Dickson, Tennessee provides multiple campground options within an easy drive of the city, ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spaces and cabin accommodations. Montgomery Bell State Park Campground, located in Burns, offers a mix of tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations with over 100 campsites. The park features a variety of hookup options and is set on over 4,000 acres with hiking trails, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Tanbark Campground in Dickson and Piney River Resort in Bon Aqua round out the established camping areas in the region, with most offering year-round access. Many campgrounds in the area provide both primitive tent sites and full-hookup RV spaces, with several backing up to creeks or small waterways.
Road access to most campground areas is generally good, though some sites may present challenges for larger RVs. "The narrow passage into the campground looked more like a wide walking path, but we were assured people drive big rigs in every day," noted one visitor about Montgomery Bell State Park. Seasonal considerations include summer heat and occasional storms, with spring potentially bringing heavy rainfall that can affect creekside sites. Most established campgrounds in the region maintain clean facilities year-round, though visitors should be aware that cell service varies by location. Reservations are highly recommended during peak periods, especially for weekend stays between spring and fall when campgrounds frequently reach capacity.
Campers consistently mention the creek access at Montgomery Bell State Park as a highlight of their stay. Sites backing up to the small creek offer both scenic views and cooling opportunities during warmer months. According to reviews, sites vary significantly in size and privacy, with some campers noting that certain areas feel crowded when the campground is full. "The sites are close but I didn't feel that was an issue really. We didn't feel cramped or like our neighbors were in our business," reported one camper, while others recommend avoiding holiday weekends due to crowding. The region's mixed-use campgrounds appeal to different camping styles, with many families appreciating the hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and playground areas available at the state park. For those seeking quieter experiences, weekday camping offers a more peaceful alternative to busy summer weekends.
"I live too close to this State Park to camp here but I do play the golf course. Very nice and expect to see deer and turkey. In addition there are some good places in nearby Dickson to eat."
"Campground Review: Montgomery Bell State Park The Four Mile Campground is nestled in a hollow offering shade and creekage on one side plus several of the trailheads start nearby and you are close"
$69 - $95 / night
"I had plenty of space to roam around in the river even while visiting during a peak time."
"Not sure where to start as the pictures don't do justice to the location. We stayed late in November and absolutely loved it! Full hook-ups and blazing fast WiFi."
"The facilities were well cared for and there are some nice hiking paths nearby. I only stayed 1 night as I was passing through but I would highly recommend."
"The person behind us parked his truck between his rig and ours. In front was a fire ring on a 12' wide patch of grass."
$24 - $28 / night
"There is a walking trail, swim area, and Cheatham dam is close by. There are a few play grounds on the property. Do not come here if you want to do anything outside of camping."
"We hiked the Bicentennial Trail (13.3 miles long from start to finish) which was also shaded and with geocaches. We went with our 2 dogs and 2 kids."
$22 / night
"Easy access to the River. Absolutely beautiful mornings with the fog over the water to look at while you sip your coffee. The sites are spaced well apart. No bad sites here."
"There are several recreation areas nearby to enjoy in addition to Harpeth."
"That’s probably not something I would have said before visiting the Meriwether Lewis Campground near Hohenwald, Tennessee. This campground is amazing."
"I did not expect to find something like this in Tennessee! Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. It is a cute little campground with clean bathrooms nearby."
"Nashville north koa was a nice campground with a proximity to Nashville but away from the bustle. We stayed for a week and enjoyed ourselves."
"The proximity to the Opry and surrounding sites is fantastic. Top that off with front desk, event and maintenance staff that were all super nice and you’ve got a great combo."
"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."
ScoutWe tent camp, but like electricity, however the pads are concrete and can not get stakes in ground. Did not know it was okay to put tent up off pad in grass until we called a park ranger. By this time we was frustrated because we had already put tent up.
GuideNice spot but a little crowded for my tastes.
ScoutStaff was wonderful at helping with all needs...booking tours too. Can shuttle a bus to downtown Nashville. Nice pool. Live music every night at the campground. Clean restrooms, laundry and the entire park.
ScoutThis campground is nice. Pool and indoor park is great for the kids. But this place is really really quiet. Not bad but we were scared to make a sound.
TravelerGood fishing, fire pit, gravel road in, peaceful
TravelerStaff pleasant, site easy enough to get into, no shade for “short stays”, overall nice, quaint park for overnight parking on the way to another destination. I was disappointed- NO shower house for RVers, only for cabin guest.
GuideThis was a very nice resort camping spot. I loved the not tub with the jets. I tent camped on the mulch and electric/ water site. I just wanted to see what the mulch was like. The big chest , checkers and jumping pillow was pretty cool. And if you want wood you can charge your card on file and they'll bring your wood to your site.... since they don't just have it in the office. It's also very close to town so you can get a Uber or even have food delivered if you actually don't want to cook. Feels very much like glamping.
