139 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"I'm from New England and relocated to Tennessee in 2016. The first time I went camping at Edgar Evans, I had no idea what was going on!"
"The park is a gorgeous property with a lake and hiking trails. There are ADA sights. The hills are steep and some of the sights have angle ramps."
"Our site was atop a hill overlooking Cordell Hull Lake. The place was nearly full capacity yet quiet. Sites are spread out nicely, many are lakeside or have lake views."
"Sites 51 and 52 are a shared pull through site, so if you book one of them, you will more than likely have people you don't know backed up right close next to you."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Our site was right on the creek and very near the beach. We went for an evening swim and we had a picturesque view of the sun setting over the mountains."
"And it was adequate but situated on an inlet with mucky water. We took a walk and found an empty site (45) with breathtaking views. We asked to switch and they were happy to oblige."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"2nd the layout is more tent friendly (to me) with walk in sites with some nice views."
"It was okay, but not good for anyone who cannot handle a lot of stairs. 2) There was a lot of boat traffic on the lake, even late into the night."
from $24 - $50 / night
Check Availability"The campground at Cedars of Lebanon State Park deserves 5 stars for their proximity to Nashville, the large paved pads for campers, the peaceful woods, and their overall cleanliness."
"We hiked some of the 2 mile running trail and then veered off to explore the CCC original looking covered bench which overlooks a currently dry stream bed."
"We thought this was a bust, turned around to leave, and then we spotted the gravel path into the site. It's easy to miss on the way in."
"While the cell service was a bit spotty, it actually helped me disconnect and enjoy the surroundings. Overall, a great site—quiet, scenic, and well worth the visit."
"There is a flat trail next to the lake that my two year old loves to run up and down, playgrounds, and a story trail."
"Easy hiking trails with little to moderate inclines and terrain. Around 5-7 miles of trails, plenty of camping sites. I always see wildlife when i visit this park."
"We recently moved from Idaho to Tennessee, we booked two spots at Long Branch to stay for two weeks."
"There are steps down to the river. Many sites have plenty of shade especially the ones in the small loop. I will be coming back here for sure."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"The entire property is beautifully landscaped, and you instantly feel completely tucked away from the rest of the world. It is directly across from the entrance of Cummins Falls State Park!"
"I would stay away from the pull through sites by the bathroom if You prefer privacy."
ScoutLet me start off by saying that this Campground is not very ADA friendly and the dog park is atrocious. In fact the dog park is entirely off limits if you have mobility issues as there are no sidewalks and the dog park is unlevel and kind of a nightmare. Good place to stay overall. We did not utilize any of the amenities other than the full hookups at our site. We would stay again.
TravelerSort of a narrow road in. Not well marked, you really just dead end into the campground. We arrived early but were told by attendant that check in was 3 pm and we needed to wait some where else. The other person said go on in. It has to do with cleaning the sites between campers. That I understand. Anyway backing in on 55 was easy and only took one pad to level. Hookups are convenient. Great views of the lake. Verizon worked pretty well. The
TravelerNice facility, friendly staff, well kept. Easy drive to the downtown area or to the Grand Ole Opry area.
GuideWe had a decent tent camping experience here. They have all the amenities. The showers were great, but I saw a rat in the pool. The tent camping was a bit creepy, with very dim lights, and the picnic tables were quite dirty.
TravelerSmooth Rapids is hands down one of our faves. We like to rent 19 & 20 together. It gives elbow room and lets us pull power and water from Lot 19 over to where we park our little teardrop on Lot 20 (which has no power or water itself). The staff team is just terrific. We like to kayak. They rent yaks or if you BYO you can also pay to shuttle. We do both depending whether we want to haul our kayaks. They have a really good bath house and a restaurant. Kids have a playground on one end but we are past those days now. You get a mix of fellow campers. This time of year is busy but even then it is usually a nice time. Folks there tend to be friendly. The Barren Fork River runs right along the entire stretch of campground and behind the restaurant. We typically do the medium length run that takes 2.5-4 hours depending on how aggressively you row. You feel like you are away in the wilderness but you’re really just tooling through McMinnville. We highly recommend it.
