Defeated Creek Park

Star4.61
1.3K reviews
140 Marina Lane, Carthage, TN, 37030, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

531 ft

Price

$25 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

155 campsites

Season

Open from March 19 t...

Cell

No Service

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
Defeated Creek Park
$25.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $25 to $100 depending on site type and season. Additional fees include cancellation fee ($10), late cancellation penalties, and...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
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
615-774-3141
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What Campers Say

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 1.3K reviews

639 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslakefriendlywell-maintained

"The campground receives overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding its scenic beauty, spacious sites, and cleanliness. However, issues such as Wi-Fi connectivity, limited cell service, and maintenance problems are frequently mentioned. Hosts and management have been praised for their helpfulness, although some reviews describe rude interactions."

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Campground Map

140 Marina Lane, Carthage, TN, 37030, USA

Defeated Creek Park

140 Marina Lane, Carthage, TN, 37030, USA

Driving directionsFrom Carthage, Tennessee, take SR-25 west for 4 miles. Turn north on SR-80, then east on SR-85. Follow signs to campground.
Roads are well-maintained and accessible via state routes. Avoid Google Maps direction to SR 263 due to winding and narrow roads. Instead, take SR 25 to SR 80 to SR 85, which are better suited for larger vehicles and campers.
Nearby places
Carthage (7 miles), Granville (25 miles, hosts Heritage Day annually in May, including events like Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies available in Carthage, TN (7 miles). Marina near the campground offers basic supplies and services including boat rentals and a small restaurant.

Best Time to Camp at Defeated Creek Park

Experience the full tapestry of Tennessee's seasons at Defeated Creek, where summer days invite you to bask in temperatures that climb from refreshing 60-degree mornings to warm 90-degree afternoons perfect for swimming and water sports. As autumn paints the surrounding hills in brilliant colors, be prepared for dramatic skies and refreshing rains that mark the seasonal transitions. Winter brings a peaceful quietude to the park, with crisp temperatures dipping into the 30s, creating misty mornings over the lake that photographers dream about. Spring's arrival is announced by gentle storms that awaken the landscape and fill the air with the scent of renewal.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Warm swimming/boating season but can be noisy, with limited shade at some sites.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Fall foliage and moderate temps get high praise in reviews; scenic vistas highlighted.

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

Spring receives top praise for moderate temps, fewer crowds and blooming forests.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Park closed Nov 10–Mar 18; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 19 to November 9 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from March 19 to November 9 during peak season; closed from November 10 to March 18.

About Defeated Creek Park

Nestled along the pristine shores of Cordell Hull Lake, Defeated Creek Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 155 thoughtfully designed campsites that cater to every camping style. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with your RV at one of the electric hookup sites, you'll find yourself at the gateway to endless water adventures. The park's full-service marina serves as your launching point for lake exploration, while multiple boat ramps ensure easy access to the sparkling waters. Families delight in the sandy beach area, modern playgrounds, and recreational courts where friendly games of tennis and volleyball stretch into golden sunset hours.
Defeated Creek Park offers diverse accommodations including sites for RVs, tents, and groups. Some sites are lakeside with full hookups, while others are designed for tent camping and group activities.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3PM
Check-out
2PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit and up to 14 nights total within any rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
WiFi
Flush toilets
Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

Defeated Creek Park offers a wide range of activities suitable for all ages, from water sports to hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, biking, and hiking. Wildlife viewing is abundant, with deer often roaming the campground.
HikingMultiple trails surround the park, including the 6-mile Bearwaller Gap Trail, Turkey Creek Nature Trail, and Bear Wheels Trail. Some trails, such as Bearwaller Gap, are reportedly overgrown and in need of maintenance.
FishingAnglers can fish for white bass, rockfish, largemouth bass, catfish, shad, and crappie. Reviews emphasized the overall enjoyable fishing experience.
SwimmingSwimming is available at designated beach areas. However, some campers have reported that the beach is small and occasionally dirty, with driftwood in the water.
BikingBiking trails are available but have been criticized for being poorly maintained. On-site roads provide good biking paths.
BoatingBoating is a popular activity with easy lake access provided by the adjacent marina and boat ramps. Activities include water skiing, jet skiing, and kayaking.
Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant with deer, wild turkey, and other animals frequently seen. Campers often mention the tame deer as a highlight.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCellular connectivity is limited, wildlife interactions (especially tame deer) can pose challenges, and some sites have uneven grading or exposed tree roots.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Defeated Creek Park

Reviews

4.6
1.3K reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Defeated Creek Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding its scenic beauty, spacious sites, and cleanliness. However, issues such as Wi-Fi connectivity, limited cell service, and maintenance problems are frequently mentioned. Hosts and management have been praised for their helpfulness, although some reviews describe rude interactions.
Review Summaries
Based on 1299 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the lake views, abundant wildlife, large campsite sizes, and well-maintained grounds. Hosts are often described as friendly and helpful.
Based on 1299 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include limited Wi-Fi and cell service, outdated bathhouse facilities, maintenance issues with trails, and concerns about rule enforcement related to pets and noise levels.
Based on 1299 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend booking reservations early, especially for lakeside sites. Visitors suggest bringing extra water hoses and cords due to some sites having hookups on the wrong side.
Based on 1299 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall receive the highest praise due to moderate temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer reviews often note noise from families and limited shade at certain sites.
Based on 1299 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Beautiful campground with level and spacious sites." - David K 2. "The views of the lake are magnificent, and the sunsets are breathtaking." - Barbara T 3. "Wi-Fi needs improvement, but who cares...
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Based on 1299 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #72 is criticized for having hookups on the wrong side, requiring awkward setups. Sites #80 and #53 are highlighted for their excellent lake views.
Based on 1299 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are limited, with complaints about bathhouses not meeting ADA regulations. Handicap stalls reportedly fall below height standards.
Based on 1299 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed reviews about pets; some campers praise the pet-friendly environment, while others complain about unleashed dogs and owners not cleaning up.
Based on 1299 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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