Edgar Evins State Park Campground features unique wooden platform campsites built on slopes around Center Hill Lake. The elevated design accommodates the terrain while providing level camping surfaces with water and electric hookups. Most sites include fire rings with grills positioned along the roadside. The campground maintains 60 RV sites and a separate primitive camping area accessed via stairs leading into a wooded section near the lake.
What to do
Hiking trails: Edgar Evins State Park Campground offers several marked trails for day hiking. "We stayed here in November 2017... We packed up during the day to explore other nearby parks like fall creek falls and Cummins falls but came back at night to camp," notes Emily W., who appreciated the primitive camping section.
Trap shooting: Fort Campbell's military recreation area includes an active trap range near the campground. "The Trap Range is co-located and has been active with several Soldier oriented events," mentions a reviewer describing recreational options beyond typical camping activities.
Boating access: Rock Island State Park Campground provides water recreation opportunities on Center Hill Lake. "There are other hikes that require a drive from the campground. The best hike is in the Twin Falls area but that is a 10-15 minute drive from the campground," reports Lee D., who also noted kayaking and fishing opportunities.
Wildlife observation: The natural areas around cabins near South Carthage support diverse wildlife. "The wildlife includes a LOT of deer that walk through the campground throughout the day, groundhogs and a skunk... some geese and ducks near the stream and an occasional rabbit and blue heron," describes a visitor at one nearby campground.
What campers like
Platform camping: Ragland Bottom offers waterfront sites with direct lake access. "We stayed on site 10, and had the perfect lake front spot! I know that sites 1-15 are all lakefront sites with electricity and water, and they book up fast," reports Lori H., who recommends booking well in advance for premium locations.
Clean facilities: Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms were super clean. Was able to get groceries and all I needed just 10 mins away," notes Jared, highlighting the convenience of nearby supplies.
Secluded spots: Some cabin rental areas provide quieter camping experiences. "The sites are tiered and you will get a workout if your walking from one level to the next, which if you need the showerhouse, you will be on certain tiers," explains one camper, describing the unique layout that creates separation between sites.
Swimming areas: Multiple campgrounds with cabin rentals include beach access. "There is also a swimming beach with a rentable pavilion and picnic tables. It is possible to walk there but easier to drive," mentions one reviewer about Rock Island State Park's amenities.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Cabin rentals near South Carthage fill quickly during peak season. "We chose this campground mainly because we wanted to be close to the city of Nashville. However it took quite a while Uber into the city (about 30+ minutes)," shares Andrea about Nashville East-Lebanon KOA, emphasizing location considerations.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the hilly terrain require preparation. "The campground is not level at all. There are a few heavy wooden tables, but not anywhere close to the campsites," reports Todd V. about one nearby location, suggesting bringing leveling blocks.
Seasonal closures: Operating schedules vary significantly among cabin providers. While state parks typically remain open year-round, Corps of Engineers campgrounds like Ragland Bottom operate from April to October.
Utility variations: Electric service types differ 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," notes Gregory G., recommending campers check power specifications before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Defeated Creek Marina Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "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., who returns annually with her family.
Halloween events: Several campgrounds host seasonal activities for children. "Their halloween weekend is a great time of fun for the kids!" enthuses Justin L. about Cedars of Lebanon's special programming.
Site selection for pets: Pet-friendly cabins require strategic booking. "The site location was great for us because we had our 5 dogs with us and there was room at this site to let them out with ease and we were right next to a hiking trail for their walks," explains Ashley U. about her experience at site 62 in Cedars of Lebanon.
Cabin capacity limits: Most rental units accommodate 4-6 people comfortably. "We had a nice level pull through site near the front. Some of the other sites I saw seemed to be pretty close together but luckily I didn't end up with any neighbors," notes Jil S. about space considerations.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Center Hill Campground access requires careful navigation. "Be careful when driving in, the road is windy and currently they are working on the roadways and having 'blasting' zones," warns Crystal C. about approach routes.
Platform adaptations: The unique deck sites at Edgar Evins require adjustment for some camping styles. "Be wary of the speed bumps throughout the campground, they are closely spaced and rather abrupt, take them very slowly. The sites are all elevated platforms due to the steep slope to the lake, which we had not encountered before," advises Ray & Terri F.
Satellite reception: Television and internet access varies significantly. "We were in site 50, which had no visibility to DISH west satellites, and we were not able to pick up and OTA TV with our omni antenna," mentions one RVer at Edgar Evins, adding that AT&T service provided limited connectivity.
Pull-through availability: Larger rigs should research site specifications before booking. "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," recommends Cheryl C. about Rock Island State Park.
