Montgomery Bell State Park Is Under Construction — Here’s What’s Changing, What’s Open, and What to Expect Next
Burns, TN — If you’ve been out to Montgomery Bell State Park lately, you’ve probably noticed the same thing everyone else has: this park under construction. And while construction can be frustrating in the moment, the updates coming to one of Middle Tennessee’s most beloved state parks are significant.
Over the past few days, the park’s official page has posted two big updates that help answer the questions locals keep asking—especially about the campground and Lake Woodhaven.
Below is a clear breakdown of what we know right now, what it means for visitors, and what the timeline looks like going forward.
The Big Headline: The Campground Won’t Fully Reopen Until 2027
Let’s start with the question that’s been hanging over the park for a while:
“When’s the campground going to open?!”
According to the latest update shared by Montgomery Bell State Park, the project team’s estimated date of “substantial completion” is December of 2026—and they explain that this translates to the campground being “open for business” in early to mid 2027.
That’s a long way away. But it’s also the first time we’ve seen official end date in writing.
What “substantial completion” usually signals
In plain English, “substantial completion” generally means the project is far enough along that it’s usable, even if there are still punch-list items, final inspections, or finishing touches. The park’s post doesn’t go deep into technical details—but their translation is the key takeaway:
December 2026: substantial completion
Early–mid 2027: campground open for business
And yes—park staff acknowledged what everybody’s feeling:
They’re “eagerly awaiting the opening” too, and can’t wait “to have a full campground again.”
Lake Woodhaven: Opening for Paddling — But With a ‘Catch’
While campground camping remains on the long-term timeline, there’s more immediate news for folks who love getting on the water.
The park shared a direct update: Lake Woodhaven will be open for paddling recreation starting 2/27/26.
Why the lake was drained (and why it’s filling back in)
Lake Woodhaven was drained last July as part of a project with TWRA tied to updates included in the Bill Dance Signature Lake Series. The park explained that there was an issue within TWRA that caused delays, and because of that delay, the decision was made to allow the lake to fill back in so people can paddle this season.
In other words: the work isn’t over—but the lake is being temporarily returned to recreational use instead of staying dry for an extended period.
The Important Part: Paddling Is Back — Fishing Will Likely Be Rough
The park was also explained what happened to the fish population: the Fish “presumably went downstream.” They went on to add that the lake will not be restocked until project completion
So if you’re thinking about fishing at Woodhaven this spring, expectations need to be realistic. For now, this will primarily be a paddling-only season, not a “back to normal” fishing season.
One More Twist: Lake Woodhaven Will Be Drained Again Later
Just when you’re tempted to say “great, it’s fixed,” the park made it clear:
Lake Woodhaven WILL BE DRAINED AGAIN sometime toward the end of summer to continue the project.
They also said they’ll provide updates on:
when it will be drained again, and
progress from that point forward
So the best way to think about 2026 at Woodhaven is this:
Spring/Summer: paddling returns
Late summer: lake drainage expected again
Restocking: only after project completion
What’s Still Open Right Now
Even with all the work underway, Montgomery Bell State Park isn’t “closed.” The park emphasized that:
the park is open for hiking
the park is open for day use
staff are working on various other projects in the meantime
So while overnight camping at the campground is the big missing piece, the park is still very much usable for:
trails
picnics
day trips
paddling (starting 2/27/26)
Why This Matters for Dickson County
Montgomery Bell isn’t just a state park—around here it’s part of the community’s identity. When the campground is down, it doesn’t only affect weekend plans. It affects:
tourism traffic in and out of Burns/Dickson/White Bluff
local businesses that depend on out-of-town visitors
That’s why clear communication matters, and why these updates—especially the campground timeline—are something locals will be watching closely.