RAGLAND BOTTOM Introduce
For Tennesseans searching for the ideal blend of natural beauty, family-friendly activities, and modern conveniences, Ragland Bottom is a true gem. Located on the serene shores of Center Hill Lake, this campground is a beloved spot for both seasoned campers and those new to the great outdoors. It offers a diverse range of accommodations, from primitive tent sites to fully-equipped RV spots, ensuring there is a perfect place for every type of visitor. The atmosphere is one of peaceful recreation, where the sound of lapping water replaces the noise of city life. The combination of a beautiful lakeside setting with well-maintained facilities and a genuinely friendly staff makes Ragland Bottom a top choice for a memorable getaway. It's a place where you can create lasting memories, whether you're teaching the kids to wakeboard, enjoying a quiet picnic, or simply relaxing by the water. The campground is a testament to the beautiful landscapes our state has to offer, and its commitment to providing a clean, safe, and enjoyable experience is what keeps locals coming back year after year.
Ragland Bottom is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a destination. The on-site amenities, from the playgrounds for the children to the easily accessible boat ramps, are designed to cater to a full range of interests. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, especially the bathhouses, which is a major factor in ensuring a comfortable stay. The sense of community is strong here, with campers and friendly staff creating a welcoming environment. It’s a spot where you can meet new friends, share stories around a campfire, and truly feel at home. The ability to bring your furry family members adds to the appeal, as dogs are welcome in the campground, so no one has to be left behind. While it’s a popular spot, the campground is well-managed to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. The balance of a bustling, active atmosphere and the peaceful tranquility of the lake is what makes Ragland Bottom so unique. It’s a place where adventure and relaxation go hand-in-hand, making it the perfect setting for your next Tennessee adventure.
The variety of activities available at Ragland Bottom means there is always something to do. From swimming in the clear lake waters to enjoying a game of volleyball, the campground offers a full schedule of fun without ever needing to leave the premises. It’s a self-contained haven of outdoor enjoyment, making trip planning simple and stress-free. For a truly unforgettable lakeside camping experience in Tennessee, Ragland Bottom stands out as a premier destination.
Ragland Bottom is conveniently located at 1410 Ragland Bottom Rd, Sparta, TN 38583, USA. Its prime position on the shores of Center Hill Lake makes it a focal point for water-based recreation and stunning natural views. For those traveling from across Tennessee, the location is a manageable drive from major metropolitan areas, including Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. This accessibility makes it a perfect weekend getaway destination without the need for extensive travel. Upon arrival, the campground is set up to be easily navigated, even for larger RVs. The site is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, demonstrating a commitment to welcoming all visitors to enjoy the beauty of the area. On-site parking, including a paid lot, is a key convenience, and the fact that boat and trailer parking is included in the nightly fee for campers is a huge bonus. This eliminates the headache of finding a place to store your boat and makes it easy to transition from land to water. The campground’s location is also praised for its proximity to local amenities. As one reviewer mentioned, the nearby Fiddler's Market and Cafe is a "GREAT asset," providing a convenient spot for last-minute supplies, food, and essentials. This proximity to a "real" store means you don't have to venture far from your camping paradise to grab something you may have forgotten.
The boat ramps at Ragland Bottom are a major highlight, with one reviewer stating that they are "easy to get to and not too steep," which is a crucial detail for anyone with a boat. The availability of multiple boat ramps, including one in the adjacent day-use area, further enhances the accessibility and appeal for boaters. While parking can sometimes be a challenge during peak times, particularly on a day with a bass tournament, visitors note that arriving later in the day can help you find a spot. The campground is a well-integrated part of the larger Ragland Bottom Recreation Area, offering easy access to the day-use area with a sandy swimming beach, picnic areas, and more. This cohesive design means that campers have a variety of recreational options just steps away from their site. Overall, the location and accessibility of Ragland Bottom are key factors in its popularity, offering a serene lakeside retreat that is both easy to get to and well-supported by local and on-site amenities.
Services Offered:
- RV camping sites with electric and water hookups.
- Some RV sites with full sewer hookups.
- Tent sites with water and electric access.
- Clean public showers with running water.
- Clean public toilets.
- Laundry facilities (though some may be out of order at times).
