Center Hill Lake forms the centerpiece of camping opportunities in the Bloomington Springs area, with campgrounds spread across Tennessee's Upper Cumberland region at elevations ranging from 600-900 feet. The terrain combines rocky limestone outcroppings with dense woodlands, creating diverse camping environments where summer temperatures average 85-90°F during the day. Primitive camping areas around Center Hill Lake provide more rustic experiences while still maintaining basic amenities for overnight stays.
What to do
Hike to Burgess Falls: Located near Floating Mill Campground, this waterfall hike offers several lookout points. One visitor mentioned, "There's a small hiking trail in the park also called the 'lost spring trail' not much of a spring to see, but a couple of lookout points."
Kayak the Caney Fork River: The river provides excellent paddling opportunities with rental options nearby. A camper at Ragland Bottom noted, "Canoe the Caney is a few minute drive from the campground which is great if you like canoeing. We really enjoyed it!"
Swim at designated beaches: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas separate from boat traffic. At Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas, visitors appreciate "the immaculate beach/swimming area which our dogs loved."
Fish from your campsite: Waterfront sites at several campgrounds allow direct fishing access. A camper mentioned, "The lakefront sites all have water access right from the site, so you can launch a kayak, or throw out a line, or just go for a swim right from your site."
Attend ranger programs: Edgar Evins State Park offers educational opportunities on the lake. One visitor shared, "Very informative pontoon boat tour with a Park Ranger. Great lunch at the marina too!"
What campers like
Platform camping sites: Edgar Evins State Park features unique elevated camping platforms. A camper explained, "The sites are all elevated platforms due to the steep slope to the lake, which we had not encountered before, but are very widely space."
Walk-in tent sites with water views: Tent campers appreciate the secluded spots at lakeside locations. A visitor to Floating Mill noted, "The tent only sites are at the back of the campground and are along the water. You have to take steps down from the parking lot to get to your campsite."
Clean, modern bathhouses: Several campgrounds maintain excellent facilities. At Old Mill Camp, a camper praised, "The bathhouse was clean and the showers were the nicest I've ever used. Single walk in showers with plenty of room."
Easy access to multiple state parks: The region allows for day trips to various parks. A visitor to Old Mill Camp and General Store shared, "Burgess Falls State Park is nearby with Windows Cliff Natural Area and Cummins Falls, Edgar Evins and Rock Island State Parks are further out but also worth a visit."
Spacious, level sites: Many campgrounds offer well-designed camping areas. At Defeated Creek Park, campers appreciate that "the sites are spaced apart and are nice size. We always get sites on the water."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly throughout the region. At Salt Lick Creek Campground, a visitor warned, "There is absolutely no cell coverage for any carrier at the campground and about a 30 minute drive in any direction."
Campsite reservations essential: Popular waterfront sites book quickly, especially during summer months. One camper noted about Defeated Creek, "Our favorite place but very hard to get into."
Limited nearby supplies: Some areas have minimal services. A camper cautioned, "There is only one gas station within 30-45 minutes that have ice and firewood. Make sure to bring everything you need."
Seasonal operation schedules: Many campgrounds close during winter months. Salt Lick Creek operates "from April 18 to September 30," while Floating Mill runs "from May 2 to Sep 24."
Water level fluctuations: Dam releases can affect water activities. A camper at Belle and Beau Acres shared, "The campground is nestled perfectly alongside the creek in the mountains of Tennessee. The creek sites have less privacy."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Several locations offer dedicated play areas. At Ragland Bottom, visitors note "playground areas for the kids. Reasonably priced."
Look for swim beaches: Designated swimming areas provide safer water access for children. One camper shared, "There's a swimming area for campers separate from the day use area."
Consider proximity to bathrooms: Some campgrounds have limited facilities. A camper at Salt Lick Creek observed, "There are only two bath houses so you will almost have to drive to them. There are several restrooms scattered around the grounds."
Book sites away from boat traffic: Certain areas experience heavy boat activity. A visitor noted, "There was a lot of boat traffic on the lake, even late into the night. I'm not sure if it is always like this or because there is a marina near by the campground."
Visit during weekdays when possible: Campgrounds are typically less crowded. One camper observed, "The campground was less than half full during the week."
Tips from RVers
Be prepared for platform sites: Edgar Evins State Park's unique design requires adaptations. An RVer noted, "Parking sites are on wooden platforms which was fine for our Winnebago Revel, but a bit weird for my daughter who was sleeping in a tent, but it all worked out fine."
Check site lengths carefully: Some campgrounds have limited spaces for larger rigs. At Rock Island State Park, "Camper pads are all paved but vary in length from 18 to 51 feet."
Be aware of steep entrance roads: Some campgrounds have challenging access. A visitor to Ragland Bottom warned, "The drive in and out is rather steep but doable. The sites are great."
Verify hookup availability: Hookup options vary widely between campgrounds. An RVer noted, "We were in site 50, which had no visibility to DISH west satellites, and we were not able to pick up and OTA TV with our omni antenna."
Watch for uneven sites: Leveling can be challenging at some campgrounds. A camper advised, "Not all are completely level. Each site has a picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring, and grill."
