Is Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 first-come first-served or reservation?

Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 before I book?

Yes! Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 has 22 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9?

Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 have?

Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 has 32 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9?

Yes, pets are allowed at Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9?

Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9

4.55

357 reviews

191 Meriwether Lewis Park

B-Report Card

Featured in:Spring Camping Tennessee Camping Near Nashville Forest Camping Tennessee +2 more

Quick Facts

928 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

928 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

191 Meriwether Lewis Park

Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9

191 Meriwether Lewis Park

Nearby places

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

Weather at Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9

Best Time to Camp at Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9

Best season: fall. Fall offers the nicest combination of weather, colors, and activities — daytime highs are typically in the 50s–70s°F with crisp mornings and cool nights, making hiking and biking very comfortable. The hardwood ridges and valleys light up with oak, hickory, and maple color in October and early November, and wildlife viewing is excellent as deer and migratory birds become more active. Crowds are generally moderate (weekends busier), bugs decline, and the historic Natchez Trace setting is at its st Peak months: October, November, April, May

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring popular; reviews note blooming flowers and pleasant hiking conditions.

Planning Tips

About Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9

Meriwether Lewis Campground sits along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway near Hohenwald, Tennessee, operated by the National Park Service. The mid-sized facility offers paved sites for tents and RVs plus primitive options, all surrounded by hardwood ridges that blaze with color each fall. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and peaceful setting, though tick populations and poison ivy require awareness on trails.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the nicest combination of weather, colors, and activities — daytime highs are typically in the 50s–70s°F with crisp mornings and cool nights, making hiking and biking very comfortable. The hardwood ridges and valleys light up with oak, hickory, and maple color in October and early November, and wildlife viewing is excellent as deer and migratory birds become more active. Crowds are generally moderate (weekends busier), bugs decline, and the historic Natchez Trace setting is at its st Peak months: October, November, April, May

Elevation928 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 928 feet elevation within Central Tennessee's hardwood forests, where oak, hickory, and maple create a dense canopy over the limestone ridges and valleys that define this section of the Natchez Trace. Deer frequently appear near campsites, and the understory grows thick with native vegetation. Reviews consistently mention the shaded, peaceful setting, though the dense growth also harbors high tick populations and poison ivy that visitors should watch for.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not provide hotel-style lodging, cabins, or other accommodations aside from primitive camping sites for tents and RVs.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground includes historical exhibits and a memorial for Meriwether Lewis, offering cultural and educational opportunities for visitors.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

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

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.

Best CampsitesSite 5 is a pull-through that's easy to access even after dark. Reviews mention spacious paved sites throughout the campground, with both pull-throughs and back-ins available. Specific site recommendations beyond Site 5 aren't detailed in visitor feedback.

Amenities available

They do not offer electricity, showers, or dump stations. Drinkable water and flush toilets are available on site. The campsites have grill and fire pits and are surrounded by forest. There is one accessible site.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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.

Cell CoverageVaried user reviews indicate inconsistent cell phone coverage. For example, one visitor stated, 'Internet service was present at times. Phone service was a challenge as it was,' while another remarked, 'Verizon cell service works for calls and text messages but is spotty for internet.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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

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

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

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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Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

Go if

You want a quiet National Park Service campground with flush toilets and easy access to the Trace's hiking and biking.

Skip if

You're sensitive to ticks and poison ivy or need consistent ranger presence and security.

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Campgrounds

Natchez Trace Parkway

Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9

B-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 55% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 183 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A+.Value
Grade A-.Crowds & noise
Grade B+.Cleanliness

Watch-outs

Grade C-.Scenery
Grade C.Bugs & weather
Grade C.Staff & hosts

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Tennessee grades overall

About Natchez Trace Parkway

Context for the broader area surrounding Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states. It roughly follows the "Old Natchez Trace" a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, "Kaintucks," European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents. Today, people can enjoy not only a scenic drive but also hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the Parkway.

Directions

Directions to the Natchez Trace Parkway vary depending on what part of the tri-state Parkway you are trying to reach. There are more than 50 roads that access the Parkway in Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. For specific questions concerning how to get to a certain portion of the Parkway, please call the Visitor Center at 1-800-305-7417.

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