Montgomery Bell State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Located just outside of Nashville, Tennessee, Montgomery Bell State Park is an outdoor oasis encompassing 3,782 acres of lush forests and rocky rivers. This gorgeous state park encapsulates a legacy as the former home of the largest iron industry in the state. When you take an RV trip to Montgomery Bell State Park, you’ll have loads of outdoor adventure waiting for you, from biking on over 23 miles of untamed wilderness to boating on one of the park's three beautiful lakes.
A motorhome vacation to Montgomery Bell State Park offers activities the whole family can enjoy. The kids will love swimming on the sandy beaches of Lake Acorn, and anglers will jump at the chance to go fishing on the scenic Lake Woodhaven or Creech Hollow Lake to catch catfish, bream, and bass. You can go golfing while spotting native wildlife in the wooded pinelands like wild turkey, deer, and geese. Or you can explore the over 3,700 acres of this enchanting natural oasis by hiking on 19 miles of nature trails winding around the park. You can even explore a replica log house and sandstone chapel that were both originally built in the 1800s.
If you take an RV road trip to Montgomery Bell State Park during the summer you’ll enjoy sunny days with temperatures typically in the 80s. Winter usually reaches temperatures in the 40s, but there are still plenty of activities to enjoy year-round. With over 100 RV friendly sites with a variety of hookup options available, a motorhome escape to Montgomery Bell State Park will bring you into the serenity and solitude of nature, while still being close to all the action of Nashville.
RV Rentals in Montgomery Bell State Park
Transportation
Driving
Just over 30 miles west of Nashville, Tennesse, getting to Montgomery Bell State Park is easy, even for those maneuvering big rigs. It is conveniently located off TN-47 and US Highway 70, and the two park entrances are each located on these routes. Both entrances will lead visitors along Jackson Hill Road, the main park road. Several other roads within the park will take you to all of the main attractions, including the Visitor Center, campgrounds, lakes, and other recreational areas. There are no driving restrictions for trailers or RVs, and lanes and curves are wide and paved for smooth sailing.
Parking
Parking lots are dotted around the park at all the main attractions including the lakes, trailheads, golf course, Visitor Center, and campgrounds. RV and trailer parking are available, although spots may fill up quickly during the busy summer months. If you plan on snagging a spot during the peak season, you may want to arrive early on in the day.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Montgomery Bell State Park
Campsites in Montgomery Bell State Park
Reservations camping
Montgomery Bell State Park Campground
Montgomery Bell State Park Campground offers 107 sites open to RVs and tents, and 22 sites available for tents only. Forty-seven of the sites provide water and electric hookups, and 40 sites provide on-site sewer access. This pet-friendly campground offers access to bathhouses, picnic tables, grills, and trash cans. This campground can accommodate campers and trailers up to 60 feet long. Some of the sites feature beautiful views along the creek. A playground and hiking trails are also located nearby. The campground is open year-round, and reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance.
Alternate camping
Inn at Montgomery Bell State Park
If you are looking for more luxurious accommodations during your RV stay at Montgomery Bell State Park, you can park your camper and stay in one of the beautiful rooms at the Resort Inn located at the park. This Inn features 118 rooms with stunning views of Lake Acorn. You can enjoy modern amenities like cable television, both an outdoor pool and an indoor pool, and an exercise room. There is also a restaurant and gift shop open on-site.
Cabins
If you're looking to get out of the motorhome for a night but want to stay close to nature, you can choose to stay at one of the eight premium cabins located at Montgomery Bell State Park. You can park your trailer nearby and stay in one of these spacious cabins that feature two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The cabins provide a fully equipped kitchen with appliances such as a dishwasher, refrigerator, and microwave. Each cabin offers television, a covered patio, a gas grill, and an outdoor fireplace. You can also enjoy access to the indoor and outdoor swimming pool at the Inn, which is located nearby. Cabins are available year-round and require a two-night minimum stay.
Backcountry Shelters
If you want to camp in a more rustic setting, you’ll enjoy staying at one of the backcountry shelters in the park. You can park your RV nearby and head out onto the overnight trail to enjoy the solitude and serenity of the great outdoors. A backcountry camping permit is required.
Group Campgrounds
If you're camping with a large group, Montgomery Bell State Park offers a group campground, located on scenic Lake Woodhaven, available for up to 120 guests. On-site, you'll find 36 rustic cabins, a large dining hall with a full-service kitchen and fireplace, and four bathhouses with running water and hot showers. Other on-site amenities include a picnic area with a shelter, a guard gate, and a boat dock. The group camping area is open from mid-April through October, and reservations can be made up to five years in advance.
