Dale Hollow Dam Campground

Are you looking for a peaceful escape into nature, right here in Tennessee? Look no further than Dale Hollow Dam Campground in Celina, TN. Tucked away in the beautiful green hills, this campground offers a fantastic opportunity for locals and visitors alike to connect with the outdoors, enjoy pristine facilities, and make lasting memories. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the experience, Dale Hollow Dam Campground provides a comfortable and engaging environment for all.

Known for its serene atmosphere and exceptionally well-maintained facilities, Dale Hollow Dam Campground consistently receives rave reviews from its guests. Many highlight the cleanliness of the shower houses, often describing them as the "cleanest" they've ever encountered at a state-run campground. The friendly and helpful staff, including the dedicated young lady who cleans the bathrooms and the readily available volunteer gate attendants, contribute significantly to the positive camping experience. It’s truly a gem that many visitors wish they could keep a secret!

During the week, the campground offers an extremely calm and quiet retreat, perfect for those seeking tranquility. While weekends naturally see a bit more activity, the peaceful ambiance largely remains, making it an ideal spot for unwinding. If you choose a site on the top row, you might even enjoy the soothing sounds of the fishery behind you, providing a lovely sense of privacy and natural melody.

Beyond the campsite itself, the surrounding area boasts incredible opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Many campers enjoy walking the creek and trout fishing below the dam, an activity that adds another layer of relaxation and adventure to your stay. And when hunger strikes, locals often recommend a visit to Ollie's in Celina for a delicious meal, solidifying Dale Hollow Dam Campground as one of Tennessee's top camping destinations.

Dale Hollow Dam Campground is conveniently located directly below the Dale Hollow Dam, providing a picturesque setting along the Obey River. Its address is 200 Campground Rd, Celina, TN 38551, USA. Situated in Clay County, Tennessee, this location offers easy access to the renowned Dale Hollow Lake and its surrounding natural beauty. While there isn't direct access to Dale Hollow Lake from the campground itself, visitors can easily reach the nearby Pleasant Grove Day Use Area, which is just a short 3-mile drive away, for boat launching and lake access. The campground’s position offers a perfect blend of peaceful riverside camping with quick access to the larger lake for more expansive water activities.

Getting to Dale Hollow Dam Campground is straightforward, with well-maintained roads leading right to the entrance. The region's temperate climate allows for a relatively long recreation season, meaning you can enjoy the campground and its amenities for much of the year. The tranquility and natural surroundings make it feel like a true escape, yet it remains easily accessible for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation for Tennessee residents.

• 72 level single-party campsites and three group camping (double-party) sites.
• One large group picnic shelter, available for reservation.
• Electric hookups at most sites (site 37 does not have water/electric hookups).
• Drinking water available throughout the campground.
• Spotless flush toilets and clean shower houses.
• A convenient dump station for RV campers.
• Wi-Fi hub provided near the registration center for essential communication and reservations.
• Designated site pads for camping equipment and vehicles.
• On-site park attendants and volunteers readily available for assistance.
• Trash collection and dumpsters for proper waste disposal.
• Fire rings at each campsite for enjoyable campfires.
• Firewood policy: Campers may only burn certified heat-treated firewood, commercial fire logs, kiln-dried, unpainted, unstained lumber, or dead and downed branches adjacent to the campsite.

• Proximity to Dale Hollow Dam and the Obey River, offering excellent trout fishing opportunities.
• Adjacent to the Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery, the largest federal trout hatchery east of the Mississippi, open to visitors daily.
• Renowned for its fishing, particularly for yielding the world record smallmouth bass and being a trophy smallmouth lake.
• Peaceful and quiet atmosphere, particularly during weekdays, as noted by visitors.
• Exceptional cleanliness of facilities, especially the shower houses, as highlighted in numerous reviews.
• Family-friendly environment with a variety of recreational activities available.
• Opportunity for wildlife viewing; American Bald Eagles can be spotted in the late fall through early spring.
• Paved walking and biking paths winding through the campground area.
• Close to 27,700 surface acres of Dale Hollow Lake and 620 miles of shoreline for boating, water skiing, and exploration.
• Nearby Red Oak Ridge Trail (about 9 miles away) offers 18 miles of trails for horseback riding and hiking.
• Accordion Bluff Hiking Trail (7.5 miles one-way) connecting Lillydale and Willow Grove Campgrounds, ideal for birders and wildflower enthusiasts.
• Designated accessible sites (60, 61, 62).
• Good cell service in the area.

While Dale Hollow Dam Campground itself, being managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, may not always have specific, ongoing promotional offers directly advertised, it’s always a good idea to check the Recreation.gov website for the latest information on pricing and potential seasonal discounts. Fees are subject to change, but generally, single-party campsites are $32 per night and group camping sites are $46 per night. The large group shelter reserves for $70 per day.

It is worth noting that Tennessee State Parks offer various discounts that may apply to camping across the state. These include a 10% Tennessee Resident Discount for those with a valid state-issued photo ID. Additionally, year-round camping discounts (approximately 25% in-season, 50% off-season) are available to residents and non-residents of Tennessee who are disabled. Seniors aged 62 and older can also receive a 25% discount on standard camping fees during in-season and a 50% discount during off-season. While these general state park discounts are not guaranteed to apply directly to Dale Hollow Dam Campground (managed by the Corps of Engineers), it is always advisable to inquire upon booking or check their official booking platform for any applicable special rates. Always provide proof of eligibility upon check-in for any discounts.

Address: 200 Campground Rd, Celina, TN 38551, USA

Phone: (931) 243-3554

Mobile Phone: +1 931-243-3554

For campground inquiries, the primary phone number is 931-243-3554. If you are looking for resource management office information for Dale Hollow Lake, you can contact 931-243-3136. Reservations and site information can typically be found and made through Recreation.gov, the official booking platform for federal recreation sites.

For those of us living in Tennessee, Dale Hollow Dam Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's an accessible slice of paradise right in our backyard. This campground offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and comforting amenities, making it an ideal destination for a quick weekend getaway or a longer family vacation without having to travel far from home.

The consistent feedback from visitors about the "spotless" facilities and the incredibly friendly staff speaks volumes. Knowing that the shower houses are meticulously cleaned and that helpful hands are always nearby significantly enhances the camping experience, especially for families or those who appreciate a bit of comfort while roughing it. The quiet and calm atmosphere, particularly during the week, provides a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing for true relaxation and rejuvenation.

Moreover, the prime location directly below the Dale Hollow Dam offers unique recreational opportunities that are hard to beat. From world-class trout fishing in the Obey River to being minutes away from Dale Hollow Lake, renowned for its smallmouth bass and vast expanse for boating and water sports, there’s no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. The proximity to the Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery adds an educational and interesting dimension to your trip, perfect for curious minds of all ages.

Whether you're looking to cast a line, hike scenic trails, enjoy a peaceful campfire under the stars, or simply unwind in a beautiful natural setting, Dale Hollow Dam Campground provides an exceptional and convenient option for Tennessee residents. It’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the natural wonders of our state, create cherished memories with loved ones, and return home feeling refreshed and connected to the great outdoors. It’s a testament to the stunning landscapes and welcoming spirit that Tennessee is known for, making it a highly recommended local treasure for all outdoor enthusiasts.