Montgomery Bell State Park Campground accommodates families with children in a 4,000-acre natural area, functioning as a regional camping hub in central Tennessee. Located on Jackson Hill Road in Burns, Tennessee, the campground sits within 45 minutes of Nashville and offers tent camping and RV sites separate from its glamping area. Water features are prominent throughout the park, with creeks for wading and several fishing lakes connected by nearly 20 miles of hiking trails through diverse forest terrain.
What to do
Family hiking experiences: The network of trails at Montgomery Bell State Park Campground accommodates different skill levels and interests. "Great family friendly park with lots of hiking and historical sites. There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church," notes Faith S. in her review of the park.
Fishing at multiple spots: Lakes throughout the park provide ample fishing opportunities with varying access points. At Henry Horton State Park Campground, campers can fish directly along the river. As Randy C. observed, "The trails we hiked were well maintained and there is a quiet paved road suitable for bicycling."
Swimming beach access: For water activities beyond fishing, some parks offer designated swimming areas. At Four Corners RV Resort, "We rented the pontoon and enjoyed the beautiful lake. Highly recommend bringing bug spray for your RV because at night they are all over the door and walls," advises Stephanie R.
What campers like
Creekside camping sites: Many campers specifically request sites adjacent to water features. "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," according to Tammy P.
Historical attractions: The region offers numerous historical sites worth exploring during your glamping trip near White Bluff, Tennessee. At Loretta Lynn's Ranch, visitors can experience country music history. "The best part of our stay was the tour of the plantation and Loretta Lynn's Museum," shares Debra F.
Pet-friendly facilities: Many area campgrounds accommodate pets with designated areas and amenities. Four Corners RV Resort offers "a bark park and a dog washing station," according to Susan & Kevin W., making it ideal for those seeking glamping with pets near White Bluff.
What you should know
Weekend crowding patterns: Many campgrounds experience significant population increases on weekends and holidays. "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," warns Jody A. about Montgomery Bell.
Seasonal insect considerations: Bugs can be problematic, especially at waterfront sites. "Mosquitos! 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," reports Chris L. about their lake experience.
Cell service variability: Mobile reception can be unreliable depending on your carrier and specific location. At Natchez Trace RV Campground, "I had absolutely no cell service through Verizon and my T-Mobile 5g internet had no reception either (even with a booster)," notes Emerson F.
Tips for camping with families
Look for shaded playgrounds: Parks with shade-covered play areas provide relief during hot months. "With a great pavilion, Vb court, ball diamond, and playground, the far side of the camp is perfect for families, groups, and events," recommends Stæven F. regarding Montgomery Bell.
Reserve creek-adjacent sites: Water access provides natural entertainment for children. "The site I had was a little awkward backing into and the water hookup was on the wrong side for my camper. Nice facilities," explains Nathan R. about his experience at Montgomery Bell.
Check educational programs: Some parks offer ranger-led activities for children. Whooping Crane Farm provides unique outdoor educational opportunities as part of their glamping experience. According to Lori H., "The camp spot is fantastic! Right on the Cumberland River, the spot is very secluded, and plenty of space for a group."
Tips from RVers
Access route considerations: Some areas have height restrictions that affect larger vehicles. At Natchez Trace, "There is a low bridge (11ft) that you need to pass under to get onto the Natchez Trace Parkway. If you can't fit, you have to take Napier road north several miles," cautions Emerson F.
Leveling challenges: Site topography varies significantly between parks. At Nashville North KOA, "Sites are very very close together. 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," reports Mary L.
Proximity to amenities: Consider distance to facilities when selecting sites at larger parks. "We walked to the Lodge and WOW, I highly recommend a visit there. It was a beautiful, big building with a view of the lake," shares a camper about Montgomery Bell's central facilities.
