How much does camping cost at Salt Lick Creek?

Camping fees at Salt Lick Creek are $20 - $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Salt Lick Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Salt Lick Creek 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 Salt Lick Creek before I book?

Yes! Salt Lick Creek has 28 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.

What is the best time to visit Salt Lick Creek?

Salt Lick Creek is open April 08 to October 01. 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 Salt Lick Creek?

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

Can I have a campfire at Salt Lick Creek?

Fire policies at Salt Lick Creek: 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.

How many campsites does Salt Lick Creek have?

Salt Lick Creek has 150 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Salt Lick Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Salt Lick Creek. 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 Salt Lick Creek?

Salt Lick Creek 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 Salt Lick Creek?

Popular activities at Salt Lick Creek include Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Salt Lick Creek

4.39

785 reviews

520 Salt Lick Park Lane

C+Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Tennessee Camping Near Nashville Boating Camping Tennessee +8 more

Quick Facts

646 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

150 campsites

Season

Open from April 9th ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

646 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

150 campsites

Season

Open from April 9th ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Salt Lick Creek

$20.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Discounted Sites: $20.00; GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $50.00; Group Electric Sites: $50.00; Water and Electric: $26.00; Water, Electric, and Sewer:...

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

931-678-4718

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

520 Salt Lick Park Lane

Salt Lick Creek

520 Salt Lick Park Lane

Nearby places

Carthage (approximately 4 miles), Granville (approximately 45-minute drive)

Weather at Salt Lick Creek

Current alerts(11)

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 the boat ramp parking lot and Restroom #4.
Cellular connectivity is extremely limited. Public Wi-Fi is available only at the third restroom. Please plan accordingly.
Friends of Cordell Hull Lake are offering heat treated firewood this season. Firewood being on hand is not a guarantee.

Best Time to Camp at Salt Lick Creek

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and show-stopping scenery—expect daytime highs in the 50s–70s°F and crisp, cool mornings that make hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography especially pleasant. The mixed hardwood forest lights up with maples, oaks and hickories in brilliant reds, golds and rust, while fishing and boating remain productive as water temperatures cool. Crowds are typically lower than midsummer, so you get peak scenery and good access to boat ramps and camps, Peak months: September, May, June, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Called the 'best season'—comfortable temps and show-stopping fall foliage make it stand out.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 08 to October 01. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 9th to October 5th for peak season bookings. Closed during off-peak season (October 6th to April 8th).

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Salt Lick Creek

Salt Lick Creek sits on Cordell Hull Lake near Gainesboro, Tennessee, offering lakefront tent and RV camping with electric and water hookups. This large, seasonally operated campground provides flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station alongside lake access for fishing, swimming, and boating. Reviewers consistently praise the peaceful setting, spacious sites, and exceptionally clean facilities, though cellular connectivity is minimal.

The campground offers standard family sites, group shelters, and accessible facilities for both tent and RV camping. While there are no luxury or 'glamping' options, the facilities cater to families and groups seeking traditional camping experiences.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and show-stopping scenery—expect daytime highs in the 50s–70s°F and crisp, cool mornings that make hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography especially pleasant. The mixed hardwood forest lights up with maples, oaks and hickories in brilliant reds, golds and rust, while fishing and boating remain productive as water temperatures cool. Crowds are typically lower than midsummer, so you get peak scenery and good access to boat ramps and camps, Peak months: September, May, June, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation646 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests in the Cumberland River System at 646 feet elevation, surrounded by rolling hills and mixed hardwood forest. Maples, oaks, hickories, beech, and American chestnut trees dominate the canopy, providing shade across most of the camping area. White-tailed deer appear at dawn and dusk, while turkeys forage through the underbrush and squirrels move through the trees overhead. The lake shoreline offers direct water access for boating and fishing.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges are available, as the campground focuses on camping accommodations like tent and RV sites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo formal cultural or educational programs are offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 nights during a visit and within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard site rules allow two tents or one wheeled camping unit and one tent.

Groups

The group shelter accommodates large gatherings with electric hookups, though specific capacity details were not provided.

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 via Recreation.gov and its mobile app.

AccessibilityThe campground offers some accessibility features. However, there's feedback suggesting that more could be done, such as closer restrooms to handicap sites. One reviewer noted, "Still wish there was a closer restroom to these handicap sites.

