Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas
16
Total Campsites
Campground
13
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas
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. Facilities 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.
- 16 total campsites listed.
- 13 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- Most common site type: tent only nonelectric (16).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas special
Center Hill Lake stretches across 415 miles of wooded Tennessee shoreline, and its designated primitive camping areas offer one of the most rewarding ways to experience it. This is not a manicured campground with numbered pads and electric hookups -- it is something better. Scattered along the shores of this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir, these rustic sites put you directly on the water in settings that feel genuinely wild, even though Nashville is only about an hour and a half away. The lake itself is fed by clear, cold water from the Caney Fork River, making it a favorite for boaters, kayakers, and anglers chasing bass, walleye, and trout. Most camping areas are accessible only by boat, which keeps the crowds thin and the experience peaceful. You will want to bring everything you need, including water, because amenities are minimal by design. What you get in return is unmatched -- quiet coves, limestone bluffs draped in hardwood forest, and evenings where the only sound is water lapping against the hull of your canoe. If you have been looking for a place where the camping feels earned and the lake feels like your own, Center Hill delivers.
Campsite Inventory
16 sites to choose from
TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC
13
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Check-in time
02:30 PM
Check-out time
03:30 PM
Condition Rating
Good
Driveway entry
N/A
Electricity Hookup
N/A
Location Rating
Good
Max guests
10
Minimum guests
Yes
Pets allowed
Yes
Proximity to Water
Lakefront
Shade
Yes
Site Access
Boat In, Drive In
Site Rating
N/A
Water Hookup
No
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
931-858-3125
centerhilllake@usace.army.mil
Getting There
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
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas.
How do reservations work for Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas?
Reservation availability for Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas?
Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas currently lists TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (16).
Where is Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas located?
See this page for location details and directions.
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