About POOLE KNOBS
Overview Poole Knobs Campground is a lakeside oasis in the green hills of Tennessee, providing campers with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands.Recreation The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities to choose from, including fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass, and white bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers. Facilities Poole Knobs Campground offers 87 shady and spacious campsites, along with one larger group camping site. The campground features drinking water, a dump station, flush toilets and hot showers, creating a comfortable camping experience. A boat ramp is provided, allowing guests to take advantage of the vast, sparkling lake. The group campsite can accommodate up to 40 campers, making it an ideal spot for family parties.Natural Features J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its mission. The dam, completed in 1968, impounds 42 miles, with 14,200 surface acres of water. In soothing contrast to the sparkling waters of the lake are the adjacent 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands. A highlight of the region, the Cedar Glades Natural Area, is home to countless wildlife and plant species, including the Tennessee coneflower. Nearby Attractions J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about ten miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors countless cultural activities in addition to the conveniences of a metro area. Charges & Cancellations There is a $10.00 trans
How to Get There
From downtown Nashville, TN, take I-40 east to I-24 east. After 15 miles take exit 66B and turn right onto Sam Ridley Parkway. Turn right onto Highway 41 north, and after about 1.5 miles turn right onto Fergus Road. Make another right onto Jones Mill Road and follow the signs to the campground after 4 miles.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to POOLE KNOBS
Heading to POOLE KNOBS? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for POOLE KNOBS?
No central reservation system listed for POOLE KNOBS. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232677) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to POOLE KNOBS?
From downtown Nashville, TN, take I-40 east to I-24 east. After 15 miles take exit 66B and turn right onto Sam Ridley Parkway. Turn right onto Highway 41 north, and after about 1.5 miles turn right onto Fergus Road. Make another right onto Jones Mill Road and follow the signs to the campground after 4 miles.
How do I contact POOLE KNOBS?
You can reach the park at phone: 615-459-6948.
References & Official Resources