- On-site parking and paid parking lot.
- A boat launch and boat trailer parking.
- Accepts credit cards and debit cards for camping fees.
Features / Highlights:
- Kid-friendly environment with a playground, swings, and slides.
- Designated kid-friendly hikes.
- Dogs are allowed, making it a great option for pet owners.
- RV electric hookup and water hookup available.
- Beautiful picnic areas with barbecue grills and picnic tables.
- A volleyball court for recreation.
- Friendly and helpful staff and camp hosts.
- Direct access to a designated swimming hole on Center Hill Lake.
Contact Information:
Address: 1410 Ragland Bottom Rd, Sparta, TN 38583, USA
Phone: (931) 761-3616 or +1 931-761-3616
What is worth choosing Ragland Bottom? The decision to choose Ragland Bottom is easy once you consider the wealth of positive feedback from real campers. The reviews consistently praise the excellent staff and hosts, with one camper noting, "The gentleman at the gate was SUPER nice." This personal touch is a significant factor, as is the fact that the hosts are willing to let you scout out available sites before you commit. The "Bang for the buck, this campground is it," sentiment is another powerful reason. Campers feel they are getting an incredible value, with amenities like a boat ramp, trailer parking, and clean facilities included in the nightly fee. This is a huge consideration for families and boaters who want to make the most of their trip without incurring hidden costs.
The cleanliness of the facilities is a point of pride, with multiple reviews highlighting the "clean camp sites and shower area" and "clean bathhouses." This level of maintenance is crucial for a comfortable and pleasant camping experience. The campground's dog-friendly policy is another major draw, allowing visitors to bring their beloved pets. One review mentioned the minor downside of not being able to take a dog to the day-use beach, but noted that a lakefront site would have allowed them to swim together, highlighting the flexibility and choice available. The proximity to local convenience stores, like the "Fiddler's Market and Cafe," is a small but important feature that enhances the overall convenience of the stay, saving you from a long drive into a "real" store for forgotten items. While some reviews mentioned minor issues, such as a temporary lack of working washers or a trail in disrepair, they were outweighed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the staff, cleanliness, and value. The fact that the campground offers a variety of site types—from full hookups to water and electric only, and tent sites—shows its commitment to catering to a wide audience. It is a place that feels like a hidden gem, and the genuine sense of community and care from the staff is what truly sets Ragland Bottom apart. For a fantastic, value-packed, and friendly camping experience in the heart of Tennessee, Ragland Bottom is the clear choice.
RAGLAND BOTTOM Details
Highlights
- Picnics
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
- RV camping
- RV electric hookup
- RV water hookup
Activities
- Hiking
Amenities
- Barbecue grill
- Picnic tables
- Public shower
- Public toilet
- Running water
- Slides
- Swings
- Tent sites
- Toilet
- Volleyball court
Payments
- Camping fee
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- Kid-friendly hikes
- Playground
Parking
- On-site parking
- Paid parking lot
Pets
- Dogs allowed
RAGLAND BOTTOM Photos










RAGLAND BOTTOM Location
RAGLAND BOTTOM
1410 Ragland Bottom Rd, Sparta, TN 38583, USA
RAGLAND BOTTOM Reviews
swimminglakerestroomsplaygroundboat ramptrailelectricgrillparkingpicnic
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We are having a blast at Ragland Bottom. Our boys are learning to wake board and we find some of the best water out this direction. We also like the swimming hole and having restrooms. The boat ramps easy to get to and not too steep. Parking can be a challenge but if you go later in the day you'll find a spot.
