Defeated Creek Park

DEFEATED CREEK PARK

Overview

Defeated Creek Park Campground sits along the banks of Cordell Hull Lake on the Cumberland River System, just seven miles from Carthage, Tennessee. The lake was named after Cordell Hull, a politician that was born in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains. Hull is best known for being the longest running secretary of state in American history, serving for 11 years. Click here for a virtual tour of the Cordell Hull Lake facilities.

Facilities

The campground offers 155 sites for tents and RVs, all with electric hookups. Two large group day-use shelters are also available on a first come first serve basis or for reservation in the day use area, both shelters have water and electric hookups. A boat ramp, playground, beach, and tennis and volleyball courts are all provided, making the area perfect for families or larger parties. A marina is located adjacent to the campground.

Natural Features

Cordell Hull Lake is situated among rolling hills covered in a mix of shady maple, hickory, oak, beech and chestnut trees. Summer temperatures range from the 60s to the 90s. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, quail, squirrels, rabbits and a wide variety of waterfowl are commonly seen throughout the area.

Recreation

The 12,000-acre lake stretches 72 miles upstream and boasts 381 miles of shoreline, offering countless recreational activities for visitors.

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, and boat ramps and a marina provide easy lake access.

Miles of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails surround the lake. The 6-mile Bearwaller Gap Trail has a trailhead within the campground. Other trails in the area include the Turkey Creek Nature Trail and Bear Wheels Trail.

Nearby Attractions

The historic town of Granville, Tennessee, is 25 miles from the campground. 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 Civil War living history presentations.

Important Notices

The use of an America the Beautiful discount pass (Access or Senior) requires the card holder to be present upon checkin, have the reservation in their name, and present a valid ID. Failure to do so will result in full payment until the discount card hold becomes present. At this point a refund will be approriately processed.
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.
Pets are prohibited at the restrooms, beaches and day use area due to health department restrictions.
Early check-in may be available only after 12:00 PM on a case by case basis. Early check-in is not guaranteed.
Only two tents allowed per site. Only one wheeled camping unit allowed to each site. One wheeled camping unit and one tent is allowed.
Only licensed vehicles are permitted. Each campsite is provided two parking hangtags. Additional vehicles, or visitors to campers are charged $3 fee per vehicle.
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. If the driveway could only accommodate one vehicle‘s width 40 feet was subtracted from the total site length.
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.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/rec.

Available Activities

Swimming Site - Swimming Site
Fishing - Fishing
Camping - Camping
Boating - Boating
Biking - Biking
Amphitheater - Amphitheater
Evening Programs - Evening Programs
Environmental Education - Environmental Education
Interpretive Programs - Interpretive Programs
Kayaking - Kayaking
Paddle Boating - Paddle Boating
Photography - Photography
Star Gazing - Star Gazing
Water Access - Water Access
Water Skiing - Water Skiing
Tubing - Tubing
Swimming - Swimming
Wilderness - Wilderness
Water Activities - Water Activities
Paddling - Paddling
Hiking - Hiking
Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking

Directions

From Carthage, Tennessee, take SR-25 west for 4 miles. Turn north on SR-80, then east on SR-85. Follow signs to campground.

Contact Information

Phone: 615-774-3141

140 Marina Lane
CARTHAGE, TN 37030

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

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