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RV Dump Stations In Burns, Tennessee

36.0534° N, 87.3125° W

Quick Overview

Burns is a small Dickson County town just off I-40 about 30 miles west of Nashville, and for RVers the whole reason to know it is Montgomery Bell State Park, which sits right at Burns. This is a genuine Middle Tennessee gem, 3,782 acres of rolling hardwood forest, three lakes, and miles of trails, once the heart of the region's old iron industry. We track several dump stations in and around Burns, most tied to that state park and the RV parks over in Dickson a few miles west.

One honest heads-up: Montgomery Bell's campground has been closed for a renovation, and its free dump station sits behind the Camp Store past site 121, so access may be limited while work is underway. Call the park at (888) 867-2757 to confirm it has reopened before you count on dumping there. If it is closed, the private RV parks in Dickson, Tanbark Campground and Dickson RV Park, are your backup, and Dickson is where the groceries, propane, and repair shops are anyway.

Getting here is simple. I-40 runs right past Burns, and US-70 parallels it if you want the slower two-lane. From the interstate, Exit 182 puts you on TN-96, then a short jog west to US-70 and east about 3 miles brings you to the park. The approach is gentle, with no steep grades or tight switchbacks to sweat in a big rig. Nashville is a quick day trip east, only about 30 miles and 35 to 40 minutes on I-40, which makes Burns a quiet, cheaper place to park the rig while you explore the city and its music scene.

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Traveling to Burns by RV

Burns sits in an easy spot for interstate travelers. I-40 runs just north of town, so you can be on or off the highway in minutes, and US-70, the old Memphis-Bristol Highway, parallels I-40 through Dickson County if you prefer a two-lane pace. TN-96, TN-48, and TN-46 fill out the local grid and connect you south toward Fairview and Franklin or north toward the river towns.

For the most direct RV route to Montgomery Bell State Park, take I-40 to Exit 182 (TN-96, Fairview/Dickson), head west to US-70, then go east about 3 miles to the main entrance. It is a straightforward approach with no tight switchbacks or steep grades, which is a relief after some of the hillier state-park roads in Tennessee. If you are coming from the Nashville side, Exit 192 (McCrory Lane) to US-70 west through White Bluff is an alternate. Once you are settled, Nashville sits only about 30 miles and 35 to 40 minutes east, close enough for a downtown day trip without paying downtown parking or campground prices. Dickson, just a few miles west of Burns, is your resupply hub with a Walmart Supercenter, a Kroger, fuel, propane, and RV and truck repair all in one small town.

Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials

Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Burns, Tennessee, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.

Check your RV insurance coverage

A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.

Know your roadside assistance options

RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.

Decide about an extended warranty early

Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.

Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees

A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.

RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.

Dump Station Costs in Burns

Burns keeps RV costs low, mostly because a state park is the anchor. Of the several dump stations we track around town, a portion are paid, but when Montgomery Bell's campground is open its dump station is free to use, which is the kind of deal we like to see. The catch right now is the renovation closure, so confirm access before you plan around it.

When the park is open, campsites run about $28 a night plus a $5 reservation fee, with a mix of full-hookup, water-and-electric, and tent sites. That is a fair price for a 3,782-acre park with lakes and trails. The private RV parks in Dickson price competitively for the area and give you a backup when the state park is full or closed. Propane refills at Tractor Supply in Dickson and fuel at the Kroger center or the I-40 truck stops all run at typical Middle Tennessee rates, which are reasonable. If you are watching the budget, base near Burns, resupply in Dickson rather than driving into pricier Nashville, and use the city only as a day trip. That combination keeps your overall costs well below what you would spend camping closer to downtown.

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Paid: 1 station (50%)

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Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.

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Best Time to Visit Burns by RV

❄️

Winter

Nov - Feb

31F - 44F

Crowds: Low

Cold and wet, the quietest season. Trails are open and uncrowded, but pack for freezing nights. Hard freezes below 15F are rare, and snow is occasional rather than heavy.

