Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9

4.57

357 reviews

191 Meriwether Lewis Park

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Spring Camping Tennessee Camping Near Nashville Forest Camping Tennessee +4 more

Quick Facts

928 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

928 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping is completely free, with no reservation fees or use fees.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

+1 (800) 305-7417natr_interpretation@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 357 reviews

298 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanspacious

"Meriwether Lewis Campground is highly praised for its peaceful atmosphere, historical significance, and clean facilities. However, some reviews highlight issues such as overgrown trails, ticks, and occasional disturbances from other campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

191 Meriwether Lewis Park

Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9

191 Meriwether Lewis Park

Driving directionsAt milepost 385.9, exit off the Natchez Trace Parkway. At the dead end, turn right, follow to the fork in the road and turn right. Take the second right to enter into the campground.

Paved roads lead to the campground from the Natchez Trace Parkway. Seasonal closures and adverse weather are not mentioned, suggesting year-round accessibility.

Nearby places

Hohenwald, TN (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes by car).

Nearby supplies

Hohenwald, TN, approximately 7 miles away, offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9

Tennessee's gentle climate graces this woodland retreat with comfortable temperatures throughout the year, punctuated by refreshing rain showers that keep the forest lush and vibrant. While adventurers can pitch their tents any season, late spring transforms the campground into a botanical wonderland of wildflowers and fresh greenery, while early autumn paints the canopy in brilliant golds and crimsons. These shoulder seasons offer the perfect balance of pleasant weather and nature's most spectacular displays.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open in summer but reviewers note heat can be challenging some days.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is popular for milder weather and scenic foliage; reviewers favor spring/fall.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring popular for blooms and mild weather; reviewers highlight spring visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; quieter in winter but requires preparation for cold weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No peak seasons specified; the campground appears to operate year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: No active alerts are specified in authoritative sources.

About Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9

Nestled in the serene woodlands along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, Meriwether Lewis Campground beckons travelers with 32 complimentary campsites that blend modern comfort with rustic charm. While you won't find electrical hookups or showers here, the campground compensates with smooth paved roads, clean flush toilets, and fresh drinking water. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to meandering hiking trails and fascinating historical exhibits, where the whispers of America's past meet the tranquility of Tennessee's natural splendor.

The Meriwether Lewis Campground provides primitive camping options, accommodating both tents and RVs. All camping is on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations.

Historical SignificanceHistory comes alive at this campground, where you're just moments away from the final resting place of the legendary explorer Meriwether Lewis. The surrounding Natchez Trace Parkway tells the story of centuries-old Native American trails, frontier post riders, and traveling preachers who shaped the American frontier. Each campsite connects you to this storied corridor that has witnessed the footsteps of countless travelers throughout our nation's journey.

Weather and SeasonsTennessee's gentle climate graces this woodland retreat with comfortable temperatures throughout the year, punctuated by refreshing rain showers that keep the forest lush and vibrant. While adventurers can pitch their tents any season, late spring transforms the campground into a botanical wonderland of wildflowers and fresh greenery, while early autumn paints the canopy in brilliant golds and crimsons. These shoulder seasons offer the perfect balance of pleasant weather and nature's most spectacular displays.

ElevationPerched atop a gentle Tennessee hilltop, the campground offers a commanding view of the surrounding woodland valleys. This elevated position not only provides natural drainage during rainy weather but also captures cooling breezes that whisper through the trees, creating a naturally comfortable environment even during warmer months.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a cathedral of towering hardwoods where morning mist dances between ancient trees and wildlife awakens with the dawn. Visitors consistently marvel at the campground's enchanting atmosphere, where deer might graze near your tent and songbirds provide nature's alarm clock. The dense canopy creates intimate, shaded sites that feel worlds away from civilization, while the understory blooms with native wildflowers and ferns that carpet the forest floor.

Geological RegionSet within Central Tennessee's rolling hills, the campground showcases the region's characteristic hardwood forests that have flourished along the Natchez Trace for millennia. This geological tapestry of limestone ridges and fertile valleys has created an ecosystem where oak, hickory, and maple trees thrive, forming the iconic woodland landscape that defines this historically significant parkway corridor.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specific check-in time mentioned.

