Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
Tommy S.
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2020

community campground, nearby activity area

This was a nice campground, yet very full when we stayed. There are two outhouses, and a well pump to get your water. It's a bit of work for the water, but its cool and fresh and very worth the pumping. Pay box is up front where you put in cash or check with an envelope. The was a camp host there who seemed to do some minor, very unobtrusive, patrolling. 

We snagged a great spot with lots of space and amazing trees. There was also a trail leading out the back of the site, which petered out, but if you continue down the hill, you will come to the less popular of the parking areas for the swimming holes. You can access this also by driving left out of the campground, and left down the hill. You can access the more popular parking area by turning right out of the campground. 

The campground was noisy, but nothing offensive, just a nice communal roar of campers. 

The hiking and swimming area is very interesting. There's hiking trails, but they can potentially be confusing, so take a picture of the map and make a plan if you can. There's a natural rock arch formation, and lots of dramatic cliffs. I was curious as to what "Boulder Falls" was like, but I never made it there. There is a spring/large swimming hole, with a few places to jump off of, but check with the locals to make sure the water is deep enough. Water levels were low when we were there, so you couldn't jump from the highest ledge at this time. There's also "Devil's Backbone" a large rock you can apparently jump from too, but I wouldn't dare. There were also a lot of smaller swimming holes to choose from. Locals warned of poisonous snakes. We never saw any, but it's a good idea to keep a lookout, especially since they can swim too. 

All in all a very great area to stay, with some nice activities. Worth the $10 for toilet and fresh well water, as well as a clean and safe camping area.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs by Tommy S., July 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs by Tommy S., July 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs by Tommy S., July 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs by Tommy S., July 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs by Tommy S., July 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs by Tommy S., July 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs by Tommy S., July 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs by Tommy S., July 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs by Tommy S., July 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs by Tommy S., July 12, 2020