139 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options near South Carthage, Tennessee include a range of developed campgrounds with lakefront access along Cordell Hull Lake and Center Hill Lake. Defeated Creek Campground and Defeated Creek Marina Campground, both located near Carthage, provide popular RV and tent camping sites with many waterfront locations. The region includes other notable options like Edgar Evins State Park Campground and Salt Lick Creek Campground, offering mixed-use facilities for tent camping, RV sites, and in some cases, cabin rentals or glamping accommodations. Most campgrounds in this area feature standard amenities including drinking water, restrooms, and designated fire rings.
Seasonal considerations factor heavily into planning trips in this region, as several campgrounds operate only from spring through fall. Defeated Creek Campground runs from March 14 to November 4, while Salt Lick Creek Campground operates from April 18 to September 30. Cell service can be limited throughout the area, especially in more remote locations. Some campgrounds require advance reservations through Recreation.gov, and popular waterfront sites often book up months in advance. Public land dispersed camping options exist but are more limited than established campgrounds. Road access to most sites is suitable for standard vehicles, though some primitive areas may require higher clearance. A camper noted, "We enjoyed our stay. The bathrooms were clean, bring your own hand soap. Our site had a great view of the water and was HUGE. No phone service for AT&T or Verizon."
Lakefront camping represents a significant draw in the South Carthage area, with many visitors highlighting water views as a primary attraction. Cordell Hull Lake sites at Defeated Creek receive consistently high ratings for their spacious layouts and direct water access. Wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly deer sightings, are frequently mentioned in visitor accounts. During summer months, the swimming areas and boat access points become focal points for recreational activities. More secluded sites can be found at primitive camping areas like Holleman's Bend, which offers free camping with minimal amenities. One camper shared, "We started out in a large site, #34 --on a hill, but level. We ended our stay in site #24 which overlooks the water. Both sites were great! The views of the mountains and water are splendid."
"I'm from New England and relocated to Tennessee in 2016. The first time I went camping at Edgar Evans, I had no idea what was going on!"
"The park is a gorgeous property with a lake and hiking trails. There are ADA sights. The hills are steep and some of the sights have angle ramps."
"Our site was atop a hill overlooking Cordell Hull Lake. The place was nearly full capacity yet quiet. Sites are spread out nicely, many are lakeside or have lake views."
"Sites 51 and 52 are a shared pull through site, so if you book one of them, you will more than likely have people you don't know backed up right close next to you."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Our site was right on the creek and very near the beach. We went for an evening swim and we had a picturesque view of the sun setting over the mountains."
"And it was adequate but situated on an inlet with mucky water. We took a walk and found an empty site (45) with breathtaking views. We asked to switch and they were happy to oblige."
from $24 - $56 / night
Check Availability"The campground at Cedars of Lebanon State Park deserves 5 stars for their proximity to Nashville, the large paved pads for campers, the peaceful woods, and their overall cleanliness."
"We hiked some of the 2 mile running trail and then veered off to explore the CCC original looking covered bench which overlooks a currently dry stream bed."
"2nd the layout is more tent friendly (to me) with walk in sites with some nice views."
"It was okay, but not good for anyone who cannot handle a lot of stairs. 2) There was a lot of boat traffic on the lake, even late into the night."
from $24 - $50 / night
Check Availability"We thought this was a bust, turned around to leave, and then we spotted the gravel path into the site. It's easy to miss on the way in."
"While the cell service was a bit spotty, it actually helped me disconnect and enjoy the surroundings. Overall, a great site—quiet, scenic, and well worth the visit."
"There is a flat trail next to the lake that my two year old loves to run up and down, playgrounds, and a story trail."
"Easy hiking trails with little to moderate inclines and terrain. Around 5-7 miles of trails, plenty of camping sites. I always see wildlife when i visit this park."
"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."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"The entire property is beautifully landscaped, and you instantly feel completely tucked away from the rest of the world. It is directly across from the entrance of Cummins Falls State Park!"
