Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas

Show on map931-858-3125centerhilllake@usace.army.mil
158 Resource Lane
Lancaster, TN 38569

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.

Camp site features

Across 21 camp sites:

  • Pets allowed: all 21 sites
  • Largest party: 10 people
  • Equipment: LARGE TENT OVER 9X12`, SMALL TENT, Tent

Directions

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

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 3 PM.

Reviews

36 reviews
5 stars
13
4 stars
9
3 stars
3
2 stars
4
1 stars
7
Joshua D
Loop:White County Access -Site 20
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
great time, nice and quiet.
Dewayne M
Loop:Falling Water - Site 11
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
The campsite itself was great. We were able to set up a nice camp and enjoyed ourselves. The issue was the map on the website showing its location. It's marked in the wrong spot on the map. We just happened to find it after realizing it was not where we expected it to be. It is not at the mouth of Cane Creek as shown on the map. It's actually on the right on top of a small hill before you get to the stand of dead trees in the lake.
Laurence S
Loop:Falling Water - Site 11
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Another fantastic getaway to this campsite. We had a large group that enjoyed paddling to Burgess and Fancher. We also hiked Burgess, Fall Creek and Rock Island. The site is unlevel, hard and cramped but works and is an awesome location. We had a near miss with a juvenile copperhead but that’s a risk anywhere. Very little phone service there.
Paul F
Loop:White County Access -Site 20
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Enjoyed our stay at the smith county access camp. It is a beautiful area with the shore facing spectacular bluffs across the water. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a secluded primitive camping spot.
Kristi H
Loop:South Shore -Site 17
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Nice campsite. Lots of trash and broken glass left behind previous campers. We loaded out three 55 gallon bags of trash before we could set up camp.
Michele P
Loop:Falling Water - Site 11
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Small site. Good for a couple small tents.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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