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Defeated Creek Park
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — CARTHAGE · Tennessee · Cordell Hull Lake
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Cordell Hull Lake |
| Location | CARTHAGE · Tennessee · Cordell Hull Lake · 36.29972, -85.90889 · Map |
| Sites | 151 public sites counted from the federal listing — 146 standard electric; 3 group shelter electric; 2 group standard electric |
| 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 158 of 151 sites (up to 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 158 of 151 sites Sewer hookups at 62 of 151 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 62 of 151 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 | Longest reported site fits 120 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 154 sites · 30 ft: 150 sites · 35 ft: 144 sites · 40 ft: 139 sites |
| 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 3:00 PM · Out 2:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 158 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | LaundryPlaygroundWater spigots |
| Phone | 615-774-3141 |
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 2026-10-17.
From the official listing
Overview Defeated Creek Park Campground sits along the banks of Cordell Hull Lake on the Cumberland River System, just seven miles from Carthage, Tennessee.
The lake was named after Cordell Hull, a politician that was born in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains. Hull is best known for being the longest running secretary of state in American history, serving for 11 years. Click here for a virtual tour of the Cordell Hull Lake facilities. Recreation The 12,000-acre lake stretches 72 miles upstream and boasts 381 miles of shoreline, offering countless recreational activities for visitors.
Anglers enjoy fishing for white bass, rockfish, largemouth bass, catfish, shad and crappie.
Boating, sailing, water skiing and jet skiing are popular activities on the water, and boat ramps and a marina provide easy lake access.
Miles of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails surround the lake. The 6-mile Bearwaller Gap Trail has a trailhead within the campground. Other trails in the area include the Turkey Creek Nature Trail and Bear Wheels Trail. Facilities The campground offers 155 sites for tents and RVs, all with electric hookups. Two large group day-use shelters are also available on a first come first serve basis or for reservation in the day use area, both shelters have water and electric hookups.
A boat ramp, playground, beach, and tennis and volleyball courts are all provided, making the area perfect for families or larger parties. A marina is located adjacent to the campground. Natural Features Cordell Hull Lake is situated among rolling hills covered in a mix of shady maple, hickory, oak, beech and chestnut trees. Summer temperatures range from the 60s to the 90s.
Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, quail, squirrels, rabbits and a wide variety of waterfowl are commonly seen throughout the area. Nearby Attractions The historic town of Granville, Tennessee, is 25 miles from the campground. Visitors enjoy celebrating the town's Heritage Day annually in May. Events include the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival, antique car and tractor shows and Civil War living history presentations.
Directions, from the listing
From Carthage, Tennessee, take SR-25 west for 4 miles. Turn north on SR-80, then east on SR-85. Follow signs to campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
2 mi straight-line · CARTHAGE TennesseeUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersSalt Lick Creek
6 mi straight-line · Gainesboro TennesseeUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersWartrace Ck Rec Area
9 mi straight-line · Gainesboro TennesseeUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersCenter Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas
14 mi straight-line · Lancaster TennesseeUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersLong Branch (Center Hill Lake)
15 mi straight-line · LANCASTER Tennessee
Trip Card — Defeated Creek Park
CARTHAGE · Tennessee · Cordell Hull Lake
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | CARTHAGE · Tennessee · Cordell Hull Lake |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 158 · full hookups at 62 |
| Max RV | Up to 120 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 151 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232572 · 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.