Are you in need of a campground near Carthage, TN? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Tennessee camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Carthage camping trip.
This recreation area is part of Center Hill Lake
$25 - $30 / night
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.
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.
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.
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.
$25 / night
This recreation area is part of Old Hickory Lake
This recreation area is part of Center Hill Lake
Floating Mill Park is located on the shores of the scenic Center Hill Lake on central Tennessee's Highland Rim. The lake stretches 64 miles up the Caney Fork River, where visitors come to enjoy boating, fishing and water sports. The 415 miles of forested shoreline provide excellent hiking, hunting and camping opportunities.
Boating, waterskiing, canoeing and fishing are popular activities on the water. Anglers will find bream, walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish and white bass. Below the dam, the Caney Fork River is one of the most productive trout fisheries in the state. Nine miles of hiking trails meander around the lake. The Lost Springs Trail loops for two miles above the campground and Hurricane Marina.
Center Hill Lake is surrounded by lush mixed hardwood forests in the hilly Highland Rim region. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, squirrels and rabbits roam the wooded hills around the lake. Floating Mill Park is surrounded by the lake on three sides, providing sweeping waterfront views.
Edgar Evins State Park, about 25 minutes from Floating Mill, sits on the shores of the lake. An observation tower at the Visitor Center offers a spectacular view of Center Hill Lake and the surrounding hillsides. Burgess Falls State Park is a 35-minute drive from the campground. Here, the Falling Water River drops approximately 250 feet, creating numerous breathtaking waterfalls. Hiking trails and overlooks help visitors enjoy the scenery. The large Native Butterfly Garden is a popular attraction within the park.
$50 / night
Salt Lick Creek Campground is located on Cordell Hull Lake on the Cumberland River System, just 10 miles from Gainesboro, TN. The lake itself was named after one of America's outstanding statesmen and one of Tennessee's finest volunteers. Hull was born in a log cabin in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains. Families and friends enjoy coming to the lake for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, hunting, and relaxing in the outdoors.Click here for a virtual tour of the Cordell Hull Lake facilities.
The 12,000-acre lake stretches 72 miles upstream and has 381 miles of shoreline, offering recreational activities for just about any type of visitor. 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. Many miles of hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking trails surround the lake. The 6-mile Bearwaller Gap Trail has a trailhead in nearby Defeated Creek Park. Other trails in the area include the Turkey Creek Nature Trail and Bear Wheels Trail.
The 12,000-acre lake stretches 72 miles upstream and has 381 miles of shoreline, offering recreational activities for just about any type of visitor. 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. Many miles of hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking trails surround the lake. The 6-mile Bearwaller Gap Trail has a trailhead in nearby Defeated Creek Park. Other trails in the area include the Turkey Creek Nature Trail and Bear Wheels Trail.
Cordell Hull Lake is situated among rolling hills wooded with a mixture 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 turkeys, quail, squirrels, rabbits, and a wide variety of waterfowl are commonly seen throughout the area.
The historic town of Granville, TN is a 45-minute drive from the campground. Visitors enjoy celebrating the town's Heritage Day in May. Events include the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival, antique car and tractor shows, and Confederate Civil War living history presentations.
$50 / night
Cedar Creek Campground on Old Hickory Lake in north-central Tennessee, offers 60 campsites and limitless options for activities like boating, hiking, fishing and relaxing on the swim beach. A picnic shelter located in the day use area may also be reserved on weekdays throughout the summer. The lake is named after the 7th U.S. President, Andrew Jackson, a Tennessee-native who earned the nickname "Old Hickory," because of his tough, aggressive personality.
Sailing, swimming and fishing are popular activities for visitors interested in water sports, while birders and wildlife viewers will delight in the abundance of migratory songbirds, waterfowl and white-tailed deer. Wild turkeys and rabbits also frequent the area.
Old Hickory Lake is a 22,500 acre reservoir, primarily fed by the waters of the Cumberland River. The lake is surrounded by shady wooded areas and grassy flatlands, and offers an impressive 440 miles of scenic shoreline.
Cedar Creek is just beyond the Nashville metropolitan area. Head to the "Music City" to tour the Country Music Hall of Fame or explore former President, Andrew Jackson's early 19th century home, "The Hermitage," a National Historic Landmark. Also located just minutes from the park is the Shutes Branch Mountain Bike Trail.