ScoutNice sites, and clean washrooms nice staff
LegendWe stayed one night at Cedar Creek Campground while traveling north and appreciated its location, which allowed us to bypass Nashville traffic by using I-840 and TN-45. We followed the route using RV Trip Wizard and Waze, although Waze wanted to route us through I-40. Coming in from the south, we did not see any brown campground signs until we reached the marina entrance. The final approach travels through a narrow, hilly rural-suburban area before arriving at the campground. Check-in was quick, and we headed to back-in Site 22 with 50/30/20-amp electric and water. Immediately after leaving the check-in station, there is a fairly tight right-hand turn. The attendant specifically warned us to take it wide, explaining they occasionally see larger rigs scrape there. The site length was accurately represented on Recreation.gov and accommodated our 40-foot fifth wheel, although we needed to unhitch to park our F-450 alongside the trailer. Utilities were conveniently located near the middle of the site, water pressure was excellent, and the site included a newer picnic table, fire ring with cooking grate, and lantern post. We received three bars on Verizon and two bars on T-Mobile. Our T-Mobile Home Internet averaged 193 Mbps download and 1.3 Mbps upload. With the heavy tree canopy, Starlink availability will vary considerably by site, and we doubt Site 22 would have provided a usable view of the sky. The campground has two bathhouses, with the newer facility offering individual shower rooms. The older bathhouse had two coin-operated machines, although the dryer was out of service during our stay. The lakeside sites are more generously spaced, while the interior loops connect to one another, making the back sides of the loops feel very close together, with some sites almost sitting on top of each other. Sites 54 and 56B appeared to be among the better choices for larger rigs. Although we didn't use the dump station, it looked manageable for a 40-foot rig despite reviews suggesting otherwise. The biggest consideration is maneuverability. The roads are narrow, several turns are sharp, and there are trees and drainage ditches throughout the campground. We exited without incident, but even on a Thursday with light occupancy, it required careful driving. Had the campground been full with vehicles parked along the roads, navigating a large RV would have been considerably more challenging. Overall, we enjoyed the peaceful Corps of Engineers setting and the opportunity to avoid Nashville traffic, but for our 40-foot fifth wheel, we're not convinced the extra maneuvering required is worth the tradeoff for future overnight stays.
GuideIf you are looking for the perfect escape, this place is an absolute hidden gem! The entire property is beautifully landscaped, and you instantly feel completely tucked away from the rest of the world. It is directly across from the entrance of Cummins Falls State Park! Site 12 is THE BEST spot! The last photo shows a better view of the campground layout.
Here is what made it a 5-star stay for me:
The bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean and well-maintained.
The grounds are immaculate and peaceful to walk through.
A general store with a little deli. Super convenient for grabbing a quick, delicious bite, souvenirs, and snacks
Everyone working here was incredibly kind, welcoming, and helpful.
It is rare to find a spot that feels this peaceful and secluded while still being so well taken care of. 10/10 recommend!
I had no issues with cell service: T-mobile There is wifi, but it is spotty and not too strong.
ScoutGreat spot. Lots of dog areas and cool hangout area around the pool.
Camping near Carthage, Tennessee centers around the Cumberland Plateau's limestone terrain at elevations between 500-1,000 feet. The area's sandstone bluffs and river systems create distinct fishing and water recreation opportunities throughout the camping season. Summer nights typically cool to the low 60s, even when daytime temperatures reach the high 80s.
Trout fishing below dams: Center Hill Lake's tailwaters offer premier trout fishing opportunities. "We stopped for one night at Long Branch, so didn't explore very much, but this is a very nice campground with large sites, hookups, a playground and friendly staff," notes a visitor to Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas.
Kayaking quiet coves: The numerous inlets around Cordell Hull Lake provide protected waters for paddling. "We were at site #45, which looked great on paper. We took a walk and found an empty site with breathtaking views. We asked to switch and they were happy to oblige," shares a camper at COE Cordell Hull Lake Salt Lick Creek Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer prime deer spotting times throughout the area. "This park was my home for a week or so and it was so amazing to enjoy. Deer would just walk up near you and just say hello," reports a visitor to Bledsoe Creek State Park.
