The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Camping near Center Hill Lake

932 Reviews

Several good campgrounds surround Center Hill Lake for those planning a camping trip in the area. Edgar Evins State Park Campground stands out with its electric and water hookups for campers. The state park includes standard amenities like picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Hiking trails and fishing spots are scattered throughout this scenic part of Tennessee. Weather varies significantly by season - spring and fall offer milder temperatures, summers can get hot and sticky, and winters tend to be cold. During dry spells, the park may enforce fire restrictions for safety reasons. While permits aren't usually needed, making reservations is smart, particularly when the lake gets busy during peak camping months. Restrooms and showers are available at the campgrounds for visitors to use. Most camping spots have enough room for either tents or RVs without feeling cramped. Following Leave No Trace practices helps keep the lake area natural and clean for future campers. Double-check any specific campground rules before heading out to Center Hill Lake.

Map showing campgrounds near Center Hill Lake, TennesseeExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Center Hill Lake (139)

    1. Rock Island State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    Rock Island, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 686-2471

    "Rock Island State Park is situated in the middle of Tennessee. The park itself is surrounded by beautiful forest and some pretty great and easy hiking trails. The falls themselves are a sight to see."

    "Off I24 near Murfreesboro, Tn and a leisurely drive through the Tennessee countryside. Small towns, pickups and cows. Watch for stop signs, I almost missed one while looking at the scenery."

    2. Edgar Evins State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Lancaster, TN
    13 miles
    Website

    "Great access to Center Hill Lake and the Caney Fork River."

    "This campground is very heavily wooded and overlooks Center Hill Lake. Most sites are on large wood decks built into the hillside that are robust enough to drive rvs onto."

    3. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

    145 Reviews
    Spencer, TN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 881-5298

    $8 - $32 / night

    "Fall creek falls is one of the best recreational areas in Tennessee. The park is very large and has so much to do. The falls are amazing, and it’s a moderate hike down to the base."

    "Tons to do at one of Tennessee’s top state parks."

    4. Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake

    21 Reviews
    Silver Point, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 858-4845

    $24 - $50 / night

    ". 2nd the layout is more tent friendly (to me) with walk in sites with some nice views."

    "Camp sites weren’t too close to each other. There were lots of trees for enoing and our view of Center Hill Lake was great.

    We had a great time and will definitely go back."

    5. Ragland Bottom

    12 Reviews
    Smithville, TN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 761-3616

    $16 - $50 / night

    "The campground is right on Center Hill lake, and the lake is really nice and clean! We stayed on site 10, and had the perfect lake front spot!"

    "Snuggle deep in Ragland bottom Tennessee this nice Corps of Engineer campground is nestled. The campground is very well-kept. With plenty of room on the camping pads for all types and sizes of RVs."

    6. Horseshoe Bend Marina

    6 Reviews
    Antioch, TN
    7 miles
    Website

    $75 / night

    "The tents themselves are large canvas tents with two double beds in them and decorated pretty cool inside with a beautiful front porch view of Center Hill Lake."

    "There were restrooms at the marina, which was close by.

    They have a game room tent with ping pong, cornhole, jenga, etc. and they host a movie night sometimes!"

    7. Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake

    10 Reviews
    Lancaster, TN
    15 miles
    +1 (931) 858-3125

    $8 / night

    "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."

    8. Seven Springs

    1 Review
    Antioch, TN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 479-8890

    $35 - $95 / night

    9. Bear Bluff Retreat above Center Hill Lake

    1 Review
    Walling, TN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 254-1837

    $40 - $150 / night

    "We were there last weekend, lots to do around the area if you're into hiking kayaking walking, visiting old shops etc."

    10. Old Mill Camp and General Store

    22 Reviews
    Bloomington Springs, TN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 268-0045

    "I would stay away from the pull through sites by the bathroom if You prefer privacy."

    "If you arrive early and are wanting to fully hike down to the waters it is a must to arrive early and by the time you finish enjoying activities driving is not something that sounds appealing."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 139 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Center Hill Lake Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Center Hill Lake

373 Photos of 139 Center Hill Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Center Hill Lake

932 Reviews of 139 Center Hill Lake Campgrounds

  • greg S.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake

    Beware of host

    My family has camped here for years with no issues and we usually stay for at least 3 days if not longer at a time. On holidays we usually stay for a week or more at a time. The last 3 times we've camped there the host were horrible. They police you from the time you check in til you leave. They are very discriminating depending on who you know at the campgrounds. They charge some people to visit and not others. If you have kids they better walk the line during thier time there or they will threaten to have you leave. They have treated my family like we were second class as best. Talked to us like we were ignorant.  Not there to help at all. On a power trip for being the host. When you spend your hard earned money and time to relax and spend time with family and friends you shouldnt have to be harassed and watched over to the point you cant enjoy yourslves for your vacation. Not an enjoyable experience at all. We will not be back until they are no longer the host. Never been treated like that by host.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Rvino - The Broken Banjo

    Convenient and well maintained

    This park is located in Manchester, TN right next to I-24, so if you are in the pull-throughs on the front row, you will hear the traffic.

