Tennessee Campgrounds Review

Tennessee Campgrounds Review
The Meriwether Lewis Site (Milepost 385) on the Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic site in Tennessee that includes 32 campgrounds, the Pioneer Cemetery, picnic tables, a ranger station, an historic exhibit and trails. There are also some campsites at Little Swan Creek, which is by the water. All sites offer a place to have campfires, grills and picnic tables.

Wows and Woes

The trails in the park are extensive and well maintained. You can hike for hours through some of the most scenic forests of Tennessee and then go back to the camp to clean up in the restrooms that provide showers. The campsites next to the water are beautiful, but depending on the temperature and season, the bugs can be a nuisance. Normally the park is not crowded, and you can expect maybe three to four other campers, unless it is a holiday.

Insider Tips

Bring food and supplies because there are no stores in the area. If you need something from town, you will have to drive at least 20 miles. Go with a group of people for safety. Go the speed limit on the Natchez Trace (50 mph) because it is strictly enforced and the fines are doubled. Watch out for poison ivy, as it is abundant in this area.

Bottom Line

This is one of the best southeast campgrounds, and its free. Also, if you want to drive farther on the Natchez Trace, you will find great stop-offs.

Author's Most Memorable Moment

After the long walk we took on the park's extensive trails, sitting on one of the campsite picnic tables and eating some grilled steaks that we cooked on the site's all-iron grills was very peaceful and enjoyable.

Article Written By Jason Gabriel

Jason Gabriel is a technical writer with a graduate degree from the University of Alabama. His work has been recognized and published by universities, businesses and the government. Gabriel was the winner of the Arizona Statehood Writing Contest.

Write for Trails.com
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