Established Camping
Ragland Bottom
Ragland Bottom, near Sparta, Tennessee, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the beauty of Center Hill Lake. This campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, many of which provide stunning lakefront views and easy access to the water for swimming, fishing, or kayaking.
Campers rave about the clean facilities, including well-kept bathrooms and showers, which make it easy to unwind after a day of outdoor activities. The campground is also equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings. As one visitor noted, “The bathrooms were incredibly clean and the site did not feel crowded,” highlighting the well-maintained environment.
For families, there’s a playground and a sand volleyball court, ensuring that kids have plenty to keep them entertained. Plus, with a market just a mile away, you can grab essentials without much hassle. If you’re up for a little adventure, Burgess Falls is only a short drive away, offering beautiful hiking trails and scenic views.
While some campers mentioned that the sites can feel snug, the friendly atmosphere and helpful hosts make Ragland Bottom a welcoming place to set up camp. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a longer stay, this campground has everything you need for a memorable outdoor experience.
Description
US Army Corps of Engineers
Center Hill Lake
Overview
Ragland Bottom Campground is located on the shores of the scenic Center Hill Lake on central Tennessee's Highland Rim. The lake stretches 64 miles up the Caney Fork River, where visitors come to enjoy boating, fishing and water sports. The 415 miles of forested shoreline provide excellent hiking, hunting and camping opportunities.
Recreation
Boating, waterskiing, canoeing and fishing are popular activities on the water. Anglers will find bream, walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish and white bass. Below the dam, the Caney Fork River is one of the most productive trout fisheries in the state. Nine miles of hiking trails meander around the lake. The Red Post Trail is a short, but steep, two-mile trail that loops above the campground. Hikers who brave the moderately difficult climb are rewarded with beautiful overlooks of the lake and nearby Sligo Bridge and Marina.
Natural Features
Center Hill Lake is surrounded by lush mixed hardwood forests in the hilly Highland Rim region. Beautiful dogwoods bloom in the campground in springtime. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, squirrels and rabbits roam the wooded hills around the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Burgess Falls State Park is a 25-minute drive from the campground. 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.
Location
Ragland Bottom is located in Tennessee
Directions
From Smithville, Tennessee, take US-70 east for 8 miles. Turn left on Ragland Bottom Road and follow signs to the campground, located one mile from Sligo Bridge.
Address
1410 RAGLAND BOTTOM RD
Sparta, TN 38583
Coordinates
35.9774 N
85.7208667 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 15 min from Nashville
- 1 hr 28 min from Chattanooga
- 1 hr 50 min from Cleveland
- 1 hr 57 min from Bowling Green