RV Rental Clarksville, TN

Clarksville is the fifth-largest city in Tennessee and is one of the largest cities in the Midwestern United States. It is the county seat of Montgomery County and lies on the Cumberland River, which forms a border between Tennessee and Kentucky. Clarksville is home to Austin Peay State University, Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

As of 2020, Clarksville's population was 166,722. The city was founded in 1784 by George Rogers Clark, a Revolutionary War veteran and frontiersman. It was named after him when it received its charter in 1807. Clarksville grew rapidly during the 19th century as a pioneer town. It was mostly settled by people seeking new land to farm or move westward. By 1850, more than 3,000 residents had already settled in Clarksville.

During the Civil War, Clarksville was occupied by Union troops from 1862 until 1863. This was when Confederate troops recaptured it for a brief time before finally being forced out by Union troops again in 1865. After the war ended, Clarksville became an industrial center due to its strategic location along major transportation routes such as railroads and rivers. The city's economy has diversified over time. It is a regional hub for healthcare and education with several hospitals and universities.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, camping, and fishing in the nearby surrounding area. For those looking for a more urban experience, downtown Clarksville offers plenty of restaurants, shops, galleries and events to explore. There are also several historical sites to visit in the city, such as Fort Defiance Park and Museum and the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center.

Campgrounds Near Clarksville, Tennessee

Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort is located an hour and five minutes southeast of Clarksville. The resort offers various amenities and activities to keep you entertained. From fishing and swimming in one of the many lakes on-site to exploring the nearby hiking trails, there's something for everyone at Nashville Shores. The resort also features a state-of-the-art RV park with all the hookups and amenities you need to make your stay comfortable. 

An hour and five minutes southwest of Clarksville, Loretta Lynn's Ranch and Campground allows visitors to explore the life of one of Nashville's top country music stars. Tours and concerts centered on her name provide an entertaining way to learn more about their favorite artist while the shops and eateries make the experience even more enjoyable. Though it is not the most secluded location, RVers can still appreciate some peace and tranquility at their campsite with nature providing its soundtrack. Guests are in for a fun time with many activities, including a playground, game room and swimming pool.

Cheatham Lock and Dam Campground, located on the banks of Cheatham Lake, 40 minutes southeast of Clarksville, offers excellent boating, fishing and nature exploration opportunities. Additionally, the expansive grounds are lined with mature trees and grassy meadows, creating a peaceful environment for camping.

National Parks Near Clarksville, Tennessee

Mammoth Cave National Park in Central Kentucky, an hour and 45 minutes northeast of Clarksville, encompasses portions of Mammoth Cave, the world's largest cave system. Since the early 19th century, parts of the cave have been used as a commercial tourist attraction. On July 1, 1941, it was designated as a national park, and it has since been developed as an ecotourism destination with a greater emphasis on preserving its natural state. Every year, approximately 2 million people visit the park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, four hours northwest of Clarksville. The park spans 522,419 acres and consists of many wildlife and plants. While at the park, you can picnic, camp, hike and fish. Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934 and is one of the most visited national parks in the country. Over 11 million people visit the park annually to experience its beauty and majestic scenery. The park also features various historical sites, including early settler cabins and Appalachian Trail shelters.

Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, four hours and five minutes northwest of Clarksville. The park includes the Gateway Arch, the world's tallest arch, and the surrounding grounds. It covers an area of 91.429 acres, and about 4 million people visit each year. The Gateway Arch was built in 1966 as a monument to Westward expansion in the U.S. It is made of stainless steel and is 630 feet high. The arch has a museum at its base that details the history of St. Louis and Westward expansion. The park grounds include the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which commemorates President Thomas Jefferson and the Lewis and Clark expedition; the Old Courthouse, where the Dred Scott case was tried; and Luther Ely Smith Square, a plaza with fountains and sculptures. There are also several trails for hiking and biking and a visitor's center with exhibits about the park's history and culture.

