Defeated Creek Park
4.60699 reviews140 Marina Lane, Carthage, TN, 37030, USA
Defeated Creek Park
$25.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $25 to $100 depending on site type and season. Additional fees include cancellation fee ($10), late cancellation penalties, and reservation service fees (e.g., $8 online or $9 via contact center).
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Cordell Hull Lake, Defeated Creek Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 155 thoughtfully designed campsites that cater to every camping style. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with your RV at one of the electric hookup sites, you'll find yourself at the gateway to endless water adventures. The park's full-service marina serves as your launching point for lake exploration, while multiple boat ramps ensure easy access to the sparkling waters. Families delight in the sandy beach area, modern playgrounds, and recreational courts where friendly games of tennis and volleyball stretch into golden sunset hours.
Defeated Creek Park offers diverse accommodations including sites for RVs, tents, and groups. Some sites are lakeside with full hookups, while others are designed for tent camping and group activities.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape steeped in American history, where the waters of Cordell Hull Lake honor the legacy of the longest-serving U.S. Secretary of State and Nobel Peace Prize winner. The nearby town of Granville serves as a living museum of Tennessee heritage, where the stirring sounds of bluegrass festivals echo through the hills and Civil War reenactments bring history to life. Throughout the year, these cultural celebrations invite campers to experience the authentic spirit of the Cumberland region, where music, history, and hospitality blend seamlessly.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full tapestry of Tennessee's seasons at Defeated Creek, where summer days invite you to bask in temperatures that climb from refreshing 60-degree mornings to warm 90-degree afternoons perfect for swimming and water sports. As autumn paints the surrounding hills in brilliant colors, be prepared for dramatic skies and refreshing rains that mark the seasonal transitions. Winter brings a peaceful quietude to the park, with crisp temperatures dipping into the 30s, creating misty mornings over the lake that photographers dream about. Spring's arrival is announced by gentle storms that awaken the landscape and fill the air with the scent of renewal.
ElevationThe park's gentle topography creates an accessible camping experience with varied vantage points overlooking the expansive lake waters.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a natural amphitheater where Cordell Hull Lake stretches like a sapphire ribbon through Tennessee's rolling hills. The surrounding forest creates a living cathedral of maple, hickory, oak, beech, and chestnut trees that transform with each season, from spring's tender green canopy to autumn's fiery display. Early morning mists reveal white-tailed deer grazing in meadow clearings, while wild turkeys strut through the underbrush. The lake itself serves as a magnet for waterfowl, creating exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation as herons fish in the shallows and eagles soar overhead.
Geological RegionDefeated Creek Park sits within the magnificent Cumberland River System, where ancient geological forces carved rolling hills that now cradle the serpentine waters of Cordell Hull Lake. This distinctive landscape showcases the region's characteristic hardwood forests, with towering stands of maple, hickory, oak, beech, and chestnut creating a diverse ecosystem. The interplay between water and land has shaped countless coves and inlets, each offering its own microenvironment where the Cumberland's natural heritage thrives undisturbed.
Campsite details
AccessibilityMany campers noted that some facilities, including bathhouses, require updates to meet ADA regulations. Handicap stall toilets are reportedly below height regulation and accessibility features are limited.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with some large enough to accommodate big rigs like 40 ft Class A motorhomes or 35 ft fifth wheels. Reviews consistently highlight the ample space.
Sites PrivacySites are described as generous in size, with enough space to provide privacy between neighbors. Some sites offer direct lakeside views.
Total Campsites155 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid site #72 due to poor layout and uphill grading. Sites #35 and #73 praised for spaciousness and lake views.
Best CampsitesSites along 'Millionaires' Row' such as #73, #78, and #53 are highly rated for lake views and spacious layouts.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3PM
Check-out
2PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit and up to 14 nights total within any rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site allows a limited number of guests, depending on site size.
Groups
Group sites include two large day-use shelters with electric and water hookups, accommodating larger groups.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground divided into loops such as LAKE, HONE, and HILL, with varying proximity to water and amenities.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from March 19 to November 9 during peak season; closed from November 10 to March 18.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov, including online, via app, and through contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability; sites often fully booked during peak season, per user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made up to the day prior to check-in for a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's use fees. Reservations can be modified with additional charges and refunds depending on changes.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
WiFi
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
Defeated Creek Park offers a wide range of activities suitable for all ages, from water sports to hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, biking, and hiking. Wildlife viewing is abundant, with deer often roaming the campground.
