How much does camping cost at Lock A?

Camping fees at Lock A range from $24-$28/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lock A first-come first-served or reservation?

Lock A 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 Lock A before I book?

Yes! Lock A has 9 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 Lock A?

Lock A is open April 01 to October 30. 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 Lock A?

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

Is there cell service at Lock A?

Cell phone service at Lock A is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Lock A have?

Lock A has 45 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lock A?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lock A. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Lock A?

Lock A offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Lock A

Q: Can I have a campfire at Lock A?

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

4.67

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Lock A

$24.00 - $28.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC-81833: $28.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $24.00; TENT ONLY ELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

615-792-3715

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Lock A

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Campground Map

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

Lock A

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

Nearby places

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

Weather at Lock A

Current alerts(5)

Keep in mind, staff will hold a campsite until the check-out time (2:00 pm) on the day following the arrival date. However, if you're arrving late, we highly recommend you call the campground to notify the Park Attendant.
Lock A campground has reservable sites only. No walk-up sites .
Motorized, including electric vehicles : Golf carts, Scooters & ATV’s are permitted on roadways in Corps operated recreation areas. However , these type of vehicles shall be operated in accordance with applicable Federal, state and local laws, which shall be regulated by…
Please be aware that falling branches are a natural hazard at this campground

Best Time to Camp at Lock A

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best mix of comfortable weather, vibrant river-valley color, and peak outdoor recreation — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with cool, crisp nights in the 40s. Late September into October brings excellent hiking, cycling and fishing conditions, steady water levels for boating, and quieter campsites after the summer crowds. Foliage along the Cumberland River reaches its peak in October, making shoreline viewpoints and birdwatching especially rewarding. Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall described as best—mild temps and ideal conditions for cycling and hiking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 1 to October 30, 2025. Reservations begin on June 20, 2025.

About Lock A

Lock A sits along the Cumberland River at Cheatham Lock and Dam, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers near Ashland City. This mid-sized campground offers electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station at a moderate price point. Campers hike the bike-friendly trails and watch river traffic from spacious, flat sites with fire rings and picnic tables.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best mix of comfortable weather, vibrant river-valley color, and peak outdoor recreation — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with cool, crisp nights in the 40s. Late September into October brings excellent hiking, cycling and fishing conditions, steady water levels for boating, and quieter campsites after the summer crowds. Foliage along the Cumberland River reaches its peak in October, making shoreline viewpoints and birdwatching especially rewarding. Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation472 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Cumberland River dominates the landscape here, its wide channel hosting constant barge traffic and providing fishing access along the shoreline. Mature hardwoods shade most campsites, their canopy filtering Tennessee sun onto concrete and blacktop pads below. The surrounding hills create a temperate river valley with diverse vegetation. Wildlife sightings include deer at dawn and herons stalking the shallows. The setting feels more working river than wilderness. You'll hear boat engines and watch commercial traffic move through the lock. But the combination of moving water and forest cover creates a pleasant backdrop for camping.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodging available at Lock A Campground. However, nearby towns like Ashland City offer accommodations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov.

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.

Best CampsitesSites 37, 39, and 45 get mentioned for waterfront views, though those riverside spots sacrifice privacy because they're popular and visible. Several campers note that waterfront sites offer better scenery but expect neighbors and foot traffic. Interior sites provide more seclusion if you're willing to trade the river views.

Need help booking Lock A?

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

Lock A Campground offers a range of amenities catering to both RV and tent campers. The sites are equipped with 50 amp electric hookups and water connections. Additional features include hot showers, a dump station, a playground, a boat launch, and a picnic shelter. Notably, the campground has one central bathhouse, described as clean but dated, with some facilities requiring maintenance. "Restrooms are cleaned daily," according to one review. Trash cans are provided at each site, and garbage is collected daily.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Winter Activities

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 your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

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

Cell CoverageAT&T cellular signal is generally good with around two bars of service, while Verizon service was described as spotty. One user noted, "Plenty of channels available using antenna TV." Another mentioned, "Wi-Fi is not available, but cellular service worked fine for hotspot usage."

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

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 772 reviews.

Site 45Loved
Site 45 received excellent reviews for its scenic location.
site 33Loved
Sites 39 and 40 were praised for their proximity to water, while site 33 was criticized for attracting bees.

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

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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Go if

You want affordable riverside camping with full hookups and enjoy watching river traffic from a spacious site.

Skip if

You need modern, consistently maintained restrooms or guaranteed site availability during busy weekends.

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Harpeth River Bridge Campground sits along the Harpeth River near Ashland City, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Cheatham Lock and Dam. The small riverside campground offers electric and water hookups, a boat ramp, and level sites popular with anglers and paddlers. Clean facilities and helpful hosts draw repeat visitors, though bridge traffic noise carries to some sites.