Nashville, the state capital of Tennessee, had a population of 689,447 as of the latest census, making it the fourth-most populous city in the Southeastern U.S. It is located on the Cumberland River, and it was named after Francis Nash, a general from the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Nashville grew quickly after its founding in 1779, thanks to its strategic location.
In the 19th century, Nashville became a major hub for railroad traffic. Then it seceded with the Confederacy during the Civil War, and it was the first state capital to be recaptured in 1862. The city continued developing after World War II and experienced rapid suburbanization.
The rapidly expanding suburban population drained the city's tax base, triggering financial difficulties. Nashville annexed 42 square miles of suburban jurisdictions to counter this problem after a referendum in 1958 failed. During the 1960s, racial tensions were high because of segregation. However, Congress passed civil rights legislation in 1964 and 1965 to address the issue.
Since the 1970s, the city has undergone tremendous growth, and there was an economic boom in the 1990s. During this time, the city's mayor, Phil Bredesen, facilitated the construction of several notable landmarks, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Bredesen also fostered the erection of the downtown Nashville Public Library, the Bridgestone Arena, and the Nissan Stadium. Today, visitors flock to the city to see the Grand Ole Opry House and the Opry Mills Mall.
Campgrounds Near Nashville, Tennessee
Clarksville RV Resort is 50 minutes northwest of Nashville, right off I-24, Exit 1. It is close to Mammoth Caves, Fort Campbell, and the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area. Overnight guests can rely on the campground's Wi-Fi, ice, and firewood, and the RV sites have full hookups for electricity, water and sewer lines.
Anderson Road Campground is a relatively basic facility, but it offers immediate access to a lake. It has 30- and 50-amp hookups, and there are a total of 37 sites. It is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Nashville, so you do not have to worry about bustling city noise at night.
Fall Hollow Campground and Bed & Breakfast is in Hohenwald, approximately an hour and 20 minutes southwest of Nashville, and the owner is a fantastic chef. There is an all-you-can-eat buffet served every Saturday and Sunday in the morning. Daily rates start at $35, and there are 35 sites overall. Each of them has 30- and 50-amp hookups.
State Parks Near Nashville, Tennessee
Cedars of Lebanon State Park is 50 minutes southeast of Nashville via I-40. It is hidden between Lebanon and Watertown, and its name is derived from its signature eastern red cedar trees. Early American settlers were reminded of the Biblical Lebanese cedar forests when they arrived in the area. Today, traveling families can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the park. Throughout the year, temperatures vary widely, reaching the upper 90s in the summer. Six trails wind through the park, and a disc golf course is on-site.
Fifty-five minutes northeast of Nashville, via TN-386 and I-65, is Bledsoe Creek State Park. It encircles 169 acres of Old Hickory Reservoir, one of Nashville's water sources. You can step up to the bluff overlooking the confluence of Bledsoe Creek and Cumberland River in the park. After Old Hickory Dam was constructed in 1954, it led to the creation of an escarpment and an embayment. Visitors can enjoy hiking, canoeing, and kayaking at this park without having to pay an entrance fee. Fishing and angling are also popular in the park.
Montgomery Bell State Park is 40 minutes southwest of Nashville near the town of Dickson. This area was once the beating heart of Tennessee's legendary iron industry. The park surrounds 3,700 acres of pristine countryside and includes a well-appointed campground with 94 sites and space to accommodate 60-foot RVs. The park office organizes numerous events, such as fun runs, night sky viewings, and golf cart safaris. Hiking, biking, and birding are some of the park's most popular activities.
National Sites Near Nashville, Tennessee
The Russell Cave National Monument in Alabama, an hour and 55 minutes southeast of Nashville, is a major historic location. Visiting travelers can learn the story of prehistoric people and their culture. From 10,000 B.C.E. to 1,650 C.E., the cave's large entrance served as a site for Native Americans to gather. Ancient people used their surroundings for hunting wild game, finding raw materials, and harvesting produce. While at the monument, you can tour the Russel Cave Museum at the visitor center and hike the 1.2-mile Russell Cave Nature Trail.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is in Kentucky, two hours and 10 minutes northeast of Nashville. The famed president was born in Sinking Spring, Kentucky on February 12, 1809. Thomas and Nancy Lincoln gave birth to their baby boy Abraham in their log cabin on that day. They would occupy this site until he turned seven years old. At the park, you can view the first Lincoln memorial and the Symbolic Birth Cabin of Abraham Lincoln. You can also view Sinking Spring, the water source of the Lincoln family.
The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial is in Indiana, two hours and 40 minutes north of Nashville. When he was seven, Abraham Lincoln moved from his birthplace and resettled here. He would spend his boyhood on the Lincoln Living Historical Farm before becoming the 16th president of the United States. Interpreters still dress in period costumes and conduct daily farm activities. In the visitor center, you can view a 10-minute film about Lincoln's childhood as well as explore the Lincoln in Indiana Museum to learn about the 16th president's life from ages seven to 21.
National Forests Near Nashville, Tennessee
The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is an hour and a half northwest of Nashville. It comprises 171,280 acres of land sandwiched between two dams on two rivers in Western Kentucky and Tennessee. The Tennessee River comes within a mile of the Cumberland River here, and this park is home to the United States' largest land-locked peninsula. President John F. Kennedy named the site a National Recreation Area in 1961. The park contains 300 miles of shoreline and lake access, making it an ideal place to picnic, fish, view wildlife, camp, and hike.
William B. Bankhead National Forest is in Alabama, two hours and 45 minutes south of Nashville. It comprises 181,230 acres of northwestern Alabama, and it is known as the "land of a thousand waterfalls." The forest is home to Alabama's only Wild and Scenic River, the Sipsey Fork. Besides the Sipsey, there are abundant waterfalls along the park's trails. Within the forest, there are several recreation areas, trails, campgrounds, a shooting range, and a hunter's camp.
Hoosier National Forest is in Indiana, three and a half hours north of Nashville. This 202,814-acre expanse is a testimony to the U.S. Forest Service's stewardship. This forest includes streams, lakes, and reservoirs filled with fish. Furthermore, hikers, bikers, and horseback riders share the 265 miles of trails snaking their way through the hills. There are also multiple ways to camp as you can rent a cabin, stay at one of the developed campgrounds or do some backcountry camping without amenities.
Pet Friendly RV Rentals in Nashville
When you are looking for a place to travel with your pets, Nashville, TN is an excellent destination. There are a number of different RVs and trailers that are well-suited for pets, and they can be found under RVshare Nashville rentals. There is even a filter that allows you to search for an RV that allows pets - simply check the box that says "Allows Pets" and see the RVs that are available.
There are quite a few pet-friendly places that you can enjoy in Nashville, TN. In fact, if you are coming to the town to experience music, there are even cafes and other locations that will allow you to bring your pet along as well. There are also nearby hiking trails and walking paths where you can exercise your pet. If you do bring your furry friend along, be sure to pack their bedding, crate, toys, or other familiar items that will help them feel at home on the road.
