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Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping is a unique series of 32 locations with a total of over 70 individually designated family campsites dispersed over 620 miles of shoreline. Campsites are located in both the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Primitive camping offers a unique rustic lake front camping experience. Remote locations along the shoreline offer campers a peaceful nature experience. Most designated tent sites are accessible only by boat; while a few can be reached by country road. Campers are advised that these areas are remote, primitive sites. Toilets are vault/pit type outhouses. Campers desiring on-site attendant, security and law enforcement services are encouraged to use developed campgrounds where such services are provided. These services are not provided for primitive camping.
Dale Hollow Lake, with its crystal clear water and forested hillsides, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities and holds the world record for smallmouth bass and is known as a trophy smallmouth lake. Boating and water skiing are popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake.
Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about three miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities. In the late fall through early spring, the American bald eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second-largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.
Full rules and reservation policies for fees associated with changes and cancellations can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies There is no fee to make a reservation. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A $10 service fee may be charged to changes made to an existing reservation (see full policies for when this is applicable). A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. Applicable fees, including service/cancellation fees and change fees, are non-refundable and subject to change. No refunds for recreation use fees may be made locally at the lake.
$5 / night
Primitive camping is available on select islands. Be sure to look for the white Carsonite post bearing a tent symbol and camping rules before unpacking gear and equipment. Firewood quarantines are currently in effect. Firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect our forests by purchasing or collecting firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site.
Legend
I only spent 3 nights at Kemper Flats primitive campground for a fishing trip. We reached Kemper by pontoon boat from Willow Grove Marina a short 20 min ride. Nice site primitive cabin toilet no water faucet. Bring it in, take it out.
LegendI camped at Eagle Point for a quiet relaxing few days , but due to a group of young lads who camped near me that was not going to be the case. They were loud and annoying and did not care for anybody else's privacy.
The camp site was ok , reached down a very bumpy track not suitable for RV or similar.
There was a porta toilet which was a bonus but lots of trash left behind by other campers.
The site is on the top of a high cliff so no water swimming was possible. Very shady area. There is a boat ramp next to the site which was in constant use day and night.
LegendWe took a pontoon boat out to Kemper Flats on Dale Hollow lake for a few days relaxing fishing. Primitive site, island with a porta toilet. Camp right on the side of the lake, very quiet and peaceful
LegendTaylor’s Ford primitive campsite is down a steep windy track not suitable for big rigs. There are about 4 lakeside sites available all with good lake views
LegendCove Creek at Dale Hollow lake in TN is a primitive campsite with lakeside camping. There are water faucets for drinking water and a pit toilet available. Great views of the lake and plenty of sites available
GuideThis is a really great place to camp if you have a way to boat out to the island. We use a canoe since it’s only a quarter mile or so paddle. The only down side (at least when we were there) is the raccoons. They will come up really close at night begging for food. They’re harmless though.
ScoutWe got there late for a primitive site and all the sudden the mgr and police show up mind u the mgr passed us 3 times instead of stopping as a professional mgr should he calls police and tells me the website does not state primitive lol. It was cluttered loud and tacky.
GuideBeautiful spot close to the water. Secluded area that can be reached via GPS coordinates ONLY (we learned this after trying to check in at the Dale Hollow campground).
Things to know:
-hike in spot with vault toilet
ScoutWe stayed for 2 nights at the Plankyard site. We were expecting the site to be more remote - but these sites are right off a large parking area and boat ramp. The sites are not well marked and there was some litter. There were lots of trees and shade, and ample water access. We won't be going back to that site, but will definitely be checking out some more of the primative camping sites in the area. For $3/night you really can't complain!
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
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Carthage, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Carthage, TN is Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park with a 3.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Carthage, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Carthage, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
