Tailwater Rec Area
Tailwater Recreation Area is located just below Cordell Hull Lake and Dam on the Cumberland River System, outside the town of Carthage, TN. The lake itself was named after one of America's outstanding statesmen and one of Tennessee's finest volunteers. Hull was born in a log cabin in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains.
Families and friends enjoy coming to the lake for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, hunting and relaxing in the outdoors. Click here for a virtual tour of the Cordell Hull Lake facilities.
This day-use area offers one large, group shelter. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a playground, interpretive trail and boat ramp.
Need to Know
- Caution: Rivers are subject to turbulent waters during discharge periods
- Firewood Alert: When picnicking at this recreation area, purchase your firewood from a vendor who sells certified heat-treated firewood. Don't bring firewood from home. To help prevent the spread of the Emerald ash borer and other forest pests, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is prohibiting firewood that is non certified heat-treated firewood. Visit Firewoodscout.org or Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
- For more information, please call (615) 735-1034
Natural Features
The Cumberland River runs along the park, which is wooded with a mix of shady maple, hickory, oak, beech, and chestnut trees. The lake is situated among scenic rolling hills. Summer temperatures range from the 60s to the 90s.
Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Whitetail deer, wild turkeys, quail, squirrels, rabbits, and a wide variety of waterfowl are commonly seen throughout the area.
Nearby Attractions
The historic town of Granville, TN is a 45-minute drive 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 Confederate Civil War living history presentations.
Recreation
Boating and fishing opportunities abound on the Cumberland River below the dam. Cordell Hull Lake is a 12,000-acre lake that stretches 72 miles upstream and has 381 miles of shoreline, offering recreational activities for just about any type of visitor.
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.
Contact Information
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71 CORPS LANE CARTHAGE TN 37030-9710
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 615-735-1034
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From I-40, take Exit 258, travel north on HWY 53/25, turn right on SR-26 and travel for 2 miles. Turn right on Corps Lane and follow signs into recreation area.
