Located roughly 60 miles southeast of Nashville, Bell Buckle offers several camping and glamping options set among the rolling hills of middle Tennessee. The region typically experiences mild springs and falls with hot, humid summers and cool winters. Campgrounds near Bell Buckle range from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks with elevations generally between 700-800 feet above sea level.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 1-2 mile trails lead to multiple waterfalls at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park. "Great hiking with some beautiful water falls. This was a pleasant surprise on our trip to FL," notes Keith M. The park combines natural beauty with historical significance.
Swimming beach access: Rock Island State Park provides family-friendly swimming areas with a dedicated beach. "The nearby swimming beach was great for the kids. Many short hiking options available," says Christy E., who stayed in the park's tent-only loop.
Kayaking on Normandy Lake: Normandy Lake at Cedar Point Campground offers calm waters perfect for paddling. "Awesome sites right on the water, we brought our kayaks and were able to launch directly from the campsite," explains Michael T., who appreciated the direct water access.
Golf course access: Several campgrounds provide access to nearby golf courses. "The park also offers a golf course which I didn't play due to the heat, but is on my list now that I've seen it," shares Randy C. about Henry Horton State Park, mentioning good bicycling options on quiet paved roads as well.
What campers like
Secluded backcountry options: Henry Horton State Park offers backcountry sites just a short hike from conveniences. "The backcountry campsites are just a short trek from the camp store, the hike itself follows the river. We only saw one other couple and no one else was staying at the second site so it was such a secluded weekend!" reports Amanda C.
Clean, reliable facilities: Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses and camping areas. "Bathrooms were super clean. Was able to get groceries and all I needed just 10 mins away," notes Jared, who appreciated the large level sites with privacy.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campers report frequent wildlife sightings. "We almost had the campground to ourselves only one other camper came in close to us. It was so quiet and woodsy. We had deer in our site everyday," shares B M. about their stay at Old Stone Fort State Park.
Level, paved campsites: Most state parks in the area offer well-maintained sites. "Camper pads are all paved but vary in length from 18 to 51 feet. The width of some can also accommodate two cars side by side," explains Lee D. about Rock Island State Park Campground, though noting that not all sites are completely level.
What you should know
Seasonal campground closures: Some campgrounds operate seasonally. Cedar Point Campground is only open April 1-October 31, requiring advance planning for visits outside peak season.
Limited cell coverage: Cell service can be spotty throughout the region. "Their wifi is very slow and hardly any cell service," warns Katie D. about Whispering Oaks Campground, though she noted they do have a nice pool and playground for kids.
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds are located near major highways. "Highway about 100 yards away so that was a issue. Not much you can do about that," Craig M. mentions regarding his stay at Manchester KOA (now Rvino - The Broken Banjo).
Water levels affect activities: Dam releases can impact water activities at some parks. "Make sure to visit the ranger station for a map and safety rules during water releases," advises Christy E. about Rock Island State Park, highlighting the importance of checking conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "Super Shady (in the best way)... There are bike riders, but you need to watch the traffic," notes Shelly S. about Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, referring to both the tree coverage and cycling opportunities.
Halloween camping events: Fall brings special activities for children. "Their halloween weekend is a great time of fun for the kids!" exclaims Justin L. about Cedars of Lebanon State Park, which hosts organized seasonal activities.
Best sites for kids: Some campgrounds have specific areas better suited for families. "We loved our stay at HHSP. Check-in was a breeze, setup was simple with a level site, and everyone there, from the park rangers to the camp store staff to the campground hosts, was friendly and helpful... Plenty of places for the kiddos to ride their bikes," shares Laur H. about their family experience at Henry Horton State Park Campground.
Summer water activities: Several parks offer swimming and water recreation. "The campground has a great vibe here... We fit our truck, tents, and a mini kitchen set up with table and benches comfortably," explains Karen M., who enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere at Henry Horton State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: "While there are only a few spots that will accommodate a rig this large, it's worth the time to haunt the reservation system and snag one. The road to the park is winding but we had no issues," advises Cheryl C. about bringing her 40-foot motorhome to Rock Island State Park.
Electric hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer various power options. "To my surprise I opened the electric pedestal, and there was only 50 amp service. I'm set up for 30 amp, so I had to use an adapter," shares Gregory G. about his experience at Fairview Campground — Tims Ford State Park, recommending travelers come prepared with adapters.
Site selection strategy: "We stayed in site #22 the best site was #21. The drive across the little bridge into the campground is neat going over the river. We had water & electric there is a dump station onsite," explains B M., noting that some sites have better layouts than others at Old Stone Fort State Park.
Workable WiFi for remote work: Some campgrounds offer reliable internet connections. "We stayed at this campground recently and because the wifi coverage and speed was so good was actually able to 'work from home' here," notes Randy C. about Henry Horton State Park, mentioning they stayed on site 18, which was very level, paved and double wide.
