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Lillydale Campground

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Lillydale Campground Overview

Rating

Phone (931) 823-4155

Address 985 Lily Dale Rd, Allons, TN 38541, USA

Website https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232623

Hours

Lillydale Campground Location & Map

TennesseeClay CountyAllonsLily Dale Road

Lillydale Campground About

Hello, fellow Tennesseans and outdoor lovers! Are you dreaming of a refreshing escape to one of our state’s most beautiful lakes, where you can pitch a tent under the stars or park your RV with stunning water views? Then it's time to discover Lillydale Campground in Allons, Tennessee. Nestled on the shores of the magnificent Dale Hollow Lake, this campground offers a diverse array of camping experiences, from primitive island solitude to comfortable RV pads, all designed to connect you with the serene beauty of the Upper Cumberland region.

Dale Hollow Lake is a true natural treasure, celebrated for its exceptionally clear waters, remarkable fishing opportunities, and miles of unspoiled shoreline. Lillydale Campground capitalizes on this prime location, providing a well-maintained and welcoming base for all your lake adventures. Whether you're planning a quiet weekend away with your tent, an extended family trip in your RV, or a truly primitive escape to a secluded island site, Lillydale offers the perfect setting.

Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, taking a short stroll to the water's edge, or easily launching your boat for a day of fun on the lake. Lillydale Campground strives to make these experiences a reality, ensuring your focus remains on enjoying the outdoors and creating cherished memories. While every campground has its quirks, Lillydale stands out for its layout, the welcoming nature of its staff, and its impressive amenities like free laundry facilities. This article will provide you with a detailed overview of Lillydale Campground, highlighting its unique location, the services and features that make it special, and why it's a fantastic choice for locals seeking a memorable outdoor getaway right here in Tennessee.

Location and Accessibility

Lillydale Campground is conveniently located at 985 Lily Dale Rd, Allons, TN 38541, USA. This address places it squarely on the picturesque shores of Dale Hollow Lake, a jewel of the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee. For residents of our state, this location means easy access to one of the cleanest and most celebrated lakes in the entire country, renowned for its clarity, fishing, and diverse recreational opportunities.

Accessing Lillydale Campground involves navigating a "very long and very winding and hilly entrance road," as noted by a past visitor. While this might sound a bit adventurous, it contributes to the secluded and natural feel of the campground, separating it from the bustle of main roads. Despite the winding entry, the reviews suggest that it is manageable, and the reward is worth the journey – a beautiful lakeside setting.

The campground's layout itself is "nicely laid out in three large loops, plus an island oasis." This design helps distribute campers, and with "some of the tent sites right on the water" and "several of the pads are concrete located right on the water," many sites offer direct access to or stunning views of Dale Hollow Lake. The island, being "completely primitive," offers a truly unique and immersive natural experience for tent campers, though accessing it involves "a little bit of a walk in sand and grass" which can be aided by provided wagons.

Being in Allons, Tennessee, the campground is part of a rural landscape, but major towns and necessary amenities like grocery stores and gas stations are typically within a reasonable driving distance, ensuring that campers can resupply as needed. The blend of a serene natural setting and relative accessibility makes Lillydale Campground an appealing choice for Tennesseans seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Services Offered

Lillydale Campground goes above and beyond in offering a range of services designed to enhance your camping experience, whether you're roughing it in a primitive tent site or enjoying the comforts of an RV. Here’s a breakdown of the key amenities and services provided:

  • Diverse Campsite Options:

    • RV Sites: Many pads are concrete, with several located directly on the water, providing excellent views and stable parking for your rig. These sites typically come with full hookups (electric, water, sewer).

    • Tent Camping Loops: One loop is exclusively for tent camping, ensuring a dedicated space for traditional campers.

    • Island Oasis (Primitive Tent Camping): A unique offering for true nature lovers, this island is completely primitive for tenting, providing an immersive experience. Wagons are available to help transport gear to these sites.

  • Excellent Bathhouses: The campground features "very large, very clean" bathrooms that are "cleaned every morning." They boast "automatic lighting when you enter" and are generally well-maintained, providing a comfortable and hygienic experience. While some remote port-a-potties may be less ideal, the main bathhouses are highly rated.

  • Complimentary Laundry Facilities: A standout feature is the provision of "complimentary full size washer and dryer for use" in two of the bathhouses. This is an incredible convenience for campers, especially those on longer trips, saving time and money typically spent at laundromats.

  • Dump Station: A "conveniently located inbound and outbound dump station" is available, making waste disposal easy and efficient for RVers.

  • Recycle Bin: A "dumpster with a recycle bin" is provided, encouraging environmentally conscious waste disposal, even if sometimes humorously overused for beer cans.

  • Friendly and Informative Staff: Campers are "greeted by a very nice couple who is more than happy to give you a generous amount of information with a smile," suggesting a welcoming and helpful staff presence.

These services collectively contribute to a well-equipped and user-friendly campground experience, making Lillydale a comfortable and convenient choice for your Tennessee adventure.

