The Army Corps of Engineers manages several primitive camping areas scattered around Dale Hollow Lake, with sites accessible only through GPS coordinates rather than traditional check-in procedures. These dispersed locations sit along the Tennessee shoreline, requiring campers to navigate dirt access roads that can prove challenging for RVs and larger vehicles.

Most sites position campers within walking distance of the lake, though terrain varies significantly between locations. Some areas like Plankyard sit directly adjacent to boat ramps and parking areas, while others perch on high bluffs above the water. Andy K. noted his Eagle Point site was "on the top of a high cliff so no water swimming was possible," though the elevated position provided extensive shade from mature trees. Road conditions range from manageable to quite rough - one reviewer described "a very bumpy track not suitable for RV or similar."

Basic facilities include vault toilets at select locations, but campers should plan for pack-in, pack-out camping since dumpsters aren't consistently available. The $3 per night fee reflects the minimal development, and sites often show signs of previous use including litter left by other visitors. [Melody S.](https://thedyrt.com/camping/tennessee/dale-hollow-lake-primitive-camping/reviews/104228) described one location as a "beautiful spot close to the water" despite the rustic conditions.

Campers seeking more developed amenities can explore [Pleasant Grove Recreation Area](https://thedyrt.com/camping/pleasant-grove-recreation-area) for a different Dale Hollow Lake experience.

## Overview

 Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping is a unique series of 32 locations with a total of over 70 individually designated family campsites dispersed over 620 miles of shoreline. Campsites are located in both the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. 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 country road. Campers are advised that these areas are remote, primitive sites. Toilets are vault/pit type outhouses. 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

 Dale Hollow Lake, with its crystal clear water and forested hillsides, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities and holds the world record for smallmouth bass and is known as a trophy smallmouth lake. Boating and water skiing are popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake. 
## Facilities

 Primitive camping sites are remote and accessible by boat; a few have vehicle access. Each location is designated and marked. Each area has a vault or pit type toilet and a ground grill or fire circle. Tent camping is permissible within the designated areas. Cove Creek, Eagle Creek Ferry, Gunnel's Camp, Jones Chapel, Red Oak Ridge A, and Taylors Ford are the only locations which provide for vehicle access, all other sites are boat in only. All areas are considered pack-it-in, pack-it-out locations with minimal services. Campers are expected to bring plenty of water and garbage bags. Cove Creek is the only location with drinking water.\_\_Camping is limited to a 14-day stay within a 30-consecutive day period.
## Natural Features

 Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about three miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities. In the late fall through early spring, the American bald eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second-largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. 
## Charges & Cancellations

 Full rules and reservation policies for fees associated with changes and cancellations can be found at [https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies][1] There is no fee to make a reservation. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A $10 service fee may be charged to changes made to an existing reservation (see full policies for when this is applicable). A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. Applicable fees, including service/cancellation fees and change fees, are non-refundable and subject to change. No refunds for recreation use fees may be made locally at the lake. 

[1]: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

Looking for the best campgrounds near Hilham, TN? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Hilham. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Hilham

The Best Camping Near Hilham, Tennessee

We stayed for 2 nights at the Plankyard site. We were expecting the site to be more remote - but these sites are right off a large parking area and boat ramp. The sites are not well marked and there was some litter. There were lots of trees and shade, and ample water access. 
We won't be going back to that site, but will definitely be checking out some more of the primative camping sites in the area. For $3/night you really can't complain! 

Plankyard: Great price. Ok location. 

Beautiful spot close to the water. Secluded area that can be reached via GPS coordinates ONLY (we learned this after trying to check in at the Dale Hollow campground).

Things to know: 
- there was no dumpster for trash 
-hike in spot with vault toilet 
- 45 minutes from Standing Stone State Park 


Beautiful Spot

We got there late for a primitive site and all the sudden the mgr and police show up mind u the mgr passed us 3 times instead of stopping as a professional mgr should he calls police and tells me the website does not state primitive lol.  It was cluttered loud and tacky. 

Terrible

Cove Creek at Dale Hollow lake in TN is a primitive campsite with lakeside camping. There are water faucets for drinking water and a pit toilet available.
Great views of the lake and plenty of sites available

Cove Creek camping lakeside

Taylor’s Ford primitive campsite is down a steep windy track not suitable for big rigs.
There are about 4 lakeside sites available all with good lake views

Taylors Ford primitive camping lakeside

We took a pontoon boat out to Kemper Flats on Dale Hollow lake for a few days relaxing fishing. Primitive site, island with a porta toilet. Camp right on the side of the lake, very quiet and peaceful

Kemper Flats Dale Hollow TN primitive camping

I camped at Eagle Point for a quiet relaxing few days , but due to a group of young lads who camped near me that was not going to be the case. They were loud and annoying and did not care for anybody else's privacy.

The camp site was ok , reached down a very bumpy track not suitable for RV or similar.

There was a porta toilet which was a bonus but lots of trash left behind by other campers.

The site is on the top of a high cliff so no water swimming was possible. Very shady area. There is a boat ramp next to the site which was in constant use day and night.

Dale Hollow Eagle Point

I only spent 3 nights at Kemper Flats primitive campground for a fishing trip. We reached Kemper by pontoon boat from Willow Grove Marina a short 20 min ride. Nice site primitive cabin toilet no water faucet. Bring it in, take it out. 

Photos of Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

Real photos from real campers