    The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. They lead you to your site and stay to make sure you don't have any questions. Nice little store, well stocked with conveniences and RV needs, as well as souvenirs.

    Gravel roads and level pads. We stopped overnight and did not have to disconnect, as we were perfectly level. Heated swimming pool and splash pad at the entrance, with other "entertainment" for kids in the back of the park (giant chess board, putting green, playground, etc. next to the small lake)

    We were amazed to see park staff cleaning and picking up until 1900 at night. One was literally filling bags with pine cones from the road and sites.

    The "Premium" sites, such as site 2, has a concrete patio with wrought iron table and chairs, along with a fire-pit and grill.

  • L
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Poole Knobs

    Bottom of my COE campgrounds

    First of all, I love COE campgrounds. They are usually clean, scenic, and have lots of space between campsites. Poole Knobs has all of that, but the bathrooms were ridiculously hard to get to. If you get a site along the lake, expect a long walk and then an arduous climb to the bathroom and showers or hop in your vehicle and drive there. Whoever laid out the design of this campground had obviously ever camped.

  • Alisha L.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    COE Cordell Hull Lake Salt Lick Creek Campground

    Salt Lick Creek

    Overall, we enjoyed our experience. It's a nice campground. The site was small and we prefer more space and seclusion since we travel with dogs. We stayed in site 94, which was on the water and nicely shaded. There was no cell service. Our camper has a wifi booster so we were able to boost the signal to our phones from the nearby bathhouse that had wifi. The campground is very remote, but it doesn't feel remote because of how busy and open it feels.

  • Mary D.
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground

    Awesome time!

    We had such a great time at Cumberland Mountain State Park! Area 1 was especially nice and shaded. It was quiet, clean, and so easy to enjoy. The bonus surprise for us was that the Wi-Fi worked really well, which made it easy to stay connected when we needed to. We’ve already made future reservations and can’t wait to come back and stay at site 25!

  • G
    Jul. 26, 2025

    COE Cordell Hull Lake Salt Lick Creek Campground

    Very disappointing

    What a disappointment and I’ve heard so many wonderful things about this campground. I checked in at the appropriate time. There was no one at the gate, no packet no information. I found my campsite and pulled in quite unlevel due to deep divots in the gravel… used baby wipes embedded in the gravel, foul trash in the fire ring, and the campsite had been vacant according to the website for at least a week Obviously no preparation had taken place. Never saw a Ranger never saw host. I left one day early only to find that they have listed me as a cancellation thereby excluding me from being able to leave a recommendation on their website I’ll not be returning.

  • Randall B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Four Corners Resort and Marina

    Lakefront camping at its best!

    Four Corners RV resort is a fantastic find just 21 miles South of Nashville. We paid a weekly rate of $879 including taxes and fees for a back in waterfront site. We have fantastic water views from both sides of the coach. The pads are all concrete, wide sites, include a fire ring and picnic table. They have several fishing and boating docks. They have a dog park and a swimming beach with dog bath upon exiting the beach. They also have a nice adult pool and a large kiddie pool. They have a lot of Canadian Geese which are fun to watch but leave their droppings everywhere. The campground is very dog friendly with a lot of dog litter bags and trash cans throughout the campground. This campground is a great staging place for visiting numerous sites in Nashville. We like this campground and really have enjoyed the water views, we recommend this campground and will be back.

  • Jeff C.
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Father Adamz Campground — South Cumberland State Park

    Great backcountry camping and hiking

    My grandson and I spent 23-25 June camping at Father Adamz campground.  All of the sites in the campground are level and have adequate shade.  The water available in the parking lot is either from a water fountain or the bathroom sink.  I am glad we brought along our water filtration system as it was only a short hike down to the river to fill up.

    The hike in is pretty steep in parts and very rocky.  Definitely a good workout!  The hiking trails are well maintained and the scenery is great.  

     The short hike down to the base of the waterfall is fairly steep and very rocky, but well worth the effort!

