6 RV Campgrounds In Burns, TN - Dump Stations & Parks
36.0534° N, 87.3125° W
Quick Overview
Burns sits in the rolling hills of middle Tennessee, about 40 miles west of Nashville. If you're traveling through this part of Dickson County, you'll find several RV campgrounds serving the area. Of these, some offers free dumping while the rest charge fees that typically run $5-15 per visit.
The camping scene here centers around Montgomery Bell State Park, which draws RVers looking for wooded sites and lake access. Most facilities accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, though you'll want to call ahead if you're pushing that limit. The terrain gets hilly fast once you leave the main highways, so watch your clearances on back roads.
Burns works well as a base camp for exploring the Nashville area without dealing with city traffic. You're close enough to make day trips but far enough out that sites stay available even during peak season. The town itself is small -- gas stations and basic supplies but not much else. Plan accordingly.
I-40 runs just north of town, making Burns easy to reach whether you're coming from Memphis or Knoxville. Highway 70 cuts right through the area and connects to most campgrounds within 15 minutes. Cell coverage is solid near the interstate but gets spotty in the state park hollows.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Burns
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All Dump Stations Near Burns
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Camp Ii - Montgomery Bell State Park | 2.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Montgomery Bell State Park. Group Camp 1 | 2.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Dickson RV Park | 2.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Montgomery Bell Campground | 3.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Montgomery Bell State Park Campground | 3.4 mi | 4.7 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Brannon's Mobile Home Estates | 5.2 mi | 3.5 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Tanbark Campground | 10.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Piney River Resort | 11.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Hidden Valley Lake Corporation | 14.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Pinewood Canoe & Camp Llc | 14.8 mi | 4.6 | Dump Station | Varies |
Group Camp Ii - Montgomery Bell State Park
2.4 miMontgomery Bell State Park. Group Camp 1
2.5 miDickson RV Park
2.9 miMontgomery Bell Campground
3.4 miMontgomery Bell State Park Campground
3.4 miBrannon's Mobile Home Estates
5.2 miTanbark Campground
10.9 miPiney River Resort
11.1 miHidden Valley Lake Corporation
14.6 miPinewood Canoe & Camp Llc
14.8 miTraveling to Burns by RV
I-40 is your main artery through this region, with Burns sitting just off Exit 172. The exit ramps handle big rigs without issues, and you'll find truck stops with RV-friendly fuel lanes at most major interchanges. Highway 70 runs parallel to the interstate and offers a slower-paced alternative if you're not in a hurry.
Route 249 connects Burns to the state park campgrounds. It's a decent two-lane road but watch for deer, especially at dawn and dusk. Some of the park access roads have tight turns, so take it slow if you're towing a trailer over 30 feet.
Overnight parking options are limited in Burns proper. The Walmart in nearby Dickson (about 8 miles east) allows overnight RV parking, but always check with management first. Rest areas on I-40 permit up to three hours of parking -- not technically overnight but useful for quick stops. Most campgrounds in the area don't enforce strict check-in times, which helps if you're arriving late.
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Dump Station Costs in Burns
Burns has several RV campgrounds, with some offering free dump access (that's a portion% of locations). The remaining a portion% charge fees ranging from $5 to $15 per dump.
Montgomery Bell State Park includes dump station access with your camping fee, which runs $25-35 per night depending on hookups. If you're just passing through and need a quick dump without camping, expect to pay around $10 at commercial facilities.
The free option serves campers staying at specific facilities, so you'll need to verify eligibility before planning your stop. Paid stations generally offer potable water and rinse hoses as part of the fee. Most accept cash and cards, but carrying small bills never hurts in rural Tennessee.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Burns
“We had a ton of fun here on an afternoon hike. We did a medley of connected shorter trails that added up to probably a 6-7 mile hike, including the nature trail around the visitor center, wildcat, ore...”
“Boaz Blessings has been replacing all the Mountain Bike Trail bridges in the park. We appreciate the opportunity to do this volunteer work in a beautiful, natural environment.”
