Best RV Camping Near Nashville, TN: 5 Scenic Waterfront Escapes

If you’re dreaming of serene waters, forested lakesides, and evenings spent by a crackling fire, RV camping near Nashville, TN might be exactly what your soul needs.

Whether you’re after a quiet riverside getaway or a lakeside retreat with hiking trails, there are incredible spots just a short drive from the city where you can park your RV and immerse yourself in nature. With full hookups, picnic tables, and the aroma of a grill mingling with fresh pine, these destinations offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Here are five must-visit spots for RV renters looking to enjoy waterside RV camping near Nashville, TN.

1. Cedars of Lebanon State Park – Lebanon, TN

Distance from Nashville: 45 minutes

Wake up surrounded by rolling hills and serene cedar glades at Cedars of Lebanon. This charming state park offers RV sites with full hookups, shaded picnic areas, and easy access to fishing, kayaking, and hiking trails.

What to Expect:

• Kayaking or canoeing on the sparkling park lake
  
  
• Hiking the scenic cedar glades, home to unique wildflowers and native wildlife
  
  
• Evening campfires under the stars, with perfect spots for grilling
  
  

Pro Tips:

• Visit in spring for wildflower blooms and migratory birds.
  
  
• The park offers both wooded and open RV sites—reserve early for lakeside spots.
  
  

Why It’s Great for RV Camping Near Nashville:
It’s rare to find a blend of forested beauty, wildlife, and modern RV amenities so close to the city. You’ll enjoy electric and water hookups, fire rings, and peaceful lakeside views—perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers seeking a nature escape.

2. Old Hickory Lake – Hendersonville, TN

Distance from Nashville: 30 minutes

For a lakeside escape with endless water activities, Old Hickory Lake is a top pick. Several campgrounds around the lake cater to RVs with full hookups, picnic areas, and easy access to boat ramps and fishing piers.

What to Expect:

• Boating, fishing, and paddleboarding on the shimmering lake
  
  
• Sunrise views over calm waters, perfect for morning coffee or photography
  
  
• Evening barbecues by the shore, with fire rings for s’mores
  
  

Pro Tips:

• Bring your fishing gear—Old Hickory Lake is known for bass, catfish, and crappie.
  
  
• Some campgrounds offer kayak rentals and swimming beaches for family fun.
  
  

Why It’s Great for RV Camping:
You get a peaceful retreat without leaving the city’s edge. The combination of water sports, wildlife watching, and modern RV amenities makes it a perfect spot for long weekends or day trips.

3. Natchez Trace State Park – Wildersville, TN

Distance from Nashville: 1.5 hours

Nestled along scenic lakes and forest trails, Natchez Trace State Park provides a peaceful retreat for RV campers. Sites include hookups, picnic tables, and easy access to hiking and biking trails.

What to Expect:

• Fishing and boating on Trace Lake
  
  
• Miles of hiking and biking trails through lush forests and along streams
  
  
• Campfires, stargazing, and wildlife spotting including deer and turkeys
  
  

Pro Tips:

• Plan a hike on the park’s “West Fork Trail” for a mix of lakeside views and forest exploration.
  
  
• Reserve your site in summer; it fills quickly due to lake access.
  
  

Why It’s Ideal for RV Camping Near Nashville:
It offers a quiet, nature-filled escape with convenient modern amenities. Perfect for families, couples, or solo campers seeking a mix of activity and relaxation.

4. Rock Island State Park – Rock Island, TN

Distance from Nashville: 1.5 hours

Rock Island State Park features a picturesque river, waterfalls, and towering cliffs, providing a stunning backdrop for RV camping. Full hookup sites and riverside picnic areas make it an outdoor lover’s paradise.

What to Expect:

• Swimming or wading near cascading waterfalls
  
  
• Scenic hikes along the Caney Fork River, with hidden swimming holes
  
  
• Fishing, wildlife watching, and evening campfires by the water
  
  

Pro Tips:

• Don’t miss the Great Falls overlook for sunset photos.
  
  
• Water levels vary seasonally—check ahead for safe swimming and kayaking.
  
  

Why It’s Perfect for RV Camping:
The combination of riverfront beauty, waterfalls, and outdoor activities makes it ideal for both adventure seekers and those seeking peaceful relaxation. Sites have hookups and fire rings, giving campers the comfort of home amid wild surroundings.

5. Percy Priest Lake – Nashville, TN

Distance from Nashville: 20–30 minutes

For a quick getaway without leaving the city limits, Percy Priest Lake offers lakeside RV camping with easy access to boating, fishing, and walking trails. Sites range from primitive to full hookup, making it versatile for all RVers.

What to Expect:

• Sunrise fishing from the shore or dock
  
  
• Paddleboarding or kayaking in calm waters
  
  
• Evening grill-outs with the backdrop of Tennessee skies
  
  

Pro Tips:

• Early fall is ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds.
  
  
• Bring binoculars for birdwatching—this lake hosts a variety of waterfowl.
  
  

Why It’s Great for RV Camping:
You get the waterside experience without long drives. Perfect for spontaneous weekend escapes or day trips with friends and family, it combines natural beauty with convenience.

Pack the Grill, Grab the Chairs, and Hit the Water

RV camping near Nashville, TN offers the perfect combination of freedom, comfort, and scenic beauty. Whether you want to fish, hike, or just relax by the water with a good book, there’s a destination within reach—and your adventure starts with the right RV.

Start your trip with the best RV rental in Nashville. Browse RV Rentals Nashville fully-equipped RVs perfect for lakeside lounging, riverside retreats, or forested getaways. Choose your rig, pick your destination, and let the road lead to your next outdoor adventure.

Because the best vacations don’t come with room service—they come with wheels.