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Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake

9 Reviews

Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas, near Smithville, Tennessee, offers a straightforward camping experience for those looking to escape into nature. With sites that allow for both tent and RV camping, it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to enjoy the great outdoors without the frills.

The campground is situated along the river, providing a scenic backdrop for activities like kayaking and fishing. Many visitors have enjoyed the spacious sites, particularly those near the water, which offer a peaceful setting for relaxation and outdoor fun. One camper noted, “We stayed right on the river for two nights and had a great time.”

While the amenities are basic, the campground allows campfires, which is perfect for gathering around in the evenings. Some campers have mentioned that the facilities are clean, and the views of the river are a highlight. However, be prepared for a no-frills experience, as there are no electric hookups or showers available.

For those who enjoy fishing, the nearby Caney Fork River is known for its trout, making it a popular spot for anglers. If you’re looking for a quiet place to unwind and connect with nature, Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas could be just the ticket.

Description

Army Corps of Engineers

Center Hill Recreation Area

Overview

Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping is a unique camping experience at designated areas across Center Hill's 415 miles of shoreline. Primitive camping offers a unique rustic lake front camping experience. Remote locations along the shoreline offer campers a peaceful nature experience. Most designated tent sites are accessible only by boat; while a few can be reached by road. Campers are advised that these areas are remote, primitive sites. Cellular service may be non-existant or limited. Water or electric including restroom facilities of any kind are not availabile. Campers desiring on-site attendant, security, and law enforcement services are encouraged to use developed campgrounds where such services are provided. These services are not provided for primitive camping.

Recreation

Primitive camping Center Hill Lake is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise filled with camping, fishing, boating, and hiking experiences. Center Hill Lake is known for its fishing opportunities and host a lot of fishing tournaments.

Natural Features

Lake view rustic camping experience surrounded by mature hardwood trees. Fishing and boating only a few steps from your designated camping site.

Nearby Attractions

Edgar Evins State Park, minutes from Center Hill Dam, sits on the shores of the lake. An observation tower at the Visitor Center offers a spectacular view of Center Hill Lake and the surrounding hillsides. Burgess Falls State Park is a 35-minute drive from the dam. Here, the Falling Water River drops approximately 250 feet, creating numerous breathtaking waterfalls. Hiking trails and overlooks help visitors enjoy the scenery. The large Native Butterfly Garden is a popular attraction within the park. Rock Island State Park is approximately one hour from the dam. Rock Island is located near the confluences of three rivers that make up Center Hill Lake; the Caney Fork, the Collins, and Rocky Rivers.

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Location

Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake is located in Tennessee

Detail location of campground

Directions

Directions to primitive camp sites start at the nearest USACE facility. The GPS coordinate \"Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas\" is for Center Hill Dam. 36\_\_05'52.3\"N 85\_\_49'32.4\"W or 36.097869, -85.825653

Coordinates

36.102344 N
85.829826 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups

Drive Time

Reviews

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5 Stars

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1 Star

23%
34%
23%
0%
23%

3.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

J
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2024

Don’t stay here

The people that run this campground are rude and considerate jerks and talk to my kids and I like we where not worth there time.

Site49
Month of VisitSeptember
Jacob D.
Reviewed Oct. 15, 2023

Don’t stay here go somewhere els

 I have camped here for 18 to 20 years yearly multiple times a year I will not come back until the old people that work there no longer work there they’re unfriendly rude. Said I was feeding them a bull shot sandwich. It was 237. I was back in my truck up to my camper truck fully loaded camper broken down. All I do is hook up and pull out. He came up and goes. It’s 237. You know you need to fucking be gone by 2:30. I’m pulling out but check in is 330. They’re here early he said check-in is when I let them in that time doesn’t mean anything. Two months ago when I was here with my wife and kids. I had to wait two hours he said I don’t care what happened two months ago I said you know damn well I didn’t make a fuss about wanting I understood things happen but you coming over@2:37 talking to me like that there’s no excuse for that. He said I run this place the way I see fit. I said well you’re running all the young folks off and the old people can stay on their campsites till 530 and that’s OK but if I’m seven minutes late you come tell me to fucking move Kick rocks old man I won’t be coming back until he and his wife no longer work there and he is costing, the big rock at least$600 annually for my family not coming up there

Site56
Month of VisitOctober
K
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2022

Sweet little campground on the river

We loved our three nights at Long Branch. Nestled in downriver from the dam, this campground provides a great opportunity to kayak down the river. Sites 2-20 along the river are the best spots. We stayed at 15 and enjoyed the proximity to the river while feeling like we were close enough to its beauty.

Site15
Month of VisitSeptember
Shana D.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2022

Large Site

We had a large campsite along the river, but our view was blocked by overgrowth. I was super disappointed as this was our last stop on a long road trip. We came here to trout fish and watch the river float by. We didn’t get to do either because the water was too high (not the fault of the campground). The camp host at check in wasn’t the friendliest person when we had a few questions. 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. You had to walk across a large field to take your garbage to the dumpster. We left a day early. This was a one and done place for us.

Site5
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake by Shana D., July 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake by Shana D., July 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake by Shana D., July 18, 2022
  • (12) View All
Campfiresandcoffee94 .
Reviewed Oct. 22, 2021

Peace of mind.

We recently moved from Idaho to Tennessee, we booked two spots at Long Branch to stay for two weeks. The views are beautiful, we visited in October, nice and warm during the day cool at night perfect for fires in the morning and at night. Nice size campground clean and well kept. Bathrooms are fabulous.

No laundry at this campgrounds, internet is hit or miss if you don't have internet in your trailer. But we're on Verizon and we seem to get it very well in the morning and during the day.

All in all the site is clean, quiet, and beautiful, right at the base of a dam, and the river flowing next to us is gorgeous. Wish they stayed open all year long but they don't. We will be back early for camping on the weekends.

There is a little noise from the road but not very often only when cars pass.

Site37/38
Month of VisitOctober
K
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2020

Mixed bag of Campsites

We ususally try to find the Army Corp of Engineers campgrounds as they're so nice!  This particular one has two areas - the main one and a few separated campsites over a bridge.  We were over the bridge and I would not recommend it - dogs could not cross bridge and sites are very small.

Facilities clean and well lit.

Site51
Month of VisitJune
Gabe W.
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2019

Spacious and clean

Enjoyable camp ground.  Sites are nice and large, easy to back into.  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.

Site17
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake by Gabe W., June 13, 2019
Marsha G.
Reviewed May. 19, 2018

Riverside

Nice and quiet with a beautiful view of Caney Fork River . World class trout fishing.

Site11
Month of VisitMay
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake has water hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake?

    Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake allows vehicles up to 156 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake?

    There are 77 campsites at Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas — Center Hill Lake and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

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