Check-out

No specific check-out time mentioned.

Stay Limit

Visitors can stay up to 14 days per calendar year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests per site are not explicitly stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutPaved sites are laid out in loops with a mix of pull-through and back-in spots.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required; sites are first-come, first-serve.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve, with no reservation system.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are not applicable since the sites are first-come, first-serve. Cancellation policies hence do not apply.

AccessibilityThe campground has one designated handicap-accessible site located near the bathroom. Paved sites also make the campground easier to navigate for some individuals with mobility concerns.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, allowing for easy parking of various RV sizes and tents. Some pull-through sites are available.

PrivacySites are spaced out enough to offer some level of privacy, though the presence of many RVs can reduce the feeling of seclusion.

Total Campsites32 campsites

Recommended SitesTo avoid tick-heavy areas, consider staying closer to the paved roads. For better privacy, pull-through sites are recommended.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The Meriwether Lewis Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities suitable for nature enthusiasts and history buffs. Campers can explore hiking trails, enjoy the serenity of the Old Trace, and visit historical exhibits, including the gravesite of Meriwether Lewis. Wildlife viewing is another highlight.

HikingThe campground features hiking trails, including sections of the historic Old Trace. However, some users have noted overgrowth and issues such as ticks on the trails ('We tried to hike the loop, but it was really overgrown and the ticks were bad,' reported user Brianna B).

SwimmingNo designated swimming areas are provided within the campground itself, but some visitors mentioned bathing in nearby creeks and rivers, such as Little Swan Creek and Metal Ford on the Buffalo River.

BikingThe paved roads within the campground are suitable for biking, and some visitors specifically mentioned enjoying bike rides along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway.

Wildlife viewingBird watching and encounters with local fauna, such as squirrels, are common. One reviewer described, 'You'll fall asleep to the sound of the whippoorwill's call and wake to the sound of all their bird friends.'

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe campground includes historical exhibits and a memorial for Meriwether Lewis, offering cultural and educational opportunities for visitors.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention ticks, poison ivy, and a 4-foot rattlesnake sighting as potential hazards.

Active AlertsNo active alerts are specified in authoritative sources.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted at designated fire rings; wood must be scrounged from the area.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Generators are not allowed after 9 PM, as noted by user reviews.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are in Hohenwald, approximately 7 miles away, including hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are located at each site, and staff reportedly pick up trash daily. Some reviewers noted that trash bags are provided by staff.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near creeks and waterfalls, including Metal Ford and the Buffalo River.

Camp HostCampground hosts are mentioned as being friendly and helpful, with periodic trash pickup and restroom cleaning.

Weather at Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9

Reviews

4.6

357 reviews

Top-Rated

Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Meriwether Lewis Campground is highly praised for its peaceful atmosphere, historical significance, and clean facilities. However, some reviews highlight issues such as overgrown trails, ticks, and occasional disturbances from other campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 357 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently mention the campground's cleanliness, the spacious and paved sites, and the beauty of the natural surroundings. Common phrases include 'clean bathrooms,' 'quiet and peaceful,'...

Based on 357 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include overgrown trails, high tick populations, inconsistent cell service, and the presence of some long-term campers who may not adhere to rules. A few reviewers also noted safety...

Based on 357 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends. 2. Bring bug repellent to address issues with ticks. 3. Prepare for primitive camping with no hookups or showers. 4. Explore the historical...

Based on 357 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are popular due to milder weather and blooming flowers. Summer can be hot, and some campers noted challenges with heat. Winter camping is quieter but requires preparation for cold...

Based on 357 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This was a beautiful campground!!! I live near Nashville and can't afford much at the moment. Very dark and creepy at night.. lol.. VERY DARK!!!!' - Marc Bills. 2. 'The flush toilets are probably...

Based on 357 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5 is a pull-through site noted for being easy to access even in the dark. Other pull-through and back-in sites are also highlighted for their spacious layouts.

Based on 357 reviews

Accessibility Features

A designated handicap-accessible site near the restroom is mentioned as a key feature for accessibility.

Based on 357 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground allows pets, and many campers brought their dogs. 'Our neighbors were super friendly and you could definitely bring your dog here!' - Emily Smith.

Based on 357 reviews

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