Montgomery Bell State Park Campground is located in Burns, Tennessee, approximately 35 miles west of Nashville. The park spans over 3,700 acres with rolling hills and hardwood forests typical of Middle Tennessee terrain. The campsites rest at elevations between 500-700 feet above sea level, offering moderate temperatures that range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer, creating varied camping conditions across seasons for visitors with pets.
What to do
Explore local creeks: At Montgomery Bell State Park Campground, campers can spend time wading in nearby streams. "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," notes Tammy P., who recommends visiting "the catfish kitchen just down the road from the park" for dinner.
Kayak the Piney River: Piney River Resort offers excellent water access for paddling enthusiasts. Elizabeth S. shares, "The water is crystal clear and cold. We sat in beach chairs and let the current wash over us. The swimming hole was great! We loved watching the younger crowd jump off the cliff into the water. Fishing and kayaking too!"
Visit historic sites: The area features significant historical locations, including the Meriwether Lewis death site. Faith S. notes that Montgomery Bell has "lots of hiking and historical sites. There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church." This makes for educational day trips while staying at pet-friendly campgrounds near Duck River.
What campers like
Level camping pads: David Crockett State Park Campground gets high marks for site quality. Nancy B. appreciated that "the pads were concrete and level....took a lot of pressure off of the leveling process." The park maintains well-kept grounds with most sites having partial shade.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers enjoy morning animal sightings at their sites. At Henry Horton State Park, nickie F. describes how "Most mornings I can sit outside & watch the deer grazing as I have my coffee." The quiet setting creates ideal conditions for wildlife observation with pets kept on leash.
Privacy options: Fall Hollow Resort offers secluded primitive camping areas. Brandon notes, "I stay in the creek side primitive tent sites and they are awesome. They are spaced well enough to where you don't really have neighbors and are secluded enough to get your fix."
What you should know
Directions matter: Some campgrounds in the area have specific access requirements. For Piney River Resort, a reviewer warns about "the drive in from the highway was very scary on narrow, windy roads with dropoffs on the side." Another advises, "follow the directions on their website!" to avoid unsuitable roads.
Seasonal crowds: Dog-friendly camping near Duck River can get busy during peak periods. Jody A. notes about Montgomery Bell: "When it's full, it's just TOO full. Too many people, dogs and kids that are too close together... When it's not a long weekend and they're not full, I would highly recommend the location."
Low bridge clearance: Thousand Trails Natchez Trace has specific access considerations. Emerson F. warns, "There is a low bridge (11ft) that you need to pass under to get onto the Natchez Trace Parkway. If you can't fit, you have to take Napier road north several miles."
Tips for camping with families
Bike-friendly areas: Meriwether Lewis Campground offers excellent paved areas for young cyclists. A recent visitor shares, "All roads and campsites are paved so the kids all road bikes easily!" The campground layout provides a safe environment for children to enjoy outdoor recreation.
Swimming spots: Pinewood Canoe & Camp offers natural water play areas. Megan S. says, "The river is just absolutely beautiful. The best swimming spot and relaxing spot on the rock and sand beach." These water features provide natural entertainment for families with kids and dogs.
Pavilion access: Look for campsites with overhead structures during summer. Stæven F. recommends Montgomery Bell sites 1-8, with "#1+2 right next to the creek and the most updated bathrooms. If you don't want kiddos walking through your campsite to get to the playground, you may want to choose a higher number."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Campers RV Park, Tyler F. advises, "The back-in and full time sites have ample space for those looking for a longer stay, but the pull through a usually aren't full so they provide decent space as well." Site choice matters significantly for comfort with pets.
Hookup locations: Check utility placement before setup. Nathan R. mentions at Montgomery Bell: "The site I had was a little awkward backing into and the water hookup was on the wrong side for my camper." Knowing these details helps prevent frustration during arrival.
Leveling considerations: David Crockett State Park gets high marks for ease of setup. Steve G. reports, "Sites were level and easy to back in." Many campgrounds in the area feature concrete pads, but elevation changes may require additional leveling equipment at certain sites.