Center Hill Lake dominates the camping landscape near Baxter, Tennessee, with most campgrounds situated along its 415 miles of shoreline at an elevation around 650 feet. Summer temperatures often reach 90°F with high humidity from June through September, while spring and fall camping offers comfortable 60-75°F days. The region's limestone geography creates numerous waterfalls and swimming holes that remain cool even during summer heat.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Rock Island State Park Campground, trails lead to multiple dramatic waterfalls. "I love the waterfalls and hiking in the area. Beautiful landscape makes this a great place to spend the weekend," notes one camper. The Twin Falls area requires a 10-15 minute drive from the campground but offers the most impressive views.
Kayaking from your site: Many waterfront sites at Floating Mill allow direct water access. "We could reach the edge of the lake from our campsite and launched our kayaks from there," reports one visitor. The tent-only sites toward the back of the campground offer the best direct water access, though boating traffic can sometimes make paddling challenging.
Swimming in natural pools: Multiple swimming areas exist throughout the region. "There's a swimming area for campers separate from the day use area" at Floating Mill. At Rock Island, "the nearby swimming beach was great for the kids," and natural swimming holes along hiking trails offer more secluded options during summer months.
What campers like
Platform camping: Edgar Evins State Park Campground offers a unique camping experience with wooden platforms. "We love the platform sites that are so spacious and private. Easy access to dump station and bath houses. Almost all sites have view of water," says one reviewer. The platforms are particularly valued during rainy periods.
Wildlife encounters: Morning and evening wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the area. At Defeated Creek Campground, "there are deer everywhere in park (fawns and even Bucks)." The walk around the grounds in early morning and late evening is described as "very peaceful" by campers.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. "The campsites are spaced apart and are nice size" at Defeated Creek Campground. Similarly, at Edgar Evins, sites are "very widely spaced" despite the unusual platform configuration, providing a balance of community and privacy.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have spotty coverage. At Salt Lick Creek Campground, "there is absolutely no cell coverage for any carrier at the campground and about a 30 minute drive in any direction." This isolation makes advance planning essential.
Accessibility challenges: Many lakeside sites involve significant elevation changes. At Floating Mill, "Some of the campsites towards the back of the campground have a good amount of stairs. It was okay, but not good for anyone who cannot handle a lot of stairs."
Advanced reservations required: Popular sites book months in advance. At Defeated Creek, campers note it's "our favorite place but very hard to get into." Waterfront sites are particularly competitive during peak season, with many booked 6+ months ahead.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming: Multiple options exist for families with children. "Great campground for families or couples" notes a visitor to Ragland Bottom. At Rock Island State Park, "the playground areas for the kids" and "the nearby swimming beach was great for the kids" make it particularly suitable for families.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Old Mill Camp and General Store includes "a small playground and store/campground office." Defeated Creek also offers "playground areas" throughout the park.
Bike-friendly terrain: Level areas for biking exist at several campgrounds. At Defeated Creek, "The kids ride bikes and fish," making it popular for families looking for multiple activities. Most campgrounds have paved roads appropriate for beginning cyclists.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require substantial leveling. At Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground, "Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out." Similarly, at Rock Island, "Camper pads are all paved but vary in length from 18 to 51 feet... Not all are completely level."
RV size limitations: Carefully check site dimensions before booking. At Edgar Evins, "The campground is unique and in some cases, if your pulling/parking an RV, Challenging!" Some campgrounds can accommodate larger rigs while others are better suited for smaller trailers or vans.
Dump station availability: Multiple options exist for waste management. Rock Island notes that "Eight of the 50 sites are FHU (full hookup)," while others have central dump stations. Fall Creek Falls features an "Upgraded dump station all asphalt with 6 dumps," reducing wait times during busy checkout periods.