🌸

Spring

Mar - May

50F - 72F

Crowds: Medium

Mild and green, one of the best times to camp. Warming days from March into May, wildflowers in the park, and lakes filling up. Watch for spring thunderstorms rolling through.

☀️

Summer

Jun - Aug

68F - 87F

Crowds: High

Hot and muggy with July highs near 87F and frequent afternoon storms. Busy season for the lakes and trails; grab a shady site and expect Nashville day-trippers on weekends.

🍂

Fall

Sep - Oct

52F - 75F

Crowds: Medium

Our favorite season here. Warm days, cool nights, and excellent color through the hardwood forest. September stays warm; October is crisp and comfortable for hiking and biking.

Explore the Burns Area

Call ahead before you rely on Montgomery Bell. The campground has been closed for renovation, and since the free dump station sits behind the Camp Store inside the campground area, that closure can affect dump access. The park info line is (888) 867-2757, and a two-minute call saves you an awkward arrival with full tanks. If the park is not taking campers yet, the private parks over in Dickson, Tanbark Campground on S Spradlin Road and Dickson RV Park on W Christi Drive, are a few miles west and can cover you.

Lean on Dickson for everything practical. It has a Walmart Supercenter at 175 Beasley Drive, a Kroger with a fuel center, Tractor Supply for propane refills up to 100 pounds, and Specialized Truck Repair if something on the rig needs attention. That kind of one-town convenience is a real plus when you are boondocking or dry camping nearby. When the park is open, its 3,782 acres are worth a real stay: nearly 19 miles of hiking trails, about 23 miles of mountain-bike singletrack, three lakes with boat rentals on Lake Acorn, and an 18-hole golf course. Time your visit for spring or fall, since summers here get hot and muggy with July highs near 87F, and the fall color through the hardwoods is worth planning around.

National Parks Nearby

Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Burns

Where can I dump my RV tanks near Burns, TN?

We track several dump stations in and around Burns, and the main one is at Montgomery Bell State Park, which sits right at Burns. Its free dump station is behind the Camp Store past campsite 121. One important note: the park campground has been closed for a renovation, so that dump access may be limited. Call (888) 867-2757 to confirm before you rely on it. If the park is not open, the private RV parks over in Dickson, Tanbark Campground and Dickson RV Park, are a few miles west and give you a backup for dumping and hookups.

Is the Montgomery Bell State Park dump station open?

It has been affected by a campground renovation, so we cannot promise it is currently open. The dump station is free and sits behind the Camp Store past campsite 121, but because that area is inside the campground, the renovation closure can limit access. The honest answer is to call the park directly at (888) 867-2757 and ask before you arrive with full tanks. If it is still closed, plan to use one of the private RV parks in nearby Dickson instead. We would rather flag this clearly than have you drive out and find a locked gate.

What highways run through Burns for RVs?

Burns sits just off I-40 in Dickson County, so interstate access is quick and easy. US-70, the old Memphis-Bristol Highway, parallels I-40 through the area if you prefer a two-lane route, and TN-96, TN-48, and TN-46 handle the local connections. For Montgomery Bell State Park, the cleanest RV approach is I-40 Exit 182 (TN-96) west to US-70, then east about 3 miles to the entrance. The roads here are gentle with no steep grades or tight switchbacks, which makes Burns an easy stop compared with some of Tennessee's hillier state-park approaches.

Can I park my RV overnight in Burns?

Tennessee has no statewide law governing RV overnight parking, so it comes down to local ordinance and individual property owners. The Walmart Supercenter in nearby Dickson has reportedly allowed overnight RV parking, but you should always call the store to confirm before counting on it. For a proper overnight with hookups, your best options are Montgomery Bell State Park when its campground is open, or the private Tanbark Campground and Dickson RV Park a few miles west. Rest areas along I-40 allow short stops but are not meant for camping, so plan on an established site for a real overnight.

