Montgomery Bell State Park Campground offers wooded campsites with creek access just 40 minutes west of Franklin, Tennessee. The campground features 59 sites across three camping areas, with most sites offering water and electric hookups. Nearby, Henry Horton State Park provides camping options along the Duck River with full hookup sites on level concrete pads, offering a different water experience than the lake-focused glamping options closer to Nashville.
What to do
Hiking through cedar forests: Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground features unique hiking trails through cedar glades with endemic plant species. Campers highlight the historical aspects: "Great family friendly park with lots of hiking and historical sites. There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church." The park's natural environment supports special plants that only grow in this ecosystem, approximately 35 miles east of Franklin.
Creek wading for families: At Montgomery Bell State Park Campground, the creekside camping areas provide natural water play areas. "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," notes one visitor. The park maintains several miles of hiking trails connecting historical sites and natural features.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access in different waterways. A camper at Henry Horton State Park notes, "Duck River is just 5 minutes away, and Henry Horton State Park is close by—great for fishing, hiking, or kayaking." Seasonal fishing regulations apply, with spring and fall offering the best conditions for bass and catfish.
What campers like
Quiet camping with shade: Henry Horton State Park Campground receives praise for its peaceful atmosphere. "Peaceful, serene, cool rangers help all hours, has a great vibe here," reports one visitor. The campground provides shaded sites with mature trees throughout the camping areas, keeping temperatures more comfortable during summer months.
Lake activities beyond swimming: At Four Corners RV Resort, boating access offers additional recreation. "We spent a week on a Lakefront site with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Additionally, we were right next to one of the courtesy docks where our family members picked us up on their boat, enjoying the lake coves and scenery." The resort allows guests to arrange boat pickups from the docks for exploring Percy Priest Lake.
Group camping facilities: Montgomery Bell State Park Campground accommodates family gatherings with dedicated areas. "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." These sites fill quickly during peak seasons, requiring reservations 6 months in advance.
What you should know
Seasonal insect considerations: Lakeside glamping close to Franklin, Tennessee often means dealing with insects. At Four Corners RV Resort, campers note insect patterns: "The first and last night we stayed the mosquitos were so bad we couldn't be outside. There were two nights in between that it was tolerable." Waterfront sites typically experience higher insect activity, particularly at dusk during summer months.
Weekend crowds at state parks: Campgrounds near urban areas fill quickly, especially during holidays. At Nashville KOA Resort, campers find "the proximity to the Opry and surrounding sites is fantastic." However, at Montgomery Bell, another camper notes: "This place is OK when it's not a busy weekend. We stayed on Memorial Day Weekend and it's was completely full. When it's full, it's just TOO full."
Limited tent options at some resorts: While glamping options abound, traditional tent camping may be restricted. One would-be camper at Four Corners RV Resort shares: "Couldn't even stay here because I have a roof top tent/camper was super excited. Nice lady I talked to when I tried to book but apparently the owners allow no types of tents." Always call ahead to confirm accommodation policies if traveling with non-standard camping setups.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity matters: Montgomery Bell State Park offers organized camping areas with families in mind. "FAMILIES +++ With a great pavilion, Vb court, ball diamond, and playground, the far side of the camp is perfect for families, groups, and events." Consider site selection carefully, as the same reviewer advises: "If you don't want kiddos walking through your campsite to get to the playground, you may want to choose a higher number."
Off-season visits reduce crowds: For a more relaxed family experience, consider non-peak timing. One visitor to Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort shares: "It was very quiet because nothing was open during the week. We stayed sun to Thurs water park is only open on the weekend." While some amenities may be limited, families gain more space and quiet during weekdays and shoulder seasons.
Look for beginner-friendly options: Some parks offer entry-level backcountry experiences for families new to camping. At Henry Horton State Park, a camper reports: "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! Definitely recommend for quick overnight trips!"
Tips from RVers
Level sites are precious: When selecting a site for RVs near Franklin, prioritize level concrete pads. At Henry Horton State Park, a visitor notes: "We loved our stay at HHSP. Check-in was a breeze, setup was simple with a level site." Another camper mentions: "Some sites are level, some aren't. We ended up booking another site to stay another couple of days because we loved it so much."
Utility placement varies: Different campgrounds position hookups differently, requiring preparation. At Montgomery Bell State Park, one RVer shares: "The site I had was a little awkward backing into and the water hookup was on the wrong side for my camper." Bring extension cords and hoses to accommodate various hookup configurations, particularly at older state parks with inconsistent utility placement.
