Place to camp and fish?

[Jim]

Hi All,

I am thinking about taking my 3 year old son camping this Saturday and am looking for recommendations on a place to go. I am in Gallatin and would like to stay within an hour or so. I will be tent camping and hopefully taking the boat also so we can go fishing. The boat part is not required, but if not there would need to be something to do in the area.

I looked at Bledsoe Creek, but they are all full service RV sites and get filled pretty fast on Friday. Defeated Creek is similar.

Anyone have any recommendations for a good camping/fishing place?

Thanks in advance,
Jim

[tylerreid1234]

Cages Bend Campground,

https://plus.google.com/116689163350...ut?gl=us&hl=en

[Fish Whisperer]

Cages Bend is a good choice... Defeated Creek might be a little too far if your lil guy decides he doesn't like sleeping in a tent..

[Jdkxtreme]

Originally Posted by Jim

Hi All,

I am thinking about taking my 3 year old son camping this Saturday and am looking for recommendations on a place to go. I am in Gallatin and would like to stay within an hour or so. I will be tent camping and hopefully taking the boat also so we can go fishing. The boat part is not required, but if not there would need to be something to do in the area.

I looked at Bledsoe Creek, but they are all full service RV sites and get filled pretty fast on Friday. Defeated Creek is similar.

Anyone have any recommendations for a good camping/fishing place?

Thanks in advance,
Jim

I'm in the same boat as you. I to have a 3 year old son. I will be waiting to see how it turns out for you

[TNtransplant08]

The campground in Pooles Knob in Smyrna seems nice. They have quite a few sites by the wa.ter.They have a private boat ramp for campers. So if you get a lakeside site you can beach your boat there. Other than that, I don't think they have a playground for kids to play on.

[Travis C.]

We went to Dale Hollow Dam last fall for our first with the little ones last year. Avery was 1 and half while Emma was almost 4. The car ride over (2hrs from White House) was worse than the actual camping. They played non-stop throughout the campground supervised of course and never even got on the playground. Fished in Hatchery creek a few times with them and walked over to see the Hatchery as well.

This year in a couple weeks we're going to try Fall Creek Falls.

I had considered Cages Bend too but my wife wants to see the falls and hike some with the girls.

[browntrout]

You also have Long Branch which is below Center Hill dam. You can fish the lake side by using Edgar Evins boat ramps. There are also some hiking trails and other fun things to do at the park. You could also just camp at Edgar Evins park if you wanted to. I personally like Long Branch a little better. I also believe there is a playground at Long Branch also.

Roy

[Buccaneer]

Cedar Creek campground on Old Hickory - http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Ce...ex=CampingSpot

Defeated Creek at Cordell Hull is great.

[Jim]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

Does anyone know of primitive camping sites on any of the area lakes? I really am looking for a place we can beach the boat and set up a tent and have a small campfire. The campgrounds with RV sites are nice, but as I call around to them, it seems most sites are filled for Friday and Saturday and Saturday check in is not until 3:00pm.

I don't fish Percy Priest much, but have heard you can camp on the islands. Is this true and would it be safe enough?

We may limit this camping trip to all day Saturday and come home in the evening. I can see how he does sleeping in the tent for afternoon nap time. It will still be a big adventure for a little boy

Thanks again,
Jim

[nomad60]

Wow, Fall Creek Falls looks like a really beautiful area.

[jaycee]

I see people camping on the JPP Islands every time I fish. Spaces get taken sometimes on nice weather weekends and Holiday weekends. Call JPP Headquarters for info.

http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/op/JPP/rec/prim_camp.htm

Originally Posted by Jim

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

Does anyone know of primitive camping sites on any of the area lakes? I really am looking for a place we can beach the boat and set up a tent and have a small campfire. The campgrounds with RV sites are nice, but as I call around to them, it seems most sites are filled for Friday and Saturday and Saturday check in is not until 3:00pm.

I don't fish Percy Priest much, but have heard you can camp on the islands. Is this true and would it be safe enough?

We may limit this camping trip to all day Saturday and come home in the evening. I can see how he does sleeping in the tent for afternoon nap time. It will still be a big adventure for a little boy
Thanks again,
Jim

Put in at Misty Cove in Lebanon, Tn. Head to the river and turn left, go past the first green bouy and turn right into the first cove you come to. As soon as you come into the cove look to your right. I camp there several times, very secluded, no house at all in the entire cove. Nice sandy/gravel bottom to beach your boat. You can get to Misty Cove off hwy 231North.

[tkwalker]

Originally Posted by Tennesseejugger

Put in at Misty Cove in Lebanon, Tn. Head to the river and turn left, go past the first green bouy and turn right into the first cove you come to. As soon as you come into the cove look to your right. I camp there several times, very secluded, no house at all in the entire cove. Nice sandy/gravel bottom to beach your boat. You can get to Misty Cove off hwy 231North.

Don, I think that is Rocky Creek .... <'TK><

[Travis C.]

Here are a few pics from one of our fishing/camp trips to Bear Island on Percy.







We put in a Cooks then went straight across to the island and the back of the tent is pointing towards Suggs Creek. The boat pic is pointing towards Hobson Pike.

[nomad60]

Travis, (or anyone)

Do you know if Fall Creek Falls gets really crowded? I'd love to take my wife out there for a hike/picnic but I hate crowds. With a passion.