July 14 · Melissa CourtneyHonest rating is a 4.8 -- so many good things about this place. See the "Got it Right" and "Ways to get to 5" below.We had never heard of Ragland Bottom Recreational Area until we went looking for an alternative to a site we had booked at Edgar Evins that wouldn't work for us, so it was VERY last minute. We got super lucky and they had a site for the dates we needed, so we booked it on Recreation.gov and immediately headed that way. When we got to the campground, I had noticed a few other sites also open and the gentleman at the gate was SUPER nice and told us to go look at all of them and come let him know what we picked. We ended up in Site 19. Not waterfront, but a pull through with lots of "elbow room" and a good view nonetheless. It has water and electric, but no sewer (some of their sites are full hookups, just FYI). Doesn't appear to have "honey wagon" service for longer stays, so plan accordingly.Bang for the buck, this campground is it. You can bring your RV AND your boat in many of the sites. There's also a parking lot for boats and trailers and it's included in your nightly fee. There's a boat ramp. Next-door is the day use area with a nice swimming area (with another boat ramp if you're not camping and pay the day-use fee). We went to the beach there because we didn't have a boat/kayak and it was HOT. Only downside there is we couldn't bring our dog, and that was sad because she loves the lake. If we had booked a lakefront site, she could have gone swimming, though. We also love the proximity to town and met friends in Smithville and another couple we knew over at Hurricane Marina. But the little convenience store right before Ragland Road -- Fiddler's Market and Cafe -- is a GREAT asset! We got Hunt's Brother's pizza one night and stopped in this morning for a breakfast sandwich. Great prices, good food, and a lot of last-minute stuff you might need at the campground without going further to a "real" store.Here's the good, the better, and what needs fixed to be 5 stars all the way!GOT IT RIGHT:1. Staff/hosts. We never figured out who was a Core employee and who was a camp host, but everyone was super friendly and courteous.2. Bang for the buck. With a senior pass, this campground is ridiculously reasonably priced, whether full hookups, water and electric, or tent site. The grounds are beautiful, the lake is beautiful, the bathrooms are clean.3. Great lower level tent sites! Many with lakefront, all with water/electric and nice pads to set up a tent!WAYS TO GET TO 5:1. The washers were out of order. We didn't try the dryers. Now, they were FREE, which may be why the washers were out of order. But when you're in a lakeside campground, you're going to get wet, nasty clothes and a laundry would really be great.2. The Nature Trail has been let go into serious disrepair. We only hiked to the overlook because we had a social commitment. It wasn't TERRIBLE, but we hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, so your mileage may vary. The overlook is overgrown. In winter, you'd be able to see the marina, but not in summer. The rocks on the way in are slippery and that bathroom is closed (more on that later). It wouldn't take much for a volunteer trail group and/or a grant to bring this trail back to life. We looked for photos or video from when it was open and whatever is at the trailhead (a water fountain?) was functional but couldn't find anything.3. Tent sites on the upper level need that bathroom at the Nature Trail trailhead reopened. Now, we weren't tenting, but to have to go down to two levels to the bathroom near the full hookups is a lot when you have a facility right there at the trailhead.4. Clean up the beach in front of the lakefront sites. Some had tires, etc., in front of them. Eew.5. Trash can and better hose for flushing tanks at the dump station. Nowhere to dispose of your gloves after dumping tanks and the hose was just a cut-off garden hose so we couldn't flush the tanks. Please and thank you for those improvements!
July 26 · Laurel EilerSewer not available at all sites. Great restrooms. Rather hilly so electric bikes are handy. Great lakeside sites. Great hosts. Campground ramp full of debris. Somewhat difficult to maneuver truck and trailer through the campground without going off the pavement.Very close to a store. Not far at all from Walmart and eating establishments.
July 03 · cindy vickWe stayed with multiple other family at this campground for 3 nights. It is a beautiful location and very peaceful. There are clean restrooms and showers. They also have a sand volleyball court, as well as a playground and basketball court. We tent camp on a hill down by the water. The camp site has an awesome view, but be prepared to do lots of walking up and down a steep hill! With that beautiful view of the lake comes a price- you have quite a hike to the restrooms! We brought portable toilets, so that helped avoid a middle of the night run up the hill! The host of the campground, Tom, was very nice and friendly! You can walk right down to the lake for a swim or kayak and paddleboard. We had a bonfire down on the rocky beach on the water one night, which was awesome, as there is plenty of driftwood to use. All in all, I would recommend this campground, but if you have anyone who has a hard time walking steep hills or long distances, choose your campsite wisely, if you're tent camping! They also had awesome looking rv sites that were right on the lake with great views!
September 13 · Laura WatsonI drove in late, it was dark so I didn’t see much of the campground and this is the view I woke up to. Wished I could’ve stayed a bit longer.
May 24 · Donna K
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