How much does camping cost at Ragland Bottom?

Camping fees at Ragland Bottom range from $24-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ragland Bottom first-come first-served or reservation?

Ragland Bottom accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ragland Bottom before I book?

Yes! Ragland Bottom has 16 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ragland Bottom?

Ragland Bottom is open April 09 to October 29. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ragland Bottom?

Yes, Ragland Bottom has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Ragland Bottom have?

Ragland Bottom has 56 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ragland Bottom?

Pets are not allowed at Ragland Bottom. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Ragland Bottom?

Ragland Bottom offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ragland Bottom?

Popular activities at Ragland Bottom include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ragland Bottom

Q: Can I have a campfire at Ragland Bottom?

Fire policies at Ragland Bottom: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying certified heat-treated firewood and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.72

515 reviews

1410 Ragland Bottom Rd, Sparta, TN 38583, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Tennessee#1 Spring Camping Tennessee#2 Summer Camping Tennessee#2 +12 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

712 ft

Price

$24 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

56 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

712 ft

Price

$24 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

56 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Ragland Bottom

$24.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Picnic Shelter: $50.00; Non-Premium Site with Electric & Water: $30.00; Non-Premium Tent Site: $24.00; Premium Site with Electric & Water:...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$16.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

931-761-3616

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1410 Ragland Bottom Rd, Sparta, TN 38583, USA

Ragland Bottom

1410 Ragland Bottom Rd, Sparta, TN 38583, USA

Nearby places

Smithville, TN (8 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Cookeville, TN (approximately 25 minutes)

Rock Island State Park (approximately 20 minutes).

Weather at Ragland Bottom

Current alerts(6)

Any organization wishing to use the Day Use Area for a fishing tournament must receive a Special Use Permit from the Resource Managers Office. Please call 931-858-3125 for more information.
Only licensed vehicles are permitted. Each campsite is provided for two pre-paid vehicle entry. Additional vehicles, or visitors to campers are charged $3 fee per vehicle.
Only two tents allowed per site. Tents must be placed on campsite pads. Only one wheeled camping unit allowed to each site. one wheeled camping unit and one tent is allowed.
Paymeny only accepted by debit or credit card. No cash.

Best Time to Camp at Ragland Bottom

Best season: fall. Fall showcases Ragland Bottom at its most scenic — crisp days (daytime highs around 55–75°F in September–October) and cool nights (40s–50s°F) bring brilliant hardwood color along the Highland Rim and calm, clear mornings on Center Hill Lake. Boating, shore fishing (bass and crappie remain active), hiking and wildlife viewing are all at their peak while crowds thin compared with summer, especially midweek. Weekends in October can still be busy, but overall fall balances great weather, scenery, &— Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Prime time: cooler temps, fall foliage, calmer lake and thinner crowds after Labor Day.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 09 to October 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open for reservations from April 10 to November 2 each year.

About Ragland Bottom

Ragland Bottom sits on the shores of Center Hill Lake near Sparta, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers during peak season. This mid-sized campground offers full hookups for RVs, tent sites, primitive options, and group camping across well-maintained grounds with lake views. Visitors fish for bass and crappie, swim, boat, and hike the surrounding Highland Rim terrain.

Ragland Bottom Campground accommodates various camping styles, including primitive, RV, and tent camping. The campground features 40 sites with water and electric hookups, 16 primitive tent sites, and a group picnic area.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall showcases Ragland Bottom at its most scenic — crisp days (daytime highs around 55–75°F in September–October) and cool nights (40s–50s°F) bring brilliant hardwood color along the Highland Rim and calm, clear mornings on Center Hill Lake. Boating, shore fishing (bass and crappie remain active), hiking and wildlife viewing are all at their peak while crowds thin compared with summer, especially midweek. Weekends in October can still be busy, but overall fall balances great weather, scenery, &— Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation712 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a slice of the Highland Rim, where mixed hardwood forests rise from Center Hill Lake's 415-mile shoreline. Lakeside sites look out over coves and open water. The terrain is hilly, sometimes steep. Whitetail deer, squirrels, and wild turkeys move through the woods. In spring, native dogwoods bloom white and pink against the trees. The forest provides shade in most areas, though site density varies. Some spots feel private, others cluster close together.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights at a time within a 30-day rolling period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to two tents and one wheeled camping unit per site.

