Tent camping near Silver Point, Tennessee offers opportunities for lakeside stays and riverside retreats within the rolling hills of central Tennessee. The area surrounding Center Hill Lake provides year-round camping options with varying levels of accessibility during seasonal weather changes. Water levels at Center Hill Lake fluctuate throughout the year, impacting shoreline camping areas and boat access.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling: At Horseshoe Bend Marina, paddlers can access both calm lake waters and nearby waterfalls. "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.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at Holleman's Bend Camping Area offer opportunities to observe riverside wildlife. "I woke up early enough to see the sunrise and the fog coming off the river. Simply magical," reports Devin R., highlighting the natural spectacle available to early risers.
Coffee excursions: The small town of Gainesboro, located near primitive camping areas, offers coffee stops for campers seeking morning refreshments. According to one camper at Holleman's Bend, "Be sure to stop by the little town of Gainesboro for a cup of coffee at Nostalgic Coffee Cafe. They mixed together one of their favorite concoctions that wasn't on the menu and it was PERFECTION!"
What campers like
No cell service: Some campers appreciate the digital disconnect at more remote sites. Simon B. notes about Holleman's Bend: "No Service (showed me how addicted i am). Other than that as described."
Marina conveniences: Tailwater Rec Area provides electric hookups and water access for tent campers seeking basic amenities. One camper describes it as "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."
Waterfront access: The positioning of tent sites directly along the water creates prime fishing and paddling opportunities. At Horseshoe Bend Marina, "The view from every campsite is amazing," according to Lori H., who adds that many sites offer "front row seats" to the water.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds provide structured activities for visitors. Joe B. reports that Horseshoe Bend Marina had "entertainment on Saturday night" and notes they "couldn't ask for a better spot!"
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Many camping areas have limited cellular reception, making navigation difficult after dark. One visitor to Horseshoe Bend Marina reported they "arrived at night & got lost due to hardly any visible signs," recommending better planning for arrival times.
Service providers: Cell coverage varies significantly by carrier. "No service for T-Mobile sprint" at Horseshoe Bend Marina according to one reviewer, while another specified "NO CELL SERVICE for ATT" but noted "Wi-Fi worked great for streaming."
Site leveling: Some campgrounds have uneven tent pads that may require additional setup work. One RVer at Horseshoe Bend Marina mentioned "it's not the most leveled spot" for their setup.
Garbage facilities: Trash management varies between locations. Andrew K. noted at Holleman's Bend: "Garbage cans at each site. Someone came and got my name and plate to make sure I followed the 14 day rule but was super nice."
Tips for camping with families
Game options: Mammoth Cave's Turnhole Backcountry Campsite provides secluded camping within driving distance of Silver Point. Mandy C. describes it as "a nice, secluded spot" where "clear nights with a bright moon were magical."
Water planning: Many primitive sites require bringing your own water supply. For Turnhole Backcountry Campsite, one camper advises "water is hard to come by here, and hiking it in may be your best bet" since "the river is at least 1/2 mile away, through extremely dense brush."
Seasonal considerations: Summer camping offers different experiences than off-season visits. At Turnhole, a camper noted their August visit provided "not a whole lot to see in the summer besides a lot of chantrelles," suggesting spring or fall might offer different natural attractions.
Night activities: The absence of light pollution creates opportunities for nighttime sky observation. A camper at Turnhole mentioned the area is "DARK at night, lots of animal noises" with "not much of a night sky except in the winter months."
Tips from RVers
Water access challenges: RVers staying at Echo Valley Outdoor Oasis should plan for limited hookup options as the campground does not provide water hookups. This requires filling tanks before arrival and conserving water during stays.
Alternative accommodation options: Several campgrounds offer alternatives to traditional tent camping. Horseshoe Bend Marina provides "glamping tents, which are large canvas tents with beds and swanky furniture in them," according to Lori H., who adds "the bed in there was so comfortable, I'm purchasing that mattress for my home!"
Parking limitations: Vehicle restrictions exist at some campgrounds. Lori H. notes that at Horseshoe Bend Marina "They only allow one car per site, so plan accordingly."