Guide to Center Hill Lake

Camping near Center Hill Lake, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the water, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Good hikes nearby," making it a great spot for those who love to hit the trails.
  • Fishing: Head to Defeated Creek Campground for some fishing. A camper shared, "Fishing is right there at your doorstep!" which highlights the convenience for anglers.
  • Kayaking: At Edgar Evins State Park Campground, you can enjoy kayaking. One review noted, "Kayaking is great! Put in below Center Hill dam," making it a perfect spot for water sports.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park. A visitor remarked, "Bathrooms and showers were very clean," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Spacious sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Rock Island State Park Campground. One camper said, "The campground was excellent!!" highlighting the spaciousness and overall quality.
  • Family-friendly activities: Davy Crockett Campground offers great amenities for kids. A reviewer mentioned, "Kids loved the pool, basketball court, playground," making it a hit for families.

What you should know:

  • Cell service: If you want to unplug, COE Cordell Hull Lake Salt Lick Creek Campground is a good choice. A camper noted, "There is no cell service so it’s a great trip to take if you’re wanting yourself or your family to unplug and relax."
  • Site selection: At Edgar Evins State Park Campground, it's important to choose your site wisely. One reviewer advised, "I definitely recommend either scouting out a site before booking or researching well which site would be a good fit."
  • Noise levels: If you're sensitive to noise, consider your site at Belle Ridge Retreat. A visitor mentioned, "If you are placed in one of the sites in the front it’s going to be very noisy."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Davy Crockett Campground has a lot to offer for families. One parent said, "The kids loved the pool, basketball court, playground," making it a great choice for family fun.
  • Plan for activities: At Old Mill Camp and General Store, families can enjoy local attractions. A reviewer mentioned, "The little playground was a blast for the kids," which adds to the camping experience.
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Campers at Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake recommend bringing your own supplies. One camper noted, "The store offers a delightful array of goods," but it's always good to have your favorites on hand.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site dimensions: RVers at Rock Island State Park Campground suggest doing your research. One camper said, "This is not a big rig friendly park," so make sure your RV fits the site.
  • Look for amenities: Defeated Creek Campground has great facilities. A visitor mentioned, "Clean bathrooms and great water pressure in the showers," which is a big plus for RVers.
  • Book in advance: Popular spots like Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground can fill up quickly. One camper advised, "Plan ahead to get a good site," to ensure you get the best experience.

Camping near Center Hill Lake, Tennessee, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're with family or friends, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RV camping allowed at Center Hill Lake?

Yes, RV camping is definitely allowed at Center Hill Lake, with several campgrounds accommodating recreational vehicles. Ragland Bottom offers lakefront sites (1-15) with electricity and water hookups that are perfect for RVs. Rock Island State Park Campground near Center Hill Lake has dedicated RV camping areas that are more spacious than their tent sites. Edgar Evins State Park also welcomes RVs with their unique wooden deck sites built strong enough to support recreational vehicles, though some campers note the approach to these decks can be steep and might cause hitches to drag. Most RV sites around the lake provide electrical hookups, and many offer water connections as well.

What campgrounds are available at Center Hill Lake?

Center Hill Lake offers several excellent camping options. Edgar Evins State Park Campground features unique wooden deck sites built into the hillside overlooking the lake, perfect for both tents and RVs. Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake is an Army Corps of Engineers campground with a layout that's particularly tent-friendly, offering walk-in sites. Other notable options include Ragland Bottom with prime lakefront sites, Horseshoe Bend Marina with glamping opportunities, and Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas for a more rustic experience. Most campgrounds provide easy access to the lake for water activities, though lake access can vary by location.

What amenities are available at Ragland Bottom Campground on Center Hill Lake?

Ragland Bottom Campground offers an excellent array of amenities for campers. The standout feature is its location directly on Center Hill Lake with pristine lakefront sites (particularly sites 1-15) that include electricity and water hookups. The campground provides clean facilities including restrooms and likely shower facilities, though specific details about the bath houses aren't mentioned in reviews. Horseshoe Bend Marina nearby offers additional options including glamping tents. The lake itself is described as clean and ideal for swimming and water activities. Ragland Bottom's lakefront access makes it popular for boating, swimming, and fishing, so early reservations are essential, especially for the prime waterfront spots. The campground's overall atmosphere is family-friendly with well-maintained grounds.

How do I reserve a campsite at Center Hill Lake?

Reserving a campsite at Center Hill Lake depends on which campground you choose. For Corps of Engineers sites like Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake, reservations can be made through Recreation.gov. State park campgrounds such as Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park typically use Tennessee State Parks' reservation system, accessible through their website or by phone. Booking well in advance is highly recommended, especially for summer weekends and holidays. Lakefront sites at popular spots like Ragland Bottom (sites 1-15) fill up particularly quickly. Most campgrounds accept reservations up to 6 months ahead, and many require payment at the time of booking.

Keep Exploring