Features / Highlights

Lillydale Campground offers a variety of compelling features that make it a highly desirable destination for campers in Tennessee. These highlights contribute to its unique charm and excellent reputation:

  • Stunning Lakeside Location on Dale Hollow Lake: Situated directly on Dale Hollow Lake, a pristine body of water known for its clarity and excellent fishing, the campground offers unparalleled access to water activities. "Some of the tent sites are right on the water" and "several of the pads are concrete located right on the water," providing beautiful views and direct access for swimming, boating, and fishing.

  • Unique Island Oasis for Primitive Camping: The "island oasis" offers a truly primitive tent camping experience, providing a secluded and immersive natural setting. This feature is perfect for those seeking to truly disconnect and enjoy the wilderness. The availability of wagons to transport gear to the island is a thoughtful convenience.

  • Newly Rebuilt and Replanted Park: The campground underwent a significant rebuild after a beetle infestation destroyed pine trees, resulting in a "completely rebuilt" park with "new trees planted." This indicates modern infrastructure and a commitment to restoring and maintaining the natural beauty of the area.

  • Exceptional and Complimentary Laundry Facilities: A rare and highly valued amenity, "two of the bath houses have a complimentary full size washer and dryer for use." This is a huge convenience for campers on longer trips, allowing them to do laundry without additional cost or needing to leave the campground.

  • Clean and Modern Bathhouses: The main bathrooms are described as "very large, very clean," with "automatic lighting" and are "cleaned every morning." While port-a-potties might be less ideal, the main facilities offer a high standard of cleanliness and comfort, a crucial feature for any campground.

  • Friendly and Informative Owners/Staff: The welcoming interaction with the "very nice couple who is more than happy to give you a generous amount of information with a smile" significantly enhances the overall camping experience, creating a positive and helpful atmosphere.

  • Convenient Dump Station and Recycling: The "inbound and outbound dump station" and presence of a recycle bin demonstrate a commitment to practical utilities and environmental responsibility, making waste management easy for campers.

While some reviews mention minor issues like site proximity or early morning noise from trucks, the overwhelming positives—especially the lake access, new facilities, free laundry, and friendly staff—make Lillydale Campground a highly attractive option for campers in Tennessee.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, current "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional commercial sense are not explicitly detailed in the provided information for Lillydale Campground, most campgrounds, especially those with diverse offerings like Lillydale, often have dynamic pricing and potential deals based on seasonality, length of stay, or affiliations. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to contact the campground directly.

However, based on common practices for campgrounds of this type, here are potential "offers" or value-added aspects you might inquire about:

  • Seasonal Rates: Camping rates often fluctuate depending on the time of year. Peak season (usually summer, holidays) typically commands higher rates, while off-peak or shoulder seasons (spring and fall) might offer lower prices and a more serene camping experience.

  • Extended Stay Discounts: For campers planning to stay for a week, a month, or even longer, it's common for campgrounds to offer discounted weekly or monthly rates compared to their daily fees. This is an excellent way to save money if you're looking for a longer retreat by Dale Hollow Lake.

  • Complimentary Amenities: As a highlight, the "complimentary full size washer and dryer" found in two of the bathhouses is a significant value-add that effectively acts as a "free service" that most other campgrounds charge for. This can lead to considerable savings over a multi-day stay.

  • Federal Pass Discounts: If Lillydale Campground is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or a similar federal agency (which is common for campgrounds on large lakes like Dale Hollow), holders of federal passes (e.g., America the Beautiful Senior Pass, Access Pass) may be eligible for discounts on camping fees. It is always wise to inquire about these.

Given the "very nice couple" who run the place and are "more than happy to give you a generous amount of information," they would be the best source to confirm any specific pricing, availability for different site types, and any special arrangements for groups or longer stays.

Contact Information

Ready to experience the beauty of Dale Hollow Lake at Lillydale Campground? Here’s how you can get in touch to plan your visit:

  • Address: 985 Lily Dale Rd, Allons, TN 38541, USA

  • Phone: (931) 823-4155

  • Mobile Phone: +1 931-823-4155

We highly recommend calling ahead to check site availability, especially if you're interested in a specific type of site (like a lakeside RV pad or a primitive island tent spot) or if you're planning your trip during a peak season. Speaking directly with the welcoming staff can provide you with all the necessary details and help ensure a smooth booking process for your Tennessee camping adventure.

Conclusion: Why Lillydale Campground is Suitable for Locals

For Tennesseans seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience, Lillydale Campground in Allons stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing choice. Its unique blend of diverse camping options, excellent amenities, and direct access to Dale Hollow Lake makes it a true gem right here in our home state.

Firstly, the unparalleled access to Dale Hollow Lake is a massive draw for locals. We cherish our state’s beautiful waterways, and Lillydale puts you right in the heart of one of the best. Whether you're an avid angler, a boating enthusiast, or simply someone who loves to relax by the water, the convenience of having waterfront sites and easy lake access means less travel and more time enjoying what you love. The option for primitive island camping also offers a distinct and immersive natural escape that’s hard to find elsewhere, perfect for those seeking true solitude without venturing too far from home.