When is the best time to camp near Burns?

Spring and fall are the sweet spots. Spring, from April into May, brings mild days, green forest, and wildflowers, though you should watch for the occasional severe thunderstorm. Fall is our favorite, with warm days, cool nights, and excellent color through Montgomery Bell's hardwoods in October. Summer works if you want lake time, but it gets hot and muggy with July highs near 87F and frequent afternoon storms, so pick a shady site. Winter is cold, wet, and quiet, fine for uncrowded hiking if you pack for freezing nights, with hard freezes below 15F being rare.

What is there to do at Montgomery Bell State Park?

Plenty. The 3,782-acre park has nearly 19 miles of hiking trails and about 23 miles of mountain-bike singletrack, three lakes including Lake Acorn with boat rentals for kayaks and canoes, an 18-hole golf course on the Tennessee Golf Trail, an inn and cabins, and a rich history as the former center of Middle Tennessee's iron industry. It is also the birthplace of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, founded in 1810, with a replica of the McAdow log cabin and a sandstone commemorative chapel on site. When the campground reopens, it makes an excellent multi-day base right at Burns.

How far is Burns from Nashville?

Burns is about 30 miles west of Nashville, roughly a 35 to 40 minute drive east on I-40 or US-70. That proximity is a big part of why RVers like the area. You can park the rig in the quiet of Dickson County, take care of your dump and resupply, then day-trip into Nashville for music, food, and sightseeing without paying downtown campground rates or fighting for city parking with a big rig. When you are ready to move on, I-40 gives you a straight shot east toward Nashville and Knoxville or west toward Memphis, so Burns works well as both a destination and a waypoint.

Where can I get propane and supplies near Burns?

Head to Dickson, a few miles west of Burns, for just about everything. Tractor Supply in Dickson does propane refills for RV tanks up to 100 pounds, and there is a Walmart Supercenter at 175 Beasley Drive plus a Kroger with a fuel center for groceries and gas. Having a full-service town this close is a real convenience when you are camped near the state park or dry camping in the area. If you need RV or truck repair, Specialized Truck Repair in Dickson handles rigs and trailers on weekdays. Stock up here rather than driving into pricier Nashville.

Is there RV repair near Burns?

Yes. Specialized Truck Repair in Dickson, a few miles west of Burns, works on RVs, trucks, and trailers and is open weekdays. Having a repair shop this close is handy given that Burns itself is a small town without its own RV service. For anything the local shop cannot handle, Nashville is only about 30 miles east and has a full range of RV dealers and service centers. As always, call ahead for an appointment, especially in the busy spring and fall camping seasons when local demand for service runs higher. Carrying basic spares and tools is smart out here too.

Does Montgomery Bell have full hookups?

When the campground is open, yes. Montgomery Bell State Park has 109 campsites in total: 40 full-hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer, 47 water-and-electric sites, and 22 tent-only sites, with 20, 30, and 50-amp service. Most electric sites can fit rigs up to 60 feet, which is generous for a Tennessee state park. Sites run about $28 a night plus a $5 reservation fee. The important caveat is the current renovation closure, so confirm the campground has reopened and full hookups are available by calling (888) 867-2757 before you book or plan your route around a stay there.

What is the weather like around Burns for RVing?

Burns has a typical Middle Tennessee climate. Summers are hot and muggy, with July highs near 87F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, so shade and airflow help. Winters are cold and wet, with January highs around 44F and lows near 31F, and hard freezes below 15F are uncommon. Spring warms nicely from the upper 50s in March to the upper 70s by May, though it can bring severe storms. Fall is comfortable and colorful, with warm days and cool nights through September and October. Overall the temperature ranges from about 30F to 89F across the year.

Are there private RV parks near Burns?

