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Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Lancaster · Tennessee · Center Hill Lake
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Center Hill Lake |
| Location | Lancaster · Tennessee · Center Hill Lake · 36.10234, -85.82983 · Map |
| Sites | 21 public sites counted from the federal listing — 21 tent only nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 21 sites Water hookups at 0 of 21 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 21 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 21 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 02:30 PM · Out 03:30 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 21 sites, as reported |
| Phone | 931-858-3125 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
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 No water, electric, or restroom facilities. Sites have signage and a fire pit.
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.
Directions, from the listing
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
Nearest federal campgrounds
0 mi straight-line · LANCASTER TennesseeUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersFloating Mill Park
5 mi straight-line · SILVER POINT TennesseeUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersHurricane Bridge
7 mi straight-line · SMITHVILLE TennesseeUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersRagland Bottom
11 mi straight-line · SPARTA TennesseeUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersTailwater Rec Area
14 mi straight-line · CARTHAGE Tennessee
Trip Card — Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas
Lancaster · Tennessee · Center Hill Lake
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | Lancaster · Tennessee · Center Hill Lake |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 21 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10128465 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.