Dale Hollow Dam Campground

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Hello, Tennessee outdoors enthusiasts and fishing aficionados! If you're on the hunt for a truly exceptional camping experience, one that combines pristine facilities with incredible access to some of the state's best fishing and water activities, then Dale Hollow Dam Campground is a destination you absolutely must consider. Nestled just below the mighty Dale Hollow Dam in Celina, this campground consistently earns rave reviews for its spotless amenities, friendly staff, and remarkably peaceful atmosphere. It's truly a "gem" for anyone looking to unwind and connect with nature.

For those of us in Tennessee who appreciate clean surroundings, genuine hospitality, and prime opportunities for bass tournaments or a relaxing day of trout fishing, Dale Hollow Dam Campground offers an unparalleled experience. This article will provide you with a detailed overview of what makes this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-managed campground so highly recommended. We'll explore its strategic location and accessibility, delve into the wide array of services it offers, highlight its standout features, and provide all the essential contact information. Our goal is to ensure you’re well-informed and ready to discover why so many local users consider Dale Hollow Dam Campground one of their top stays in Tennessee!

Dale Hollow Dam Campground is ideally situated at 200 Campground Rd, Celina, TN 38551, USA. This prime location places it directly below the impressive Dale Hollow Dam, along the banks of the Obey River, which then flows into the expansive Dale Hollow Lake. Celina, a charming small town in Clay County, is the southern gateway to Dale Hollow Lake, a vast reservoir renowned for its clear waters, extensive shoreline, and world-class fishing.

Accessibility to Dale Hollow Dam Campground is quite convenient for residents across Tennessee. Celina is located in North Central Tennessee, making it a manageable drive from the state's major metropolitan areas. From Nashville, the drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, a pleasant journey through rural landscapes. Chattanooga is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours away, while Knoxville is a similar driving time. The campground's address on "Campground Rd" suggests direct and well-maintained access from local highways, making it easy for RVs and trailers of all sizes to navigate. Reviews praise the "convenient to pull into" campsites. The setting, nestled in the "green hills of Tennessee" and "surrounded by a thick expanse of forest," offers a sense of seclusion while remaining easily reachable. While the campground is located below the dam, direct access to Dale Hollow Lake is typically a short drive away, often via Pleasant Grove Day Use Area (about 3 miles). The blend of peaceful natural surroundings and reasonable driving distances makes Dale Hollow Dam Campground a highly attractive and accessible destination for locals seeking an escape.

Dale Hollow Dam Campground, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is known for its well-maintained facilities and comprehensive services that ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.

• Campsites with Utilities: The campground features 72 single-party campsites (and additional group sites). Most of these, specifically 74 out of 75 RV/trailer sites, offer electric and water hookups, with 50 amp hookups available. Each site also includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grate, providing essential comforts for campers. Sites are either paved/concrete for RVs or fine gravel for standard sites accommodating wheeled units and tents.

• Spotless Shower Houses & Restrooms: A standout feature, consistently highlighted by reviewers, is the exceptional cleanliness of the facilities. Campers rave about the "cleanest shower houses I have ever experienced at a state run campground" and praise the bathrooms as "spotless." These facilities include flush toilets and hot showers, adding a touch of home comfort. Air conditioning is noted in some bath houses.

• Dump Station: For RVers, a convenient dump station is available on-site, making waste disposal easy and efficient.

• Friendly and Accessible Staff: The campground benefits from a highly praised team, including a "very kind" young lady who cleans bathrooms, "readily available" volunteers at the front gate, and "very nice" and "helpful" staff and camp hosts. This level of service significantly enhances the overall camping experience.

• Wi-Fi Hub: A Wi-Fi hub is provided near the registration center, offering connectivity for calls, weather checks, emails, and making future reservations, which is particularly useful when the registration center is closed.

• Pet-Friendly Policy: Domestic pets (dogs/cats only) are permitted, provided they are leashed, controlled, and attended at all times, with proper waste disposal. This makes it an inclusive destination for furry family members.

• Firewood Sales: Firewood is often available for sale from the camp host, providing a convenient way to enjoy campfires.

