Swimming Center hill Lake Tennessee

Center Hill Lake Recreational Areas

Buffalo Valley Recreational Area

Address: 176 Resource Lane, Lancaster, Tennessee Phone: 931-858-4845

At a glance: Just below Center Hill Dam on the Caney Fork River, Buffalo Valley offers a boat ramp and water access.

Amenities: Boat Ramp, Parking, Restrooms, Hiking Trials

Open Year Round.

Cane Hollow Recreation Area

Address: Cane Hollow Rod, Sparta, Tennessee

At a glance: A simple access point on Center Hill Lake. This is the launching point if you are paddling to Burgess Falls waterfall.

Center Hill Recreation Area

Address: Dale Ridge Road, Lancaster, Tennessee (immediately by the dam and on the other side of the dam as Long Branch Recreation Area)

Amenities: Boat Ramp, Parking, Picnic Area & Shelter, Restrooms

Open year round

Floating Mill Recreation Area

Address: 430 Floating Mill Lane, Silver Point, Tennessee Phone: 931-858-4845

At a glance: Just around the corner from Hurricane Marina, this lakeside campground features 40 sites with water and electric hookups, along with 16 primitive tent sites for a more traditional camping experience. A spacious group day-use picnic area is also available, offering water access and 15-amp electric service. Guests can enjoy convenient amenities such as flush restrooms, showers, and drinking water for added comfort. On-site recreation includes a boat ramp, volleyball court, basketball goal, playground, and hiking trail. Just next door, the day-use area provides additional features, including a group picnic shelter, another boat ramp, and a designated swimming beach.

Amenities: Amphitheater, Bath House, Camper Dumping Station, Camping Grounds, Electrical Hook Up, Boat Ramp, Parking, Picnic Area & Shelter, Playground, Restroom, Sewer Hook Up, Swimming Area, Water Hook Up, Hiking Trials

Day Use available Year Round. Campground open April – October.

Holmes Creek Recreation Area

Address: Holmes Creek Road, Smithville, Tennessee

At a glance: Holmes Creek does not provide camping accommodations, but it does feature a boat ramp with convenient direct access to the water

Amenities: Boats Ramp, Parking

Fun Facts: This was the previous location of Hidden Harbor Marina. This is also known locally as Redneck Beach

Open year round.

Hurricane Bridge Recreation Area

Address: 6889 Cookeville Highway, Smithville, Tennessee Phone: 931-858-4164

At a glance: Also known as Silver Point Boat Ramp. A large day-use picnic shelter. Water and 15-amp electric hookups are provided, as are flush toilets and drinking water. Two boat ramps and a dock are located on-site.

Amenities: Boat Ramp, Parking, Picnic Area & Shelter, Restrooms, Hiking Trials

Open year round.

Johnson Chapel Recreation Area

Address: 2680 Johnson’s Chapel Road, Sparta, Tennessee

At a glance: Visitors to Johnson Chapel Recreation Area can enjoy a variety of water activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing, with the area being especially popular for its productive fishing spots. The clean, easy-to-access waters create ideal conditions for both swimming and boating, and a convenient boat ramp makes getting on the water simple. The recreation area also offers amenities designed for comfort and convenience, such as picnic tables, fire rings, and well-maintained restrooms, making it a great choice for cookouts and family outings. A nearby campground store provides quick access to essential supplies, helping visitors make the most of their time outdoors.

Amenities: Boat Ramp, Parking, Picnic Area, Restrooms

Open year round.

Long Branch Recreation Area

Address: 478 Lancaster Road, Lancaster, Tennessee Phone: 615-548-8002

At a glance: Just below Center Hill Dam on the Caney Fork River, Long Branch Campground offers a quintessential outdoor escape in central Tennessee’s Highland Rim. It has 60 campsites, each featuring water and 50-amp electric hookups.

Amenities: Bath House, Boat Ramp, Camper Dumping Station, Electrical Hook Up, Parking, Picnic Area with Shelter, Playground, Restroom, Sewer Hook Up, Water Hook Up

Day Use Year Round. Campground open April – October.

Ragland Bottom Recreation Area

Address: 1410 Ragland Bottom Road, Sparta, Tennessee Phone: 931-761-3616

At a glance: This lakeside campground features 40 sites with water and electric hookups, along with 16 primitive tent sites for a more traditional camping experience. A spacious group day-use picnic area is also available, offering water access and 15-amp electric service. Guests can enjoy convenient amenities such as flush restrooms, showers, and drinking water for added comfort. On-site recreation includes a boat ramp, volleyball court, basketball goal, playground, and hiking trail. Just next door, the day-use area provides additional features, including a group picnic shelter, another boat ramp, and a designated swimming beach.

Amenities: Bath Houses, Camper Dumping Station, Camping Grounds, Electrical Hook Up, Boat Ramp, Parking, Picnic Area & Shelter, Playgrounds, Restrooms, Sewer Hook Up, Swimming Area, Water Hook Up, Hiking Trials

Day Use available Year Round. Campground open April – October.

Explore the natural beauty and outdoor adventure that make Center Hill Lake one of Tennessee’s top recreational destinations. With more than 18,000 acres of water and miles of scenic shoreline, the lake is surrounded by diverse recreation areas including Long Branch, Buffalo Valley, Holmes Creek, Hurricane Bridge, Johnson Chapel, and Ragland Bottom. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping, with convenient access to boat ramps, picnic areas, trails, and sandy beaches. Whether you’re paddling the peaceful waters, casting a line, or relaxing lakeside, Center Hill Lake offers something for every outdoor enthusiast looking to experience the beauty of Middle Tennessee.

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