Montgomery Bell State Park, Part II

Following our successful return to the campground in May to Nathaniel Bedford Forrest State Park, we quickly scheduled a return trip to a Tennessee State Park. This one is a favorite of ours - Montgomery Bell State Park.

Our first visit in 2019 was a bit of a rain out, but forecast was far better for this June trip. Montgomery Bell State Park campground offers 22 tent sites, 47 water and electric sites, and 40 full hookup sites. The sites are an assortment of sizes: short, long, wide, narrow; the website offers a nice description so you can find a site that works for you. We had site 64, which was a bit narrow and sloping, but the supply was limited when we booked - so it was perfect!

Montgomery Bell State Park, like several other Tenneessee State Parks we’ve visited, this park has trail access from the campground. We were able to log several miles Saturday morning, walking past the ore pits, where iron ore was once mined, as well as several creek crossings. 

We were relieved to take part in the return of Ranger-led programs offered at the campground. We joined a creek-walk where the kids got to dip-net for bugs, fish, crawdads, and anything else lurking in the creek. All of the finds were then identified and we learned their value to the ecosystem.

​Later that evening, we joined a ranger talk about fireflies. We were educated on different species and then the kids were sent to catch and identify the caught fireflies.

Near the park is Dickson, TN. Dickson has a great small-town downtown. We enjoyed returning back to Zander’s Woodfired Pizza and House Blend Coffee Shop. There are also a few other restaurants, a brewhouse and a distillery, and several nice shops.     

Later in 2020, Montgomery Bell is expected to open a new lodge. We hope to have a return visit to see the new property and revisit the campground and the trail, as well as our favorite dining. 

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