Long Branch

Star4.60
609 reviews
478 Lancaster Rd.
Fishing

Quick Facts

518 ft

Price

$30 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

Open April 10 to Nov...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Long Branch
$30.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates for standard electric sites range from $30 to $32 per night. RV electric sites cost $30 per night, and group picnic areas cost $50...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
615-548-8002
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What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 609 reviews

252 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanrestrooms

Some mention

cell service

"Overall, Long Branch Campground receives positive reviews for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and natural beauty. The Caney Fork River and its activities are frequently praised, though some users reported issues with campground hosts and WiFi."

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Campground Map

478 Lancaster Rd.

Long Branch

478 Lancaster Rd.

Driving directionsFrom I-40, take exit 268 and merge onto US-96 west. Continue for 5 miles to the end of Center Hill Dam, then turn right on SR-141. Follow signs into campground.
Accessible via paved roads; roads are generally in good condition. Seasonal navigation challenges may occur due to rain affecting river generation.
Nearby places
Lancaster (5 miles, 10 minutes), Smithville (20 miles, 30 minutes), Cookeville (30 miles, 45 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Walmart is approximately 40 minutes away in Cookeville (30 miles), nearby fuel stations in Smithville (20 miles). Grocery and general supplies are available in Smithville and Cookeville.

Best Time to Camp at Long Branch

Summer brings pleasantly warm days perfect for riverside activities, though the unique microclimate created by dam releases can surprise visitors with sudden mists and ethereal morning fogs that drift across the water. These atmospheric conditions add a mystical quality to early morning fishing expeditions. The campground hibernates through Tennessee's crisp winters, reopening when spring wildflowers begin dotting the forest floor.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Pleasant for riverside activities; summer weekends can be busy and noisy per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Fall noted as popular with pleasant weather and fewer crowds; high seasonal appeal.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 11% in TN

Spring popular with pleasant weather, active fishing and fewer crowds.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground season runs Apr 10–Nov 2; winter closed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 10 to November 2.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open April 10 to November 2 during peak season; reservations start June 20.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts, but river generation affects water levels.

About Long Branch

Nestled in the shadow of the impressive Center Hill Dam, Long Branch Campground offers an intimate riverside retreat along the pristine waters of the Caney Fork River. This hidden gem attracts anglers chasing trophy trout, paddlers seeking scenic waterways, and hikers eager to explore the Highland Rim's winding trails. Despite its modest size, the campground has earned a devoted following thanks to its meticulously maintained facilities and tranquil atmosphere that invites visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Long Branch Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences with options for RV camping, tent camping, and group sites. Each site is equipped with water and electric hookups, making it a versatile choice for different camping styles.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
  • Up to 14 nights during a visit
  • maximum 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
WiFi
Flush toilets
Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

Long Branch Campground provides a blend of water-based and land-based recreational activities. Fishing, kayaking, and canoeing on the Caney Fork River are extremely popular. Hiking opportunities are available, including access to the Buffalo Valley Nature Trail. Wildlife viewing is another highlight for many visitors. The campground is also close to Center Hill Lake, offering boating and water skiing options. A user mentioned, "We love the Caney Fork River," while another described it as a great basecamp for outdoor recreation.
HikingHiking options include the Buffalo Valley Nature Trail, which is located across the river and provides access to the Caney Fork River. This trail is particularly popular with trout fishermen.
FishingFishing is a standout activity at Long Branch, especially for trout enthusiasts. The Caney Fork River is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, attracting both fly fishers and spin fishers. One camper said, "Great fishing and kayaking," while others mentioned the need to check dam generation schedules for better fishing conditions.
BoatingBoating is available on the Caney Fork River and Center Hill Lake. The campground has a boat ramp for easy access. However, one camper noted a rule that campers could only use the boat ramp for fishing, not for launching kayaks.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is abundant at Long Branch Campground. The area is home to whitetail deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, and squirrels. Campers frequently mentioned the natural beauty and opportunities to observe local fauna.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFog and slippery conditions during heavy river generation. Some sites may flood after rain. Wildlife encounters are possible.
Active AlertsNo current alerts, but river generation affects water levels.

Weather at Long Branch

Reviews

4.6
609 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Long Branch is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Long Branch Campground receives positive reviews for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and natural beauty. The Caney Fork River and its activities are frequently praised, though some users reported issues with campground hosts and WiFi.
Review Summaries
Based on 609 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and proximity to the Caney Fork River. Many mentioned the well-maintained facilities, including clean restrooms and free laundry....
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Based on 609 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints involve unfriendly campground hosts, limited WiFi coverage, and occasional issues with grass maintenance. Some campers also mentioned that certain rules were inconsistently...
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Based on 609 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend choosing riverside sites for better views and privacy. Others suggest bringing bug spray for ants and checking the dam's generation schedule for the best fishing opportunities. "If...
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Based on 609 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are popular times to visit due to pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer weekends can be busy, leading to occasional complaints about noise and overuse of facilities. Winter...
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Based on 609 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground is well spaced out," "Great place to rest and fish," and "The staff was very helpful and the site on the Caney River was nice," are some of the many positive sentiments expressed by...
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Based on 609 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight the benefits of riverside locations. For example, campsite #25 is described as having great access to fishing holes, and campsite #18 offers scenic views of the river....
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Based on 609 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are positive, emphasizing the cleanliness of restrooms and the spaciousness of sites. Flush toilets and level ground make the campground manageable for campers with disabilities.
Based on 609 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at Long Branch, and reviews indicate a pet-friendly atmosphere. One camper noted that dogs can enjoy the water in certain areas.
Based on 609 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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