Poole Knobs
4.19277 reviews493 Jones Mill Road, LaVergne, TN, 37086, USA
Poole Knobs
$24.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary depending on site type: Standard Electric ($36-$45), Standard Nonelectric ($24), Tent Only Electric ($28), Tent Only Nonelectric ($24-$28),...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$45.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$119.00
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Recreation.gov
Provider615-459-6948
About this campground
Escape to Poole Knobs Campground, where Tennessee's natural beauty meets lakeside tranquility just a stone's throw from Nashville's vibrant energy. This waterfront haven invites you to cast a line into crystal-clear waters, launch your boat for a sunset cruise, or simply lose yourself in the peaceful rhythm of nature. Whether you're spotting deer at dawn, exploring scenic hiking trails, or gathering around the campfire under star-filled skies, Poole Knobs offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and serene relaxation.
The campground offers a mix of site types catering to various preferences, including standard electric, standard non-electric, tent-only, and a large group site.
Historical SignificancePoole Knobs sits alongside the historic J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake, a pioneering project that broke new ground in American recreation. As one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, this visionary development transformed the region into a recreational paradise, setting the standard for how communities could blend conservation with recreation for generations to come.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Tennessee's temperate climate at Poole Knobs, where an extended recreation season means more time for outdoor adventures. Summer days bring warm sunshine perfect for lake activities, though the humidity reminds you you're in the South. As evening approaches, a refreshing coolness settles over the campground, creating ideal conditions for campfire stories and peaceful stargazing.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled along the shimmering shores of J. Percy Priest Lake, Poole Knobs Campground is embraced by a tapestry of dense woodlands and open grasslands that paint the landscape in endless shades of green. Just beyond your campsite, the remarkable Cedar Glades Natural Area beckons with its rare ecosystem, where the endangered Tennessee coneflower blooms alongside other botanical treasures found nowhere else on Earth. This unique habitat creates a living museum of biodiversity, offering nature enthusiasts a front-row seat to one of Tennessee's most precious natural wonders.
Geological RegionCradled within Tennessee's iconic rolling hills, Poole Knobs Campground overlooks the magnificent expanse of J. Percy Priest Lake—a 42-mile ribbon of sapphire water stretching across 14,200 surface acres. This aquatic jewel is surrounded by an impressive 19,087-acre mosaic of verdant grasslands and ancient woodlands, creating a diverse ecosystem where water meets land in perfect harmony. The gentle undulations of the landscape tell the story of millennia, offering visitors a chance to explore one of Middle Tennessee's most captivating natural playgrounds.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe grounds are not particularly accessible for people with physical limitations. A reviewer with mobility difficulties noted, "I was told I could ride my golf cart to the bathhouse and back, but it was otherwise restricted."
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, with the group campsite accommodating up to 40 campers.
Sites PrivacyMany sites offer good privacy, surrounded by trees and wooded areas. "Beautifully spaced out sites with lots of foliage for privacy," noted one camper.
Total Campsites87 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose waterfront sites for lake access and sunsets. Avoid sites with steep slopes if leveling your RV is a concern.
Best CampsitesSites on the outer loop, particularly waterfront sites such as 46, 56-61, and 38-48, are highly recommended for their views and proximity to the lake.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights within any 30-day rolling period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Two tents or one tent and one RV permitted per site
- Multi-family sites double the tent/RV allowance.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 40 campers and is ideal for family gatherings and parties.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features one group campsite and 87 individual campsites divided into loops. Sites vary by access type (waterfront, tent-only, RV).
Open and Closed SeasonPoole Knobs Campground is open from May 1st to September 29th annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available on Recreation.gov and via its mobile application.
Walk-in AvailabilityA limited number of sites may be available on a first-come, first-serve basis outside of reservations.
Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies for all reservations canceled before the check-in date. Late cancellations for individual campsites incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fees, starting from midnight 1 day prior to check-in. No refunds for cancellations after the check-in date of the reservation.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Poole Knobs Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, especially focused on the lake and its natural surroundings. Fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing are popular activities. While the nearby Poole Knobs Archery Trail offers a unique 0.3-mile archery practice course, some activities like swimming are limited due to the absence of a designated swimming area or beach.
Hiking
Poole Knobs Archery Trail, a short 0.3-mile trail designed for archery practice, is available on-site. The trail features targets within the woods and is ideal for archers rather than hikers.Fishing
Fishing is a highlight, with multiple species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout, crappie, and catfish. Several reviewers mentioned successful catches, making it a great spot for anglers.Boating
The campground includes a boat ramp, allowing campers easy lake access. Boating opportunities are plentiful, though a reviewer noted the absence of a courtesy dock.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a popular activity, with sightings of bald eagles, box turtles, and various bird species mentioned by campers.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are common due to the easy lake access.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but only with locally sourced or collected firewood due to quarantine rules.
- Quiet hours are enforced during nighttime hours.
Hazards
General hazardsSkunks frequently visit the area; proper food storage is essential. Falling tree limbs have caused significant damage in storms.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Oct 11
Saturday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
LaVergne Fire Department and Police Department (Approximately 5 miles); TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center (10 miles)
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1st to September 29th annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but the campground lacks specific details about their locations or pickup schedules.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located on J. Percy Priest Lake. Many sites offer direct lake access or views.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints from campers about uneven sites, difficulty accessing bathhouses, rude hosts, and late check-out enforcement.
HostHosts and staff have mixed reviews. Some campers describe hosts as helpful and kind, while others report rude behavior.
Campground Map
493 Jones Mill Road, LaVergne, TN, 37086, USA
Driving directionsFrom downtown Nashville, TN, take I-40 east to I-24 east. After 15 miles take exit 66B and turn right onto Sam Ridley Parkway. Turn right onto Highway 41 north, and after about 1.5 miles turn right onto Fergus Road. Make another right onto Jones Mill Road and follow the signs to the campground after 4 miles.
The campground is located 4 miles off the main road and requires navigating through residential areas and narrow roads. Visitors have reported low hanging branches on Fergus Road, which can be problematic for larger vehicles.Nearby places
Nashville (10 miles, approximately 20 minutes driving)
Smyrna (5 miles, about 15 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Walmart and multiple supply centers in Smyrna (approximately 5 miles away) offer groceries, camping provisions, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.2
277 reviews
Poole Knobs is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight a mix of positive and negative experiences. While many praise the natural beauty, spacious sites, and lake access, others criticize issues like steep and uneven campsites, poor bathroom accessibility, and rude staff.
Review Summaries
Based on 277 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews frequently mention the spacious and well-shaded campsites, excellent lake views, and abundant recreational opportunities. "The lakefront site was perfect for fishing and relaxing,"...
Based on 277 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include steep and uneven campsites, inaccessible bathrooms, and instances of unprofessional staff behavior. "The bathrooms are inconveniently located, and the sites are far from...
Based on 277 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early to secure the best spots and bringing leveling equipment due to uneven terrain. "Leveling blocks are essential for RVs," suggested one reviewer.
Based on 277 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is only open seasonally from May to September. Summer is popular, but some campers noted high insect activity during this time.
Based on 277 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The view of the lake was breathtaking, but the steep hike to the bathroom was not," shared a camper. Another noted, "I loved the peace and quiet of the lake but wish the sites were more level."
Based on 277 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews mention that campsite #28 is prone to flooding, while sites #56-61 are recommended for their proximity to the lake.
Based on 277 reviewsAccessibility Features
A reviewer shared difficulty accessing facilities due to mobility restrictions, stating, "I was allowed to use my golf cart only for trips to the bathroom, which limited my experience."
Based on 277 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
While pets are allowed, a camper mentioned being admonished for their dog's barking despite no prior complaints during their 12-day stay.
Based on 277 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025