* Once your reservation has been created, there will be a $10.00 fee to cancel and a $10.00 fee to change your site or dates. * Cancellations made the day before, or up to the day after your arrival date will also be charged the first nights use fee. * No-Shows are charged a $20.00 fee plus the first nights use fee. * If your reservation is for 1 night, and you have been charged the first nights use fee, there is no $10.00 service fee.
$50 / night
This recreation area is part of Center Hill Lake
$25 - $30 / night
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.
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.
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.
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.
$25 / night
This recreation area is part of Center Hill Lake
Floating Mill Park is located on the shores of the scenic Center Hill Lake on central Tennessee's Highland Rim. The lake stretches 64 miles up the Caney Fork River, where visitors come to enjoy boating, fishing and water sports. The 415 miles of forested shoreline provide excellent hiking, hunting and camping opportunities.
Boating, waterskiing, canoeing and fishing are popular activities on the water. Anglers will find bream, walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish and white bass. Below the dam, the Caney Fork River is one of the most productive trout fisheries in the state. Nine miles of hiking trails meander around the lake. The Lost Springs Trail loops for two miles above the campground and Hurricane Marina.
Center Hill Lake is surrounded by lush mixed hardwood forests in the hilly Highland Rim region. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, squirrels and rabbits roam the wooded hills around the lake. Floating Mill Park is surrounded by the lake on three sides, providing sweeping waterfront views.
Edgar Evins State Park, about 25 minutes from Floating Mill, sits on the shores of the lake. An observation tower at the Visitor Center offers a spectacular view of Center Hill Lake and the surrounding hillsides. Burgess Falls State Park is a 35-minute drive from the campground. Here, the Falling Water River drops approximately 250 feet, creating numerous breathtaking waterfalls. Hiking trails and overlooks help visitors enjoy the scenery. The large Native Butterfly Garden is a popular attraction within the park.
$50 / night
Legend
Our GPS brought us right to this KOA resort near the Grand Old Opry. Check-in was fairly quick and we were escorted to pull through site J-2 with FHUs and KOA patio. The utilities are more to the front of the site with two sewer connections. We had decent water pressure. This campground (CG) has a lot of mature trees that would make satellite iffy depending on the site. We got 4 bars on Verizon and used our MiFi versus Starlink for our overnight stay. The KOA WiFi was very good when we tried it. The CG has the upgraded sites, cabins, and amenities to include a shuttle bus stop to make this a true resort. However, there are sections of, as they say around here,“residents that have been here a minute.” For the most part their areas are clean, but when someone starts their old diesel truck up at 3:45 AM for 15 minutes before going to work it takes away from the resort ambiance. There’s also a lot of interstate noise. The playground area across from us went crazy with kids running around and screaming with no adult supervision. The office staff was very nice and helpful. We stopped by the office to let them know that one of our sewer connections was missing a cap. The issue was fixed before we go back to our campsite. The gift shop at the office is well stocked with sundry items and souvenirs. Overall, this KOA was a pleasant experience.
Legend
We camped here over the weekend. Our campsite was perfect. Very private and enough space for 2 tents. Not all campsites are made for tents, some have just a concrete driveway. We had the usual amenities, like a picnic table with a bench, fire pit, and a lantern pole. The bathhouse was clean and well stocked. Rock Island offers a lot hiking trails and stunning waterfalls. There is a little coffee/icecream shop just outside the park, which was awesome. We would camp here anytime again.
Traveler
This was my first experience with free camping and it will be tough to beat! There was another camper in the small area I found off the gravel road, but it was quiet and peaceful. I woke up early enough to see the sunrise and the fog coming off the river. Simply magical.
Be sure to stop by the little town of Gainesboro (I think that’s the name) for a cup of coffee at Nostalgic Coffee Cafe. They mixed together one of their favorite concoctions that wasn’t on the menu and it was PERFECTION!
Scout
Price ok, friendly staff, facilities ok, live music and shuttle service togo downtown. That’s all we need.
GuideWe stayed two nights. In a perfect world, I would give Two Rivers only four stars because the scenery isn't much. But given where they are located, crammed in with two other RV parks and a Camping World all next to the highway, there isn't any way to make things better.
