
DALE HOLLOW LAKE - PRIMITIVE CAMPING
76
Total Campsites
Campground
56
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About DALE HOLLOW LAKE - PRIMITIVE CAMPING
Overview Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping is a unique series of 32 locations with a total of over 70 individually designated family campsites dispersed over 620 miles of shoreline. Campsites are located in both the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. 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 country road. Campers are advised that these areas are remote, primitive sites. Toilets are vault/pit type outhouses. 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 Dale Hollow Lake, with its crystal clear water and forested hillsides, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities and holds the world record for smallmouth bass and is known as a trophy smallmouth lake. Boating and water skiing are popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake. Facilities Dale Hollow Lake, with its crystal clear water and forested hillsides, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities and holds the world record for smallmouth bass and is known as a trophy smallmouth lake. Boating and water skiing are popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake. Natural Features Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about three miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities. In the late fall through early spring, the American bald eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second-largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Charges & Cancellations Full rules and reservation policies for fees associated with changes and cancellations can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies There is no fee to make a reservation. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A $10 service fee may be charged to changes made to an existing reservation (see full policies for when this is applicable). A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee for a campsite. Applicable fees, including service/cancellation fees and change fees, are non-refundable and subject to change. No refunds for recreation use fees may be made locally at the lake.
- 76 total campsites listed.
- 56 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- Most common site type: boat in (33).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Campsite Inventory
76 sites to choose from
BOAT IN
33
Reservable
0
Accessible
TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC
15
Reservable
0
Accessible
EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC
8
Reservable
0
Accessible
MANAGEMENT
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
BOAT RAMP
Boat Ramp
BOAT TRAILER PARKING
Boat Trailer Parking
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
N/A, Single
Check-in time
03:00 PM, 3:00 PM
Check-out time
02:00 PM, 2:00 PM
Condition Rating
Basic, Standard
Driveway entry
N/A
Driveway surface
Gravel, Paved
GRILLS
Yes
Grills/Fire Ring
Yes
HITCHING RACKS
Hitching Racks
HORSE STAGING AREA
Horse Staging Area
HORSEBACK RIDING TRAILS
Horseback Riding Trails
Hike In Distance to Site
2112
Horse Hitching Post
Horse Hitching Post, Yes
Horse Stall/Corral
Horse Stall/Corral
LAKE ACCESS
Lake Access
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
DALE HOLLOW LAKE RESOURCE MANAGERS OFFICE-931-243-3136. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY CONTACTS: CLAY COUNTY 931-243-3266 OVERTON COUNTY 931-823-5404 PICKETT COUNTY 931-864-3210 CLINTON COUNTY 606-387-5111 CUMBERLAND COUNTY 270-864-4141
sondra.f.carmen@usace.army.mil
Getting There
Camping locations are dispersed throughout Dale Hollow Lake. Reference primitive camping map or site details for information on how to get to the specific site. Mailing and contact information is for the Resource Manager's Office. GPS Coordinates listed above is the location of the Resource Manager's Office in Celina, TN. It is NOT the location of the camping site.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to DALE HOLLOW LAKE - PRIMITIVE CAMPING.
How do reservations work for DALE HOLLOW LAKE - PRIMITIVE CAMPING?
Reservation availability for DALE HOLLOW LAKE - PRIMITIVE CAMPING can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at DALE HOLLOW LAKE - PRIMITIVE CAMPING?
DALE HOLLOW LAKE - PRIMITIVE CAMPING currently lists BOAT IN (33), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (24), EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC (8), MANAGEMENT (6).
Where is DALE HOLLOW LAKE - PRIMITIVE CAMPING located?
See this page for location details and directions.
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