"I would stay away from the pull through sites by the bathroom if You prefer privacy."
GuideThis looks like a nice campground, but I just needed to sleep. I asked for the least expensive site and was told $70. The WiFi didn't even work. Under new ownership and was told it would be getting better. They claim to be the friendliest dog RV Park in America, but they don't even have a dog park so I don't know why they think they're the best.
ScoutNice, clean site and friendly staff. Live country music and party vibes!
GuideVery beautiful and peaceful. The lake water is on point. All clean and well maintained
ScoutVery quiet and peaceful
GuideCedars of Lebanon State Park • Lebanon, TN • Site 69 • water, electric, and dump station
This park is beautiful!! It is only 6 miles off the interstate. We only stayed one night (not even a full 24 hours) to visit the State Fair, but would love to come back for a weekend, especially to do one of the cave tours! They have a splash pad and all sorts of activities to do. The bathrooms were some of the cleanest I've seen.
Some of the sites were pretty tight. The picnic table was right outside our door and there was a tree blocking us from opening the awning all the way. There were other sites with plenty of room. The campground advertises wifi, but they were having issues.
I have T-mobile and it said 5G but I wasn't able to browse efficiently. My husband and brother have Comcast and Verizon and had service and were able to browse just fine.
GuideCame in later than expected but secondary station still open to register for a site.
Traveler$49/night 50amp FHU. Level gravel lots some shady spaces. Clean and well kept lawns. Propane fill station was a breeze. Spaces are a little tight. We got our dish tv signal pretty clear and WiFi was a little spotty. Verizon signal was also sketchy. I would stay again clean restrooms. I did not try the good. The staff was very friendly. Best afternoon shade at 79, 14, 99. Sites 17-19 are good for having shade on your passenger side.
ScoutWe only stayed over 1 night. Very clean, level sites and a beautiful campground. If you’re in the Nashville area I would highly recommend staying here.
GuideStay here to see a friend in hospital at Vanderbilt
It’s nice, typical RV parking lot Expensive ($6) for a Monster at store
Nice pool Friendly staff
Paid shuttle to downtown
Has a self service dog wash which is pretty cool
Did I mention pricey
That’s prob the biggest issue but it is Nashvegas after all. A city I called home for 27 years taken over by crazed women from all parts north thinking they are all cowgirls with boots and short shorts. FYI…if they wanna see real cowgirls head out to Wyoming for a bit, and not Jackson.
Cordell Hull Lake and Center Hill Lake create the backbone of camping opportunities near South Carthage, Tennessee. The region sits at approximately 500-700 feet elevation with a humid subtropical climate that produces hot summers and mild winters. Camping season typically runs strongest from April through October, with some campgrounds remaining operational year-round while others close during winter months.
Trout fishing opportunities: At Long Branch Campground, campers find excellent access to the river for fishing. "Nice and quiet with a beautiful view of Caney Fork River. World class trout fishing," notes Marsha G., highlighting one of the key attractions in the area.
Waterfall exploration: Old Mill Camp and General Store provides a convenient base for exploring Cummins Falls State Park. A camper mentioned, "Cummins Falls State Park across the street. Pro tip if you want to go on the hike which I highly encourage it... go early almost right when the park opens. There are less people which makes the hike more enjoyable."
Kayaking and canoeing: The numerous lakes and waterways offer paddling opportunities with varying levels of boat traffic. "We could reach the edge of the lake from our campsite and launched our kayaks from there. The boats made it a little difficult to kayak the lake, but some kayakers towards the front of the campground at the day beach seemed to do okay," reports a visitor at Floating Mill.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds have resident deer populations that create memorable camping experiences. "There are deer everywhere in park (fawns and even Bucks)... Sunset scenery around mountains is beautiful in evenings," explains Larry S. from Defeated Creek Park.
Platform camping: Edgar Evins State Park Campground offers a unique camping experience with elevated wooden platforms. "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," explains Betheny, describing the distinctive feature that sets this park apart.
