Established Camping
Defeated Creek Campground
About
US Army Corps of Engineers
Cordell Hull Lake
Overview
Defeated Creek Park Campground sits along the banks of Cordell Hull Lake on the Cumberland River System, just seven miles from Carthage, Tennessee. The lake was named after Cordell Hull, a politician that was born in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains. Hull is best known for being the longest running secretary of state in American history, serving for 11 years. Click here for a virtual tour of the Cordell Hull Lake facilities.
Recreation
The 12,000-acre lake stretches 72 miles upstream and boasts 381 miles of shoreline, offering countless recreational activities for visitors. Anglers enjoy fishing for white bass, rockfish, largemouth bass, catfish, shad and crappie. Boating, sailing, water skiing and jet skiing are popular activities on the water, and boat ramps and a marina provide easy lake access. Miles of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails surround the lake. The 6-mile Bearwaller Gap Trail has a trailhead within the campground. Other trails in the area include the Turkey Creek Nature Trail and Bear Wheels Trail.
Facilities
The campground offers 155 sites for tents and RVs, all with electric hookups. Two large group day-use shelters are also available on a first come first serve basis or for reservation in the day use area, both shelters have water and electric hookups. A boat ramp, playground, beach, and tennis and volleyball courts are all provided, making the area perfect for families or larger parties. A marina is located adjacent to the campground.
Natural Features
Cordell Hull Lake is situated among rolling hills covered in a mix of shady maple, hickory, oak, beech and chestnut trees. Summer temperatures range from the 60s to the 90s. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, quail, squirrels, rabbits and a wide variety of waterfowl are commonly seen throughout the area.
Nearby Attractions
The historic town of Granville, Tennessee, is 25 miles from the campground. Visitors enjoy celebrating the town's Heritage Day annually in May. Events include the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival, antique car and tractor shows and Civil War living history presentations.
Reservation Info
Firewood Alert: When picnicking at this recreation area, purchase your firewood from a vendor who sells certified heat-treated firewood. Don't bring firewood from home. To help prevent the spread of the Emerald ash borer and other forest pests, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is prohibiting firewood that is non certified heat-treated firewood. Visit Firewoodscout.org or Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.When picnicking or camping a Cordell Hull Lake certified, heat treated firewood is required. The US Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District, are prohibiting firewood that is non certified.
Pets are prohibited in day use area due to health department restrictions with recreation areas with beaches.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonFair
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileFair
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Nice Park
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. We enjoyed our stay.
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Best campground in Tennessee
We’ve stayed at Defeated Creek Campground for six days at a time twice now. We love being down on the lake where the views are awesome! The deer wander around here like they own the place! lol It’s an excellent place to ride your bicycles. There is plenty for children to do. You can even have your canoe or boat right up on the shore at a lakefront lot! Fishing is right there at your doorstep! Book your trip way in advance at “Recreation.gov” to get a spot in the best campground in the state!
- (10) View All
Good spot
We have stayed here numerous times! It’s our go to camp site. We’ve had different sites but still a well managed park
Location
Defeated Creek Campground is located in Tennessee
Directions
From Carthage, Tennessee, take SR-25 west for 4 miles. Turn north on SR-80, then east on SR-85. Follow signs to campground.
Address
140 Marina Lane
Carthage, TN 37030
Coordinates
36.2997222 N
85.9088889 W