Montgomery Bell State Park offers camping options within 45 miles of Waverly, Tennessee. The 3,850-acre park maintains sites for both RV and tent camping with electric hookups and water access throughout its camping areas. Fall temperatures average between 50-70°F, creating favorable conditions for outdoor recreation during September through November.
What to do
Fishing and water recreation: Pin Oak Campground at Natchez Trace State Park provides access to a large lake with multiple water activities. "The lake itself is very clear water. Easy to access the park from I-40 but it is a bit of a drive from the exit," notes Randy C. The park offers kayaking opportunities with equipment rentals available seasonally.
Historical exploration: Visit the Meriwether Lewis death site near Thousand Trails Natchez Trace. "Meriwether Lewis death/gravesite was nearby and interesting to check out," mentions Emerson F. The historic site offers educational panels about the explorer's mysterious death along the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Trail riding: Equestrian camping near Waverly, Tennessee includes Wranglers Campground about 60 miles away in Kentucky's Land Between the Lakes. "Fun experience staying with all the horses! I didn't really know it was a thing to bring horses to camp and ride them on the trails!" shares Tessa C. The site connects directly to extensive horse trail systems.
What campers like
Peaceful water settings: Many sites at Montgomery Bell State Park Campground offer creekside locations. "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," writes Tammy P. The park maintains several spots directly adjacent to small waterways.
Group facilities: The campgrounds provide dedicated areas for larger gatherings. "With a great pavilion, Vb court, ball diamond, and playground, the far side of the camp is perfect for families, groups, and events," states Stæven F. about Montgomery Bell State Park. Some sites specifically accommodate multiple families camping together.
Swimming options: During summer months, several parks maintain designated swimming areas. "There is a small swimming area too at Pin Oak. There are a few lakes in the area. Pin Oak is the only motor lake. Cub lake has a larger swim area with paddle boat, Jon boat and kayak rentals," explains Beth LeVar L. Swimming facilities typically operate May through September.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many rural campgrounds have spotty connectivity. At Thousand Trails Natchez Trace, one camper reports, "I had absolutely no cell service through Verizon and my T-Mobile 5g internet had no reception either (even with a booster)." Pack offline entertainment and emergency communication alternatives.
Limited shower facilities: Some horse camping areas restrict amenities. Natchez Trace Wrangler Camp provides basic accommodations without shower facilities. "Make your reservations early!! Beautiful area lakes, groomed trails, nice hosts - highly recommend. Showers are OK..is the only reason for the missed star in rating," shares Andrea R. about Montgomery Bell.
Bridge height restrictions: Verify clearance requirements for larger RVs. "They have a low bridge right outside of their park that prevents you from getting here the easy way. The bridge is at 12ft if I remember correctly, it is too low for most 5th wheels and many class As," warns Laura H. about Thousand Trails Natchez Trace.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Montgomery Bell offers dedicated play areas. "There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church," notes Faith S. Position your campsite strategically to balance play area proximity with privacy needs.
Wading opportunities: Creekside spots provide natural water play. "The campground has 77 sites full hook-up with sewage. Every site has grill, fire pit, table and lantern hook," shares Beth LeVar L. about Pin Oak Campground. Shallow water access points offer safer alternatives to lake swimming for younger children.
Off-peak timing: Consider non-holiday weekends for quieter experiences. "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. Too many people, dogs and kids that are too close together," advises Jody A.
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "The site I had was a little awkward backing into and the water hookup was on the wrong side for my camper," mentions Nathan R. about Montgomery Bell. Request site-specific details when making reservations.
Supply planning: Limited shopping options require advance preparation. "Take plenty of food as a trip to the store is a bit of a drive," suggests Randy C. about Pin Oak Campground. The nearest full-service grocery stores to most campgrounds require 20+ minute drives.
RV size considerations: Loretta Lynn's Ranch accommodates larger units but with some limitations. "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," reports Ian O. Some sites restrict RV positioning due to slope and terrain features.
