Montgomery Bell State Park Campground sits within 4,000 acres of forest in Burns, Tennessee, just 45 minutes west of Nashville. The park features a mix of camping options alongside extensive recreational amenities. Sites are positioned throughout the wooded landscape with varying levels of privacy and access to key features. Water is a dominant element throughout the park with creeks, a lake, and multiple water-based activities available year-round.
What to do
Hiking year-round: The park offers well-marked hiking trails through diverse terrain. "Great family friendly park with lots of hiking and historical sites. There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church," notes Faith S. about Montgomery Bell State Park.
Creek wading: Multiple campgrounds feature creek access where children can play safely. At Montgomery Bell State Park Campground, "Children can wade in the creek all day, why parents enjoy sitting outside under all the shade trees," according to Tammy P.
History exploration: The area features historical sites including an old church and cabins. One visitor to Henry Horton State Park Campground mentioned, "We visited here with a church group because it is the founding place of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. It is beautiful, peaceful and serene."
Lake activities: Percy Priest Lake provides boating and fishing opportunities near Nashville. "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," reports a visitor to Four Corners RV Resort.
What campers like
Shaded sites: Many campgrounds feature mature trees providing natural cover. At Nashville North KOA, "Sites were nice and roomy. Clean laundry room (open 24 hrs). We used their shuttle service into Nashville."
Creek proximity: Sites along waterways are highly sought after. "Montgomery Bell State Park is very clean and quiet. We really enjoyed our spot by the creek," notes one camper.
Bathroom facilities: Clean, well-maintained bathhouses are consistently mentioned in reviews. At Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground, "Bathrooms were super clean. Was able to get groceries and all I needed just 10 mins away," reports Jared.
Wildlife viewing: Several parks offer opportunities to see deer, birds, and other wildlife. "We saw 10 deer one morning and hiked a trail with our 3 boys and 2 dogs," mentions a camper at Cedars of Lebanon.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Site layouts and privacy levels vary significantly within each campground. At Montgomery Bell, "The sites are spread out far enough that you don't feel like you are in one another space. However, they are all together in the center of the RV camping loop."
Seasonal bugs: Mosquitos can be problematic in summer months, especially at lakefront sites. At Four Corners RV Resort, one camper advised, "Highly recommend bringing bug spray for your RV because at night they are all over the door and walls."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience road noise due to proximity to major roadways. A visitor to Nashville North KOA noted, "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."
Holiday crowds: Peak weekends can change the experience dramatically. "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," reported a Montgomery Bell visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Reserve family sites early: Family-friendly spots book quickly, especially during summer and holidays. At Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort, "This campground was very convenient for those visiting the Nashville area, its just off the highway and they offer shuttles for a fee to downtown and opryland."
Look for playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas near specific site clusters. One visitor to Montgomery Bell noted, "With a great pavilion, Vb court, ball diamond, and playground, the far side of the camp is perfect for families, groups, and events."
Consider yurt camping: Yurt camping near Kingston Springs, Tennessee provides a comfortable option for families with young children. The permanent structures offer more protection from weather while maintaining a camping experience.
Seek out educational programs: Several parks run kids' activities during peak seasons. "We took our 3 young kids during monsoon season and the staff where amazing and getting the kids out and into nature!" shares Amy P. about Montgomery Bell State Park.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Some parks offer easier access sites for larger rigs. "Make your reservations early!! Beautiful area lakes, groomed trails, nice hosts - highly recommend," advises Andrea R. about Montgomery Bell State Park.
Hookup positions: Be prepared for variations in utility placements. "The site I had was a little awkward backing into and the water hookup was on the wrong side for my camper," notes Nathan R. about Montgomery Bell State Park Campground.
Concrete pad advantages: Several newer RV parks feature level concrete pads for easier setup. "The site itself looks brand new. Everything is up to date, and there were no issues at all... The site we stayed at was very level," notes a visitor to Four Corners RV Resort.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. "We got 4 bars on Verizon and used our MiFi versus Starlink for our overnight stay. The KOA WiFi was very good when we tried it," reports a camper at Nashville KOA Resort.
