Tailwater Rec Area sits among the stunning landscapes of Cordell Hull Lake in Tennessee . With 35 campsites (RV-friendly up to 45 feet feet) , restrooms, potable water, great hiking, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.
Reservations are required year-round , and the best times to visit are Apr, Jun, Aug-Oct when the weather is most comfortable .
🌈 PurpleTents helps LGBTQ+ campers discover welcoming outdoor experiences here and across America.
🏕️ At a Glance
💳 Booking & Fees
Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.
💧 Water Access & Features
📸 Discover the Beauty of Cordell Hull Lake
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.
🦅 Peak birding: Apr, May, Sep
🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings
Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.
Tailwater Rec Area located in Carthage, Tennessee, offering 35 camping sites.
Tailwater Rec Area
A Rural campground in Tennessee
Overview
Cordell Hull Lake Is a 12,000-Acre Lake That Stretches 72 Miles Upstream and Has 381 Miles of Shoreline, Offering Recreational Activities for Just About Any Type of Visitor.
Wildlife Is Abundant Around the Lake. the Lake Is Situated Among Scenic Rolling Hills.
Nearby Attractions
the Historic Town of Granville, Tn Is a 45-Minute Drive From the Campground. Tailwater Recreation Area Is Located Just Below Cordell Hull Lake and Dam on the Cumberland River System, Outside the Town of Carthage, Tn. the Lake Itself Was Named After One of America’S Outstanding Statesmen and One of Tennessee’S Finest Volunteers. Hull Was Born in a Log Cabin in the Foothills of the Cumberland Mountains.Families and Friends Enjoy Coming to the Lake for Boating, Fishing, Swimming, Hiking, Hunting and Relaxing in the Outdoors. Click Here for a Virtual Tour of the Cordell Hull Lake Facilities. Boating and Fishing Opportunities Abound on the Cumberland River Below the Dam.
Anglers Enjoy Fishing for White Bass, Rockfish, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Shad, and Crappie. Boating, Sailing, Water Skiing and Jet Skiing Are Popular Activities on the Water. This Day-Use Area Offers One Large, Group Shelter. Amenities Include Flush Toilets, Drinking Water, a Playground, Interpretive Trail and Boat Ramp. the Cumberland River Runs Along the Park, Which Is Wooded with a Mix of Shady Maple, Hickory, Oak, Beech, and Chestnut Trees. Summer Temperatures Range From the 60S to the 90S. Whitetail Deer, Wild Turkeys, Quail, Squirrels, Rabbits, and a Wide Variety of Waterfowl Are Commonly Seen Throughout the Area. Visitors Enjoy Celebrating the Town’S Heritage Day Annually in May. Events Include the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival, Antique Car and Tractor Shows, and Confederate Civil War Living History Presentations.Managed by: Us Army Corps of Engineers
Site Details
Campsite Information
- Total Sites: 35
- Hookup Types: Electric
- Max RV Length: 45 feet
Amenities
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available
- 🚿 Showers: No
- 🗑️ Dump Station: No
- 💧 Potable Water: Available
- 🛝 Playground: Available
- 🧺 Laundry: False
- 📶 WiFi: False
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
Map & Location
Address & Coordinates
Address: Dam Road
City: Carthage, Tennessee 37030.0
Coordinates: 36.2816667, -85.9375
Area Type: Rural
Phone: 1-877-444-6777
Activities & Attractions
Popular Activities: Boat-ramp|swimming|fishing|hiking|playground|water|lake|river|trail|rv|cabin|shelter
Available Activities:
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
Regulations & Permits
🔥 Stay Limits & Fees
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Nightly Fee: $29-39
Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)
🌤️ Weather & Climate
Summer High
Winter Low
Annual Precip
Hottest Month
Coldest Month
Best Visit Time
📱 Connectivity
Verizon
Fair Signal
LTE
AT&T
Fair Signal
LTE
T-Mobile
Poor Signal
4G
📺 Television Reception
Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS
Signal Quality: Fair
Total Stations: 11 stations
Nearest Market: Nashville/Memphis/Knoxville
Notes: Signals FROM Nashville/Memphis/Knoxville MARKET
📻 Radio Reception
Total Stations: 24 stations (8 AM, 16 FM)
AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Good
Major Formats: Country, GOSPEL, Classic ROCK
Local News: WSM 650 Am
Market: Nashville/Memphis
Notes: 8 AM, 16 FM Stations from Nashville/Memphis
🔌 EV Charging
⚡ 7SPC UC CARTHAGE
Distance: 1.6 miles away
Address: 84 Dixon Springs Hwy, Carthage, TN
Network: chargepoint-network
Charging Type: Standard-charging-available • J1772
Plan Your Visit
Essential Information
- Facility ID: 232716
- Managing Agency: Us Army Corps of Engineers
- Agency Email: recreation.gov
- Agency Website: http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/usace/cordell/index.html
- Parent Park: Cordell Hull Lake
- Park Website: /parks/cordell-hull-lake/
Park System Information
Park Classification & Structure
- Park Type: Lakes and Reservoirs
- Parks Post Name: cordell-hull-lake
- Parent Park Name: Cordell Hull Lake
- Correct Park Type Mapping: cordell-hull-lake
System Statistics
- Total Campgrounds in System: 5.0
- States Covered: Tennessee
- Managing Agencies: Us Army Corps of Engineers
System IDs & References
- Parent Organization ID: 130.0
- Parent Recreation Area ID: 385
- Parks Parent Org IDs: 130.0
- Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 385
URL Slugs & Navigation
- State Slug: tennessee
- Agency Slug: us-army-corps-of-engineers
- Park Type Slug: lakes-and-reservoirs
- Parent Park Slug: cordell-hull-lake
Additional Park Information
Data Reference Notes
Managing Agency Slug: us-army-corps-of-engineers
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