Tanbark Campground

The Great Outdoors

Rent an RV to gain more immediate access to the lush, green woods of Tennessee. There are several state parks, state forests, and county parks in the area. Montgomery Bell State Park is one of the larger parks with a little over 3,700 acres. There are over 20 miles of multi-use trails that are shared with hikers and bicycles. The forest floor is as lush and green as the leaves are overhead. Thick layers of moss and ferns coat nearly every flat surface. Beneath the fern fronds, tiny woodland flowers nod their heads, stirred by the slightest of breezes. The trails, layered by generations of fallen leaves, are soft underfoot.Nestled inside Montgomery Bell State Park is Acorn Lake, a popular swimming and fishing hole. A small boat ramp near a swim beach invites access to the water. Kayak, boat, fish, or swim. Anglers can expect to catch a wide variety of fish, including but not limited to channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, and shell cracker (a type of sunfish).Though Tennessee has dozens of large waterfalls, the Jackson Falls is arguably one of the most photogenic falls in the area. Found near Williamsport, TN, the Jackson Falls flows over a wide granite shelf and lands on a series of tiny steps of shelves, cascading over and over these shelves in a gentle, misty veil till it enters the babbling creek. On either side of the waterfall, mosses and ferns coat the granite slats, softening the harsh stone with vibrant green. Another waterfall that might give Jackson Falls a run for its money is called simply The Waterfall. A few miles northwest of Centerville, this waterfall is somewhat diminutive compared to its larger, more dramatic counterparts. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for with understated beauty. The waterfall flows over a wide, granite slab. Overhead, tall oaks and beech trees tower, adding a sense of height to the scene. There are several other waterfalls in the area, and finding a favorite one to photograph is made effortless by renting an Airstream.

Exploring the Area

Tennessee is full of rich music, stories, urban lore, myths, and history, and various towns operate museums devoted to spotlighting their heritage. In Bon Aqua, is Storytellers Hideaway Farm and Museum, Johnny Cash’s poorly-kept secret retreat. The home-turned-museum is as Cash left it, full of memorabilia, photographs, and documents. Get a glimpse into his mind as you walk through the rooms. Also on site is the One-Piece-at-a-Time Car, made famous by his hit song. Tours are available Tuesdays through Saturdays.The Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum, found near Hurricane Mills, TN, highlights the highly-regarded country singer, Loretta Lynn. The 18,000-square-foot museum is on the same property as her personal home, and a lucky few might spot her strolling about on her property. The museum houses several thousand memorabilia, photographs, mementos, and other artifacts from throughout her career.Hop into an RV rental and head into Nashville. Though the town is famous for its country music scene, it’s also well-known for delicious food, art galleries, museums, and distilleries. Ole Smoky Moonshine is a local favorite. This distillery got its start during the prohibition era, and over the decades, have turned the art of making moonshine and whiskey into science. It was the first distillery to become federally licensed in Tennessee after the ban on moonshine ended.When all’s said and done, and you’re ready to get away from the humid hills of Tennessee, retreat into your RV rental and listen to the sounds of nature as the sky darkens and stars appear. Make new RV camping memories in Tennesee and at Tanbark Campground with family and friends.