Montgomery Bell State Park
A Resort in the Woods
Just 40 minutes from Nashville, Montgomery Bell State Park is a 3,850-acre retreat featuring three lakes, a modern lodge, and a top-rated golf course. It serves as a quiet escape with resort-style amenities.
🏨 The Lodge: The newly renovated 117-room lodge sits on the banks of Lake Acorn, offering balconies, a pool, and a full-service restaurant.
Golf & Lakes
The Montgomery Bell Golf Course is a jewel of the Tennessee Golf Trail. Note: The course is currently undergoing major renovations (Early 2026).
| Lake | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Acorn | 26 acres | Swimming beach, paddle boats, lodge views. |
| Lake Woodhaven | 50 acres | Fishing (Bass, bream, catfish). Electric motors only. |
| Creech Hollow | 17 acres | Quiet kayaking and shoreline fishing. |
Camping
The Four Mile Creek Campground offers over 100 sites with water and electric hookups (some sewer).
- Cabins: 8 modern, eco-friendly villas near Lake Acorn.
- Group Camp: Historic CCC-era rustic cabins for large groups.
Wildlife & Nature
Montgomery Bell SP — 3,782 acres near Dickson — sits on the site of the iron industry that was once Tennessee’s largest. Montgomery Bell’s iron furnaces supplied cannonballs for the War of 1812. The park’s forest, lakes, and streams support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles. Barred owls call at dusk.
Nearby Attractions
Dickson — adjacent. Nashville — 35 miles east. Natchez Trace Parkway — 15 miles south. Harpeth River SP — 10 miles east.
Is there a swimming pool?
Yes, the Lodge features an outdoor pool for registered guests. There is also a public swim beach on Lake Acorn.
Are boats allowed?
Yes, but only trolling motors or paddles. No gas outboards are allowed on the lakes to preserve the quiet atmosphere.
Is the golf course open?
It is currently closed for repairs but is expected to reopen in Spring 2026. Check the official park alerts for the latest status.
Things to Do
Tennessee state parks stretch across three distinct regions — the Great Smoky Mountains in the east, the Cumberland Plateau’s gorges and waterfalls in the middle, and the Mississippi River bluffs in the west. Activities include hiking past some of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, swimming in lakes and park pools, fishing in world-class smallmouth bass streams, camping in forested mountain settings, kayaking scenic rivers, mountain biking at premier trail systems, golfing at park courses, horseback riding through valleys, and exploring Civil War battlefields and Native American mound sites. Fall Creek Falls (256 feet) is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the eastern United States.
Best Time to Visit
Tennessee parks offer true four-season appeal. Spring (April–May) brings wildflowers, peak waterfall flow, and comfortable temperatures. Summer (June–August) is warm and humid — lake swimming, park pools, and mountain elevation provide relief. Fall (October–November) is the crown jewel — Tennessee’s fall color rivals New England at a fraction of the crowds, peaking mid-to-late October across the state. Winter (December–February) is mild in West Tennessee and cold in the mountains, offering quiet trails and solitude. The Great Smoky Mountains region experiences peak visitation in summer and October — plan accordingly.
Visitor Tips
Tennessee state parks are free to enter — no admission fees or vehicle passes. Camping, cabins, and lodge rooms are available at many parks through tnstateparks.com. Tennessee’s park system is notable for its full-service lodges and restaurants inside parks — including Fall Creek Falls, Pickwick Landing, and Paris Landing. The state’s Unique Stays program offers treehouse rentals, yurts, and tiny homes at select parks. Firewood policy: only certified heat-treated wood or downed wood from within the park is allowed for campfires.
Explore More Tennessee State Parks
Montgomery Bell State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Tennessee. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Tennessee guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
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