The people are super friendly and helpful. The sites, though small, are clean and well maintained. The electricity and water both worked as they should. We ended up with a site without sewer so had to use the dump station but that was easy to access and clean.
We will definitely stay at Two Rivers Campground the next time we come to Nashville.
Ranger
Did a drive around of the campground. Spacing looks great between sites. Sites look clean and level. Some sites are next to the Obey River. Will be camping here in the near future.
Ranger
Wasn’t many people when we went there. It’s close to Dale Hallow Lake which is an awesome area in TN. The RV sites all have slope and not great if you have a large RV it could be tricky get into and leveling. Camp grounds could use some updating for sure. It was very nice only having a few others in the campground. Standingstone lake and Mill Creek is located in the park with hiking trails. We did go on a hike around Pleasant Grove Recreation Area which was very nice plus exploring many Marinas around. Ate at The Quarry Restaurant off of the 53, it sits on top of an old rock quarry with spectacular views of the area.
GuideQuiet campground for smaller campers and vans. Dog friendly. It is on the top of the hill, so prepare to hike to the lake. There are trails along the lake, and shortcut trails through the woods, mostly narrow and washed out. The pool is very busy in the summer. The campground is clean and sites are spacious and shady, most sites require leveling. Beautiful lake and dam, definitely worth the visit!
Travelernice staff
restrooms o.k.
over 90 Dollars with 3 Kids 🫣
loud (near the street).
Not our place, but good to explore the city with a cheap Shuttle to downtown.
Scout
This is a beautiful campground! Very Family oriented. The park attendants are so nice and welcome families and will help you in any way! We love going here and feel so safe because the sheriff department along with the attendants are always coming through. Some of the nicest attendants, always has a smile and willing to help in any way!
Scout
It's so funny to see other people seem to have had issues with the staff here. We went one day to scout out campsites around Center Hill Lake. We had already been to one of the other parks around it and checked out the campsites; we'd just driven in and around and noted which spots didn't have enough shade, etc. then left. When we got to the attendant booth, there was a stop sign at the speed bump. I stopped in front of the stop sign and when I started driving again, an older man opened the window at the booth and yelled at us. I slammed on my breaks and backed up to talk to him. He was an absolute aubergine to us for not talking to him. I told him I was sorry but I didn't know I needed to as I've never had to at any other area parks. He copped an attitude and said "There's a sign!" So, I guessed I just missed it. However, when we were leaving, I turned around and checked and the only sign was the stop sign..... He was sarcastic and rude to us as I explained what we were there to do and insinuated that we were trying to kidnap children...
Beyond the Belligerent Balding Boomer, the roads in the campground and even just on the way to it from the main road are VERY narrow, crumbling, in BAD need of repaving/repainting arrows, and have lots of tight turns. We went into one area and a car had pulled over to the side of the road but was on the asphalt still which made getting around them not even close to possible. You might have been able to get around a motorcycle. Maybe. We ended up having to back up all the way back out of there with a rock wall on one side of the asphalt and dropoff on the other.
Scout
The"Old Mill Camp and General Store" is a charming destination where rustic ambiance meets modern convenience. Nestled amidst picturesque scenery, it caters to both campers seeking a tranquil retreat and travelers looking for local products and essentials. The store offers a delightful array of goods, including handmade crafts, local produce, and freshly baked treats, ensuring there's something for everyone. Visitors can easily plan their visit with the prominently displayed Store hours today ensuring they can stop by for a leisurely browse or a quick restock of camping supplies. Whether you're exploring the nearby trails or simply passing through, the Old Mill Camp and General Store welcomes you with its warm hospitality and diverse offerings.
Ranger
In 2023, We stayed at this resort in the summer months. At the end of our travels in 2023, we stayed through the winter as they are open year-round.
The staff was exceptional, and the resort is about 20 minutes from downtown Nashville.
I do not recommend camping on a shore site during winter, as the wind is colder off the lake.
Propane is available on-site, and the laundry room takes CC/Debit and is clean.
Scout
Nice campground with full amenities- staff very pleasant and helpful
Scout
The people that run this campground are rude and considerate jerks and talk to my kids and I like we where not worth there time.
