WILLOW GROVE CAMPGROUND campground
Celina, Tennessee

WILLOW GROVE CAMPGROUND

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
84 campsites
Open in maps

84

Total Campsites

Campground

82

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

2

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About WILLOW GROVE CAMPGROUND

Overview Willow Grove is a spacious campground located at Dale Hollow Lake in the hills of Tennessee. The campground sits on an elevated plateau of land, offering sweeping views of the lake and surrounding forest. 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 several hiking trails snake through the landscape and along the lake shore. The Accordian Bluff Hiking Trail is a 7.5 mile one-way trail that ascends to a ridgetop and back down to the shoreline of Dale Hollow Lake. It is an ideal trail 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 several hiking trails snake through the landscape and along the lake shore. The Accordian Bluff Hiking Trail is a 7.5 mile one-way trail that ascends to a ridgetop and back down to the shoreline of Dale Hollow Lake. It is an ideal trail 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. 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. Nearby Attractions The Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery is 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.

  • 84 total campsites listed.
  • 82 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • 2 accessible campsites listed.
  • Most common site type: standard electric (58).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
WILLOW GROVE CAMPGROUND photo 2
WILLOW GROVE CAMPGROUND photo 3

Our Take

What makes WILLOW GROVE CAMPGROUND special

Perched on an elevated plateau above Dale Hollow Lake in the gentle hills of north-central Tennessee, Willow Grove Campground rewards visitors with sweeping panoramic views that few lakeside campgrounds can match. The water below shimmers in shades of emerald and sapphire, and on clear mornings the mist rises off the lake like something out of a painting. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Willow Grove offers a generous number of sites spread across several loops, many with electric hookups and enough space to feel like you have your own corner of the hillside. The campground includes a boat ramp, swimming area, and well-kept restroom facilities. Dale Hollow Lake is nationally recognized for its exceptional water clarity and record-setting smallmouth bass fishing, making it a magnet for serious anglers and casual paddlers alike. The surrounding countryside near Allons is quiet and rural, with winding back roads perfect for scenic drives. Late spring through early fall is prime camping season, with June and July drawing the biggest crowds for swimming and boating. If you can time a visit for September or October, the fall foliage across these Tennessee hills is spectacular and the campground is blissfully uncrowded. Reserve well in advance for holiday weekends. Willow Grove is one of those rare spots where the elevation, the views, and the water all come together in a way that stays with you long after you pack up camp.

Campsite Inventory

84 sites to choose from

STANDARD ELECTRIC

58total sites

58

Reservable

0

Accessible

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC

21total sites

21

Reservable

0

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

2total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC

1total sites

1

Reservable

1

Accessible

GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC

1total sites

1

Reservable

0

Accessible

RV ELECTRIC

1total sites

1

Reservable

1

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Accessibility

Yes

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

Driveway entry

Back-In, Pull-through

Driveway Grade

Moderate, Slight

Driveway length (ft)

14, 16, 17, 20

Driveway surface

Gravel, Paved

Electricity Hookup

50 amp

Fire Pit

Yes

GRILLS

Grills, Yes

Grills/Fire Ring

Grills, Yes

Hike In Distance to Site

104, 77

Location Rating

Good, Prime

Max guests

100, 12, 6

Max vehicle length (ft)

23, 24, 26, 28

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

931-823-4285 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 about 16 miles, then turn right into the camp entrance, just before Willow Grove Marina. 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 WILLOW GROVE CAMPGROUND.

How do reservations work for WILLOW GROVE CAMPGROUND?

Reservation availability for WILLOW GROVE CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at WILLOW GROVE CAMPGROUND?

WILLOW GROVE CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD ELECTRIC (58), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (21), MANAGEMENT (2), GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC (1).

Where is WILLOW GROVE CAMPGROUND located?

WILLOW GROVE CAMPGROUND is in Tennessee near Celina. Coordinates: 36.5873, -85.3421.

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