Montgomery Bell State Park offers glamping options near Burns, Tennessee, approximately 40 miles west of Nashville. The 4,000-acre park features oak-hickory forests with rolling terrain at elevations ranging from 620 to 780 feet. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder conditions in the 60-75°F range with less precipitation.
What to do
Fishing access: Creek fishing at Montgomery Bell provides opportunities for bass and panfish. One visitor noted, "Montgomery Bell State Park is very clean and quiet. We really enjoyed our spot by the creek. Children can wade in the creek all day, why parents enjoy sitting outside under all the shade trees."
Family hiking: Easy trail options within Henry Horton State Park Campground offer shorter routes suitable for children. "Great family friendly park with lots of hiking and historical sites. There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church," reports one camper.
Water recreation: Lake activities at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort include swimming, boating and waterpark access from February through December. A visitor mentioned, "Excellent park with easy access to Nashville excitement."
Historic sites: Church and cabin tours showcase the area's history. One camper at Henry Horton State Park shared: "We visited here with a church group because it is the founding place of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. It is beautiful, peaceful and serene."
What campers like
Spacious, level sites: Montgomery Bell State Park Campground offers well-maintained camping areas. "The title says it all. Nice well kept camp grounds. Restaurant in the park. Sites are level and large," says one reviewer.
Proximity to Nashville attractions: Multiple glamping locations provide convenient access to city amenities while maintaining natural settings. Nashville KOA Resort is situated "near the Grand Old Opry. Check-in was fairly quick and we were escorted to pull through site J-2 with FHUs and KOA patio."
Privacy options: For those seeking seclusion near Burns, Tennessee, tent-only areas offer more separation. "The tent sites are spread out far enough that you don't feel like you are in one another's space. However, they are all together in the center of the RV camping loop," explains one Montgomery Bell camper.
Lakefront relaxation: Water views enhance glamping experiences. "We've enjoyed our stay here. There are very few RV parks in the Nashville/Franklin area and are more on the outskirts. We were happy to get a site here as it's relaxing by the lake," notes a visitor to Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer camping near Burns brings higher temperatures and crowds. One camper at Nashville North KOA noted, "For a KOA in town it is ok, the spots are close together... Everything worked just fine, did not use any of the amenities (it's the COVID summer after all)."
Holiday weekend impacts: Popular times create different experiences. A Montgomery Bell visitor explained: "This place is OK when it's not a busy weekend. We stayed on Memorial Day Weekend and it was completely full. When it's full, it's just TOO full. Too many people, dogs and kids that are too close together."
Site selection strategies: Certain locations offer preferred spots. "FAMILIES +++ With a great pavilion, Vb court, ball diamond, and playground, the far side of the camp is perfect for families, groups, and events. Our fave sites are 1-8, with #1+2 right next to the creek and the most updated bathrooms."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some locations. "Very very noisy due to the highway that runs right on the other side of the tree line. But... the folks running the show are really nice," reports a Nashville North KOA guest.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access planning: Montgomery Bell offers recreation areas designed for children. "Make your reservations early!! Beautiful area lakes, groomed trails, nice hosts - highly recommend. Showers are OK..is the only reason for the missed star in rating," advises one family camper.
Creek play opportunities: Natural water features provide entertainment. "Children can wade in the creek all day, why parents enjoy sitting outside under all the shade trees. The park has tons of activities and good hiking trails," explains a Montgomery Bell visitor.
Activity scheduling: Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort operations vary seasonally. "The waterpark is just steps away, I would suggest not eating food within the park it is over priced and not very tasty, go to the marina restaurant or eat at your campsite."
Kid-friendly glamping: Structured accommodations reduce setup stress. At Whooping Crane Farm, "The glamping tent was awesome. The bed was very comfortable. We had some heavy rains overnight, and did have some dripping water from the center seam of the tent and had to scoot the bed over."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling realities: Some locations require adjustments. At Loretta Lynn's Ranch, one RVer reported: "Area is beautiful but sites were close together and the ground outside of my trailer was very unusable, all hill and large rocks. No way to spend time outside of the camper."
Hookup placement considerations: Utility locations vary by site. "The site I had was a little awkward backing into and the water hookup was on the wrong side for my camper. Nice facilities," explains a Montgomery Bell visitor.
Connectivity concerns: Internet access fluctuates throughout the region. At Nashville North KOA, a visitor noted: "Internet was down when we got here and cell signal is hit and miss on all 3 Carriers (Verizon, AT&T and T-mobile)."
Site selection for size: Large rigs require specific accommodations. Nashville KOA Resort has "Awesome amenities too. Low key and not a lot of 'permanent' residences," making it suitable for various RV sizes.
