Weekend availability at Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas
Live from Recreation.gov · checked Sep 18, 4:44 AM PT- Fri, Sep 18Open9/13 sites
- Fri, Sep 25Open12/13 sites
- Fri, Oct 2Open11/13 sites
- Fri, Oct 9Open9/13 sites
- Fri, Oct 16Open9/13 sites
- Fri, Oct 23Open12/13 sites
Friday + Saturday nights, sites bookable both nights. Counts come from a rotating sweep and can lag a cancellation by up to a day — alerts watch your exact dates within minutes.
How booked is Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas?
as of September 18Sites are open right now — we found space out to Nov. That changes fast at a campground. We check Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas around the clock, so the moment your dates fill up and a cancellation reopens them, you'll be first to know. Weekdays still have room — for now.
Weekends (Saturday night)
Weekdays (Wednesday night)
Availability checked directly against the reservation system, out to 3 months ahead.
Campsites & amenities
Site-level details from Recreation.gov's official catalog.
- Campsites
- 21
- Electric sites
- 21
About this campground
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.
Getting there
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
Activities
- CAMPING
- BIRDING
- FISHING
- BACKPACKING
- BOATING
- JET SKIING
- MOTOR BOAT
- PADDLING
- PICNICKING
- STAR GAZING
- WATER SKIING
- WATER SPORTS
- CANOEING
- HIKING
- HUNTING
- KAYAKING
- WATER ACCESS
- WATER ACTIVITIES
- WILDERNESS
Nearby federal campgrounds
Never miss an opening at Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas
Popular Tennessee campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas around the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out site reopens for your dates, so you don't have to keep refreshing Recreation.gov.
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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.