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.
No water, electric, or restroom facilities. Sites have signage and a fire pit.
No water utilities are available such a toilets or sinks. No electric or sewer utilities are avaiable as well.
Post a printed copy of your confirmation letter to your tent or at the site. To protect your identity, mark out the address information. Ensure that the reservation name, site and dates are visible. Camping is limited to a 14-day stay within a 30-consecutive day period.
Firewood Policy – Campers may only burn certified heat treated firewood, commercial fire logs, kiln-dried, unpainted, unstained lumber that is free of any metal or foreign substance, or dead and downed branches in the area adjacent to the campsite.
Multi-party areas include Cane Hollow. Reserving more than one site at a multi-party area for the purpose of reserving the entire area is not allowed and customers doing so are subject to having all their reservations cancelled. Those who desire a more secluded primitive camping experience should consider reserving at a single party site.
Warning, water levels at Center Hill Lake are subject to change suddenly without notice or warning. View TVA's site for tentative schedules https://www.tva.com/environment/lake-levels/Center-Hill
Campers are encouraged to use developed campgrounds where security and law enforcement services are provided. These services are not provided for primitive camping. Persons camping at primitive campsites do so at their own risk.
Complete rules and regulations enforced are found in Title 36, Chapter III, Part 327 Code of Federal Regulations.
Parking and/or launching locations on the lake may charge a use fee for that area. Primitive site directions started at the nearest USACE operated facility.
Pack out all your trash and camping items. Clean up the area before departure. Failing to do so can result in a citation.
Lake view rustic camping experience surrounded by mature hardwood trees. Fishing and boating only a few steps from your designated camping site.
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.
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.
158 Resource Lane Lancaster TN 38569
For campground inquiries, please call: 931-858-3125
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
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