Anderson Road Campground
4.50148 reviews4010 Anderson Road, Nashville, TN, 37217, USA
Anderson Road Campground
$24.00 - $36.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$36.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees vary by site type and season. Peak season rates for Standard Electric sites are $36/night, and Standard Nonelectric sites are $24/night. A $10 transaction fee applies for canceled reservations.
About this campground
Nestled along the shimmering shores of J. Percy Priest Lake, Anderson Road Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 37 generously sized campsites tucked beneath a canopy of shade trees. This lakeside haven seamlessly blends natural tranquility with modern conveniences, featuring a well-maintained boat ramp for aquatic adventures, a convenient dump station, and refreshing shower facilities. Just steps away, a inviting day-use area awaits with picnic tables perfectly positioned for lakeside dining, sizzling grills for memorable cookouts, and a pristine swimming beach where families can splash in the crystal-clear waters.
Anderson Road Campground caters to a variety of campers, including tent campers, RVers, and group campers. It offers sites with and without electricity.
Historical SignificanceRising from the waters since 1968, the magnificent J Percy Priest Dam stands as a testament to visionary engineering that placed recreation at the heart of its mission. This forward-thinking approach transformed the landscape into a playground for generations of outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby Cedar Glades Natural Area adds layers of ecological significance to your camping experience, preserving unique habitats that have evolved over millennia.
Weather and SeasonsTennessee's gracious temperate climate extends a warm welcome to campers throughout much of the year, creating an extended season for outdoor adventures. While occasional rain showers and the region's characteristic humidity add authenticity to the Southern camping experience, they also nurture the lush greenery that makes this campground so enchanting. Savvy campers come prepared for nature's moods and are rewarded with spectacular sunrises over the lake and the sweet symphony of rain on canvas.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle lapping of J. Percy Priest Lake against the shoreline, where morning mist dances across the water's surface. The campground's prime location offers front-row seats to nature's daily performances, from graceful waterfowl gliding across the lake to wild turkeys strutting through the understory. Deer emerge at twilight to graze in nearby meadows, while the surrounding tapestry of grasslands and woodlands creates an ever-changing palette of colors through the seasons. The adjacent Cedar Glades Natural Area showcases nature's resilience and diversity in dramatic fashion.
Geological RegionCradled within Tennessee's legendary green hills, Anderson Road Campground serves as your gateway to the ecological treasures of the J. Percy Priest Lake region. This remarkable landscape weaves together ancient cedar glades, rolling grasslands, and dense woodlands into a living mosaic of biodiversity. The crown jewel of the area's natural heritage is the Cedar Glades Natural Area, where the rare Tennessee coneflower blooms alongside other botanical wonders. This unique ecosystem supports an impressive array of wildlife, creating endless opportunities for nature observation and photography against the backdrop of one of Tennessee's most beloved recreational lakes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly stated in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe 37 campsites are described as spacious, with some being large enough to accommodate big rigs and RVs.
Sites PrivacySites provide varying levels of privacy, with many reviewers praising how spread out and secluded some sites are. Certain sites are heavily shaded and surrounded by trees, providing natural screening.
Total Campsites37 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose lakefront sites for better views and proximity to water. Sites with electricity and water (1–10) provide added convenience.
Best CampsitesHighly praised sites include 27 (large, private, lake-access trail), 22 (secluded), and 03 (lakefront with hookups).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3PM
Check-out
11 AM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Two tents or one tent and one RV are permitted per campsite. Two vehicles allowed per site.
Groups
Group site details are not provided in the source materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops with spacious sites providing privacy. Some sites are pull-through and others are back-in.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates from May 12 to September 29, with reservations available during peak season (June 20 - September 29).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or the mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome reviews suggest walk-up availability is limited, but no official information is provided.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 fee applies to cancellations made prior to the arrival date. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee. Cancellations on the day of check-in are not permitted.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Anderson Road Campground offers a range of recreational activities suitable for all ages. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Anderson Road Fitness Trail provides an additional opportunity for hiking and exercise.
