How much does camping cost at Defeated Creek Park?

Camping fees at Defeated Creek Park are $25 - $100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Defeated Creek Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Defeated Creek Park 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 Defeated Creek Park before I book?

Yes! Defeated Creek Park has 26 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 Defeated Creek Park?

Defeated Creek Park is open March 18 to November 05. 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 Defeated Creek Park?

Yes, Defeated Creek Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Defeated Creek Park have?

Defeated Creek Park has 155 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Defeated Creek Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Defeated Creek Park. 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 Defeated Creek Park?

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

What activities can I do at Defeated Creek Park?

Popular activities at Defeated Creek Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Defeated Creek Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at Defeated Creek Park?

Fire policies at Defeated Creek Park: STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES . Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood. CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit https://www.invasivespe. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.61

1.3K reviews

140 Marina Lane, Carthage, TN, 37030, USA

C+Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Tennessee Camping Near Nashville Hiking Near Nashville +12 more

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

Partial HookupsShowersWiFi

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

Get Directions

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

Partial HookupsShowersWiFi

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

Get Directions

Defeated Creek Park

$25.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Ampitheater: $25.00; GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC-69362: $100.00; GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $50.00; Group Electric Campsites: $50.00; Water Electric Sewer:...

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Provider

615-774-3141

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

140 Marina Lane, Carthage, TN, 37030, USA

Defeated Creek Park

140 Marina Lane, Carthage, TN, 37030, USA

Nearby places

Carthage (7 miles), Granville (25 miles, hosts Heritage Day annually in May, including events like Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival).

Weather at Defeated Creek Park

Current alerts(9)

Camping at one or more campsites at any one water resource project for a period longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive-day period is prohibited.
Cellular connectivity is extremely limited. Public Wi-Fi is available in the vicinity of Honeysuckle Loop and Bathhouse 3. Please plan accordingly.
Early check-in may be available only after 12:00 PM on a case by case basis. Early check-in is not guaranteed.
Maximum vehicle lengths (camping unit) were calculated based on two vehicles on site. If the driveway was wide enough to park the two vehicles side by side 20 feet was subtracted from the total site length.

Best Time to Camp at Defeated Creek Park

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and scenery — expect daytime highs in the 50s–70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–50s°F, with peak hardwood color usually in mid-to-late October. Water levels are typically stable, making boating, fishing, and shoreline hikes especially pleasant, and the cooler temperatures make longer trail rides and wildlife viewing more productive. Weekdays are generally quiet; busy weekends occur during peak color, so book ahead for October weekend stays. Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall called the best season: comfortable temps and peak hardwood color praised by visitors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 18 to November 05. 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

Defeated Creek Park sits on Cordell Hull Lake near Carthage, Tennessee, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This lakefront campground offers tent sites, RV hookups with electric and water, and group camping options across a sprawling property with lake views and abundant wildlife. Campers come for boating, fishing, swimming, and biking, with full amenities including showers, laundry, and a dump station.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and scenery — expect daytime highs in the 50s–70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–50s°F, with peak hardwood color usually in mid-to-late October. Water levels are typically stable, making boating, fishing, and shoreline hikes especially pleasant, and the cooler temperatures make longer trail rides and wildlife viewing more productive. Weekdays are generally quiet; busy weekends occur during peak color, so book ahead for October weekend stays. Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation531 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCordell Hull Lake winds through the Cumberland River System's rolling hills, creating coves and inlets lined with hardwood forests. Maple, hickory, oak, beech, and chestnut dominate the canopy, while the shoreline offers direct water views from select campsites. White-tailed deer and wild turkeys move through the underbrush, and waterfowl frequent the shallows. The park sits at 531 feet elevation, where the interplay between water and forested hills creates a layered landscape that shifts with the seasons.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodge accommodations are provided; this campground exclusively offers camping options.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site allows a limited number of guests, depending on site size.

Groups

Group sites include two large day-use shelters with electric and water hookups, accommodating larger groups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov, including online, via app, and through contact center.

AccessibilityMany campers noted that some facilities, including bathhouses, require updates to meet ADA regulations. Handicap stall toilets are reportedly below height regulation and accessibility features are limited.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with some large enough to accommodate big rigs like 40 ft Class A motorhomes or 35 ft fifth wheels. Reviews consistently highlight the ample space.

PrivacySites are described as generous in size, with enough space to provide privacy between neighbors. Some sites offer direct lakeside views.

Total Campsites155 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site #72 due to poor layout and uphill grading. Sites #35 and #73 praised for spaciousness and lake views.

Best CampsitesSites along 'Millionaires' Row,' including #73, #78, and #53, get consistent praise for lake views and spacious layouts. Reviewers recommend booking lakeside sites early and note that some sites have hookups positioned awkwardly, so bring extra hoses and cords.

Need help booking Defeated Creek Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Defeated Creek Park at Cordell Hull Lake offers 155 campsites with electric hookups and provides numerous amenities making it an ideal location for family or group camping. Amenities include a boat ramp, playground, beach access, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and a marina adjacent to the campground. Flush toilets, laundry facilities, and potable drinking water are available. There are two group shelters with water and electric hookups, suitable for day use.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Defeated Creek Park

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Multiple trails including 6-mile Bearwaller Gap, Turkey Creek Nature Trail and others noted in overview.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Marina and boat ramps adjacent to campground; boating listed as a popular activity.

Water Sports4.0/5

Swimming3.0/5

Biking3.0/5

Bear Wheels mountain bike trails and on-site roads available, though some trails criticized for poor maintenance.

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Rural lakeside site with limited cell/Wi‑Fi implies darker skies, but no direct reports of stargazing.

Photography4.0/5Lake vistas, hardwoods, wildlife and fall color noted as highlights for photos.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicySTOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES . Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood. CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit https://www.invasivespe

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available. Some users reported an absence of designated trash spots at individual campsites, requiring disposal at central locations.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

4.6

1.3K reviews

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

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

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Defeated Creek Park

$25.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Ampitheater: $25.00; GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC-69362: $100.00; GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $50.00; Group Electric Campsites: $50.00; Water Electric Sewer:...

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

615-774-3141

Go if

you want a clean, roomy site with real lake views (try #80 or #53) and don't need reliable connectivity

Skip if

you rely on Wi-Fi or cell signal for work, or you book site #72 and expect straightforward hookup setup

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Campgrounds

Cordell Hull Lake

Defeated Creek Park

C+

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 47% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 947 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade B+.Cleanliness
Grade B+.Value
Grade B.Staff & hosts

Watch-outs

Grade F.Belonging
Grade C.Booking
Grade C.Facilities

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Tennessee grades overall

About Cordell Hull Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Defeated Creek Park, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Visitors to Cordell Hull Lake enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, under license to the Corps, administers an intensive wildlife management program at the lake.

Directions

From Nashville, east on I-40, north on TN 53 to Carthage.

Featured in these camping guides

Defeated Creek Park appears in our curated guides. Explore more top-rated campgrounds for the same activities and regions.

Defeated Creek Park

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Defeated Creek Park

Campground Map

Weather at Defeated Creek Park

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Defeated Creek Park

Planning Tips

About Defeated Creek Park

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Defeated Creek Park?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Defeated Creek Park

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Salt Lick Creek

Edgar Evins State Park

Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Defeated Creek Park

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Defeated Creek Park

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Defeated Creek Park?

Amenities available

Things to do at Defeated Creek Park

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Nearby alternatives

Salt Lick Creek

Edgar Evins State Park

Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas