV sites, 26 primitive campsites. $14 – $24

POOLE KNOBS CAMPGROUND
493 Jones Mill Road
LaVergne, TN 37086
This campground has 88 campsites, most with hookups. Fees ranges from $14 – $24.

SEVEN POINTS CAMPGROUND
1810 Stewarts Ferry Pike
Hermitage, TN 37076
This campground has six campsites for tents or RVs, all with water and electrical. The rate is $24 nightly.

SOUTH CUMBERLAND
11745 US 41
Monteagle, TN 37356
About 90 minutes west of Nashville, this Tennessee State Park is huge and has waterfalls and overlooks.

Get more Tennessee State Parks info HERE.

Camping Gear

You sort of need to be like a production director when it comes to your tent camping gear!

CAMPSITE

• Tent (single-room, double-room, rooms that split off, etc.)
• Tent poles, stakes
• Tarps (to lay under the tent or create a canopy for shade) & roll of paracord
• Chairs
• Sleeping bags/sheets and blankets
• Sleeping pads/air mattresses
• Pillows
• Headlamps/flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Lantern and fuel
• Decorative lights to hang from tree to tree
• Backpacks
• Baby carriers
• Extra bins to organize gear
• Pepper spray (in case of a bear encounter)
• Rope for a laundry line

KITCHEN

• Portable stove, fuel
• Grate for campfire cooking
• Matches/lighter
• Firewood
• Pots and pans
• Portable coffee maker
• Cases of bottled water
• Roasting sticks for marshmallows     and hot dogs
• Food-storage containers/bags
• Trash bags
• Separate coolers for ice and food
• Plates, bowls, forks, spoons, knives, cups and mugs
• Cooking utensils & cutting board
• Tinfoil
• Soap, sponge, dish cloth, dish towel
• Paper towels
• Extra bin for washing dishes

Out in Nature

Anything can happen with the kids outdoors for extended periods of time. From too much sun to a surprise bite, be diligent about covering your bases by bringing along your mom-approved First-Aid Kit.

SKIN PROTECTION

Be sure to bring sunscreen and follow the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) guidelines: Use at least an SPF 15 and apply it at least 30 minutes to exposure. Reapply every two to three hours. Keep babies out of direct sunlight — an extra pop-up tent is handy for keeping Baby in the shade.

Guard against insect bites by using repellents containing DEET. The AAP says to only apply it once a day on older kids — do not use on ages 2 months and younger. Apply it after the sunscreen. You can also use insect-repelling bracelets. Wear long pants and light, long-sleeved shirts when hiking.

Know toxic plants. Poison ivy, oak and sumac are prevalent in spring, summer and fall. As the old adage says, “Leaves of three, leave them be.” If you brush against them, wash the skin with soap and water for 10 minutes. Wash clothes and shoes, too.

SEASONAL ALLERGIES

Always have your child’s allergy medication on hand and be aware of the seasonal swings of allergens in the outdoors. Tree pollen starts early April. Ragweed surfaces in July/August, and a second season of grass allergens can arise October through early November.

FIRST AID/CPR

It’s important to have at least one parent who knows CPR. Bring all prescription medications along with extra pain and allergy medications.

WEATHER HAPPENS

Choose a campsite with higher elevation in case it rains. Protect the bottom of your tent by laying a tarp on the ground. Keep all items away from the walls of your tent on the inside to prevent water pulling through the fabric. Keep extra tarps on hand and erect a canopy over your eating area. Hang a clothes line (away from where the kids play) for hanging wet items. Sleep with your next day’s clothing inside your sleeping bag. This makes them warm and ready for cold mornings. Plastic storage totes are great for keeping items dry.

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

Don’t frighten your kids about wild animal encounters — educate them. Wild animals don’t like being around people, but it can happen. Be prepared for black bear encounters in the Smokies by visiting nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/black-bears.htm. Always store your food items in tightly fitting plastic bins when you’re away from your campsite. Store in your vehicle for the best results.

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