Lock A Campground: Four Nights Along Tennessee’s Cumberland River
October 14–18, 2024 · Cheatham Lock and Dam, Tennessee
Four nights at a campground along the Cumberland River turned out to be just what I needed before heading to Nashville for my cousin’s daughter’s wedding on October 19, 2024. I arrived at Lock A Campground on October 14, ready for a little downtime, some work, and whatever exploring I could fit in between.
What I found was a roomy campsite, peaceful river views, wooded walking trails—and one very confused squirrel who provided more entertainment than I could have imagined.
That Hill! Arriving at Lock A Campground
The first thing that caught my attention was the road leading down into the campground. It was steep enough to make me pay attention behind the wheel of Gypsy Louise! Seeing other larger RVs already settled in was reassuring. Once I made it down the hill and into the camping area, the setting made the arrival worthwhile.
Campsite #14: Room to Spread Out
I settled into campsite #14, which had plenty of room for Gypsy Louise, my Jeep, and the screened shelter I like to set up when I’m staying for several days. Having space to spread out, with the Cumberland River nearby, made it easy to settle into a comfortable routine.
The Squirrel Who Couldn’t Find His Way Out!
One afternoon, a squirrel somehow found his way inside my screened shelter. Getting in apparently was much easier than getting out! He jumped from a chair toward the screen again and again, unable to figure out where the opening was. I unzipped the door to give him an escape route, but he was determined to try just about everything else first.
Eventually, he found his way back outside. Fortunately, I had my phone handy to capture his misadventure on video.
Mid-October Camping in Tennessee
October was a lovely time to be camped along the Cumberland River. The mornings were cool, the days were pleasant, and the trees were beginning to show their autumn colors. There’s something about this time of year that makes an ordinary walk through a campground feel special.
Balancing Remote Work and Exploring
Full-time RV travel doesn’t mean every day is a vacation. I had work to catch up on during this stop, so I split my time between my laptop and getting outside. The campground was a good place for both: quiet enough to concentrate, with trails and river scenery waiting when I needed a break.
Hiking Above Cheatham Lock and Dam
One afternoon I followed a wooded trail uphill from the campground toward the area above Cheatham Lock and Dam. Along the way, I came across the area where older buildings once stood and enjoyed views through the trees toward the Cumberland River and surrounding landscape. The climb was a welcome change from sitting at my computer.
Recreation and Amenities at Lock A Campground
Lock A offers more than a place to park an RV. As I wandered around, I found a playground, volleyball and basketball areas, horseshoes, and an oversized outdoor checkerboard. There are opportunities for fishing and boating along the river, too, and I saw golf carts making their rounds through the campground.
The river itself provided plenty to watch. One evening, I caught sight of a towboat moving along the Cumberland River—a reminder that this beautiful stretch of water is also a working waterway.
A Celestial Surprise: Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS Over the Cumberland River
On the evening of October 17, 2024, my stay at Lock A Campground came with an unexpected bonus—a chance to witness Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) in the October night sky.
This rare celestial visitor had recently made its closest approach to Earth, creating quite a spectacle for skywatchers. From the campground along the Cumberland River, I spotted three comet-like objects, with the most prominent appearing higher in the sky.
Naturally, I grabbed my phone and recorded two videos to capture the moment! Although I couldn’t identify the other two objects, seeing Tsuchinshan–ATLAS was an experience I won’t soon forget.
It’s moments like these that remind me why I love full-time RV travel. Sometimes the best adventures aren’t planned—they’re simply waiting for you when you look up.
Planning Your Visit to Lock A Campground
Lock A Campground is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground on the Cumberland River near Cheatham Lock and Dam. I recommend checking Recreation.gov for current campsite availability, amenities, and reservation details before you travel.
If you’re arriving in a larger motorhome, be prepared for the steep approach into the campground. And if you have an America the Beautiful Senior Pass, check whether your campsite qualifies for the federal camping discount when you book.
Four Nights Well Spent
By the time I packed up on October 18 to head toward Nashville, I’d managed to catch up on work, explore the trails, enjoy the river, watch a comet, and rescue a squirrel from his own poor decision-making. Not bad for a four-night stop!
Lock A Campground was a peaceful place to spend a few days, and it’s somewhere I’d happily return to if my travels take me back through this part of Tennessee.
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