Seasonal activities in Montgomery Bell State Park
In-Season
Biking
If you are hauling your bike along in the camper, you will love a chance to ride on the over 23 miles of mountain bike trails at Montgomery Bell State Park. The biking trails range in difficulty from easy to strenuous, so cyclists of every level will get a thrill riding in the serenity of nature. You can pedal through miles of lush forest and spot views of the scenic lakes at the park. For a peaceful ride, bikers should head to the three-mile red trail. Expert mountain bikers can enjoy either the green or yellow trail, at three and six miles, respectively.
Hiking
Whether you are an avid or novice hiker, you will love exploring over 19 miles of nature trails when you park your Airstream at Montgomery Bell State Park. If you would prefer to hike on an easy route, you can take a trek on the Jim Bailey Nature Trail, which is a half-mile route with scenic forest views. For a more moderate route, you can hike on the Wildcat Trail, which is a 1.4-mile trek where you can spot native wildlife and birds if you tread lightly enough.
Boating
If you're longing to get out on the water during your RV trip to Montgomery Bell State Park, you have three large, beautiful lakes to choose from. You can coast out on any of the three lakes, although outboard motors are not allowed. A boat ramp is located on Lake Woodhaven, or if you prefer to travel on the weekends, you can head to Lake Acorn. If you didn't tow your own boat with you, you could rent non-motorized boats like pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats on site.
Swimming
If you are visiting Montgomery Bell State Park in your motorhome between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can enjoy a day on the sandy beaches of Lake Acorn. You can beat the heat and go swimming and splashing in the water for free, or simply relax on the sandy shore and soak up some sun. The whole family will love building sandcastles and enjoying recreation out in the water. The beach area is also equipped with picnic tables and shelters, a large parking area, and boat rentals.
Golfing
After you've parked the Sprinter and set up camp, enjoy a round of golf at the 18-hole golf course nestled in the bustling forests of Montgomery Bell State Park. The fairways offer scenic views of hardwood trees and grassy knolls. You can even spot wildlife like wild turkey, geese, and deer during your round of golf. If you are longing to step out onto the green during your vacation, you can enjoy amenities at the golf course like a driving range, practice green, and an on-site snack bar.
Off-Season
Fishing
Anglers will love the chance to bait their hook at one of the three spacious lakes during their stay at Montgomery Bell State Park. Lake Woodhaven is popular for catching bass, catfish, and bream. You can also catch crappie, bluegill, and shell cracker on Lake Acorn or Creech Hollow Lake. You can cast out along the shores, or from the lake itself via boat. Make sure you pack your fishing gear in your trailer for a chance to fish on some of the most scenic waters in Tennessee.
Wildlife Viewing and Birding
Montgomery Bell State Park is teeming with wildlife, so you’ll want to make sure you pack your binoculars in your camper before leaving home. There are all sorts of forest creatures to spot along the hiking trails including deer, raccoons, foxes, possums, and squirrels. If you are a birding enthusiast, keep an eye out for wild turkey in the enchanting forest, or geese along one of the three lakes in the park. There are also various areas within the park where birders can hope to see blue heron, barred owl, red-bellied woodpecker, and Kentucky warbler.
Historical Sites
If you are taking a camping trip to Montgomery Bell State Park during the off-season, you can still explore some amazing historical sites. There is a replica log cabin that was originally built in the 1800s. This log cabin was once the home of Reverend Samuel McAdow and is an enchanting site to see how pioneers once lived. You can also discover the sandstone chapel, commemorating the original church that was built on the land in the 1800s.
Guided Hiking
Throughout the year, Montgomery Bell State Park hosts planned programs and guided hikes. You can park your Class A motorhome and go on a guided nature hike, or wildflower walk where you can learn about the incredible native wildlife and natural history of the park. The whole family will love exploring the park with the help of expert rangers while enjoying scenic forest and lake views. Check-in at the Visitor Center to see which programs are available during your stay.
Picnicking
If you are looking for a way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Montgomery Bell State Park, park your pop-up at one of the many picnic areas. There are over 125 picnic tables and grills available for use dotted around the park. Some of the picnic areas feature playgrounds, a tennis court, basketball court, volleyball courts, and ball fields so you can enjoy outdoor recreation while you picnic in the serenity of the park’s lush woodlands. There are also restrooms available throughout the park, so you'll won't have to wander too far when nature calls.