Groups

The group area includes a picnic shelter with water and 15-amp electric hookups. It is suitable for larger gatherings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilitySome areas within the campground may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues due to steep terrain. However, the campground does include designated accessible parking and picnic areas.

Site SizeSites vary in size; many accommodate large RVs, and some tent sites are spacious enough for multiple tents. However, a few tent pads are noted as being too small for larger tents.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary based on site location. While some sites offer seclusion and views of the lake, others are clustered closely together, reducing privacy.

Total Campsites56 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 16 is highly praised as 'level with beautiful lake views.' Sites 1–5 are recommended for proximity to the water.

Best CampsitesSites 16 and 25 get mentioned often for lake views and easier access. Lakeside spots in general are the most sought-after, especially if you want morning water views. Book early if you care about location.

Need help booking Ragland Bottom?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Ragland Bottom offers a variety of amenities aimed at ensuring a comfortable camping experience. The campground features 40 sites with water and electric hookups, 16 primitive tent sites, flush toilets, showers, drinking water, and a laundry facility. Additional recreational amenities include a volleyball court, basketball goal, playground, and hiking trail. Notable is the adjacent day-use area, which has a group picnic shelter, boat ramp, and swimming beach. The campground is known for its scenic views of Center Hill Lake and its well-maintained facilities. User reviews highlight the cleanliness of the bathrooms and the attentive camp hosts. However, some users note issues like the steep terrain for walk-in sites and the gravel-only tent pads.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Ragland Bottom Campground offers a wide range of activities to cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy boating, waterskiing, canoeing, and fishing on Center Hill Lake. The campground features nine miles of hiking trails, including the Red Post Trail, which offers picturesque lake views. The day-use area includes a swimming beach, and additional amenities such as a volleyball court and playground make it family-friendly. Wildlife viewing is another popular activity, with sightings of deer, squirrels, and wild turkeys. For anglers, the lake is rich in bream, walleye, and bass.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying certified heat-treated firewood and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, but some users have noted issues with litter being left by previous campers.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is generally poor at the campground. Some users report no service at all, while others mention weak signals with specific providers like AT&T.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

515 reviews

Top-Rated

Ragland Bottom is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Ragland Bottom Campground is highly regarded for its scenic lake views, clean facilities, and friendly staff. While most campers enjoy the peaceful environment, some have noted maintenance issues and challenges with the terrain.

Review Summaries

Based on 515 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 515 reviews.

Site #22Loved
Site #22 is spacious and close to restrooms.
Site #19Loved
Site #19 offers a great water view but is close to the road.
Site #57Issues noted
Site #57 is large but requires a steep walk to the bathrooms.

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms, well-maintained grounds, friendly and helpful camp hosts, picturesque lake views, and various recreational activities. Many users also appreciated the spacious campsites and...

Based on 515 reviews

Common Concerns

Steep terrain for some tent sites, gravel-only tent pads, poor cell service, occasional litter left by previous campers, and noise from neighbors.

Based on 515 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra padding for tents to handle the gravel pads. Reserve lakeside sites for the best views. Arrive early to navigate the campground's steep roads, and stock up on supplies beforehand as the...

Based on 515 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season due to the lake activities, but it can get crowded. Fall is quieter and ideal for enjoying the changing foliage. Spring offers pleasant weather and blooming...

Based on 515 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The bathrooms were cleaner than anywhere I have been.' 2. 'The gravel pad was a bit hard for our anchors, but it was manageable.' 3. 'We had a wonderful time swimming and enjoying the...

Based on 515 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mixed feedback: some areas are accessible, but the steep terrain may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.

Based on 515 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but not on the beach or in restrooms. Some users noted that leash rules were not strictly enforced.

Based on 515 reviews

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Go if

You want full hookups and lake access for fishing, boating, and swimming with clean facilities and helpful hosts.

Skip if

You need off-season availability, softer tent pads, or reliable signage for navigation.

Nearby Campgrounds

From I-40, take exit 273. Merge onto US-56 south and continue for 3.5 miles to Floating Mill Road. After about a mile, turn right to stay on Floating Mill Road, and follow signs into the campground.

Floating Mill Park sits on a peninsula jutting into Center Hill Lake near Silver Point, Tennessee. This large campground offers electric and water hookups, a boat ramp, swim beach, and full amenities including showers and laundry. Reviewers praise the lake views and clean facilities but note sites are tightly spaced and the campground can feel crowded during peak summer weekends.