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Notice: Please be advised: Highway 96/141 over Center Hill Dam is being restricted to one lane starting July 9, 2012. The restriction is necessary to enlarge work space on the dam to support the next construction phase of the Center Hill Dam Foundation Remediation Project. During the two-year duration of the lane restriction, an automated traffic control system will safely manage vehicles across the dam. For more information, please follow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and Center Hill Lake at http://www.facebook.com/centerhilllake.

RAGLAND BOTTOM, TN

Status: Open through Sun Oct 06 2013   Season Dates

Overview

Ragland Bottom Campground is located on the shores of the scenic Center Hill Lake on central Tennessee's Highland Rim.

The lake stretches 64 miles up the Caney Fork River, where visitors come to enjoy boating, fishing and water sports. The 415 miles of forested shoreline provide excellent hiking, hunting and camping opportunities.

Natural Features:

Center Hill Lake is surrounded by lush mixed hardwood forests in the hilly Highland Rim region. Beautiful dogwoods bloom in the campground in springtime. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, squirrels and rabbits roam the wooded hills around the lake.

Recreation:

Boating, waterskiing, canoeing and fishing are popular activities on the water.

Anglers will find bream, walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish and white bass. Below the dam, the Caney Fork River is one of the most productive trout fisheries in the state.

Nine miles of hiking trails meander around the lake. The Red Post Trail is a short, but steep, two-mile trail that loops above the campground. Hikers who brave the moderately difficult climb are rewarded with beautiful overlooks of the lake and nearby Sligo Bridge and Marina.

Facilities:

This waterfront campground offers 39 sites with water and electric hookups, as well as 16 primitive tent sites. A large group day-use picnic area is available as well, with water and 15-amp electric hookups.

Amenities like flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided, creating a comfortable camping experience for guests. A boat ramp, swimming beach, playground and hiking trail are all conveniently located within the campground.

Nearby Attractions:

Burgess Falls State Park is a 25-minute drive from the campground. 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.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
  • Boat Ramp
  • Boating
  • Drinking Water
  • Dump Station
  • Electric Hookups
  • Fishing
  • Flush Toilets
  • Host
  • Interpretive Trails
  • Laundry Facilities
  • Playground
  • Showers
  • Swimming
  • Water Skiing
Know Before You Go
  • Pets and alcohol are prohibited in the day-use area, including the picnic shelter

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
35.9774, -85.72087
35°58'39"N, 85°43'15"W

From Smithville, Tennessee, take US-70 east for 8 miles. Turn on Ragland Bottom Road and follow signs to the campground, located one mile from Sligo Bridge.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

RAGLAND BOTTOM
1410 RAGLAND BOTTOM RD
SPARTA TN 38583

Phone Number:

Information: (931)761-3616

Special Events:

    The events listed here are not intended to be an all inclusive list. Please contact the park for further details.

  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District offers free guided tours of the Center Hill Power Plant. These public tours are approximately 45 minutes in length, and are scheduled on July 21, August 18, and September 22, 2012, with tours beginning at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon. Tour size is limited and is on a first-come, first-serve basis. All guests including minors are required to submit a request form at least five days prior to the tour and receive confirmation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District. Click here for more information. from Jul 11 2012 to Sep 23 2012