US Army Corps of Engineers
Recreation Areas

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Long Branch

Nestled below Center Hill Dam on the scenic 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.

A spacious day-use group picnic shelter with amenities is readily available for larger gatherings. The campground provides flush toilets, showers, and accessible drinking water. Practical facilities like a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, and playground are located on the site.

For those who prefer paddling, canoeing and kayaking along the river are popular activities, offering tranquility and a touch of adventure. The nearby Buffalo Valley Nature Trail provides an additional allure for trout fishermen and nature observers.

478 Lancaster Rd, Lancaster, TN 38569

Buffalo Valley

If you’re planning a trip to Buffalo Valley Recreation Area in DeKalb County, Tennessee, you’re in for a scenic and accessible adventure, perfect for both families and more avid hikers. The area boasts the Caney Fork River and Buffalo Valley Trail. This trail is relatively short, spanning one mile, with a gentle elevation gain of 36 feet, making it an easy and enjoyable hike for people of all ages and abilities.

The trail offers several spots ideal for fishing and provides lovely access to the river. Its looped route, starting and ending in the exact location, makes it convenient for those looking for a straightforward, hassle-free outdoor activity. 

Whether you aim to enjoy a quick morning hike, spend quality family time, or indulge in tranquil fishing, the Caney Fork River and Buffalo Valley Trail offer a lovely slice of Tennessee’s natural beauty. 

Silver Point, TN 38582

Center Hill

Holmes Creek

Nestled along the shores of Center Hill Lake, Holmes Creek offers a delightful escape into Tennessee’s natural splendor. This outdoor recreation area, widely favored by the residents of Smithville and beyond, provides an extensive range of amenities and activities that promise a memorable outdoor experience.

At Holmes Creek, anglers can enjoy exceptional fishing opportunities. Boating enthusiasts will find the conditions perfect for a day out on the lake, with ample facilities to support all their nautical adventures. Holmes Creek offers comfortable lodging options for those looking to extend their stay beyond a day trip. 

Whether swimming in the lake, paddling its clear waters, or playing golf nearby, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your time. 

Holmes Creek Rd, Smithville, TN 37166

Hurricane Bridge

Hurricane Bridge Recreation Area, nestled on the picturesque shores of Center Hill Lake in central Tennessee’s Highland Rim, offers a captivating outdoor experience. This recreation area is a prime spot for visitors who enjoy water sports, boating, fishing, and simply soaking in the serene beauty of the lake and its surrounding hardwood forests.

Flush toilets and drinking water are available on-site. Two boat ramps and a dock facilitate easy water access for those looking to explore the lake.

The Hurricane Bridge Recreation Area is uniquely situated on a peninsula, providing expansive views of the lake on three sides!

Anglers will find the waters rich with species like bream, walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and white bass. The area below the dam is renowned for being one of the most productive trout fisheries in the state. For hiking enthusiasts, the recreation area offers the Old 56 Trail, a 0.9-mile paved walking path for strolls amidst nature.

6889 Cookeville Highway Smithville, TN 37166

Johnson's Chapel

Visitors to Johnson Chapel Recreation Area can look forward to participating in water-related activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing. The area is particularly noted for its excellent fishing spots. The clean, accessible waters make for perfect boating and swimming conditions, with the added convenience of a boat ramp for easy access.

The recreation area is also equipped with amenities that enhance the comfort of its guests. These include picnic tables, fire rings, and clean restrooms, making it an excellent place for cookouts and family gatherings. A campground store ensures visitors can quickly obtain the necessary supplies.

Johnson Chapel Rd, Sparta, TN 38583

Ragland Bottom

Ragland Bottom Campground is perched on the tranquil shores of Center Hill Lake in central Tennessee’s Highland Rim. The campground provides diverse accommodations, with 40 water and electric hookup sites complemented by 16 primitive tent sites.  A large group picnic area with electric hookups, a boat ramp, and a sandy swimming beach offer additional recreational options for day users.

 The Red Post Trail, a notable two-mile loop, offers a moderately challenging hike with rewarding overlooks of the lake and nearby Sligo Bridge and Marina.

The waters contain bream, walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and white bass, while the section of the Caney Fork River below the dam is celebrated as one of the top trout fisheries in Tennessee.

1410 Ragland Bottom Rd, Sparta, TN 38583