A retiree and his son got the OK they needed from planning commissioners on Monday to open a 13-acre, tent-only campground on 42 acres of forested property in Bakewell, atop the Cumberland Plateau near the Hamilton-Bledsoe County line.
David Taylor Sr. and his son, David Taylor Jr., also got a preliminary nod from planners to build a 1,200-foot-long, 100-foot-wide sod airfield for their personal use adjacent to the campground. Hamilton County commissioners will have the final say on the airfield next month.
Both Taylors have pilot licences, and the younger is a former military flier. They were represented at Monday’s meeting by local architect Allen Jones.
Site of proposed campground in Bakewell, Tenn.
A yurt tent in Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn, Ga., resembling the ones David Taylor plans to install at his 13-acre, 20-campsite campground proposed off Retro Hughes Road in Bakewell, near the Hamilton-Bledsoe County line.Jones said the elder Taylor, in his retirement, intends to relocate to Bakewell and build a house on the 42 acres of land he owns. The campground is intended to provide a retirement income.
The younger Taylor also is expected to build a house on-site atop the plateau in Bakewell. The father and son will operate and maintain the campground and airstrip, according to Jones.