Natchez Trace Wilderness Preserve – Campground review

Located along the Natchez Trace Parkway in Tennessee is a beautiful 830-acre nature-focused campground that features a lake and some of the best outdoor resources & recreation in the area! Natchez Trace Wilderness Preserve is a large campground hosting over 300 RV sites, a tent campground and 40 rental cabins. The campground is located on the scenic banks of Chief Creek Lake where you can enjoy it from shore or while floating in a kayaks and canoes.

WARNING!! WARNING!! Warning!!

If traveling to the Wilderness Preserve please note that if you exit the Parkway at Napier Road, you will be required to go under the Parkway. The bridge here is only 11 feet high so if you have a big rig as I do you, approach the park from the south via US 64 to Turnpike Rd and then Napier.

Campground

Each campsite is positioned close together to get the maximum number of renters but there were many open spots and I did not feel congested. Sewer connections and 50 amp power is limited but if lucky you may snag one. I was not so lucky but the 30 amp provided all my electrical needs.

Amenities

As you enter through the gate house you will begin to see most of the campground’s recreational amenities. These are located in a large field on your left and in part include a miniature golf course, tennis courts, a track, a community red barn (set aside for actives), a swimming pool and a dog park.

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Along the lake you will find a boat launch, fish cleaning area, and a swimming beach. There are also some very nice sized cabins and a lodge that provide a relaxing view of the lake.

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There are limited RV sites (8 pull throughs) along the lake, the majority of the RV sites can be found in Phase I and Phase 2. Phase 2 is the larger of the two and has the most sites. Each Phase includes a dump station, public restroom/shower facility, dumpsters, and a common area. Phase 1 also has nice sized laundry facility.

I had virtually no cell signal (Verizon) so I was forced to purchase the campground WIFI. I am unsure if it was due to the number of RVer’s using the wifi or just my location but the signal was poor resulting in constantly losing my connection. However it did serve my needs durning my stay.

Local Attractions

The most obvious attraction is the Historic Natchez Trace Parkway. The 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 can also explore the Trace by hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the parkway.

One of the more distinctive attractions near the campground is the Meriwether Lewis (Lewis and Clark) memorial and burial site. This memorial was established to recognize the famed explorer Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Meriwether Lewis Monument is located along the Natchez Trace Parkway at the Tennessee Highway 20 exit. This is a nice park with restrooms, rv parking, hiking trails and exhibits.

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Another unique stop nearby is the David Crockett State Park near Lawrenceburg. This is the location of one of Davy Crocketts home. It is a beautiful park that includes a lake, small waterfall, museum, campground and an aviary showcasing some hawks and owls native to the area. It is free to the public and worth your time.

Supplies

If you are in need of supplies you have 3 options. Both Hohenwald and Summertown are small towns but do have a post office, gas stations and some local eateries. Hohenwald has a Walmart and a few of the common fast food restaurants. The third option is Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Here you have larger grocery stores such as Kroger, Save-a-Lot, Super Rama and a Walmart. There is also a regional hosital to take care of any medical needs, hardware stores and many of our favorite chain restaurants.

Summary

If you are looking for a great place in a natural setting to escape, then Natchez Trace Wilderness Preserve may be the place for you. Even though there were a lot of campers on site it was still quiet and I enjoyed sitting out in my recliner watching the leaves fall. Of course if you want more solitude just hop on the parkway and head in either direction. Nashville is only 80 miles north and Tulepo MS is about 130 miles via the Parkway.

I found this park very well cared for and the staff was very helpful. If traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway stop in and recharge your batteries, catch a fish or just lose track of time!