
LILLYDALE CAMPGROUND AND DAY USE
115
Total Campsites
Campground
113
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
2
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
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Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About LILLYDALE CAMPGROUND AND DAY USE
Overview Lillydale Campground and Recreation Area is located along the shores of Dale Hollow Lake in the hills of Tennessee. Recreation Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities. In addition to yielding the world record smallmouth bass and being known as a trophy smallmouth lake, the Obey River below Dale Hollow Dam is also known for excellent rainbow and brown trout fishing. Boating and water skiing are also 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. Secluded tie-ups are located around the shore, offering campers a peaceful nature experience. The campground is surrounded by a dense canopy of forest, and a hiking trail snakes through the landscape and along the lake shore. Lillydale hosts the best lake view of any campground on Dale Hollow Lake, with the most waterfront campsites. The Accordian Bluff Hiking Trail is a 7.5 mile one-way trail that ascends to a ridge-top and back down to the shoreline of Dale Hollow Lake. The trail is ideal for birders and wildflower enthusiasts. This trail connects both Lillydale and Willow Grove Campgrounds and can be accessed via the trailhead located at the campground. Facilities Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities. In addition to yielding the world record smallmouth bass and being known as a trophy smallmouth lake, the Obey River below Dale Hollow Dam is also known for excellent rainbow and brown trout fishing. Boating and water skiing are also 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. Secluded tie-ups are located around the shore, offering campers a peaceful nature experience. The campground is surrounded by a dense canopy of forest, and a hiking trail snakes through the landscape and along the lake shore. Lillydale hosts the best lake view of any campground on Dale Hollow Lake, with the most waterfront campsites. The Accordian Bluff Hiking Trail is a 7.5 mile one-way trail that ascends to a ridge-top and back down to the shoreline of Dale Hollow Lake. The trail is ideal for birders and wildflower enthusiasts. This trail connects both Lillydale and Willow Grove Campgrounds and can be accessed via the trailhead located at the campground. 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 3 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. Centrally located on Dale Hollow near the Tennessee-Kentucky State boarder, Lillydale was named one of the National Recreation Reservation Service's Top Ten Most Scenic Campgrounds to visit. 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. For a short time surrounding the Labor Day holiday, Purple Martins put on quite a show as thousands of these birds darken the evening sky. Needing to roost, they are using the small island adjacent to Lillydale campground as a layover during their migration south. Nearby Attractions The Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery is located about 32 miles from the campground. Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the hatchery is the largest federal trout hatchery east of the Mississippi, producing 1.5 million trout annually. The hatchery is open to visitors daily. 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). Day of arrival cancellations or adjustments must be made by calling the park. A customer who cancels a standard campsite 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). Customers who cancel a group overnight campsite reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation (picnic shelter) less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use fee for a day-use facility. 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 at the campground. Early departures must depart and drop their tag before the checkout time in order to receive a refund for the unused day.
- 115 total campsites listed.
- 113 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- 2 accessible campsites listed.
- Most common site type: standard electric (72).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes LILLYDALE CAMPGROUND AND DAY USE special
Lillydale Campground and Day Use area rests on the gentle shores of Dale Hollow Lake, a reservoir renowned for its crystal-clear waters and record-breaking smallmouth bass fishing. Set among the wooded hills near Celina, Tennessee, this campground offers the kind of unhurried lakeside experience that keeps families coming back summer after summer. The campground provides around 100 sites, many of them shaded by mature oaks and hickories, with electric and water hookups, paved pads, and well-kept restrooms with showers. Several sites sit within easy walking distance of the water, and a designated swimming beach gives visitors a sandy spot to wade in and cool off. A boat ramp is close at hand, opening up the lake's 620 miles of shoreline for fishing, skiing, and pontoon cruising. The surrounding hills are quiet and lightly developed, preserving the feeling that you have found somewhere genuinely remote. Summer is the busiest season, and reservations are strongly recommended from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Spring offers excellent fishing before the crowds arrive, and fall brings spectacular color to the Tennessee hillsides with pleasantly warm afternoons. Dale Hollow Lake consistently ranks among the cleanest lakes in the Southeast, and Lillydale puts you right at its doorstep. If clear water, good fishing, and easy-going lakeside camping are what you are after, this one belongs on your list.
Campsite Inventory
115 sites to choose from
STANDARD ELECTRIC
72
Reservable
0
Accessible
TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC
23
Reservable
0
Accessible
RV ELECTRIC
7
Reservable
1
Accessible
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
5
Reservable
0
Accessible
TENT ONLY ELECTRIC
4
Reservable
0
Accessible
MANAGEMENT
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC
1
Reservable
1
Accessible
GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC
1
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Accessibility
Yes
BEACH ACCESS
Beach Access
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Group, Single
Check-in time
3:00 PM, 6:00 AM
Check-out time
10:00 PM, 2:00 PM
Condition Rating
Good, Poor, Prime
DRINKING WATER
Drinking Water
Double Driveway
Yes
Driveway entry
Back-in, N/A, Parallel, Pull-through
Driveway Grade
Moderate, Severe, Slight
Driveway length (ft)
17, 20, 22, 24
Driveway surface
Gravel, N/A, Paved
Electricity Hookup
30 amp, 50, 50 amp
FIREPLACE
Fireplace
FLUSH TOILETS
Flush Toilets
GRILLS
Yes
Grills/Fire Ring
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
931-823-4155 CAMPGROUND; 931-243-3136 RESOURCE MANAGER'S OFFICE, DALE HOLLOW LAKE
Getting There
From Byrdstown, Tennessee, take Highway 111 south for about 13 miles. Turn north on 294/Willow Grove Road (at Big Springs Market) and continue for another 13 miles, then turn right onto Lillydale Road and continue to the entrance. It is recommended that visitors do not rely soley on GPS or Mapquest to reach the park.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to LILLYDALE CAMPGROUND AND DAY USE.
How do reservations work for LILLYDALE CAMPGROUND AND DAY USE?
Reservation availability for LILLYDALE CAMPGROUND AND DAY USE can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at LILLYDALE CAMPGROUND AND DAY USE?
LILLYDALE CAMPGROUND AND DAY USE currently lists STANDARD ELECTRIC (72), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (23), RV ELECTRIC (7), STANDARD NONELECTRIC (5).
Where is LILLYDALE CAMPGROUND AND DAY USE located?
LILLYDALE CAMPGROUND AND DAY USE is in Tennessee near ALLONS. Coordinates: 36.6044, -85.3025.
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