5th trip of 2026
Bledsoe Creek State Park Gallatin, TN

  July 26 - 30   

Previous Trip

(Pickwick Landing TVA Campground Pickwick, TN

Next Trip   

      (Powhatan State Park, Asheville, NC)

This was not what we planned for July. Due to mechanical issues with the truck,

We had to cancel our trip to Defeated Creek TVA Campground.  As it turned out

the weather was going to be really sketchy with high temperatures and thunder storms.

Fortunately, we were able to score the same site at Bledsoe Creek State Park that we stayed at in 2023.

Even though we new it was going to be really hot, We needed to make sure that the truck was good to go for the Asheville trip in August.

 Truck and trailer worked great and we tested the AC units worked well in such high humidity and temperatures.

We were welcomed by the local deer population and they did not care if we were driving or walking right past them.

A turtle was making his way from the campground to the water as well.

Bledsoe Creek has been known to have a destuctive squirrel problem, Apparently the USDA got involved and

implemented a squirrel remediation program and have reduced the squirrel population that is tolerable.

Bonnie-Roo still had plenty of them to keep her occupied.

Due to the extreme heat (upper 90's with feel like temps as high as 110 degrees) we ventured into town to check the local dining options

We decided to avoid downtown and found a little Mom and Pop BBQ joint called the "The Smokehouse".

From the outside it was not much to look at, but the food was outstanding. Large portions, tasty sides, and reasonably priced.

I had the catfish plate which included 2 of the largest fillets I have ever seen, bbq beans, cole slaw, and corn bread.

Heidi had the BBQ trio Platter, pulled pork, 3 large beef ribs, slice brisket, sides were fried squash and Mac & Cheese.

The next day we did go into historic district of town and made our way to the local grocery store to restock provisions.

Heidi found the Good Will Store and had to check that out.  Meanwhile I went next door to a local discount store called "OLLIES"

Ollies is cross between Big Lots and Dollar store.

Outdoor activities such as taking to the numerous walking trails were delayed to evenings and early mornings.

We did manage to have the obligatory fire on the last night of our stay. The temps dipped down to the low 80's.

 (Click on Image for larger view)