Forested terrain and direct lake access define this Army Corps of Engineers site on Center Hill Lake, roughly 2 miles from Lancaster. The campground is drive-in accessible and includes drinking water, toilets, water hookups, and a dump station. Reservations are available. At $8 per night, it provides basic infrastructure without developed facilities like electric hookups or shower buildings. Anglers and paddlers have direct access to the lake and river corridor. Nearby, Long Branch sits 0.2 miles southwest and offers a point of comparison for campers weighing options in the area. Book ahead during summer months when lake-access sites fill quickly.
Description
Overview
Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping is a unique camping experience at designated areas across Center Hill's 415 miles of shoreline. Primitive camping offers a unique rustic lake front camping experience. Remote locations along the shoreline offer campers a peaceful nature experience. Most designated tent sites are accessible only by boat; while a few can be reached by road. Campers are advised that these areas are remote, primitive sites. Cellular service may be non-existant or limited. Water or electric including restroom facilities of any kind are not availabile. Campers desiring on-site attendant, security, and law enforcement services are encouraged to use developed campgrounds where such services are provided. These services are not provided for primitive camping.
Recreation
Primitive camping Center Hill Lake is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise filled with camping, fishing, boating, and hiking experiences. Center Hill Lake is known for its fishing opportunities and host a lot of fishing tournaments.
Facilities
No water, electric, or restroom facilities. Sites have signage and a fire pit.
Natural Features
Lake view rustic camping experience surrounded by mature hardwood trees. Fishing and boating only a few steps from your designated camping site.
Nearby Attractions
Edgar Evins State Park, minutes from Center Hill Dam, sits on the shores of the lake. An observation tower at the Visitor Center offers a spectacular view of Center Hill Lake and the surrounding hillsides. Burgess Falls State Park is a 35-minute drive from the dam. Here, the Falling Water River drops approximately 250 feet, creating numerous breathtaking waterfalls. Hiking trails and overlooks help visitors enjoy the scenery. The large Native Butterfly Garden is a popular attraction within the park. Rock Island State Park is approximately one hour from the dam. Rock Island is located near the confluences of three rivers that make up Center Hill Lake; the Caney Fork, the Collins, and Rocky Rivers.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCenter Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas is located in Tennessee near Lancaster
Public CampgroundDirections
Directions to primitive camp sites start at the nearest USACE facility. The GPS coordinate \"Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas\" is for Center Hill Dam. 36\_\_05'52.3\"N 85\_\_49'32.4\"W or 36.097869, -85.825653
Coordinates
36.102344 N
85.829826 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/28/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/28/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 56 min from Nashville, TN
- 1 hr 38 min from Bowling Green, KY
- 1 hr 49 min from Chattanooga, TN
- 2 hrs 10 min from Cleveland, TN
