Meriwether Lewis Campground on the Natchez Trace Parkway

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Meriwether Lewis Campground on the Natchez Trace Parkway is open year-round. Its 32 campsites welcome both tent campers and RVs. There is one campsite set aside for disabled visitors, and this is located next to the restroom.

Tent campers at Meriwether Lewis Campground on the Natchez Trace Parkway

RV at the Meriwether Lewis Campground on the Natchez Trace Parkway

FEES AND RESERVATIONS

Like all campgrounds along the Natchez Trace Parkway that are run by the National Park Service, the Meriwether Lewis Campground offers FREE, no-frills camping on a first come, first served basis. If there is no sign of occupation, the campsite is yours. The only way to secure the site is to put down some type of equipment. I camped on a Friday during October and noticed that a few people showed up early in the afternoon and parked a car at a campsite, then left. I assume this is an underhanded way to make sure they have a spot for later in the day.

Campsite at the Meriwether Lewis Campground on the Natchez Trace Parkway

The campground will fill up on the weekends during the spring and fall seasons. If you plan to arrive on a Friday or Saturday, arrive as early as possible. I got there around 3 PM on a Friday and got one of the last sites. The campground was full a few hours later. Since many people are just staying the night and continuing down the Natchez Trace Parkway in the morning, there is often a large turnover each day. The next morning (Saturday) everyone on a motorcycle was gone, a couple of bicyclists who were camping were gone, and of course I was gone. And I’m sure there were plenty of others, both tents camper and those in RVs, who took off as well.

Bicyclist at the Meriwether Lewis Campground on the Natchez Trace Parkway

TERRAIN

Sites are large and partially to fully shaded. The driveways are fairly level, which is good for RVs, but this doesn’t mean the surrounding camping area is level, which is not so good for tent campers. However, since you won’t be making a sight-unseen reservation in advance, just drive around and find an empty site that best suits your needs. Driveway length varies per site, but most will accommodate large RVs, and most are pull-through driveways.

Sloped camping area at a Meriwether Lewis Campground campsite

AMENITIES

While RVs are welcome at Meriweather Lewis Campground, there are no water or electric hook-ups. There are a few spigots that garden hoses can be attached to. There is a modern bathroom, but no showers (and no hot water even in the sinks). Unfortunately, there is only one facility, so some campers will have a lengthy walk to use the potty. Just remember that it’s free to camp here, so there’s no room to complain.

Restroom building at the Meriwether Lewis Campground on the Natchez Trace Parkway

All sites have a paved driveway for parking, a picnic table, and a fire ring / grill.

Typical campsite at Meriwether Lewis Campground on the Natchez Trace Parkway

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