Within the Cordell Hull Recreation Area, Defeated Creek Campground provides Army Corps of Engineers-managed camping along Cordell Hull Lake from mid-March through early November. The 155-site campground features both waterfront and hillside locations, with full hookups available at lakeside sites and water and electric at interior spots.
Campers consistently note the large deer population that roams the grounds from evening through morning hours. The campground spans multiple loops, with perimeter sites offering direct lake access where visitors can pull boats and kayaks right up to shore. Site spacing varies, with some waterfront locations closer together while interior sites provide more separation. Campfiresandcoffee94 mentions "RV pads are well maintained" though notes that "some pads have only direct sun" while others benefit from tree coverage.
The campground includes multiple bathhouses with varying conditions - some recently updated, others more dated. A marina sits across the street offering supplies, ice, and firewood. The Bearwaller Gap Trail begins near the campground, providing a six-mile hiking option through heavily wooded terrain. Swimming, fishing, and paddling access the lake directly from waterfront sites, while a day-use area connects to the campground with walking paths.
Cell service proves spotty for most carriers, and the campground offers WiFi though staff prefer limited use. Jovee S. notes that "several sites had been booked and no one staying at them," a common issue that leaves desirable spots unavailable. The area around Carthage provides camping areas near Carthage for those seeking alternatives. Sites 51 and 52 share a pull-through configuration, meaning close proximity to unknown neighbors.
Book well in advance through Recreation.gov, as waterfront sites fill quickly during peak season.
Description
Overview
Defeated Creek Park Campground sits along the banks of Cordell Hull Lake on the Cumberland River System, just seven miles from Carthage, Tennessee. The lake was named after Cordell Hull, a politician that was born in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains. Hull is best known for being the longest running secretary of state in American history, serving for 11 years. Click here for a virtual tour of the Cordell Hull Lake facilities.
Recreation
The 12,000-acre lake stretches 72 miles upstream and boasts 381 miles of shoreline, offering countless recreational activities for visitors. Anglers enjoy fishing for white bass, rockfish, largemouth bass, catfish, shad and crappie. Boating, sailing, water skiing and jet skiing are popular activities on the water, and boat ramps and a marina provide easy lake access. Miles of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails surround the lake. The 6-mile Bearwaller Gap Trail has a trailhead within the campground. Other trails in the area include the Turkey Creek Nature Trail and Bear Wheels Trail.
Facilities
The campground offers 155 sites for tents and RVs, all with electric hookups. Two large group day-use shelters are also available on a first come first serve basis or for reservation in the day use area, both shelters have water and electric hookups. A boat ramp, playground, beach, and tennis and volleyball courts are all provided, making the area perfect for families or larger parties. A marina is located adjacent to the campground.
Natural Features
Cordell Hull Lake is situated among rolling hills covered in a mix of shady maple, hickory, oak, beech and chestnut trees. Summer temperatures range from the 60s to the 90s. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, quail, squirrels, rabbits and a wide variety of waterfowl are commonly seen throughout the area.
Nearby Attractions
The historic town of Granville, Tennessee, is 25 miles from the campground. Visitors enjoy celebrating the town's Heritage Day annually in May. Events include the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival, antique car and tractor shows and Civil War living history presentations.
Reservation Info
Firewood Alert: When picnicking at this recreation area, purchase your firewood from a vendor who sells certified heat-treated firewood. Don't bring firewood from home. To help prevent the spread of the Emerald ash borer and other forest pests, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is prohibiting firewood that is non certified heat-treated firewood. Visit Firewoodscout.org or Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.When picnicking or camping a Cordell Hull Lake certified, heat treated firewood is required. The US Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District, are prohibiting firewood that is non certified.
Pets are prohibited in day use area due to health department restrictions with recreation areas with beaches.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDefeated Creek Campground is located in Tennessee near Carthage
Directions
From Carthage, Tennessee, take SR-25 west for 4 miles. Turn north on SR-80, then east on SR-85. Follow signs to campground.
Address
140 Marina Lane
Carthage, TN 37030
Coordinates
36.2997222 N
85.9088889 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 5/22/26- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 5/22/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 5/22/26
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 5/22/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 3 min from Nashville, TN
- 1 hr 19 min from Bowling Green, KY
- 1 hr 44 min from Clarksville, TN
- 2 hrs 12 min from Chattanooga, TN
