Thank you for visiting! This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
We’ve been to Natchez Trace State Park about four times, and it’s safe to say—if you’re looking for a solid camping spot in West Tennessee, this park is a great pick.
Before jumping into the review, let me quickly run through our approach to camping and the features we require in a campground (because they might differ from yours):
Proximity – Living in Nashville, we’re fortunate to have access to many beautiful state parks nearby. We don’t want to spend too much time driving, so we look for spots within a two-hour radius, with a maximum of three hours if it’s truly special.
Season – Spring and fall are when we like to camp, allowing us to avoid the intense summer heat. As a result, water activities aren’t a priority…neither is the need for cooling fans.
Tent Camping – There’s a charm in tent camping that I can’t quite let go of. It has a certain feeling and simplicity that we enjoy.
Running Water and Electric – These are non-negotiables for us. While I love the outdoors, there’s no need to suffer! I definitely believe in finding a balance between adventure and comfort.
Campground Features – For us, campgrounds should have decent bathroom facilities, access to purchase firewood, hiking trails, and areas of interest to explore. Thankfully, most parks fit our needs.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get started.
A little history
Located near Wildersville, Tennessee, Natchez Trace State Park covers about 10,000 acres of beautiful forest, lakes, and rolling hills. The park gets its name from the historic Natchez Trace trail—a major travel route used by Native Americans and early European settlers.
Today, Natchez Trace is one of the largest state parks in Tennessee and offers a wide variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, and camping. Its size and diversity make it a perfect spot for families, couples, or solo campers looking for both relaxation and adventure.
Campground Options
Natchez Trace actually offers multiple campgrounds, which is one of the really unique features about the park:
- Cub Lake Campground (sometimes called Campground #1) – This is the one we’ve stayed at every time. It’s great for tent campers and small RVs.
- Pin Oak Campground – Geared more toward larger RVs, with full hookups and lots of amenities (like a swimming beach and marina nearby).
- Wrangler Campground – A special campground for equestrians! If you have horses, this is your spot—it’s set up with water and posts to picket horses, and direct access to horseback riding trails. Horse stables are available for rent at the Equestrian Center.
Each campground has its own vibe, but Cub Lake Campground is where our experiences come from, and it’s perfect for families, tent campers, and anyone looking for a quieter, nature-focused stay.
Campsite recommendations
Cub Lake Campground has 23 sites and 1 bathhouse, and after our first visit a few years ago, we’ve gotten pretty savvy about which sites to book. Picking a good campsite is important—especially if you want a little space between neighbors—and it can be tricky. You’re usually working off an online map and a couple of tiny photos, which aren’t always super helpful.
Pro tip: after setting up camp, we like to walk around the campground and make note of the sites we want for next time. Keep in mind you’re not the only one using this method, so it’s always smart to book your site early online—especially in spring and fall when the weather is perfect.
Now, here are my top Cub Lake campsite picks:
First choice: Site #5. Add site #6 if you need extra space for friends or family.
Second choice: Site #22. Add site #23 if you’re traveling with another family.
Third choice: Site #8. Add site #9 for extra space.
We love site #5 because it feels tucked away—you don’t have neighbors directly across from you or right next to you (unless you bring your own crew). It feels much more private compared to most sites, which makes a big difference for us. That said, the sites at Cub Lake are smaller overall than what you’ll find at parks like Old Stone Fort. So, if you have a bigger tent setup, you’ll want to plan your space carefully.
Site #22 is right by the water, giving you a beautiful view and a relaxing atmosphere, while site 8 offers an easy setup and is a great option for traveling with friends or family close by.
Check out our walkthrough video for site #5…
Campground amenities
Cub Lake Campground offers one bathhouse. It’s pretty old, but it’s clean, well-maintained, heated in cooler weather, and easily walkable from all campsites. Showers are available, which is always a big plus for us after a long day outdoors.
The camp store is located a short drive away and is stocked with essentials like firewood, ice, snacks, and small camping supplies. You can even rent boats or fishing equipment if you’re feeling adventurous. The main visitor center isn’t too far either and offers more information about the park along with access to additional activities.
