Best Campgrounds near Carthage, TN
Carthage, Tennessee and the surrounding area feature several established campgrounds along the shores of Cordell Hull Lake and Center Hill Lake. Defeated Creek Campground, located within Carthage city limits, provides tent and RV sites with electric hookups, water access, and boat-in camping options. The region includes a mix of Corps of Engineers managed properties like Salt Lick Creek Campground in nearby Gainesboro and primitive camping areas around Center Hill Lake. Accommodations range from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV pads, with several locations also offering cabin rentals. Edgar Evins State Park, approximately 20 miles south of Carthage, features unique platform camping sites built on hillsides overlooking the water.
Camping in the Carthage area typically operates seasonally, with most campgrounds open from March through November. "We camped here for 4 days at site #61 - the lake was literally steps away from our door, and it was a no wake zone," noted one visitor about nearby Lillydale Campground. Many waterfront sites require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends when boat traffic increases. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with some campgrounds reporting limited or no connectivity. The terrain around Carthage features rolling hills and forested lakeshores, with some campgrounds built on steep grades requiring careful navigation. Weather conditions remain mild through most of the camping season, though summer humidity can be significant. Winter camping options are limited, with only a few year-round facilities available.
Waterfront access represents the primary draw for most campers in the Carthage area, with fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities abundant. Several visitors mentioned the peaceful setting and well-maintained facilities at Corps of Engineers campgrounds. A camper described Salt Lick Creek Campground as "situated perfectly alongside the creek in the mountains of Tennessee" with both waterfront sites and "wooded secluded sites" available. Campgrounds near Carthage generally receive high ratings for cleanliness and amenities, though some primitive areas lack facilities like showers or flush toilets. The region's mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from tent camping to large RVs, with many sites featuring fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathhouses. Wildlife viewing opportunities include waterfowl, deer, and various bird species around the lakes and forests.
