Thing to Do
Campgrounds on the Natchez Trace Parkway
NPS Photo / Allison Chapman
The Natchez Trace Parkway manages three campgrounds along the length of the 444-mile Parkway. The three Parkway campgrounds are free, primitive, and available on a first come, first serve basis. They do not offer electricity, showers, or dump stations. The maximum stay at our campgrounds is 14 days.
Check out specific information about each front-country campground. Or navigate back to our front page and select the "Where to Stay" button.
Camping must take place within designated campgrounds. The Natchez Trace Parkway does not allow dispersed camping.
- Exception: Through hikers may apply for a permit to camp in places other than the campgrounds.
- Those who are biking the Parkway may be interested in the bicycle-only campgrounds along the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Note: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has banned the transport of firewood from some states to prevent the spread of highly destructive insects.
Details
Duration
1-14 Days
Camping in designated campgrounds is limited to 14 consecutive days in any one campground and 30 days total for a calendar year.
Activity
Car or Front Country Camping
Tent, or RV camping in designated campgrounds
Age(s)
0-99
Everyone enjoys camping.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Only two pets are allowed in a campsite and must be on a leash, not exceeding six feet, or physically confined.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway manages three campgrounds along the length of the 444 mile Parkway. Those campgrounds are Meriwether Lewis at Milepost 385.9, Jeff Busby at Milepost 193.1 and Rocky Springs at Milepost 54. The three Parkway campgrounds are free, primitive, and available on a first come, first serve basis. They do not offer electricity, showers, or dump stations.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
The campgrounds may be closed during any season due to adverse weather.
Time of Day
Any Time
The campgrounds are open 24 hours.
Accessibility Information
Each campground has an accessible site. Please see the individual campgrounds for details.
Open
- Cell Phone Reception
- Yes, Year-Round
- Internet Connectivity
- No
- Trash/Recycling Collection
- Yes, Year-Round
- Food Storage Lockers
- No
- Camp Store
- No
- Ice for Sale
- No
- Firewood for Sale
- No
- Staff On Site
- No
- Amphitheater
- Yes, Year-Round
- Laundry
- No
- Dump Station
- No
- Potable Water
- Non-Potable Water
Rocky Springs Campground, milepost 54.8, on the southern end of the Parkway, includes a 22-site campground, picnic tables, intermittent restrooms, a section of the Old Trace, self-guiding walking trails through the old town site. Campground sites are on a first come first served basis, no reservations. Pull-through and back-in sites are available. Campgrounds are typically the busiest during the spring and fall, especially during holiday weekends. Potable water may be an issue. Plan to be self-contained.
TOTAL SITES: 22
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 0
Walk to/Boat to: 0
Group: 0
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Open
- Cell Phone Reception
- Yes, Year-Round
- Internet Connectivity
- No
- Trash/Recycling Collection
- Yes, Year-Round
- Food Storage Lockers
- No
- Camp Store
- No
- Ice for Sale
- No
- Firewood for Sale
- No
- Staff On Site
- Yes, Seasonal
- Amphitheater
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Dump Station
- No
- Potable Water
- Potable Water
Jeff Busby Campground at milepost 193.1, midway on the Parkway, includes an 18-site campground, picnic tables, restrooms, trails, exhibits and an overlook atop Little Mountain. Campground sites are on a first come first served basis, no reservations. Pull-through and back-in sites are available. Campgrounds are typically busiest during the spring and fall, especially during holiday weekends. There is no fee for camping. There is a 14 day stay limit.
TOTAL SITES: 18
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 0
Walk to/Boat to: 0
Group: 0
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Open
- Cell Phone Reception
- No
- Internet Connectivity
- No
- Trash/Recycling Collection
- Yes, Year-Round
- Food Storage Lockers
- No
- Camp Store
- No
- Ice for Sale
- No
- Firewood for Sale
- No
- Staff On Site
- Yes, Seasonal
- Amphitheater
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Dump Station
- No
- Potable Water
- Potable Water
The Meriwether Lewis Campground at milepost 385.9, on the northern end of the Parkway, has 32 sites. All sites are free and available on a first-come, first served basis. They do not offer electricity, showers, or dump stations. Drinkable water and flush toilets are available on site.
Enjoy the Meriwether Lewis site which includes hiking trails, a section of Old Trace, exhibits and picnic areas.
Enjoy the Meriwether Lewis site which includes hiking trails, a section of Old Trace, exhibits and picnic areas.
TOTAL SITES: 31
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 0
Walk to/Boat to: 0
Group: 0
Horse: 0
Other: 1
Last updated: April 10, 2023