A Tennessee Playground

Located across DeKalb, Putnam, Warren, and White Counties in Tennessee, Center Hill Lake boasts an impressive 18,220 acres of surface area, reaching depths of up to 195 feet. With 415 miles of shoreline, the lake is surrounded by scenic beauty – think waterfalls, rocky bluffs, and lush hardwood forests.

Activities for Everyone

Center Hill Lake is a haven for water enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy pontoon rides, powerboating, jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing adventures. Swimming, water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding are also popular activities. The lake caters to these pursuits with 31 boat ramps, 25 recreation sites, and 7 designated swimming areas.

For those seeking land-based adventures, there are 388 campsites, 10 playgrounds, and 20 hiking trails. Marinas like Center Hill Marina & Yacht Club, Edgar Evans Marina, and Hurricane Marina offer boat rentals, slips, and other services.

Anglers Paradise

Fishing is a major draw at Center Hill Lake. The lake is home to a diverse population of fish, including black crappie, brown trout, channel catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, spotted bass, striped bass, walleye, and white crappie.

Exploring the Region

Center Hill Lake is conveniently located between Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Nashville. Nashville, just an hour away, offers a vibrant music scene, delicious restaurants, bars, and hotels. For a closer city experience, Cookeville boasts a variety of shops and restaurants.

Beyond the lake, the region offers stunning natural beauty. Burgess Falls, Cul-Car-Mac Falls, and Great Falls provide breathtaking views and opportunities for swimming. History buffs can explore Falcon Rest, a Victorian Mansion in McMinnville, with guided tours led by the owner.

Plan Your Visit

Center Hill Lake offers something for everyone, making it the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure. With its abundance of water activities, scenic beauty, and nearby attractions, the lake promises an unforgettable experience.

Lake Information

  • Shoreline: 415 miles
  • Deepest Depth: 190 feet
  • Acreage: 18,220 acres
  • Water Level: Full Pool Year Round
  • Dam: Center Hill Dam
  • Ownership: Public
  • Dam Managed By: US Army Corps of Engineers
  • Dam Year Built: 1948
  • Public Boat Ramps: 9
  • Counties: DeKalb County, Putnam County, Warren County, White County
  • Fish: Black Crappie, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye, White Crappie
  • Condos Available: Yes
  • Notable Events: Smithville Fiddler's Jamboree and Crafts Festival, Lester Flatt Memorial Bluegrass Day
  • Landmarks: Edgar Evins, Burgess Falls, and Rock Island State Park
  • Permit is not required to use the lake.
    Jet skis are allowed.
    Motorized boats are allowed.
    Houseboats are allowed.
    Boating restrictions (Yes). (See http://www.dekalbtennessee.com/center-hill-lake.html)
    Dock restrictions (No).

  • Resources Nearby

    Nashville International Airport

    Phone: (615) 275-1675
    Address: 1 Terminal Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

    Warren County Memorial Airport

    Phone: (931) 668-7050
    Address: 635 Airport Dr, McMinnville, TN 37110

    Floating Mill Park

    Phone: (931) 858-4845
    Address: 430 Floating Mill Rd Silver Point, TN 38582

    Hidden Harbor Marina

    Phone: (615) 597-8800
    Address: 2685 Casey Cove Rd Smithville, TN 37166

    Ragland Bottom Campground

    Phone: (931) 761-3616
    Address: 14410 Ragland Bottom Rd Sparta, TN 38583

    Riverwatch Golf Club

    Phone: (931) 761-8124
    Address: 235 Harbor Greens Place Sparta, TN 38583

    Smithville Golf Club

    Phone: (615) 597-6648
    Address: 430 Golf Club Dr Smithville, TN 37166

    Southern Hills Golf & Country Club

    Phone: (931) 432-5149
    Address: 4770 Ben Jared Rd Cookeville, TN 38506

    Center Hill Marina and Yacht Club

    Phone: (615) 548-4315
    Address: 450 Cove Hollow Circle Lancaster, TN 38569

    Hidden Harbor Marina

    Phone: (615) 597-8800
    Address: 2685 Casey Cove Rd Smithville, TN 37166

    Hurricane Marina

    Phone: (931) 858-2221
    Address: 864 Floating Mill Rd Silver Point , TN 38582

    Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital

    Phone: (615) 215-5000
    Address: 520 West Main Street Smithville, TN 37166