Lock A

4.68

772 reviews

1798 CHEATHAM DAM ROAD, ASHLAND CITY, TN, 37015-9805, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Tennessee#1 Tent Camping Tennessee#1 Best Campgrounds Tennessee#1 +13 more

Quick Facts

472 ft

Price

$24 - $28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 to...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

472 ft

Price

$24 - $28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 to...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Lock A

$24.00 - $28.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for campsites range between $24 and $28 depending on the site type. Additional fees may apply for reservations, cancellations, and modifications.

Standard Site Fee$24.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$28.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

615-792-3715

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What Campers Say

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 772 reviews

182 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciousfriendly

Some mention

reservation

"Overall, the reviews highlight Lock A Campground as a clean, scenic, and family-friendly destination. Many visitors praised its spacious sites, helpful staff, and waterfront access. Complaints mostly centered around the outdated shower facilities and occasional maintenance issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1798 CHEATHAM DAM ROAD, ASHLAND CITY, TN, 37015-9805, USA

Lock A

1798 CHEATHAM DAM ROAD, ASHLAND CITY, TN, 37015-9805, USA

Driving directionsFrom Ashland City, Tennessee, take US 12 and go eight miles west to Cheap Hill. Turn left on Cheatham Dam Road traveling west four miles. Turn left into the campground.

The campground is accessed via Cheatham Dam Road, which includes steep grades and sharp, narrow turns. Some user reviews note challenges for large RVs, requiring strong brakes and careful maneuvering.

Nearby places

Ashland City (approximately 9 miles), Clarksville (approximately 30 miles), Nashville (approximately 25 miles)

Nearby supplies

A small general store near the campground entrance provides bait, pizza, and essential camping items. Ashland City offers grocery stores and other supplies within a short drive.

Best Time to Camp at Lock A

Lock A Campground welcomes adventurers throughout the seasons, each bringing its own charm to this riverside retreat. Summer days invite water activities and lazy afternoons beneath the protective canopy of mature trees that provide natural air conditioning to combat Tennessee's warmth. Spring awakens the landscape with wildflowers and perfect camping temperatures, while autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and crimsons. Even winter offers its rewards, with crisp days ideal for hiking and fewer crowds to share the riverside tranquility.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Excellent water activities but reviews note crowds and bathhouse/maintenance issues in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted as a best season: milder weather and fewer crowds in reviews.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring highlighted for mild weather and fewer crowds; reviewers recommend it.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed Nov–Mar; winter camping is not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1, 2025 - October 30, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 1 to October 30, 2025. Reservations begin on June 20, 2025.
Current Alerts: No current active alerts.

About Lock A

Nestled along the Cumberland River, Lock A Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of riverside serenity and recreational adventure. Whether you're challenging friends to a spirited game at the horseshoe pits, spiking volleyballs under the Tennessee sun, or exploring scenic hiking trails, this waterfront haven delivers unforgettable experiences. Anglers find their paradise casting lines into the Cumberland's productive waters, while birders delight in the diverse species that call this riparian corridor home. As evening falls, the gentle murmur of the river creates the perfect soundtrack for campfire conversations and stargazing.

Lock A Campground caters to a variety of campers, including those using RVs and tents. It is known for its spacious and scenic sites, particularly those along the waterfront.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time along the nearby Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail, where the echoes of locomotive whistles have been replaced by the footfalls of modern explorers. This remarkable rails-to-trails conversion preserves a piece of Tennessee's transportation heritage, including the impressive historic trestle that spans Sycamore Creek. Walking this path connects you to generations of travelers who have been drawn to the Cumberland River's banks, from Native Americans and early settlers to the railroad engineers who once guided iron horses through this scenic corridor.

Weather and SeasonsLock A Campground welcomes adventurers throughout the seasons, each bringing its own charm to this riverside retreat. Summer days invite water activities and lazy afternoons beneath the protective canopy of mature trees that provide natural air conditioning to combat Tennessee's warmth. Spring awakens the landscape with wildflowers and perfect camping temperatures, while autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and crimsons. Even winter offers its rewards, with crisp days ideal for hiking and fewer crowds to share the riverside tranquility.

Natural Features and SceneryPerched on the north bank of the Cumberland River, Lock A Campground immerses visitors in a landscape where water meets forest in perfect harmony. Towering hardwoods create a living cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns across campsites while providing welcome shade. The river itself serves as the campground's centerpiece, its waters reflecting sky and foliage while supporting a rich ecosystem. Nearby wildlife refuges extend the natural splendor, offering glimpses of deer at dawn, herons stalking the shallows, and countless songbirds filling the air with their melodies.