ScoutThe owner was very nice and informative. I was able to have peace and quiet for the rest of my stay
ScoutManager is rude and place is trashy
Montgomery Bell State Park offers campground visitors over 4,000 acres to explore near Dickson, Tennessee. Located within 15 miles of Dickson proper, this state park provides camping access year-round with elevation changes that create varied hiking experiences throughout the property. Weather in the region typically includes hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while spring camping can bring significant rainfall that affects accessibility.
Kayaking on Piney River: At Piney River Resort, visitors can enjoy kayaking directly from the campground. "We stayed at a site with a pavilion right on the river and it was great! Our girls enjoyed swimming, fishing, and kayaking," notes Ashlee B., who appreciated the river access for water activities.
Hiking historical trails: Montgomery Bell State Park features multiple hiking paths with historical significance. According to Faith S., the park offers "lots of hiking and historical sites. There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church" that visitors can explore during their stay.
Visit Loretta Lynn's Ranch: Located within driving distance of Dickson, this destination offers unique entertainment options beyond camping. "The best part of our stay was the tour of the plantation and Loretta Lynn's Museum," mentions Debra F., highlighting the cultural attractions available to campers.
Swimming in natural water: Pinewood Canoe & Camp provides excellent swimming opportunities along the Piney River. "The best swimming spot and relaxing spot on the rock and sand beach," reports Megan S., emphasizing the clear water quality that appeals to summer visitors.
Riverside sites at Lock A: Campers consistently praise the waterfront locations at this Corps of Engineers campground. "We were just a little bit off of the river in site 36. 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," reports Guy M., noting the well-maintained facilities.
Family-friendly environment: Montgomery Bell State Park receives high marks for its family appeal. "We took our 3 young kids during monsoon season and the staff where amazing and getting the kids out and into nature!" mentions Amy P., highlighting staff responsiveness during challenging weather.
Peaceful settings: Piney River Resort offers a quieter camping experience compared to more developed areas. "Very personable owners and staff, they greet you when you arrive and check with you and say goodbye when you leave. Like friends you never knew you had," reports dawn C., noting it was "the quietest campground we've ever stayed at."
Affordable options: Tanbark Campground provides economical camping close to Dickson. "Passport America was $17 for full hookup. Pull thru sites. Bathroms were clean and close," states Charles M., mentioning that despite having some full-time residents, "for the price you can't complain."
Varying site sizes and privacy: Tent sites at Montgomery Bell offer different experiences depending on location. According to Lexi S., "They 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. They are not quiet as secluded and quiet as we would have liked."
Access challenges: Piney River Resort has difficult approach roads that may challenge larger vehicles. "Staff we talked to was very kind but the drive in from the highway was very scary on narrow, windy roads with dropoffs on the side," reports Pat&Amanda D., who advises this is "a much better stay for smaller RVs."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there tent camping sites available near Dickson?
Yes, there are several tent camping options near Dickson. Montgomery Bell State Park Campground offers tent sites with amenities including clean shower facilities, picnic tables, and fire rings with cooking grates. The campground is nestled in a hollow with shade and creek access. For a more primitive experience, Spring Creek Primitive Campground — Mousetail Landing State Park provides quiet, shaded sites near the Tennessee River. Though it's a bit off the beaten path, it offers a peaceful retreat with basic amenities. Both locations are within reasonable driving distance from Dickson and provide different camping experiences.
Where are the campgrounds located in Dickson, TN?
In and around Dickson, TN, you'll find several campground options. Dickson RV Park is located directly in Dickson, providing convenient access to the town's amenities. Just a short drive from Dickson, Tanbark Campground offers reservable sites with water and toilet facilities. The area surrounding Dickson is rich with camping opportunities within a 30-45 minute drive, including state parks and private campgrounds. Many visitors to Dickson use the town as a hub for dining and supplies while camping at nearby locations, with local restaurants offering burgers, BBQ, pizza, and ice cream for campers looking to take a break from camp cooking.
What RV park options are available in Dickson, Tennessee?
RV enthusiasts have several options near Dickson. Piney River Resort offers riverside RV sites with plenty of space to relax and enjoy water activities. It's particularly popular during holidays but maintains enough space for comfortable camping even during peak times. Four Corners RV Resort features level sites with a choice between lake-facing spots or interior loop locations. For those willing to drive a bit further, RJourney Clarksville RV Resort provides level gravel pads with good spacing between rigs, ample shade, and hospitable staff, though its proximity to the highway does create some noise. Dickson RV Park offers the convenience of being directly in town.
What hiking trails can be accessed from Dickson, TN campgrounds?
Dickson-area campgrounds offer access to diverse hiking experiences. At Meriwether Lewis Campground, you can explore historical trails with beautiful forest settings—the roads approaching the campground are described as majestic under the stars. A short drive from Dickson, Mousetail Landing State Park offers access to the Lady's Bluff Small Wild Area, a worthwhile hiking destination with views of the Tennessee River. For trails directly from your campsite, Montgomery Bell State Park features several trailheads that start near the Four Mile Campground area, allowing campers to easily access the park's trail system that winds through wooded hollows and around lakes.
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