Fishing, swimming, kayaking, and boating are all available right from the water's edge at Ragland Bottom, an Army Corps of Engineers campground on Center Hill Lake near Sparta, Tennessee. Sites 1 through 15 sit directly on the lakefront with electric and water hookups, and Nate H. notes that "the lakefront sites all have water access right from the site." Those spots fill quickly. Book well in advance if a lakefront site is the goal.
The campground is laid out on a hillside in roughly five tiered rows, with the first three rows carrying views of the lake and upper sites offering shade and a broader sightline across the forested terrain. Shade is consistent across most of the property, though at least one mid-loop site loses tree cover by midday. The gravel pads are coarse and can be rocky, so tent campers may want a heavier mallet for stakes. Fire rings at some tent sites sit outside the pad itself, though each comes with a rock surround and a grill. A wood railing at several sites works well for drying towels and gear.
Beyond the water, the campground includes a playground, sand volleyball court, and a boat ramp with large trailer parking. A hiking trail runs through the area. Restrooms and showers draw consistent praise from reviewers, with cleanliness noted across multiple visits and seasons. A camp host is on site and described across several reviews as helpful and knowledgeable about the surrounding area. Burgess Falls State Park, about 20 minutes away by car, is a frequently mentioned day trip from the campground.
RVs up to 125 feet can be accommodated, with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer at applicable sites. A dump station and WiFi are also on site. Rates run $24 to $50 per night, and the season runs from mid-April through mid-October. Campers exploring campgrounds around Center Hill Recreation Area will find a range of access types here, including drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in options. Nearby alternatives include COE Center Hill Reservoir Ragland Bottom and Lakeside Resort & Educational to the north. Signage on the approach road is limited, so using navigation to the site directly is advisable.
Description
Overview
Ragland Bottom Campground is located on the shores of the scenic Center Hill Lake on central Tennessee's Highland Rim. The lake stretches 64 miles up the Caney Fork River, where visitors come to enjoy boating, fishing and water sports. The 415 miles of forested shoreline provide excellent hiking, hunting and camping opportunities. 2025 Events: The annual Halloween event will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Recreation
Boating, waterskiing, canoeing and fishing are popular activities on the water. Anglers will find bream, walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish and white bass. Below the dam, the Caney Fork River is one of the most productive trout fisheries in the state. Nine miles of hiking trails meander around the lake. The Red Post Trail is a short, but steep, two-mile trail that loops above the campground. Hikers who brave the moderately difficult climb are rewarded with beautiful overlooks of the lake and nearby Sligo Bridge and Marina.
Facilities
This waterfront campground offers 40 sites with water and electric hookups, as well as 16 primitive tent sites. A large group day-use picnic area is available as well, with water and 15-amp electric hookups. Amenities like flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided, creating a comfortable camping experience for guests. A boat ramp, volleyball court, basketball goal, playground and hiking trail are all conveniently located within the campground. The adjacent day-use area has a group picnic shelter, boat ramp, and swimming beach.
Natural Features
Center Hill Lake is surrounded by lush mixed hardwood forests in the hilly Highland Rim region. Beautiful dogwoods bloom in the campground in springtime. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, squirrels and rabbits roam the wooded hills around the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Burgess Falls State Park is a 25-minute drive from the campground. 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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRagland Bottom is located in Tennessee near Smithville
Directions
From Smithville, Tennessee, take US-70 east for 8 miles. Turn left on Ragland Bottom Road and follow signs to the campground, located one mile from Sligo Bridge.
Address
1410 RAGLAND BOTTOM RD
Sparta, TN 38583
Coordinates
35.9774 N
85.7208667 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/12/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 35 usersLast on 7/12/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/12/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 35 usersLast on 7/12/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 15 min from Nashville, TN
- 1 hr 28 min from Chattanooga, TN
- 1 hr 50 min from Cleveland, TN
- 1 hr 57 min from Bowling Green, KY