• Recreational Facilities: Beyond the natural attractions, the campground and nearby day-use areas may offer a swimming beach, volleyball court, and a playground, adding to the family-friendly appeal.

Dale Hollow Dam Campground is rich with natural beauty and recreational opportunities, making it a prime destination for various outdoor activities.

• World-Class Fishing: Dale Hollow Lake is globally recognized, particularly as the "Home of the World Record Smallmouth Bass" and a premier "trophy smallmouth lake." The Obey River below the dam is also renowned for "excellent cold water rainbow and brown trout fishing." Campers can enjoy fishing directly in the river's tailwaters, or access the vast Dale Hollow Lake (a short drive away) for diverse angling opportunities, including bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.

• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Reviewers consistently note the campground's calm and quiet nature, especially during the week. Even on weekends, it remains a "very quiet stay," making it ideal for relaxation and escaping urban noise. Staying on the "top row with the fishery behind us" offers added privacy and the "sounds of the pools running."

• Stunning Scenery: The campground is nestled within a thick forest, with the "clear blue lake creating a stunning scenic backdrop." The dam overlook provides "a gorgeous view of the lake" and a "breathtaking picture of the Obey River flowing through the valley."

• Proximity to Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery: Adjacent to the campground, this U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service facility is the "largest federal trout hatchery east of the Mississippi," producing 1.5 million trout annually. It's open daily to visitors and offers educational opportunities.

• Walking and Biking Trails: A "one-mile paved walking and biking trail winds through forest, along streamside and past a rolling meadow," offering a scenic route for gentle exercise. The Accordion Bluff Hiking Trail (7.5 miles) is also accessible, ideal for birders and wildflower enthusiasts.

• Boating and Water Sports: With 27,700 surface acres and 620 miles of shoreline on Dale Hollow Lake, there's ample space for boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, and kayaking. Secluded tie-ups are available for a peaceful nature experience on the lake.

• Wildlife Viewing & Eagle Spotting: The forested shoreline and clear waters provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. In late fall through early spring, American Bald Eagles can be spotted flying overhead or perched on limbs, as Dale Hollow hosts the "second-largest wintering eagle population in Tennessee and Kentucky."

• Nearby Dining Gem: Visitors highly recommend "eating at Ollie's in Celina!" This local spot is known for its "great food and good service," including a famous "Elephant Burger" and Southern soul food, making it a convenient and delicious option for meals outside the campground.

For reservations, inquiries about current conditions, or more specific details about Dale Hollow Dam Campground, you can use the following contact information:

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

Phone: (931) 243-3554

Mobile Phone: +1 931-243-3554

As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground, reservations are typically made via Recreation.gov. However, calling the campground directly is highly recommended for real-time information on site availability, specific amenities, or any operational updates. Given the consistently positive reviews about their friendly and helpful staff, you can expect excellent assistance when planning your visit.

For residents of Tennessee, Dale Hollow Dam Campground stands out as an exceptional choice for a camping adventure, offering a perfect blend of recreational opportunities and remarkable comfort. Its location in Celina provides reasonable accessibility from across the state, minimizing travel time and maximizing your precious moments by the water.

What truly makes this campground suitable for locals is its reputation for being "one of my top stays in Tennessee!" The consistently praised "cleanest shower houses" and "spotless amenities" are a major draw, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic experience that often surpasses expectations for a state-run facility. The friendly and helpful staff, including camp hosts and gate volunteers, contribute significantly to a welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors feel right at home. Beyond the comfort, the campground is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Its world-class fishing, particularly for smallmouth bass and trout in the Obey River tailwaters, is a magnet for anglers. The peaceful atmosphere, even on weekends, ensures a relaxing retreat, while the proximity to the vast Dale Hollow Lake offers endless possibilities for boating, paddling, and wildlife viewing, including magnificent bald eagles. For any Tennessee local seeking a clean, quiet, and amenity-rich campground with prime access to fishing and water sports, Dale Hollow Dam Campground is not just a place to stay—it's a truly cherished "gem" for creating lasting memories in our beautiful state.

Dale Hollow Dam Campground

200 Campground Rd, Celina, TN 38551, USA