“Our son and daughter-in-law were married here a week ago and Rachel, Shawn, Tina, Amber, and Courtney made this a wonderful weekend! They were so sweet and constantly checked in with us to make sure e...”
“Very helpful and friendly staff at the gift shop. There was also a ranger and she helped me answer my questions. I reached at 4 and it is their closing time. They still talked and answered my question...”
Best Time to Visit Burns by RV
Winter
December-February
28-48°F
Crowds: Low
Coldest months see few campers. Some campgrounds close or reduce services. Roads stay clear unless ice storms hit, which happens once or twice per winter.
Spring
March-May
48-75°F
Crowds: Medium
Wildflowers bloom in the state park and temperatures turn pleasant. Weekends fill up by April as locals start camping again. Rain is frequent so pack mud mats.
Summer
June-August
70-92°F
Crowds: High
Peak season brings heat, humidity, and full campgrounds on weekends. Book ahead for July Fourth week. Afternoon thunderstorms are common but usually pass quickly.
Fall
September-November
50-78°F
Crowds: Medium
Best camping weather of the year with comfortable temperatures and fall colors peaking in mid-October. Weekends stay busy through October then drop off in November.
Explore the Burns Area
Stock up on groceries and supplies before heading to the state park campgrounds. Burns has a Dollar General and a small market, but selection is basic. The Kroger in Dickson offers much better variety if you're provisioning for a week.
Cell service on Verizon and AT&T works well near I-40 but drops to one or two bars inside Montgomery Bell State Park. Download maps and entertainment before you settle in. The park office has WiFi but it's not strong enough for streaming.
Propane fills are available at the Tractor Supply in Dickson. Burns doesn't have dedicated RV service, so handle any repairs or part needs in Nashville or at the larger truck stops along I-40. Water quality is good throughout the area -- no need for extra filtration unless you're particularly sensitive.
If you're visiting Montgomery Bell, book campsites on the lake side for better breezes in summer. Sites on the interior loops get buggy when the wind dies down.
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Burns
Can I dump my RV tanks without staying at a campground in Burns?
Yes, several facilities allow dump station access for non-campers. Expect to pay $10-15 for this service. Montgomery Bell State Park may allow dumps for day-use visitors but call ahead to confirm current policies and fees.
What's the largest RV that Burns area campgrounds can accommodate?
Most campgrounds handle rigs up to 40 feet, with Montgomery Bell State Park offering some sites that fit 45-footers. Always call ahead if you're over 38 feet or towing a long trailer, as site configurations vary widely.
Are there any 24-hour dump stations near Burns?
No dedicated 24-hour facilities exist in Burns proper. Your best bet for after-hours dumping is to stay at a campground with included dump access. Some truck stops on I-40 have RV dumps but hours vary by location.
Is it better to stay in Burns or closer to Nashville?
Burns offers quieter camping and lower prices, but you'll drive 40-50 minutes to reach downtown Nashville. If you're spending multiple days exploring the city, staying closer makes sense. For a night or two, Burns works fine.
Do Burns campgrounds fill up during Nashville events?
Major Nashville events like CMA Fest can push campers outward to Burns, but it's not as severe as areas closer to the city. You'll still find availability with a few days' notice, unlike campgrounds within 20 miles of downtown.
What cell carriers work best around Burns?
Verizon and AT&T provide the most reliable coverage near I-40 and in town. T-Mobile works but gets spotty in rural pockets. Inside Montgomery Bell State Park, all carriers weaken significantly in the valleys and hollows.
Are there free dump stations in Burns?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Burns.
All Dump Stations Near Burns (116)
RV ParkHidden Valley Lake Corporation
RV ParkHarpeth River Bridge Campsite
RV ParkLock A Recreation Area
RV ParkLock A Campground
RV ParkTennessee State Forestry Department
RV ParkHarpeth River State Park - Newsom's Mill
RV ParkRV Park At Riverview, Ridley Rentals Llc
RV ParkMade In The Shade RV Park
RV Park