Yes, in nearby Dickson a few miles west. Tanbark Campground on S Spradlin Road and Dickson RV Park on W Christi Drive are both close to Burns and serve as good backups when Montgomery Bell State Park is full or, as with the current renovation, closed. Private parks like these typically offer full hookups and easier last-minute availability than the state park, especially on busy weekends. Combined with Dickson's Walmart, Kroger, propane, and repair options, staying at one of these parks keeps everything you need within a short drive while still putting you close to the state park trails and a quick run into Nashville.

Is Burns a good base for visiting central Tennessee?

It is a solid, low-key one. Burns puts you right on I-40 in Dickson County, so you are within easy reach of a lot of central Tennessee. Nashville is about 30 miles east for music, food, and sightseeing, and you can day-trip there without paying city campground rates. Montgomery Bell State Park at Burns gives you trails, lakes, and history when it is open, and Dickson covers your groceries, propane, fuel, and repairs a few miles west. The gentle terrain and quick interstate access also make Burns an easy waypoint if you are routing between Memphis and Knoxville, so it works as both a base and a stopover.

Where can I dump my RV tanks near Burns, TN?

We track {{stationCount}} dump stations in and around Burns, and the main one is at Montgomery Bell State Park, which sits right at Burns. Its free dump station is behind the Camp Store past campsite 121. One important note: the park campground has been closed for a renovation, so that dump access may be limited. Call (888) 867-2757 to confirm before you rely on it. If the park is not open, the private RV parks over in Dickson, Tanbark Campground and Dickson RV Park, are a few miles west and give you a backup for dumping and hookups.

Is the Montgomery Bell State Park dump station open?

It has been affected by a campground renovation, so we cannot promise it is currently open. The dump station is free and sits behind the Camp Store past campsite 121, but because that area is inside the campground, the renovation closure can limit access. The honest answer is to call the park directly at (888) 867-2757 and ask before you arrive with full tanks. If it is still closed, plan to use one of the private RV parks in nearby Dickson instead. We would rather flag this clearly than have you drive out and find a locked gate.

What highways run through Burns for RVs?

Burns sits just off I-40 in Dickson County, so interstate access is quick and easy. US-70, the old Memphis-Bristol Highway, parallels I-40 through the area if you prefer a two-lane route, and TN-96, TN-48, and TN-46 handle the local connections. For Montgomery Bell State Park, the cleanest RV approach is I-40 Exit 182 (TN-96) west to US-70, then east about 3 miles to the entrance. The roads here are gentle with no steep grades or tight switchbacks, which makes Burns an easy stop compared with some of Tennessee's hillier state-park approaches.

Can I park my RV overnight in Burns?

Tennessee has no statewide law governing RV overnight parking, so it comes down to local ordinance and individual property owners. The Walmart Supercenter in nearby Dickson has reportedly allowed overnight RV parking, but you should always call the store to confirm before counting on it. For a proper overnight with hookups, your best options are Montgomery Bell State Park when its campground is open, or the private Tanbark Campground and Dickson RV Park a few miles west. Rest areas along I-40 allow short stops but are not meant for camping, so plan on an established site for a real overnight.

When is the best time to camp near Burns?

Spring and fall are the sweet spots. Spring, from April into May, brings mild days, green forest, and wildflowers, though you should watch for the occasional severe thunderstorm. Fall is our favorite, with warm days, cool nights, and excellent color through Montgomery Bell's hardwoods in October. Summer works if you want lake time, but it gets hot and muggy with July highs near 87F and frequent afternoon storms, so pick a shady site. Winter is cold, wet, and quiet, fine for uncrowded hiking if you pack for freezing nights, with hard freezes below 15F being rare.

What is there to do at Montgomery Bell State Park?

Plenty. The 3,782-acre park has nearly 19 miles of hiking trails and about 23 miles of mountain-bike singletrack, three lakes including Lake Acorn with boat rentals for kayaks and canoes, an 18-hole golf course on the Tennessee Golf Trail, an inn and cabins, and a rich history as the former center of Middle Tennessee's iron industry. It is also the birthplace of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, founded in 1810, with a replica of the McAdow log cabin and a sandstone commemorative chapel on site. When the campground reopens, it makes an excellent multi-day base right at Burns.

