Tent camping near Carthage, Tennessee centers around the Cumberland River watershed with additional sites along Center Hill Lake and Percy Priest Lake. The region sits at elevations between 500-700 feet and experiences moderate temperatures with higher humidity in summer months. Most primitive campsites around Carthage require campers to prepare for variable water levels, particularly after spring rains when riverside camping areas can become partially flooded.
What to do
Kayaking at Horseshoe Bend Marina: Launch directly from campsites at Horseshoe Bend Marina with easy access to Rock Island State Park, about 1.5 miles away by water. Minimal boat traffic makes paddling accessible for beginners. "You can paddle both directions with ease, and there are several waterfalls nearby, also Rock Island State Park is about 1.5 miles by water," notes camper Lori H.
Swimming at Long Hunter State Park: Enjoy swimming areas with flat rock formations that create natural platforms for sunbathing. "It is a great swimming spot with flat rocks to hang out on," reports Mandy C. about Long Hunter State Park Campground, though she advises bringing "LOTS of DEET bug spray" for protection against ticks.
Wildlife viewing trails: Follow the paved lakeside trails at Long Hunter State Park for accessible wildlife spotting opportunities. "I saw so many deer and turkeys I finally quit taking pics of them. There's also a really nice paved trail around the lake for the kids or handicapped folks," explains DrDavid P.
What campers like
Secluded riverside sites: Venture beyond the main parking areas at Holleman's Bend Camping Area to find more private camping spots. "Go past the main sites for more private sites. Easy to find, download a map on the way as you loose service 20 minutes out," advises Andrew K., who also notes the campground has garbage cans at each site.
Sunrises on the water: Primitive campers consistently mention spectacular morning views along the rivers. Devin R. shares, "I woke up early enough to see the sunrise and the fog coming off the river. Simply magical," about her experience at Holleman's Bend.
Affordable options: Free camping at Holleman's Bend provides budget-friendly alternatives to established campgrounds. "This was my first experience with free camping and it will be tough to beat!" reports Devin R. Some sites have nearby facilities despite their remote feel, as Simon B. explains, "No Service (showed me how addicted i am). Other than that as described."
What you should know
Water access limitations: Despite proximity to rivers and lakes, drinkable water isn't always easily accessible at primitive sites. At Turnhole Backcountry Campsite, Mandy C. reports, "Despite this campsite being surrounded by the Green River on 3 sides, water is hard to come by here, and hiking it in may be your best bet. The river is at least 1/2 mile away, through extremely dense brush."
Cell service gaps: Most primitive campsites have limited or no cell coverage. At Holleman's Bend, Simon B. notes simply "No Service," while Andrew K. advises to "download a map on the way as you loose service 20 minutes out."
Physical site conditions: Many camping areas around Carthage feature parking lot-style setups rather than designated tent pads. Tommy S. describes Holleman's Bend as an "Unexpected Riverside Parking Lot" noting "it's basically a parking lot, with a small patch of grass and a firepit by a loading dock into the river."
Tips for camping with families
Shorter trails for practice: Long Hunter State Park offers family-friendly backpacking experiences suitable for younger children. "Even though 6 miles is quite the hike for a young Girl Scout Troop just to reach our Campsite it was beyond worth it!" shares Sasha R. about Laguardo, making it ideal for families wanting to introduce children to backpacking.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds provide additional recreation beyond natural attractions. At Horseshoe Bend Marina, Joe B. reports, "Even had entertainment on Saturday night!" while Lori H. mentions, "They have a game room tent with ping pong, cornhole, jenga, etc. and they host a movie night sometimes!"
Safety considerations: Be prepared for wildlife encounters and insect protection. Mandy C. warns about Long Hunter State Park: "It was the most ticks any of us had seen, including tiny seed ticks. We left with multiple bites, and were constantly picking them off each other and our gear."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: RV camping near Carthage generally offers basic amenities without full-service hookups. At Tailwater Rec Area, Isai L. notes it's "a nice place to come and stay, a little far from the town but overall good. Great staff and clean facilities for the most part."
Leveling challenges: Some campsites require careful positioning for larger vehicles. At Horseshoe Bend Marina, "the R." mentions, "We are on site 9 and it's not the most leveled spot. We have a 25ft class C."
Service availability: While cell service is limited, some campgrounds offer alternatives. Joe B. at Horseshoe Bend Marina reports, "Wi-Fi worked great for streaming. NO CELL SERVICE for ATT. Super clean BathHouse hook ups and water worked well."
