Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas

About

Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas provide a rustic lakefront camping experience at designated locations across the lake's extensive 415-mile shoreline in middle Tennessee. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, these 21 tent-only sites offer solitude and direct water access. Most sites require boat transportation, though a handful are accessible by road via steep, sometimes rough terrain. Sites are genuinely primitive with only signage and a fire pit provided. There are no restrooms, potable water, trash service, or utilities of any kind. Campers must be fully self-sufficient and pack out all waste. Cellular service is limited to nonexistent at most locations. Water levels can change suddenly without warning. Nearby attractions include Edgar Evins State Park on the lake's shores, Burgess Falls State Park (35 minutes away) with its 250-foot cascading waterfalls, and Rock Island State Park at the confluence of the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky Rivers.

Directions

Sites are spread across Center Hill Lake's shoreline. Most require boat access. A few road-accessible sites exist but may involve steep, washed-out roads. GPS coordinates point to Center Hill Dam at 36.097869, -85.825653. Specific site directions are provided upon reservation.