Historical exploration: The old Granville settlement near Holleman's Bend offers a glimpse into 19th century riverside life. "Cute little town nearby, decent service when we were expecting none, and a cute little peninsula to camp on! The water is BEAUTIFUL, though you'll hear fish splashing all night," remarks a camper at Holleman's Bend Camping Area.
Spacious lake sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy waterfront options without feeling crowded. "We camped here for the long Presidents Day weekend in a wooded drive through spot with few neighbors. We saw 10 deer one morning and hiked a trail with our 3 boys and 2 dogs," shares a visitor to Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground.
Well-maintained facilities: The Corps of Engineers campgrounds receive consistent praise for cleanliness. "Great size sites. Many with waterfront property and others totally wooded. Shower house had amazing water pressure. Very clean and quiet considering that all 154 sites were full," notes a Salt Lick Creek camper.
Private swim areas: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated swimming sections away from boat traffic. "Excellent campground right on the water. There's a swimming area for campers separate from the day use area. Many sites have their own water access," reports a visitor to Floating Mill.
Unexpected platforms: Edgar Evins State Park features unique camping platforms built into the hillsides. "We stayed here in November 2017; we camped in the primitive camping section which has a parking area up top and you hike with your equipment down some stairs into a wooded area with about 7 primitive campsites."
Cell coverage limitations: Many lake campgrounds have minimal connectivity. "There is absolutely no cell coverage for any carrier at the campground and about a 30 minute drive in any direction. Also no stores around as well," warns a camper at Salt Lick Creek.
Limited supplies nearby: Most campgrounds require advance provisioning. "There is only one gas station within 30-45 minutes that have ice and firewood. Make sure to bring everything you need," advises another Salt Lick Creek visitor.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate from March through November only. "We visited in October, nice and warm during the day cool at night perfect for fires in the morning and at night. Wish they stayed open all year long but they don't," notes a visitor to Center Hill Lake.
Reservations essential: The best places to camp near Carthage fill quickly, especially waterfront sites. "Can't find a bad site! Our favorite place but very hard to get into," mentions a camper at Defeated Creek Campground.
Child-friendly accommodations: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming beaches. "We stayed 5 days at this beautiful campsite, we were pleased to find the facilities clean with hot water, washer and dryer on site. The walk around the grounds in the early morning and late nights once the sun goes down is very peaceful," shares a Defeated Creek camper.
Tick prevention: The wooded areas harbor ticks, especially in summer. "Our dogs picked up ticks every day, and we had a few as well. Watch out for lyme and other tick born illnesses. We unfortunately found a bullseye rash from one of the bites," warns a Bledsoe Creek visitor.
Special events: Some campgrounds host seasonal activities for families. "Their halloween weekend is a great time of fun for the kids!" notes a camper at Cedars of Lebanon.
Educational opportunities: Several area campgrounds offer ranger programs. "Very informative pontoon boat tour with a Park Ranger. Great lunch at the marina too!" mentions an Edgar Evins visitor.
Site selection concerns: Many lakeside campgrounds have challenging terrain. "The steps down to our campsite. 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," advises a Floating Mill camper.
Electrical hook-up variations: Different campgrounds offer different amperage options. "To my surprise I opened the electric pedestal, and there was only 50 amp service. I'm set up for 30 amp, so I had to use an adapter," notes a visitor to Old Mill Camp and General Store.
Road conditions: Some campground roads present navigation challenges. "The only thing that was not ideal were how tight the roads were between campsites but it may have felt that way because we are new to hauling a camper," shares a Cedars of Lebanon camper.
Leveling requirements: Many sites require significant leveling. "We were in site 68 and had plenty of room. The site had plenty of space, level, and fairly easy to back into," reports an RVer at Salt Lick Creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Carthage, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Carthage, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 139 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 59 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.
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