Swimming areas: Dedicated swimming zones are popular across several campgrounds. "There's a swimming area for campers separate from the day use area. Many sites have their own water access," notes Clinton N. about Floating Mill Campground, highlighting the direct water access many campers seek.
Spacious sites: Salt Lick Creek Campground receives consistent praise for its generous site sizes. "Great size sites. Many with waterfront property and others totally wooded. Shower house had amazing water pressure. Very clean and quiet considering that all 154 sites were full," describes Chris Y., emphasizing the combination of space and amenities.
Free primitive camping: For those seeking no-frills options, free dispersed camping can be found. "Cute little peninsula to camp on! The water is BEAUTIFUL, though you'll hear fish splashing all night," shares Luka W. about their experience at Holleman's Bend Camping Area.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited or no cell reception. "There is absolutely no cell coverage for any carrier at the campground and about a 30 minute drive in any direction," warns a Salt Lick Creek camper, highlighting the need to prepare for disconnection.
Distance to supplies: Many campgrounds are remote with limited nearby services. "Also no stores around as well. There is only one gas station within 30-45 minutes that have ice and firewood. Make sure to bring everything you need," advises Chris Y.
Shower facilities vary: Bathroom and shower quality differs significantly between campgrounds. "The bathhouse was clean. I did think that the dump station was located in a strange spot as it was right on the main road in the campground and in front of someone's campsite," notes a Long Branch Campground visitor.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites book quickly, especially waterfront locations. A camper at Defeated Creek Park stated, "Can't find a bad site! Our favorite place but very hard to get into," emphasizing the need to plan well ahead.
Look for dedicated swim areas: Floating Mill Campground provides family-friendly water access. "It also includes two swim areas which is nice. Bathrooms are good in campground standards! The hiking trail is ok. Canoe the Caney is a few minute drive from the campground which is great if you like canoeing," advises Haley B.
Consider campground layout: Pay attention to site location for optimal family experiences. "We were at site #10 on Lake Loop, and we loved it. It wasn't completely flat for the tents, but close enough... The Bearwaller Gap Trail is right near the campground, and the trailhead was super close to our site," explains a camper at Defeated Creek.
Scout for playgrounds: Some campgrounds include play areas for children. "Very close to where I live so it's a great weekender," notes John A. about Cedars of Lebanon State Park, which offers playground facilities and seasonal programming.
Check for holiday events: Some campgrounds host special events. "Their halloween weekend is a great time of fun for the kids!" shares Justin L. about Cedars of Lebanon, highlighting seasonal programming that enhances family camping experiences.
Site selection considerations: Defeated Creek Marina Campground offers options for various RV sizes. "This is one of my favorites. Most sites have good shade, water sites are great with grassy areas going straight to water. We always leave our boat or kayaks in water at sites," shares Mandy C., highlighting the water-access benefits.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require careful setup due to terrain. "We were in site 68 and had plenty of room. The site had plenty of space, level, and fairly easy to back into. The only downside is that the site did not have sewer hookup," notes Mike M. about Salt Lick Creek Campground.
Power considerations: Electrical hookups vary between campgrounds. "To my surprise I opened the electric pedestal, and there was only 50 amp service. I'm set up for 30 amp, so I had to use an adapter," warns Gregory G. about his stay at Cedars of Lebanon, highlighting the importance of checking specifications before arrival.
Interior road navigation: Some campgrounds have challenging internal roads. "Be wary of the speed bumps throughout the campground, they are closely spaced and rather abrupt, take them very slowly," advises a camper about Edgar Evins State Park, useful information for those with larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near South Carthage, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, South Carthage, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 139 campgrounds and RV parks near South Carthage, TN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near South Carthage, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South Carthage, TN is Edgar Evins State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 60 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near South Carthage, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near South Carthage, TN.
What parks are near South Carthage, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near South Carthage, TN that allow camping, notably Stillhouse Hollow Lake and Center Hill Lake.
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