Geological RegionLock A Campground sits in the heart of north-central Tennessee's Cumberland River valley, where millennia of geological forces have carved a landscape of gentle hills, fertile bottomlands, and winding waterways. This temperate region showcases the best of Tennessee's natural diversity, with the Cumberland River serving as both a recreational playground and vital ecosystem. The surrounding forested hills and river valley create multiple microclimates that support an impressive variety of plant and animal life, making every visit a new opportunity for discovery.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is at 2 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is at 2 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 persons per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are configured in a loop with a mix of concrete and gravel pads.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up sites are available; all sites must be reserved.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and cancellations made one day before check-in result in forfeiting the first night's fee.

AccessibilityLock A Campground offers spacious sites, many of which are paved and level, making them accessible for RVs and individuals with mobility needs. However, the steep road into the campground might be challenging for some vehicles.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size but are generally described as spacious. Specific mentions include concrete and blacktop pads for RVs and large, grassy areas for tents.

PrivacySites offer moderate privacy, with some being more secluded and others closer together. Several waterfront sites offer scenic views but are less private due to their popularity.

Total Campsites45 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 45 is recommended for tent camping due to its peninsula location offering views on both sides. Sites 37 and 39 provide excellent river views.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Lock A can engage in a variety of activities including hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. The nearby Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail offers additional recreational opportunities.

HikingThe Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail is a 6.5-mile rails-to-trails project that crosses Sycamore Creek on a historic railroad trestle. This trail is suitable for hiking and biking, making it a popular feature among visitors.

FishingFishing opportunities are abundant, with the Cumberland River and nearby Pardue Pond offering anglers the chance to catch various species. One user remarked, "Great place to fish and ride bikes!"

SwimmingSwimming is available in designated areas near the campground. A small man-made beach is located down the road and features picnic pavilions and grills.

BikingThe campground is bike-friendly, with paved roads and connections to the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail. Several users noted its suitability for cycling with children.

BoatingA boat launch is available on-site, offering easy access to the Cumberland River and Cheatham Lake. Boating is a popular activity here, with opportunities for kayaking and canoeing as well.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is close to Pardue Pond and Dyson Ditch Wildlife Refuges, which are excellent for bird watching and exploring. Wildlife such as deer and osprey are frequently spotted.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFalling branches are mentioned as a natural hazard. User reviews occasionally highlight issues with ticks and snakes near water areas.

Active AlertsNo current active alerts.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings but firewood must be locally sourced due to pest concerns.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours begin at 11 PM.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest hospital is in Ashland City, approximately 9 miles away. Emergency services including police and fire station are also located in Ashland City.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are provided at each campsite and are emptied daily. However, there is no central dumpster available for campers to use.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Cheatham Lake and the Cumberland River, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.

Camp HostHosts are frequently described as helpful and friendly, though some users report isolated instances of less accommodating behavior.

Weather at Lock A

Reviews

4.7

772 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Overall, the reviews highlight Lock A Campground as a clean, scenic, and family-friendly destination. Many visitors praised its spacious sites, helpful staff, and waterfront access. Complaints mostly centered around the outdated shower facilities and occasional maintenance issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 772 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and scenic views were frequently praised. Many users enjoyed watching boats and barges on the river, and families appreciated the playgrounds and...

Based on 772 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints often focused on the bathhouse, with comments about outdated facilities and cleanliness issues during peak times. "The showers need a serious update," and "There was mold in the corners,"...

Based on 772 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing treated firewood as the campground does not sell it, and being prepared for the steep road leading to the site. "Bring your own firewood and enjoy the beautiful views!" one...

Based on 772 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall were highlighted as the best seasons for camping, with milder weather and fewer crowds. Summer reviews noted increased activity and occasional maintenance delays. Winter camping is...

Based on 772 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The river sites are amazing! We camp here a lot and enjoy sitting by the river relaxing." "It's a great place to stay to get away from the world." "Watching the barges go by is a peaceful event."

Based on 772 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 45 received excellent reviews for its scenic location. "The nicest tent site we have ever camped on," one user said. Sites 39 and 40 were praised for their proximity to water, while site 33 was...

Based on 772 reviews

Accessibility Features

Sites are generally accessible, with many being paved and level. The steep entry road and lack of a nearby bathroom for tent campers were noted as potential issues for individuals with mobility...

Based on 772 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many users noted the campground's suitability for pets. "Plenty of places to walk the dog while watching barges pass by," one user commented. However, barking dogs were...

Based on 772 reviews

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