State Parks Near Clarksville, Tennessee

At Lake Malone State Park, located in southwest Kentucky, an hour and 15 minutes northeast of Clarksville, you can go hiking, fishing, swimming and boating. There are also several picnic areas and playgrounds for families to enjoy. The highlight of the park is, undoubtedly, the lake itself. Lake Malone is a man-made lake that covers over 338 acres. Visitors can also enjoy scenic views of the lake from various lookout points around the park.

Montgomery Bell State Park is located in Dickson and Montgomery Counties, approximately 45 minutes south of Clarksville. The park features an inn and conference center and various cabins and camping sites. The park also offers various activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking and swimming. Several historical sites are also located within the park, including the Montgomery Bell Academy Museum and the Harpeth River Archaeological Site.

Situated atop a picturesque bluff overlooking Lake Barkley, an hour northwest of Clarksville, Lake Barkley State Resort Park is one of Kentucky's premier outdoor recreation and relaxation destinations. The 58,000-surface-acre park features a lodge, cottages, an 18-hole golf course, a conference center, a restaurant and a marina. Visitors can participate in various activities, including swimming, biking, boating, hiking and fishing. The park also hosts several special events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals and Halloween Hayrides.

National Sites Near Clarksville, Tennessee

Two hours and 25 minutes northeast of Clarksville, the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Lincoln City, Indiana pays tribute to the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The site contains a replica of his childhood home and an exhibit-filled museum about his life and presidency. Along with educational experiences provided by staff rangers, guests can take pleasure in the visuals of the location. Created by Congress in 1962, it is run by the National Park Service with no cost of admission or parking. All are welcome to visit anytime throughout the year.

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, two hours and 50 minutes north of Clarksville, honors the life and accomplishments of George Rogers Clark, a key figure in the American Revolution and the early history of the country. The park, located in Indiana, features several historical sites and exhibits that tell the story of Clark's life and times. Park visitors can learn about Clark's military campaigns, explorations of the American West and work as a pioneer settler in the Ohio Valley. The park also includes a recreation of Fort Randolph, an important stronghold during the Revolutionary War.

In Kentucky, two and a half hours northeast of Clarksville, the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park commemorates the site of President Abraham Lincoln's birth and early childhood. The park includes a memorial building, a museum and the reconstructed cabin where Lincoln was born. Visitors can also tour the local cemetery where Lincoln's father is buried. The park was established in 1916, and the memorial building was completed in 1928. The museum features exhibits on Lincoln's life and times as well as the history of Kentucky. The cabin where he was born has been restored to its original appearance and is open to the public.

National Forests Near Clarksville, Tennessee

The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area lies in portions of Kentucky and Tennessee, 45 minutes northwest of Clarksville. The recreation area consists of two lakes, Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, which are separated by a land bridge. The recreation area is overseen by the U.S. Forest Service and is managed as a cooperative effort between the federal government and the states of Kentucky and Tennessee. There are many different things to do at the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, such as camping, hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, bird-watching, horseback riding and more. There are also several museums and educational centers located within the recreation area.

Hoosier National Forest is located in southern Indiana, three hours and 15 minutes northeast of Clarksville. The forest is 200,000 acres and is a sanctuary for many plants and animals. Hoosier National Forest is a popular place to go hiking, fishing, picnicking and camping. There are over 400 miles of trails in the forest as well as several campgrounds and picnic areas. The forest is also a habitat for various wildlife, including deer, squirrels, birds and fish.

Shawnee National Forest lies between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers in southern Illinois, two hours northwest of Clarksville, and includes over 200,000 of land. A diverse ecosystem of plant and animal life thrives in the forest, which houses more than 20 species of trees, 50 species of mammals, 40 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 70 species of birds. In the forest, visitors can camp, hike, fish, picnic, horseback ride and view nature. Besides its natural beauty, Shawnee National Forest also boasts a rich cultural history. It was once home to Native American tribes such as the Shawnee and Kickapoo. Today, visitors can explore ancient Native American sites, see rare fossils and learn about the region's coal mining heritage.