Questions & Answers
Our most frequently asked questions about Camp Tanase.
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Who are your counselors?
Our staff is the heartbeat of Camp Tanase. We picked our staff based on their integrity, leadership, and passion for sharing their knowledge of the great outdoors.
Our team of Tennessee State Park rangers leads the daily activities and our volunteer camp counselors are there to guide your child through camp every step of the way. From cabin time to rec time, our volunteers are well prepared to make sure your child stays safe while having a great time. Each volunteer completes a week-long training course and complete background check.
During training, staff are taught program instruction, dealing with homesickness, first aid, youth development, risk management, behavior management, emergency procedures, the health of campers, and camping skills. Most staff members are full-time college students, recent graduates, or Tennessee State Employees.
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What are the camp facilities like?
Camp Tanase is located in a rustic setting nestled above Lake Woodhaven. Built in 1930, 36 historic rustic cabins sit on the property. Campers will be assigned to cabins by groups and get to experience the rich history of the park. In addition to the cabins, the camp provides a large dining hall with a full-service kitchen and fireplace, a sand volleyball court, picnic area, fire pits, rec fields, counselor buildings, and a boat dock located on beautiful Lake Woodhaven. There are four bathhouse (two showers in each) with sinks, toilets, and running hot water.
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How old are the campers who attend?
Camp Tanase is geared towards campers aged 10 to 14 years old.
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What happens if a camper gets sick or needs regular medication?
Camp Tanase's Tennessee State Park Rangers are State Commissioned Law Enforcement Officers, trained paramedics, and emergency medical technicians. Our trained rangers and staff will work together to make sure all campers are safe, healthy, and taken care of in the case of an emergency. All registered campers are required to fill out a Health & Safety form prior to attending camp in order to inform staff of any health conditions, medication, allergies, or special accommodations needed.
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If regular medication is required by your child, our on-staff Ranger, Jeremy Vaden, will meet with your child to administer the medication as required.
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What do the camp fees cover?
Fees cover everything necessary to provide camp for a week, including food, supplies, activities, staff, cabins and more.
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Are campers required to have the COVID-19 vaccine to attend camp?
No, but all campers must not be showing any COVID - 19 symptoms upon arrival to camp.
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Can campers call home? Can family / friends call campers?
Due to limited phone lines, campers will not be allowed to utilize park phones. In the case of an emergency Camp Staff will be able to facilitate a call between the camper and the appropriate emergency contact.
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How will I reach my camper in an emergency?
In case of an emergency, please call the Montgomery Bell State Park Inn at 615-797-3101 or 1-800-250-8613 (toll-free). Someone will be available 24 hours a day. You can also reach the Camp Directors at 615-306-0611.
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Are visitors allowed during camp?
In order to maintain the safety and security of all campers, no visitors will be allowed at any time. If you would like to remain close to your camper, we recommend making a reservation to stay at the park inn, cabins, or campground. Reservations can be made online or over the phone at (615) 797-3101.​
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Will someone contact me if my camper is having difficulty adjusting to camp?
Yes, if staff feel as though your child is not adjusting well to camp life, we will contact their parent/guardian to work through available options.
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Does camp provide transportation to Montgomery Bell State Park?
It is each camper’s family’s responsibility to get them to and from the park.​
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Will laundry facilities be available?
Laundry will only be done in the case of emergency (soiled bedding, etc.), please pack enough clothes to last the duration of camp. You can find a full packing list under the "Parents" tab.
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Can campers request to share a cabin with friends?
Yes, your camper can request one cabin mate. Keeping the balance between campers that already know each other and campers that don't is very important. Cabin assignments will be made thoughtfully to encourage new friendships in addition to creating memories with old friends.
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Can campers receive mail at camp?
Camp Tanase has a no mail policy to ensure that no one feels left out.
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Are campers required to wear Personal Flotation Device (PFD) during water activities?
All campers will wear PFD while boating, according to Tennessee law. Campers will also be required to wear PFD at all times while in and around the water.