Bledsoe Creek State Park: A Local Guide to Camping, Trails and Old Hickory Lake

Bledsoe Creek State Park is a Tennessee state park at 400 Zieglers Fort Road in Gallatin, along Old Hickory Lake. The park offers camping, hiking, fishing, lake access, picnic shelters and seasonal programs. Tennessee State Parks currently lists 68 standard campsites with hookups, more than four miles of trails and one mile of paved trail. Check the official reservation system before visiting for campsite, shelter, construction, availability and fee information.

Bledsoe Creek State Park gives Gallatin residents and visitors a convenient way to combine hiking, camping, fishing and lake views in one destination. The Tennessee state park is located at 400 Zieglers Fort Road in Gallatin, along Old Hickory Lake.

For a day trip, plan around the park’s trails, shoreline and picnic areas. For an overnight visit, use the Tennessee State Parks reservation system rather than relying on old campsite counts or prices. The current reservation information reviewed for this guide lists 68 standard campsites with hookups, while the general Tennessee State Parks listing describes more than four miles of scenic trails, including one mile of paved trail...

Bledsoe Creek State Park at a glance

Detail — What to know

Location — 400 Zieglers Fort Road, Gallatin, TN 37066

Setting — Along Old Hickory Lake and Bledsoe Creek

Main activities — Hiking, camping, fishing, boating access, picnicking and park programs

Camping — Tennessee State Parks lists 68 standard campsites with hookups

Trails — More than four miles of scenic trails, including one mile of paved trail, according to the current Tennessee State Parks listing

Picnic shelters — Two reservable shelters with capacity ranging from 30 to 100 people

Park phone — 615-452-3706

Reservation help — 888-867-2757 for Tennessee State Parks reservations

The park’s official reservation information lists the park office at 400 Zieglers Fort Road and gives regular office hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Because hours, construction conditions, availability and special programs can change, check the official Tennessee State Parks page before leaving home.

What to do at Bledsoe Creek State Park

Hike the park’s trails

Hiking is one of the simplest ways to experience Bledsoe Creek. The trails pass through wooded areas and along the lake shore, offering options for a short walk, a family outing or a longer park visit. Tennessee State Parks describes the trail system as open year-round and identifies approximately one mile of paved trail as accessible to people with disabilities.

The park’s trail map should be your starting point if you want to compare paved sections, shoreline routes and more wooded terrain. Trail names and routes can change after maintenance or construction, so use the current official map rather than an older third-party map or an informal route description.

For families, a practical approach is to begin with a shorter paved or relatively level section and allow extra time for stops. After rain, wooded portions may be softer or more difficult than the distance alone suggests. Bring water, insect protection and shoes that can handle uneven ground.

Fish and enjoy Old Hickory Lake

Bledsoe Creek State Park sits on Old Hickory Lake, making the shoreline a major part of the visit. The park’s official Tennessee State Parks description highlights fishing and lake access, while the City of Gallatin’s parks planning material identifies public boating and fishing facilities at the park...

Visitors bringing a boat, kayak or paddleboard should confirm the current launch conditions, boating rules and water-safety requirements before arriving. Do not assume the park rents kayaks or other equipment: the current official sources reviewed for this draft did not confirm an on-site kayak rental operation.

Fishing regulations, licenses and seasonal rules are handled under Tennessee regulations and can change. Check the current Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency rules before fishing, especially if you are visiting from outside Tennessee or planning to keep a catch.

Picnic, gather and attend park programs

Bledsoe Creek has two picnic shelters available for reservation. Tennessee State Parks lists shelter capacities ranging from 30 to 100 people, making the facilities suitable for family gatherings, reunions and other organized picnics. Online reservations are available up to one year ahead, and groups may contact the park about reservations farther in advance under the shelter policy.

The park also maintains an events and programs calendar. Seasonal interpretive programs, guided activities and educational events may be available, but schedules should be checked directly before planning a trip around one.