Site SizeThe sites are described as spacious, with many offering ample room for large RVs and additional vehicles. Some sites have pull-through access and are located close to the water.

PrivacyMany sites are well-spaced, offering a degree of seclusion. However, some campers noted a lack of privacy, stating, "There is no privacy anywhere; the sites are so close to each other.

Total Campsites150 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the lake are recommended for scenic views and water access. "Try to get a lake view site," said one user.

Best CampsitesSites 56 and 105 get consistent recommendations for seclusion and lake views. Waterfront sites book up quickly, so reserve early if you want direct water access. Some sites offer pull-through access and room for large RVs plus additional vehicles.

Need help booking Salt Lick Creek?

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

Salt Lick Creek Campground offers a wide range of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for visitors. The campground boasts 150 family sites and one large group shelter, all equipped with electric hookups. Notable facilities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water, laundry facilities, a dump station, a boat ramp, a playground, and a visitor center. "The park is very well-kept," noted one camper, while another mentioned, "We love Salt Lick Creek; the campsites are spacious and clean." However, some reviewers highlighted the need for updates, particularly in the bathhouses: "The shower water makes its way to the bench and what's supposed to be the dry area." Some campers also mentioned long lines at the single dump station, especially on weekends.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Salt Lick Creek

Salt Lick Creek Campground offers an array of recreational activities suited for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing are popular pastimes. The playground and volleyball courts are frequently used by families. While many enjoy the peaceful setting, the lack of hiking trails within the campground has been noted.

Fishing4.0/5

Popular with anglers; targets include white bass, rockfish, largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie.

Swimming4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Lake vistas, fall colors and wildlife create many photo opportunities.

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.

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.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Salt Lick Creek

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From Booking Sources

4.4

785 reviews

Recommended

Salt Lick Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Salt Lick Creek is highly regarded for its serene environment, clean facilities, and family-friendly atmosphere. However, complaints about limited cell service, the single dump station, and the need for improved infrastructure were consistent themes.

Review Summaries

Based on 785 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 785 reviews.

Campsite 021Loved
Campsite 021 was highlighted for its lake views and hookups.
Campsite 099Mentioned
Campsite 099 was noted for its secluded setting but steep terrain.
site 103Issues noted
Multiple users complained about site 103 being too narrow for larger RVs.

What Campers Love

Users praised the peaceful ambiance, spacious sites, and friendly hosts. "Great place to relax and fish," one camper noted. Many appreciated the cleanliness, with comments like, "The bathrooms were...

Based on 785 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include the lack of cell service, limited Wi-Fi, and long lines at the dump station. Some users also mentioned poorly maintained roads and occasional power outages.

Based on 785 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing all necessary supplies, as the nearest town is a significant drive away. Booking waterfront sites early is advised, as they are in high demand. "Bring everything you need, as...

Based on 785 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during weekends and holidays. Summer months are highly popular for swimming and boating, while spring offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

Based on 785 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The sites are large and well-spaced, many with water views." "The only downside is the lack of cell service, but it forces you to disconnect and enjoy nature."

Based on 785 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews mention that handicap-accessible features like closer restrooms are needed. "Still wish there was a closer restroom to these handicap sites," a user shared.

Based on 785 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but reviews indicated that leash rules are not always enforced. "Some campers let their dogs roam, which is concerning," one review noted.

Based on 785 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Salt Lick Creek

$20.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Discounted Sites: $20.00; GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $50.00; Group Electric Sites: $50.00; Water and Electric: $26.00; Water, Electric, and 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

931-678-4718

Go if

you want a peaceful lake-adjacent campground with well-kept facilities and don't mind unplugging from cell service

Skip if

you need reliable connectivity, a big RV for narrow sites like 103, or easy access without waiting on one dump station

Nearby Campgrounds

140 Marina Lane, Carthage, TN, 37030, USA

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.

Salt Lick Creek

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Salt Lick Creek

Current alerts(11)

Best Time to Camp at Salt Lick Creek

Planning Tips

About Salt Lick Creek

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Salt Lick Creek?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Salt Lick Creek

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Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

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How campers graded it

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Directions

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Ask Camp Sage about Salt Lick Creek

Current alerts(11)

Best Time to Camp at Salt Lick Creek

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Salt Lick Creek?

Amenities available

Things to do at Salt Lick Creek

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns