Clarksville sits at the Tennessee-Kentucky border, about 45 minutes northwest of Nashville on Interstate 24. It is the fifth-largest city in Tennessee, home to Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne Division, and surrounded by the kind of rolling hills, rivers, and caves that make Middle Tennessee one of the best camping regions in the Southeast.
The Cumberland River winds right through the city. Dunbar Cave State Park is 15 minutes from downtown. Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre outdoor recreation area, is under an hour’s drive. And Nashville’s honky-tonks, museums, and stadiums are close enough for a day trip without breaking camp. Whether you are tent camping with the kids, booking a cabin for a weekend getaway, or looking for a campground near Fort Campbell while visiting family, Clarksville has options. Here is what you need to know.
Why Clarksville Works as a Camping Base
A Mile Off I-24 Between Nashville and Kentucky
Clarksville sits on I-24, 45 minutes northwest of Nashville and right at the Kentucky border. That makes it one of the most practical camping bases in northern Middle Tennessee, whether you are passing through for a night or settling in for a week. Quick highway access without winding back roads is the draw, and the same geography makes it a workable home base for longer stays.
Close to Fort Campbell
Clarksville is home to Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne Division. Families visiting service members keep the campground busy year-round, and the resort is one of the closest camping options to the base. If you are camping while visiting family at Fort Campbell, ask about military discounts when you book.
Rivers, Caves, and a Day Trip to Nashville
The Cumberland River runs through the city, Dunbar Cave State Park is 15 minutes from downtown, and Land Between the Lakes sits 45 minutes northwest. Nashville’s Broadway, museums, and stadiums are 45 minutes southeast on I-24, close enough to enjoy without paying Nashville hotel prices.
Explore More Nearby
More RV parks and campgrounds near you:
Clarksville RV Resort by RJourney
Clarksville RV Resort by RJourney sits at 1270 Tylertown Road, a mile off I-24, and it is not just for RVs. The park welcomes tent campers and cabin guests too, making it the most versatile campground in the Clarksville area. The site mix carries full hookups (water, sewer, and 30/50-amp electric) in pull-through and back-in configurations, with water-and-electric-only sites available at a lower rate for shorter stays. A swimming pool, a fenced dog park, a playground, a pavilion, a camp store with RV supplies, and 24-hour laundry round out the amenity stack. Cabins are part of the inventory for guests traveling without a tent or camper. The location works on three fronts at once: an overnight for travelers running I-24 between Nashville and the Kentucky border, a home base for families visiting Fort Campbell, and an extended-stay option for traveling workers in the Clarksville area.
Sites & Hookups
Every full-hookup site carries water, sewer, and 30/50-amp electric in pull-through and back-in configurations. Water-and-electric-only sites are available at a lower rate for travelers who can dump on departure. The 50-amp service matters if you run a Class A or fifth wheel with multiple AC units through a Tennessee summer. Pull-throughs at the front of the park handle big rigs without a tight backing maneuver after a long I-24 day. Tent sites come with picnic tables and access to the full amenity lineup, and cabins are available for guests traveling without a rig. A dump station serves registered guests at no charge.
What's On-Site
The pool runs during warmer months from 10 AM to 8 PM. The fenced dog park gives dogs an off-leash run inside a dedicated section, and the 24-hour laundry handles late-night loads without a hard cutoff. The camp store carries propane, firewood, and RV supplies, so the basics stay covered without a run to town. The pavilion handles group gatherings, family reunions, and weekend cookouts, while cornhole, outdoor games, and seasonal social programming round out the activity calendar. WiFi covers the property, with a streaming-tier upgrade available for guests who want faster speeds.
What Guests Say
4.1 stars across 933 Google reviews. I-24 convenience is the most consistent compliment. Travelers running the corridor between Nashville and Kentucky use the exit because the on-off is clean and the pull-throughs are long enough to skip a backing maneuver after a long day. Fort Campbell families return because the park is reliably close to base. The pool, the dog park, the staff, and the cabin cleanliness are the four amenity-side themes that show up most often. What guests flag: the same I-24 proximity that makes the park easy to find means highway noise reaches the back-row sites closest to the interstate, and Fort Campbell helicopters pass overhead periodically. Front-row and interior sites stay quieter, and the value pitch lands strongest on stays of two or more nights.
Other Campgrounds Near Clarksville, TN
Clarksville RV Resort covers the basics and then some, but the surrounding area has camping options that trade amenities for wilderness or sit closer to Nashville. Availability and policies change, so call ahead before making plans.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
A 170,000-acre peninsula managed by the U.S. Forest Service with some of the best public camping in the region. Developed campgrounds offer electric hookups, water access, and bathhouses, plus backcountry camping for those who want off the grid. The Elk and Bison Prairie, Homeplace 1850s Working Farm, and Golden Pond Planetarium give kids plenty to do between hikes. Visit website.
Piney Campground
The most popular campground on the Tennessee side of LBL, with lakefront sites, a swimming beach, and a boat ramp. A developed option for campers who want the LBL experience with hookups and a bathhouse rather than backcountry primitive camping. Visit website.
Two Rivers Campground
A private campground near downtown Nashville for travelers who want to base closer to Broadway, the Grand Ole Opry, and the city’s attractions rather than in Clarksville. A good alternative when the focus of the trip is Nashville rather than Fort Campbell or LBL. Visit website.
Things to Do While Camping Near Clarksville
The Cumberland River runs through Clarksville and connects to a network of lakes and waterways. Liberty Park has a public marina and sits right on the river. Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, both reachable in under an hour, are premier spots for bass fishing, boating, and swimming. Dunbar Cave State Park also has a lake with fishing allowed with a valid Tennessee license.
Dunbar Cave State Park, 15 minutes east of downtown, protects one of the largest cave openings in the Southeast, with guided tours past prehistoric Native American artwork and several miles of wooded hiking trails. The cave stays a constant 58 degrees year-round, a welcome escape on hot summer days. Fort Donelson National Battlefield, 35 minutes west in Dover, preserves the site of one of the first major Union victories of the Civil War, with hiking trails along old fort earthworks and river views.
Nashville is 45 minutes southeast on I-24. You can spend the day on Broadway, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame or the Parthenon, catch a Predators or Titans game, and be back at your campfire by evening. Closer to camp, downtown Clarksville’s Riverwalk connects parks along the Cumberland, Strawberry Alley is the go-to block for restaurants and live music, and the Customs House Museum is Tennessee’s second-largest general museum. Fort Campbell’s Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum covers the history of the 101st Airborne Division and is free to the public with a valid ID.
Seasonal Camping Guide for Clarksville, TN
Spring (March through May)
Temperatures range from the 50s to the low 80s. Dogwoods and redbuds bloom across the hills. This is prime camping season: mild weather, lower crowds than summer, and trails in their best condition. The Downtown Market opens on Public Square in May with local produce and crafts every Saturday morning.
Summer (June through August)
Hot and humid, with highs regularly hitting the low to mid-90s. The pool at Clarksville RV Resort gets a workout. Evenings cool down enough for campfires, but you will want shade during the day. Beachaven Winery’s Jazz on the Lawn and dirt-track racing at Clarksville Speedway keep the calendar full.
Fall (September through November)
The best-kept secret for camping near Clarksville. Foliage peaks in late October, and daytime temps settle into the 60s and 70s. Riverfest, the city’s biggest annual festival, takes over McGregor Park in September with live music, food, and fireworks over the Cumberland. Campground availability opens up after Labor Day.
Winter (December through February)
Daytime highs hover in the 40s and 50s, and snow is rare. Christmas on the Cumberland runs from November through January with over a million lights along the Riverwalk, and it is free. Campground rates drop to their lowest, and you will have your pick of sites. Birders should head to Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge for peak waterfowl season.
Practical Camping Tips for the Clarksville Area
Clarksville RV Resort is a mile off I-24 with no winding back roads or tight turns. From Nashville, it is a straight shot northwest. From Kentucky, follow Tylertown Road.
Walmart, Kroger, and Publix are all within 10 to 15 minutes of the campground. If you forgot a tent pole or need a cooler, you will not have to drive far.
If you are camping while visiting family at Fort Campbell, Clarksville RV Resort is one of the closest campgrounds to the base. Ask about military discounts when you book.
Firewood is available at the camp store. Tennessee regulations prohibit transporting firewood more than 50 miles to prevent the spread of invasive insects, so buy local.
Highway noise reaches the back-row sites closest to I-24, and Fort Campbell helicopters pass over periodically. Request a front-row or interior site when you book if quiet matters.
Summer weekends and holiday periods fill up. Booking a week or two ahead is smart for peak season. Shoulder seasons are more flexible, but weekend availability still goes fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Clarksville, TN?
Clarksville RV Resort by RJourney is the most complete campground in the immediate area, with tent sites, cabins, a pool, playground, and fenced dog park at 1270 Tylertown Road. For backcountry and lakefront camping, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is about 45 minutes northwest with developed campgrounds and primitive sites on Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.
Can I tent camp at Clarksville RV Resort?
Yes. Clarksville RV Resort by RJourney welcomes tent campers. Sites include picnic tables, and you will have access to clean restrooms, hot showers, the swimming pool, playground, and all other park amenities. Tent site rates start at $34.60 per night.
Are there cabins near Clarksville, TN for camping trips?
Clarksville RV Resort offers cabin rentals for guests who want a campground experience without a tent or camper. Cabins provide a roof and climate control while keeping you close to the pool, playground, and outdoor spaces. Availability varies by season, so it is best to book ahead.
How much does camping near Clarksville, TN cost?
Nightly tent and campsite rates at Clarksville RV Resort start at $34.60. Monthly rates start at $800 for extended stays. Land Between the Lakes campgrounds vary by site type and amenities, and backcountry camping at LBL is available with a permit.
Is Clarksville a good base camp for exploring Middle Tennessee?
Clarksville’s location makes it ideal. Nashville is 45 minutes southeast. Land Between the Lakes is 45 minutes northwest. Dunbar Cave State Park is 15 minutes away. Fort Donelson and Dover are 35 minutes west. You can explore a different attraction every day without moving your campsite.
Are campgrounds near Clarksville, TN pet-friendly?
Clarksville RV Resort allows up to 2 pets per site or cabin with a $25 per-pet fee. The park has a fenced dog park for off-leash time, and pets must be leashed in all other areas. Land Between the Lakes also allows leashed pets at most campgrounds and on trails.
How far is Clarksville RV Resort from Fort Campbell?
Clarksville RV Resort is about 20 minutes from Fort Campbell, making it one of the closest campgrounds to the base for families visiting service members. Ask about military discounts when you book.
Book Your Clarksville Camping Trip
Clarksville RV Resort by RJourney gives you tent sites, cabins, a pool, a playground, and a fenced dog park, all a mile off I-24 with Nashville 45 minutes one direction and Land Between the Lakes 45 minutes the other. It is the most convenient campground in the area for families, pet owners, and anyone who wants more than a patch of dirt and a fire ring. Monthly rates start at $800 and nightly rates start at $34.60.
See all site types, rates, and live availability on the Clarksville RV Resort page.
Check Availability (931) 774-7901