Hiking
Multiple trails surround the park, including the 6-mile Bearwaller Gap Trail, Turkey Creek Nature Trail, and Bear Wheels Trail. Some trails, such as Bearwaller Gap, are reportedly overgrown and in need of maintenance.Fishing
Anglers can fish for white bass, rockfish, largemouth bass, catfish, shad, and crappie. Reviews emphasized the overall enjoyable fishing experience.Swimming
Swimming is available at designated beach areas. However, some campers have reported that the beach is small and occasionally dirty, with driftwood in the water.Biking
Biking trails are available but have been criticized for being poorly maintained. On-site roads provide good biking paths.Boating
Boating is a popular activity with easy lake access provided by the adjacent marina and boat ramps. Activities include water skiing, jet skiing, and kayaking.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant with deer, wild turkey, and other animals frequently seen. Campers often mention the tame deer as a highlight.Beach activities
Beach-related activities include sunbathing and swimming. However, the beach is described as small and often cluttered with driftwood, requiring cleanup.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking, paddle boating, and tubing are popular activities at the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed within designated fire rings; site-specific issues noted such as fire rings being too close to RVs.
- Quiet hours enforced after 9 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsCellular connectivity is limited, wildlife interactions (especially tame deer) can pose challenges, and some sites have uneven grading or exposed tree roots.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest hospital and police station located in Carthage, TN, approximately 7 miles away. Ranger station also accessible within the recreation area.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 19 to November 9 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available. Some users reported an absence of designated trash spots at individual campsites, requiring disposal at central locations.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the banks of Cordell Hull Lake, with marina access and multiple water-based activities.
Common complaintsLimited Wi-Fi availability, maintenance delays for bathhouses and utilities, and reports of rude staff behavior.
HostHosts mentioned in reviews as helpful, though some complaints noted inconsistency in friendliness.
Campground Map
140 Marina Lane, Carthage, TN, 37030, USA
Driving directionsFrom Carthage, Tennessee, take SR-25 west for 4 miles. Turn north on SR-80, then east on SR-85. Follow signs to campground.
Roads are well-maintained and accessible via state routes. Avoid Google Maps direction to SR 263 due to winding and narrow roads. Instead, take SR 25 to SR 80 to SR 85, which are better suited for larger vehicles and campers.Nearby places
Carthage (7 miles), Granville (25 miles, hosts Heritage Day annually in May, including events like Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies available in Carthage, TN (7 miles). Marina near the campground offers basic supplies and services including boat rentals and a small restaurant.
Camper Reviews
4.6
699 reviews
Defeated Creek Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding its scenic beauty, spacious sites, and cleanliness. However, issues such as Wi-Fi connectivity, limited cell service, and maintenance problems are frequently mentioned. Hosts and management have been praised for their helpfulness, although some reviews describe rude interactions.
Review Summaries
Based on 699 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the lake views, abundant wildlife, large campsite sizes, and well-maintained grounds. Hosts are often described as friendly and helpful.
Based on 699 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include limited Wi-Fi and cell service, outdated bathhouse facilities, maintenance issues with trails, and concerns about rule enforcement related to pets and noise levels.
Based on 699 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend booking reservations early, especially for lakeside sites. Visitors suggest bringing extra water hoses and cords due to some sites having hookups on the wrong side.
Based on 699 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and fall receive the highest praise due to moderate temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer reviews often note noise from families and limited shade at certain sites.
Based on 699 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Beautiful campground with level and spacious sites." - David K
2. "The views of the lake are magnificent, and the sunsets are breathtaking." - Barbara T
3. "Wi-Fi needs improvement, but who cares...
Based on 699 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #72 is criticized for having hookups on the wrong side, requiring awkward setups. Sites #80 and #53 are highlighted for their excellent lake views.
Based on 699 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are limited, with complaints about bathhouses not meeting ADA regulations. Handicap stalls reportedly fall below height standards.
Based on 699 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Mixed reviews about pets; some campers praise the pet-friendly environment, while others complain about unleashed dogs and owners not cleaning up.
Based on 699 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025