Secondly, the campground's commitment to providing high-quality amenities significantly enhances the camping experience. The newly rebuilt infrastructure, clean and modern bathhouses, and particularly the complimentary full-size washers and dryers are standout features that add immense value. These conveniences mean that even on longer trips, you can maintain comfort and cleanliness without extra cost or effort, allowing you to truly relax and enjoy your stay. The helpful and friendly staff, as noted by numerous visitors, further contributes to a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit feel comfortable and well-supported.

While some minor issues like site proximity or occasional noise might occur, these are typical of any popular campground and are far outweighed by the overall positive experience. The blend of rustic charm with modern necessities, combined with the stunning natural setting, makes Lillydale Campground a versatile and highly recommended destination for any Tennessean. It's a place where you can create lasting memories, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the true essence of outdoor living, all within the beautiful confines of our own state. Make Lillydale Campground your next adventure by Dale Hollow Lake!

Customer Reviews

4.0
289 reviews
M
Marlena Lane
Jul 10, 2024

Location for tent camping is beautiful but the walk to the island is a little bit of a walk in sand and grass..they have two wagons you can use to help get your stuff to your camp site but when we got there Friday it was just one and we had to wait until someone got done using it. The camp site are kinda close together.the lady behind us was complaining that our light was shining right it her tent. Port-a potties was nasty nasty and the closest bathrooms was up pass where you have to park..clean bathroom in the morning time by afternoon bring some toilet paper just in case.decent showers..

M
Michael Scott
May 26, 2024

After navigating the very long and very winding and hilly entrance road 🫣😬 You will be greeted by a very nice couple who is more than happy to give you a generous amount of information with a smile 😃 The campground is very nicely laid out in three large loops, plus an island oasis.🏝️ One is exclusively for tenting⛺, and of course, so is the island which is completely primitive. A couple of the tent sites are right on the water!🌊 In another loop. Several of the pads are concrete located right on the water.🌊 Apparently the story is here that for many years this was a pine tree forest until it got attacked by beetles🪲 and killed all the trees.🌲 The park had to be shut down and completely rebuilt. New trees were planted. 🎋 The bathrooms🚻 are very large, very clean, And have automatic lighting when you enter. 👍🏻 They are cleaned every morning.🧹🧽 Two of the bath houses have a complimentary full size washer and dryer for use! 😲 With a complete 45 minute or longer cycle. You know how I feel about "short-timed" tiny pay washers 😡 There is a conveniently located inbound and outbound dump station as well as dumpster with a recycle bin. Kind of funny to see so many beer cans in the recycle bin. 😲🤫 But hey, at least they're being recycled. 🫢 ☹️ I see a lot of children running back and forth and riding their bicycles between the sites! 😲 A strict violation of proper campground etiquette. But their parents are also doing it!!🫣 Some of the people I see here could use the extra walk 🚶🏻‍♂️of going around and staying on the street.... 🫢 It gets light early here in the central time zone on daylight savings time in the summer. There's always someone with an obnoxiously loud diesel truck who decides to get on the road before 6:00 a.m., ignoring the quiet hours and enjoying the sound of his vehicle🙉 as he races out of the park! Maybe he's thinking that if he goes faster the noise won't last as long? 🤷🏻‍♂️ 😖Unfortunately, this appears to be something new for some of my reviews👉🏻🚬

S
Scott Giles
Oct 15, 2023

This is a very well kept campground. The staff is very friendly and helpful and they take great care of the grounds. The bathrooms were scrubbed daily, we never had a problem with neighbors or noise. We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. Site 33 was perfectly level side to side and easy to get into with our 27' TT. The hookups were good (only 30 amp electric, which is exactly what we needed), not hard to get to as some other campgrounds are. The bathhouse is just a few steps away, really from anywhere on the grounds as there are several bathhouses. If you stay here, you must eat at the Fork, you'll see it on your way in. There isn't much within 25 to 30 minutes of the grounds but that wasn't a problem for us. We will definitely be back!

K
Ken West the Artist
Aug 25, 2024

I actually love this place! This was my first time ever camping out at Lillydale. It was a pretty awesome experience. Had a little (kinda) conversation with a squirrel lol, saw a family of Deer and an Eagle, all in the same spot of the campground. The weather was very nice, the area that we placed our tent in was an amazing shaded spot and had a view of the lake from our tent. We reserved spots 31 and 32. They were right across from the restrooms/shower rooms, which made it better with having kids that don't like to walk anywhere lol. I will say that if you need anything from the store like groceries, you may have to stop before getting there. There aren't any big name stores in the area like Walmart or anything, but there is a little store called "Triple D" on 294, or if you just want to eat, there's a restaurant called The Fork at the beginning of the road that leads to Lillydale's campground. For those pulling campers and trailers, please be careful on the roads leading to the campground, they are a little curvy. I will definitely be going back one day! If you like artwork, I have attached a few photos of drawings that I've done over the years. You can also view my artwork on social media. Instagram: @kenwesttheartist YouTube: @kentheartist89 Facebook: Ken West the Artist

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Matt Oliver
Sep 13, 2024

We camped on the island. The only way to make it better is to install permanent facilities on the island for those campers. The portable toilets were very clean though!