Montgomery Bell State Park offers campers extensive outdoor recreation within its 4,000-acre grounds. Located 40 minutes from Nashville, the park features a network of hiking trails that wind through dense woodland and along the creek banks. In addition to standard campsite amenities, Montgomery Bell provides access to three lakes for fishing and boating, plus year-round cabin rentals for those seeking more comfortable accommodations when camping with pets near Kingston Springs, Tennessee.
What to do
Fishing access points: Piney River Resort offers excellent fishing opportunities right from the riverbank. "This place is amazing! Clean, quiet and waterfront... The water is crystal clear and cold. We sat in beach chairs and let the current wash over us," according to Elizabeth S., who particularly enjoyed the swimming hole.
Historic explorations: At Montgomery Bell State Park Campground, visitors can discover historical sites within the park boundaries. "Great family friendly park with lots of hiking and historical sites. There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church," notes Faith S. The park serves as the founding location of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Water recreation: Lock A Campground provides direct river access for various water activities. "Loved our camping experience by the water. Friendly staff and beautiful scenery. Bring the fishing poles!" advises Blake B. The Cumberland River location allows campers to watch river barges pass by throughout the day.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the generous spacing at many area campgrounds. At Seven Points, "the campsites are level cement pads with large well spaced sites. If you can get a lake view it is wonderful," reports Tony D. The campground features lakeside spots for both tent and RV campers.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Harpeth River Bridge Campground receives praise for its peaceful setting. "It has a peaceful family atmosphere, beautiful sunsets, clean grounds & bathhouse, safe & secure sights, gated at night and patrolled daily by Sherrifs Dept," shares M D. The campground offers river views from many of its 15 sites.
Riverside relaxation: Many visitors enjoy the tranquility of waterside camping. At Piney River Resort, "we stayed at a site with a pavilion right on the river and it was great! Our girls enjoyed swimming, fishing, and kayaking," writes Tammy P. The clear water and swimming opportunities make this a favorite for families seeking dog-friendly camping options near Kingston Springs.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds in the area book quickly, especially waterfront sites. For Lock A Campground, "Senior Pass $12/night. Wide, level campsite on the water. Very nice and well kept," mentions Arthur P., who appreciates the value. Plan to book several months in advance for weekend stays during peak season.
Seasonal considerations: Summer weekends can be crowded at most area campgrounds. "This place is OK when it's not a busy weekend. We stayed on Memorial Day Weekend and it was completely full," notes Jody A. about Montgomery Bell State Park Campground. Weekday visits offer more solitude.
Campsite selection: When booking, pay attention to specific site features. At Harpeth River Bridge Campground, "We are in site 13 with no shade," reports Nancy B., highlighting the importance of checking site details. Sites along water edges typically offer more breeze but less shade protection during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Seven Points features "a great pavilion, playground and swim area," according to Tim H., making it ideal for families with young children needing activity options.
Water safety: For families planning water activities, be aware of river conditions. Lock A visitor Abby C. notes "A sandy beach area in the area, but there is no way I would go in that nasty river!" suggesting families should research water quality before swimming in certain locations.
Wildlife watching: Bells Bend Park offers a unique primitive camping experience with nature education. "The park offers a lot of programs to base your camping around. The trails are through farmland and bike friendly," explains Shelly S. This park requires packing in and out all supplies, with 10 primitive sites available.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: RVers should research campground roads before arrival. At Piney River Resort, Pat&Amanda D. caution, "the drive in from the highway was very scary on narrow, windy roads with dropoffs on the side... both were scary in our Class A towing a car hauler." Follow campground-recommended routes when possible.
Hookup locations: Check the placement of utility hookups when reserving. Nathan R. from Montgomery Bell mentions, "The site I had was a little awkward backing into and the water hookup was on the wrong side for my camper." Bringing extension hoses and cords can help address connection challenges.
Level sites: Many RVers prioritize level pads for easier setup. Guy M. appreciates that at Lock A, "The electricity was 50/30 and the power pole looked new. The site was within a quarter inch of level and was a concrete pad." This eliminates the need for extensive leveling equipment when camping with pets near Kingston Springs.