Camping at Bledsoe Creek State Park

Campsites and reservations

The current Tennessee State Parks reservation page lists 68 standard campsites with hookups and describes recent campground upgrades, including grills and picnic tables. Nightly rates vary by site, season and availability; the quoted rate does not include taxes or the reservation fee.

Reservations may be made up to one year in advance. Tennessee State Parks identifies a nonrefundable $5 advanced reservation fee per campsite. The reservation system displays the rate for each available site and is the best source for current availability and total cost.

Camping check-in is listed as 4 p.m., with check-out at noon. Most campsites require a minimum two-night stay, according to the current reservation information. Campers should review the site description carefully before booking, especially if they need a particular hookup, accessibility feature or trailer configuration.

Camping rules to know

Before reserving a site, keep these current rules in mind:

• Campsites are limited to designated areas.
• Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• The standard maximum stay is 14 days; a longer winter limit is listed for December 1 through February 28 or 29.
• Bicycles are permitted on roadways but not on park trails.
• Children younger than 16 must wear a helmet while bicycling.
• Only certified heat-treated firewood may be brought into the park.
• Campers must clean their sites and remove equipment before departure.
• Proof of ADA eligibility is required before occupying an ADA-designated campsite.

Rules and reservation policies can be revised, so read the current terms attached to your reservation rather than relying on a previous visit.

Planning a family visit

Bledsoe Creek can work well for families who want more than a playground or a short paved walk. A simple day plan might include a morning trail walk, a picnic near the lake and time to observe birds or wildlife. Families with younger children should confirm the current playground location and condition before making it the centerpiece of the trip; the official sources reviewed for this draft did not provide enough current detail to describe its equipment or accessibility accurately.

Pack food, water, sunscreen, insect repellent and a change of clothes for children. If you plan to spend time near the lake, supervise children closely and use properly fitted life jackets for boating or paddling activities. Dogs and other pets should be managed according to current Tennessee State Parks rules, including leash requirements where applicable.

For a group gathering, reserve a shelter in advance. The reservation page lists two shelters and says capacities range from 30 to 100 people. Confirm whether your event needs additional arrangements, such as electricity, amplified sound, decorations or special parking instructions.

Directions, access and what to bring

Bledsoe Creek State Park is in Gallatin at 400 Zieglers Fort Road. Use the official Tennessee State Parks directions and a current navigation app for the final route, particularly if you are towing a trailer or visiting a specific campground loop, boat launch or shelter.

The park’s paved trail mileage may make part of the property more accessible, but accessibility is facility-specific. Contact the park before visiting if you need information about parking surfaces, restrooms, trail grades, shelter access, campsite features or current construction conditions.

A useful packing list includes:

• Water and snacks
• Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Fishing equipment and any required license
• Personal flotation devices for boating or paddling
• A current park map or downloaded directions
• Certified heat-treated firewood for campers
• Trash bags and supplies for leaving the site clean

What to verify before you go

Bledsoe Creek State Park is a relatively close outdoor option for Gallatin, but several details are high-volatility information. Check the official Tennessee State Parks website before your visit for current campground availability, rates, shelter reservations, trail conditions, construction notices, programs and contact information.

If you are visiting specifically for kayak rental, a playground, a particular paved trail or a fishing launch, confirm that feature directly with the park. Those details may be available on updated park materials but were not all confirmed in the current authoritative sources reviewed for this draft.

For more local outdoor ideas, browse MyGallatin’s coverage of [Gallatin parks and greenways](/search?q=Gallatin%20parks%20and%20greenways), [Old Hickory Lake activities](/search?q=Old%20Hickory%20Lake%20activities) and [family activities in Gallatin](/search?q=family%20activities%20in%20Gallatin).

Next step: Before reserving a campsite or shelter, check the Tennessee State Parks reservation calendar and call Bledsoe Creek State Park at 615-452-3706 if you need information about access, facilities or current conditions.