Center Hill Marina: A Gateway to Center Hill Lake

From new lakeview cabins and boat rentals to year-round dining and access to the open waters of Center Hill Lake, the marina serves as a gateway to the region’s slower pace and outdoor lifestyle.

Center Hill Marina & Yacht Club

Located near Center Hill Dam, Center Hill Marina combines boat rentals, lakeview cabins, dining, and private slips with direct access to one of Center Hill Lake’s main channels.

Address: 450 Cove Hollow Circle, Lancaster, Tennessee

Phone: (615) 548-4315

Amenities: Store, El Lago Restaurant, Houseboat & Pontoon Rentals, Cabin Rentals, Store, Fishing Supplies, Fishing Licenses, Boat Ramp, Parking, Picnic Area, Private Boat Moorage

Long before the docks come into view, the drive into Center Hill Marina begins to explain why people are drawn to this part of Tennessee. The road follows the ridges above the lake, winding through steep hills and quiet stretches of countryside where traffic is rare. While Nashville continues to grow just 90 minutes to the west, much of the landscape surrounding Center Hill Lake still feels rooted in its rural character. By the time the marina appears below, the pace has already changed.

Recent renovations throughout the property have reshaped much of the marina’s appearance. Updated buildings, new cabins, refreshed docks, signage, and branding have given the marina a more modern identity while keeping the relaxed atmosphere that defines much of Center Hill Lake. The property feels like a resort without losing the laidback style that the lake offers.

Boat Rentals

For many visitors, renting a boat is the easiest way to experience Center Hill Lake. Rather than investing in boat ownership, maintenance, storage, and transportation, visitors can arrive for a weekend, spend a day on the water, and return home. Center Hill Marina’s rental fleet makes the lake accessible to families and groups who simply want to explore the coves, swim, fish, or spend an afternoon cruising the shoreline.

Just beyond the marina, the protected harbor opens into a broader section of the lake where forested ridges, bluffs, and a quiet shoreline become the focus. A boat offers the freedom to experience parts of Center Hill Lake that cannot be experienced from the road.

Lake-view Cabins

The marina’s new lakeview cabins allow guests to stay directly on-site. While vacation rentals can be found throughout the region, staying directly at the marina creates a different experience. Guests can walk to the docks, restaurant, ship store, and rental boats without leaving the property. Not to mention catching a sunrise and sunset over the water from the deck.

Waterfront Dining at El Lago Restaurant

The marina’s restaurant, El Lago, is located directly on the water and serves Mexican-style favorites including tacos, burritos, and margaritas. Outdoor seating is shaded beneath canvas canopies, providing a comfortable place to escape the afternoon sun while still keeping an eye on the water.

While many lake destinations become quieter during the off-season, Center Hill Marina remains active throughout the year. El Lago, the marina’s on-site restaurant, continues serving visitors beyond the summer season, making it one of the few places around the lake where visitors can still enjoy a waterfront meal during cooler months. The beauty of Tennessee reveals itself throughout the year – spring blooms, summer sun, fall colors and winter solitude.

Regional Attractions

It’s easy to extend your stay and find even more attractions throughout the region. Its location places visitors close to several outdoor destinations. Edgar Evins State Park sits nearby with hiking trails and lake overlooks, while the Caney Fork River attracts kayakers, paddleboarders, anglers, and floaters throughout the warmer months. Waterfalls, scenic drives, and additional recreation areas across the Upper Cumberland region remain within easy driving distance of the marina.

Nearby towns including Smithville and Cookeville provide additional points of interest for visitors exploring beyond the lake.

Plan Your Stay

Whether arriving for a day on the water, a meal at El Lago, or a weekend stay in one of the marina’s lakeview cabins, Center Hill Marina brings together many of the experiences visitors seek when they come to the lake.