If you’re traveling with kids, there are three playgrounds either within the campground or very close by—perfect for letting the little ones burn off some extra energy. There is also a sandy swimming beach there.
The campground host’s RV is located right next to the bathhouse, so if you have any questions during your stay, help is close by. The host also sells firewood, which makes it easy to keep your campfire going without needing to make a special trip.
Hiking trails
Natchez Trace has plenty of hiking trails, ranging from short loops to longer, more challenging routes.
Some highlights:
- Red Leaves Trail – A 40-mile loop trail that gives you beautiful views of Pin Oak Lake. It’s well-marked and fairly easy to moderate.
- Cub Lake Trail – A 2.7-mile loop that’s a little more rugged and less traveled. Great if you’re looking for a quieter hike.
- Pin Oak Trail – About 1.05 miles around Pin Oak Lake, offering scenic views and nice spots to stop and enjoy the water.
Whether you want a quick nature stroll or a longer day hike, Natchez Trace has a variety of options that show off the beauty of West Tennessee, including this little poisonous guy (be careful out there, it is the Tennessee wilderness after all)…
My thoughts and rating
Natchez Trace State Park has earned its spot as one of our favorite Tennessee campgrounds. The combination of lake views, a private-feeling campsite, and plenty of outdoor activities makes it a great destination for families and nature lovers alike.
Pros:
- Beautiful, wooded setting with lake access
- Well-maintained bathrooms and showers
- Good access to hiking trails and fishing spots
- Great privacy in certain campsites (like Site #5!)
Cons:
- Some campsites are smaller than you might expect
- Park activities are spread out—you’ll probably need to drive to different areas
- All sites are along the same, single roadway, so you hear everyone coming in and out
My Rating: 4.2/5
We give Natchez Trace a strong 4.2 stars for its gorgeous setting, peaceful atmosphere, and solid campground amenities—the roadway is our biggest drawback. If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway filled with lake views, outdoor activities, and a little history, Natchez Trace is definitely worth the trip.
Helpful Links
- About the Park: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/natchez-trace
- Campground Information: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/campground/natchez-trace
- Activities: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/activities/natchez-trace
- Campground Map: https://tnstateparks.com/assets/pdf/additional-content/park-maps/Natchez_Trace_Campground_Map.pdf
- Park Trail Map: https://tnstateparks.com/assets/pdf/additional-content/park-maps/Natchez_Trace_web.png
- Campground Reservations: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/campground/natchez-trace or call 1-888-TN-PARKS (1-888-867-2757)
- Gift Shop and Visitor Info: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/gift-shops/natchez-trace
- Park Brochure: https://tnstateparks.com/assets/pdf/additional-content/park-brochures/Natchez_Trace_Brochure_2024_ForWeb.pdf
Contact info
Natchez Trace State Park Visitor Center:
24845 Natchez Trace Road
Wildersville, TN 38388
Phone: (731) 968-3742
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Monday through Friday and weekends seasonally)
Natchez Trace Camp Store
22421 Natchez Trace Road
Lexington, TN 38351
Visiting info
- Check-in: 4 PM
- Check-out: Noon
- Quiet Hours: 10 PM – 7 AM
Park trails
Pin Oak — 1.05 Miles — Natural Surface — Easy/Moderate
Deer — CLOSED
Fairview Gullies — 1.0 Miles — Natural Surface — Moderate
Cub Lake — Natchez Trace State Park — 2.7 Miles — Natural — Moderate
Fern Trail — 0.45 Miles — Natural Surface — Easy
Oak Ridge — 0.8 Miles — Natural Surface — Easy
Red Leaves — 40 Miles — Natural Surface — Moderate – Difficult (Please note: A portion of the Red Leaves Trail between Parson’s Rd. and Sulfur Fork is temporarily closed due to storm damage.)
Like this content? Make sure to subscribe to my emails so you always find out what’s happening next!