Hiking
The Anderson Road Fitness Trail is a paved trail that winds a little over a mile through a cedar glade area beside the lake, suitable for casual walkers and fitness enthusiasts.Fishing
Fishing is a major highlight, with species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, Cherokee bass, catfish, bluegill, bream, and trout available. Younger anglers are likely to have enjoyable fishing experiences.Swimming
A designated swimming beach is located within a nearby Day Use area, providing access to the lake. However, there is no direct beach access from the campsites.Boating
The campground features a boat ramp, making it convenient for boating and canoeing enthusiasts. A few reviewers enjoyed kayaking.Wildlife viewing
The Cedar Glades Natural Area nearby provides opportunities to observe diverse wildlife, including ducks, deer, and turkeys. Reviewers mentioned enjoyable sightings of ducks and other animals during their stay.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are described in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are popular among visitors.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood from outside the area is prohibited to prevent the spread of pests. Fire pits are provided at each campsite.
- Quiet hours are in effect, but enforcement is often criticized.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are prevalent; visitors frequently mention the need for bug spray. Rocky and uneven terrain at tent sites and steep slopes may pose challenges, as noted in user reviews.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 1.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
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
Closest hospital, police station, and emergency services are located in downtown Nashville, approximately 10 miles (15-20 minutes by car) from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 20 – September 29
Trash and recyclingNo specific details about trash and recycling facilities are provided. However, some reviewers mentioned litter being an issue in areas near the lake.
Proximity to water featuresClose to J Percy Priest Lake, with some campsites offering direct waterfront access. Nearby Day Use area includes a swimming beach.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include noise levels, lack of enforcement of campground rules, rocky and uneven tent sites, unsightly maintenance issues, and insufficient lake access.
HostHosts like Tonya and Bobby are widely praised for their friendliness and helpfulness.
Campground Map
4010 Anderson Road, Nashville, TN, 37217, USA
Driving directionsFrom downtown Nashville, TN, take I-40 east for 5 miles to exit 219. Turn right on Stewarts Ferry Pike and continue straight on Bell Road for 5 miles. Turn left on Smith Springs Road, then left on Anderson Road. The campground is ahead about 1 mile on the left or continue straight on Anderson Road to access the day use area and shelter.
The campground is easily accessible via paved roads from major highways, including I-40. However, reports indicate issues with road conditions such as asphalt wear and uneven surfaces in the access roads leading directly to some campsites.Nearby places
Nashville (10 miles, approximately 15-20 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
Nearby grocery stores, gas stations, and camping supply shops can be accessed within a short drive from the campground, such as the nearby Nashville Shores area.
Camper Reviews
4.5
148 reviews
Anderson Road Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Anderson Road Campground range from highly positive to sharply critical. Positive remarks highlight the campground's spacious campsites, proximity to the lake, and friendly staff. Negative reviews often focus on noise levels, inadequate maintenance of facilities like showers, and the lack of enforcement of campground rules. The average sentiment is around 4.36, reflecting overall satisfaction but with notable shortcomings.
Review Summaries
Based on 148 reviews
What Campers Love
Spacious and private campsites, beautiful lake views, friendly and helpful staff, clean restrooms, and good proximity to Nashville.
Based on 148 reviewsCommon Concerns
Noise from nearby urban areas, poorly maintained showers, unlevel sites, insufficient enforcement of rules, and litter near the lake.
Based on 148 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray, especially for areas near the lake. Avoid peak hours or weekends if you want a quieter experience. Some reviewers suggest calling ahead to check the status of showers and plumbing....
Based on 148 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight the popularity of swimming and boating activities but also mention mosquitoes and noise. Fall reviews tend to emphasize the scenic beauty and quieter atmosphere. Spring...
Based on 148 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Our site had easy access to the lake with electric & water hookups." - Randall F. "Showers were disgusting—mold, bugs, and trash in all of the stalls." - Sutter L. "Beautiful area and very scenic."...
Based on 148 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #26 is noted for its privacy but experiences noise from nearby roads. Site #27 is described as large and private, with direct trail access to the lake, but bug spray is highly recommended. Site...
Based on 148 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features were not explicitly reviewed by users.
Based on 148 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed. One reviewer mentioned bringing their pet and having a positive experience with the campground's pet-friendly policies.
Based on 148 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025