Center Hill Lake sits in Tennessee's Highland Rim region, surrounded by limestone bluffs and dense hardwood forests. The lake spans 18,220 acres with 415 miles of shoreline at normal pool level. Cabin accommodations around the lake range from basic rustic structures to fully furnished vacation homes with seasonal availability varying significantly between properties.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: Rock Island State Park features multiple waterfall hikes accessible from the cabin area. "Great hikes and random places to jump into the water," notes Alicia F., while another camper mentions the importance of visiting the ranger station: "Make sure to visit the ranger station for a map and safety rules during water releases."
Kayaking and water sports: The lake offers excellent opportunities for kayaking and boating directly from several cabin properties. A visitor to Ragland Bottom noted, "The lakefront sites all have water access right from the site, so you can launch a kayak, or throw out a line, or just go for a swim right from your site."
Cave exploration: Cumberland Caverns is located near several cabin rental options. A visitor to Rock Island State Park Campground shared, "Close to Cumberland Caverns where we enjoyed a concert in the cavern. We will definitely go back!"
What campers like
Platform cabins at Edgar Evins: Unlike traditional cabins, Edgar Evins State Park Campground offers unique pier-like deck cabins elevated above the terrain. "We love the platform sites that are so spacious and private. Easy access to dump station and bath houses. Almost all sites have view of water," wrote Betheny.
Quiet surroundings: Cabin guests frequently mention the peaceful environment. At Bear Bluff Retreat, a visitor noted, "Close enough to town if you forgot something and far enough away that it's extremely quiet no street noise whatsoever, and great views of the river right next to it, mountains, or walking through the woods nearby."
WiFi access: Unlike many remote cabins, some locations offer reliable connectivity. One Rock Island visitor noted, "Free WiFi with a good, strong signal," which is uncommon for cabin accommodations in more remote settings.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Cabin reservations at popular locations fill quickly, especially during summer months and weekends. "We visited this state park in our 40 foot motorhome. While there are only a few spots that will accommodate a rig this large, it's worth the time to haunt the reservation system and snag one," notes a visitor to Rock Island State Park.
Water level fluctuations: Center Hill Lake levels can vary significantly depending on dam operations, affecting water access from cabins. At Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground, visitors mentioned the importance of timing: "Can't swim in lake but you can kayak."
Limited supplies: Most cabin locations have minimal on-site shopping options. Visitors should plan to bring most supplies with them. One camper advised, "Stop in the last town you pass through and make your final tweets, calls, and texts and make sure you have your directions available in your notes cause your GPS and phone service will fail you long before you arrive on site!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several cabin locations offer playground facilities for children. At Ragland Bottom, a visitor mentioned, "The campground has a day use area, and a playground. Great spot for lake camping!"
Swimming options: For families with children, properties with designated swimming areas provide safer alternatives to open water. A camper at Rock Island State Park noted, "The nearby swimming beach was great for the kids. Many short hiking options available."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several cabin locations offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. A visitor to Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground shared, "We stayed 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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many cabin and RV sites around Center Hill Lake require leveling due to the region's hilly terrain. One camper at Cedars of Lebanon noted, "We traveled in a 29' motorhome. We stayed in section 1, site 22. It was right beside the shower house. It was a pull through site, but it was a little tight."
Road conditions: Access roads to some cabin and RV sites can be challenging. A visitor to Smooth Rapids cautioned, "The entrance and exit is very narrow and steep even for our Sprinter motorhome, let alone something larger. Would not advise it!"
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping in cabins offers a different experience with fewer crowds. A Rock Island visitor shared, "We spent the weekend at the park in our 21' camper. Site 28 was fairly level, and had water and 30a power. A few looked like they had sewer at them, but ours didn't."
