Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Primitive Camping

Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping is a series of 32 locations with a total of more than 70 individually designated family campsites dispersed over 620 miles of shoreline.

Detailed information and reservation information can be found here:

Dale Hollow Lake Primative Camping

Primitive camping offers a rustic lake-front camping experience. Remote locations along the shoreline provide a peaceful nature experience. Most designated tent sites are accessible only by boat, while a few can be reached by country road.

Campers are advised that these areas are remote, primitive sites. Toilets are vault/pit type outhouses. Each location is designated and marked. Each area has a vault or pit type toilet and a ground grill or fire circle.

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.

Tent camping is permissible within the designated areas. All areas are considered pack-it-in, pack-it-out locations with minimal services. Campers are expected to bring plenty of water and garbage bags.

Camping is limited to a 14-day stay within a 30-consecutive day period.

Recreation Sites

Boat In
Tent Only Nonelectric
Equestrian Nonelectric
Standard Nonelectric
Overnight

Activities

Fishing
Camping
Swimming
Water Sports

Amenities

Pit Toilets
Boat Ramp
Grills/Fire Ring
Lantern Pole
Horse Hitching Post
Horse Staging Area
Hitching Racks
Horseback Riding Trails
Horse Stall/Corral
Outhouse
Paved Parking
Paved Roads
Lake Access
Water (Seasonal)
Picnic Table
Vault Toilets
Tables
Paved Sites
Boat Trailer Parking

Getting Here

Latitude
36° 34′ 0.9998″ N
Longitude
85° 28′ 43.0000″ W

GPS Coordinates listed above is the location of the Resource Managers Office, Dale Hollow Lake, 540 Dale Hollow Dam Road, Celina, TN 38551.

It is NOT the location of the camping site.

Need to Know

Firewood Policy. Campers may only burn certified heat treated firewood, commercial fire logs, kiln-dried, unpainted, unstained lumber that is free of any metal or foreign substance, or dead and downed branches in the area adjacent to the campsite. View the Nashville District Firewood Policy

Fires in designated areas only.

Drive-in Sites. To access drive-in sites, follow the directions or GPS information under the specific site info. Using GPS for Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping will direct to the Resource Manager’s Complex, not the camping site. Every site has the site GPS and/or driving directions listed under the specific site NEED TO KNOW tab.

Check In. Reserved campsites should be occupied by check-out on the day following your scheduled arrival date. If not, the reservation will be marked as a no-show and the site made available for another reservation.Post a printed copy of your confirmation letter to your tent or at the site. To protect your identity, mark out the address information. Ensure that the reservation name, site and dates are visible. Camping is limited to a 14-day stay within a 30-consecutive day period.No water; please bring your own. Toilet facility consists of vault/pit type. You must bring your own toilet paper.

Garbage. Pack out all your trash and camping items. Clean up the area before departure. No off-road vehicles allowed.

Parking

Parking locations on the lake may charge a use fee for that area.
Houseboats are permitted to tie up nearby the area.
Complete rules and regulations enforced are found in Title 36, Chapter III, Part 327 Code of Federal Regulations.

For more information click HERE.

Risks

WARNING! The level of Dale Hollow Lake can rise or fall suddenly without warning.

THOSE UNFAMILIAR WITH PRIMITIVE CAMPING ON DALE HOLLOW MAY WANT TO PHONE THE RESOURCE OFFICE TO CLARIFY THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PRIMITIVE CAMPING.

Campers are encouraged to use developed campgrounds where security and law enforcement services are provided. These services are not provided for primitive camping. Persons camping at primitive campsites do so at their own risk.

Sheriff’s Department Emergency Contacts: Clay County 931-243-3266 

 

Additional Information

Tennessee State Tourism

Tennessee State Road Conditions

Campsite Options

Nashville District Firewood Policy

Dale Hollow Lake Map

Public Use Guide