Center Hill Lake creates a 64-mile shoreline for camping near Smithville, Tennessee, where elevations range from 618 to 685 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in this area operate between April and October, with several open year-round. Water temperatures reach the mid-80s during summer months, and winter camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing at multiple depths: Center Hill Lake reaches 160 feet deep in places, offering both shallow and deep-water fishing opportunities. "Nice to be able to get away and not too far from home! We have camped here twice this year!" noted a visitor to Floating Mill about the easy access to fishing spots.
Hiking nearby state parks: Several trails within 20 miles offer varied difficulty levels, from casual walks to challenging terrain. A camper at Fall Creek Falls State Park shared, "Plenty of hikes that lead to wonderful waterfalls and great scenery. My favorite is the cable trail. If I recall it's not far from the campsite."
Kayaking the tributaries: Quiet coves and inlets provide calmer waters for paddling away from the main lake traffic. "The tent sites were really nice. I love how close you are to the water. Canoe the Caney is a few minute drive from the campground which is great if you like canoeing," according to one Floating Mill visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best opportunities for deer sightings near wooded campsites. "We saw 10 deer one morning and hiked a trail with our 3 boys and 2 dogs," reported a camper from Cedars of Lebanon State Park.
What campers like
Platform campsites: Several campgrounds feature unique elevated camping platforms suited for the hilly 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," explained a visitor to Edgar Evins State Park.
Variety of water access points: Different campgrounds offer various ways to reach the water, from direct site access to designated swimming areas. "You cant beat the views at this campground. Several of the sites are right along the water. There is hiking which we didn't do, also a couple places to swim," noted a Floating Mill camper.
Level sites at select campgrounds: While many areas feature sloped terrain, certain campgrounds offer more level options. "The campground is very well-kept. With plenty of room on the camping pads for all types and sizes of RVs," shared a visitor to Ragland Bottom.
Seasonal ranger programs: Educational programs run during peak seasons at several parks. "Very informative pontoon boat tour with a Park Ranger. Great lunch at the marina too!" explained a visitor at Edgar Evins State Park.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds and specific campsites. "No service for T-Mobile sprint. We are on site 9 and it's not the most leveled spot," reported a visitor to Horseshoe Bend Marina.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance bookings, especially during summer weekends. "Can't find a bad site! Our favorite place but very hard to get into," noted a visitor to Defeated Creek Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds involve steep grades and tight turns. "The drive in and out is rather steep but doable. The sites are great," shared a Ragland Bottom camper.
Variable bathhouse facilities: Bathroom quality differs between campgrounds and can change seasonally. "Bathrooms are good in campground standards!" mentioned a Floating Mill visitor, while other campgrounds receive less favorable reviews.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "The kids ride bikes and fish. We always get sites on the water," reported a Defeated Creek camper.
Swimming areas: Designated swimming locations with gradual entries work best for families with young children. "It is probably lots of fun in the summer with the huge beach. We plan to visit again soon," noted a visitor to Rock Island State Park.
Halloween events: Some campgrounds host special Halloween weekends with activities. "Their halloween weekend is a great time of fun for the kids!" shared a Cedars of Lebanon State Park visitor.
Site selection for mobility: Consider campground layout when traveling with elderly family members or those with mobility issues. "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," warned a Floating Mill camper.
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Many campgrounds have limited availability for larger rigs. "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," advised a Rock Island State Park visitor.
Hook-up variations: Not all sites offer full hook-ups, requiring advance planning. "FYI there are some sites with sewer. I didn't realize this when I reserved. They have great dump station but prefer to have that taken care of before we pull out," shared another Rock Island State Park camper.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven sites at some campgrounds. "Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out," warned a Fall Creek Falls State Park visitor.
Road width concerns: Interior campground roads can be narrow at certain locations. "The only downside was the driveways were a little tight, we especially had trouble on the way out," noted a camper from Cedars of Lebanon State Park.
