Last updated: April 10, 2023
Thing to Do
Tent Camping on the Natchez Trace
NPS Photo
Whether you are friends, family, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts or youth groups camping along the Natchez Trace can be a fun and exciting chance to slow down your pace and experience everything the Parkway has to offer.
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. The maximum stay at our campgrounds is 14 days. All camping must take place within designated campgrounds. The Natchez Trace Parkway and the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail do not allow dispersed camping. Those who are biking the Parkway may be interested in the bicycle-only campgrounds along the Natchez Trace Parkway.
See Alerts & Conditions for additional information.
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.
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. The maximum stay at our campgrounds is 14 days. All camping must take place within designated campgrounds. The Natchez Trace Parkway and the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail do not allow dispersed camping. Those who are biking the Parkway may be interested in the bicycle-only campgrounds along the Natchez Trace Parkway.
See Alerts & Conditions for additional information.
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
2-14 Days
Camping is permitted for 14 days total in a calendar year.
Activity
Car or Front Country Camping
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets must be on a six foot leash at all times. Owners are responsible for picking up after their pets.
Activity Fee
No
Camping sites are free and first come first served.
Location
Natchez Trace Parkway
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Spring and Fall are the busiest times at our campgrounds. Fall is considered mid October to almost Thanksgiving along the Parkway.
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
The roadway through all three campgrounds is paved and many of the camping sites have paved parking. There is one handicap accessible site near each of the bathrooms in the campgrounds