Guide
This is a young campground, about 3 months old. My husband and I stayed twelve days. Each gravel site is spacious, comes with water, sewer, electric, firepit and are set at angles so you are not looking directly at your neighbors. Charles Creek is accessible from the left side of the grounds and is a short walk. There is another, quite steep, way down to the creek on the right side of the grounds. This trek is a beautiful walk around a mowed peninsula of nature. Great spot to bring chairs or a blanket for a picnic. The owner is very pleasant and has a great vision for the expansion of amenities. We look forward to our next stay here.
Traveler
We stayed on the island (walk in spot) and it was quiet and had beautiful views right on the water. There are also toilets and water available on the island if needed.
Traveler
This is one of my favorite spots to camp. The host is amazing, provides great amenities, and takes care of his campground very well. If you are looking for a great view with plenty of space for tents and hammocks, look no further. You will not go wrong with booking with this host.
TravelerThis is one of the best campgrounds ive ever visited, especially with children. Lots of shade except the couple spots toward the front of the bathrooms, we had booked spot 30 but they kindly let us move to 16 when we realized we needed more trees lol. The bathrooms were immaculate, the little playground was a blast for the kids, the little general store was very cute and well stocked. Cummins State Park right across the road had a nice short, easy half mile hike to the waterfall overlook, my 2 year old walked most of it. Our one-night stay was lovely. Only drawback was lack of laundry facility.
ScoutUgh, I hate to write bad reviews...but this was, to us, such a bad experience, from what I call deceptive pricing, to location within camp, no signage/direction locators, crowding, safety issues, and more. 1) Our"delux" cabin was located/surrounded in a row filled with BIG RVs. 2) There was no signage/location indicators at the dark row corners or roads within park. It is even hard to identify what are actually road at night so finding it at night amongst the HUGH RVs was horrific! 3) There was no sidewalks or places to walk except on the one lane roads...this is unsafe for kids, especially if you have to go out at night. 4) The"Deluxe" cabin is small, but tha bathtub is REALLY small. More of a small kids tub. 5) Air conditioner is across from foot of bed. The grid on the front of ours was broken, so the air came straight at us on bed, made the bed sheets feel moist and uncomfortable to sleep on. 6) Sun shines in from window above tub into room blinding you, we had to stuff a towel over it. 7) Crowding. Spaces are small, so there are BIG RVs boxing you in everywhere. 8) Floor tiles are warped on edges, you can tell animals have went to the bathroom on them. 9) Floor was dirty (room itself was clean and looked good and so was the bed sheets) 10) Pricing, to me, was deceptive, see my receipt. In making the reservation online, I put 2 adults and 2 pets. It came up$182.69 as a total and I paid that. There is a note that other charges for"additional" adults, pets, etc may apply. It says"additional" not that they don't charge you for your pets until you get there. So I had to pay an additional $58...making my total for the night almost $250. Would never stay again!
GuideOnly negative is you must bring your own fireplace and it must be raised off the ground. Parking with our truck and trailer was a little awkward, we were a little too long for the spot we were in and the person next to us had the same issue. The staff was super friendly and everything was well kept. Everything else was pretty much everything you’d expect from an rv park. There’s a $10 round trip shuttle that takes you to downtown Nashville from the campground parking lot which is super convenient!
ScoutNo Service (showed me how addicted i am). Other than that as described.
ScoutExcellent in all ways. Even had entertainment each night. Very helpful staff.
TravelerVery nice campground. Met the owners and they are a really nice couple. I was pleasantly surprised by the live music. I would stay away from the pull through sites by the bathroom if You prefer privacy.
GuideOverall, great. Easy to find, download a map on the way as you loose service 20 minutes out. Garbage cans at each site. Someone came and got my name and plate to make sure I followed the 14 day rule but was super nice. Great experience, and free.
TravelerThis campground is very new and improving constantly. The creek access was beautiful and peaceful!
Scout
Great spot. Full hook ups at many spots. Sites are in cul de sacs. Lake is beautiful and really close. Staff is super nice and helpful. Nice playgrounds and pools. WiFi is not currently working. AT&T and Verizon service is good. Lots of wildlife around. Nice hiking trails.
Camping near Carthage, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Carthage, Tennessee, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Carthage, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Carthage, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 130 campgrounds and RV parks near Carthage, TN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Carthage, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carthage, TN is Edgar Evins State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 56 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carthage, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Carthage, TN.
What parks are near Carthage, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Carthage, TN that allow camping, notably Stillhouse Hollow Lake and Center Hill Lake.