How far is Burns from Nashville?

Burns is about 30 miles west of Nashville, roughly a 35 to 40 minute drive east on I-40 or US-70. That proximity is a big part of why RVers like the area. You can park the rig in the quiet of Dickson County, take care of your dump and resupply, then day-trip into Nashville for music, food, and sightseeing without paying downtown campground rates or fighting for city parking with a big rig. When you are ready to move on, I-40 gives you a straight shot east toward Nashville and Knoxville or west toward Memphis, so Burns works well as both a destination and a waypoint.

Where can I get propane and supplies near Burns?

Head to Dickson, a few miles west of Burns, for just about everything. Tractor Supply in Dickson does propane refills for RV tanks up to 100 pounds, and there is a Walmart Supercenter at 175 Beasley Drive plus a Kroger with a fuel center for groceries and gas. Having a full-service town this close is a real convenience when you are camped near the state park or dry camping in the area. If you need RV or truck repair, Specialized Truck Repair in Dickson handles rigs and trailers on weekdays. Stock up here rather than driving into pricier Nashville.

Is there RV repair near Burns?

Yes. Specialized Truck Repair in Dickson, a few miles west of Burns, works on RVs, trucks, and trailers and is open weekdays. Having a repair shop this close is handy given that Burns itself is a small town without its own RV service. For anything the local shop cannot handle, Nashville is only about 30 miles east and has a full range of RV dealers and service centers. As always, call ahead for an appointment, especially in the busy spring and fall camping seasons when local demand for service runs higher. Carrying basic spares and tools is smart out here too.

Does Montgomery Bell have full hookups?

When the campground is open, yes. Montgomery Bell State Park has 109 campsites in total: 40 full-hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer, 47 water-and-electric sites, and 22 tent-only sites, with 20, 30, and 50-amp service. Most electric sites can fit rigs up to 60 feet, which is generous for a Tennessee state park. Sites run about $28 a night plus a $5 reservation fee. The important caveat is the current renovation closure, so confirm the campground has reopened and full hookups are available by calling (888) 867-2757 before you book or plan your route around a stay there.

What is the weather like around Burns for RVing?

Burns has a typical Middle Tennessee climate. Summers are hot and muggy, with July highs near 87F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, so shade and airflow help. Winters are cold and wet, with January highs around 44F and lows near 31F, and hard freezes below 15F are uncommon. Spring warms nicely from the upper 50s in March to the upper 70s by May, though it can bring severe storms. Fall is comfortable and colorful, with warm days and cool nights through September and October. Overall the temperature ranges from about 30F to 89F across the year.

Are there private RV parks near Burns?

Yes, in nearby Dickson a few miles west. Tanbark Campground on S Spradlin Road and Dickson RV Park on W Christi Drive are both close to Burns and serve as good backups when Montgomery Bell State Park is full or, as with the current renovation, closed. Private parks like these typically offer full hookups and easier last-minute availability than the state park, especially on busy weekends. Combined with Dickson's Walmart, Kroger, propane, and repair options, staying at one of these parks keeps everything you need within a short drive while still putting you close to the state park trails and a quick run into Nashville.

Is Burns a good base for visiting central Tennessee?

It is a solid, low-key one. Burns puts you right on I-40 in Dickson County, so you are within easy reach of a lot of central Tennessee. Nashville is about 30 miles east for music, food, and sightseeing, and you can day-trip there without paying city campground rates. Montgomery Bell State Park at Burns gives you trails, lakes, and history when it is open, and Dickson covers your groceries, propane, fuel, and repairs a few miles west. The gentle terrain and quick interstate access also make Burns an easy waypoint if you are routing between Memphis and Knoxville, so it works as both a base and a stopover.

Are there free dump stations in Burns?

Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Burns.