Belle Ridge Retreat - TN

The Rock Pond at Belle Ridge Retreat is the most unique campground amenity we've seen recently, and maybe the most popular amongst our family.

We visited Belle Ridge Retreat, located between Cookeville and Crossville, TN, on I-40, in mid-September. This is a newer campground with a large UTV park. They offer 50 full hookup sites, 30 tent sites, 12 cabins, a nice bathhouse, The different camping options are separated. As a result, the tent sites feel very state park-like, the RV sites are spacious, and the cabins are well-spaced. Several hiking trails depart from the campground leading to caves, pavilions, waterfalls, the Rock Pond, and other features. Miles of UTV trails also depart the campground; if trail-riding is a passion of yours, this may be an ideal campground.

The Rock Beach appears to be a bluff that was dammed and the dam then covered with sand. The result is a deep, clean pond with 2/3 rock bluff banks, and a large sand beach. The kids spent hours, and would have spent longer, playing here. There is a swimming platform they navigated around the pond, they swam, and they played in the sand. They definitely enjoyed this campground amenity.
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This area of Tennessee has become familiar for us, and was a halfway point for meeting family for a while. So we have some favorite spots to visit. We typically enjoy coffee from the Grinder House, however we got a late start and missed them this time. French's Shoes has a resale shop upstairs and has proven to be a great place to get good deals on great shoes. Finally, The Pour House Bistro is a do not miss stop in this region, we love the burgers and bowls, and their new location is great.