Camping at Cheatham Lake
Reservations
You can enjoy nationwide one-stop shopping for reservations of selected federal recreation facilities and activities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Forest Service. Advanced campsite reservations, including those for Lock A Campground at Cheatham Lake, can be made by calling toll free at 1-877-444-6777 or visit the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) on the web at www.Recreation.gov.
* Individual campground maps are available at the Recreation.gov web site.
Campgrounds
Visitors to Cheatham Lake may choose from two campgrounds: Lock A and Harpeth River Bridge. Camping is allowed only in these designated areas.
Lock A Campground
Sites are first come first serve.
Lock A Campground is located approximately 11 miles northwest of Ashland City, Tennessee. To reach the area, take Cheatham Dam Road off State Route 12 in the Cheap Hill Community. Lock A is on the right bank of the lake, just upstream from Cheatham Lock and Dam. Cheatham Lake Wildlife Management Area, managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, is a stone's throw away. The campground offers 45 sites with water and electrical hookups; however, 7 sites are for tent camping only. Amenities include hot showers, washer and dryer, dumping station, boat launching ramp, courtesy floats, nature trail, playground, and picnic shelter. A beach and additional playgrounds are available in the adjacent Cheatham Dam Right Bank Recreation Area. Registered campers may also use the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail, which ends at Lock A. This rails-to-trails project is 6.5 miles long and crosses nearby Sycamore Creek on an historic abandoned railroad trestle. Base campsite fees range from $19 to $23 per night. For more information call the park attendant at (615) 792-3715 or click here to see a map, get more information or make a reservation at Recreation.gov.
Harpeth River Bridge Campground
Sites are first come first serve.
Located where State Route 49 crosses the scenic Harpeth River, about 10 miles northwest of Ashland City, Tennessee. The area is near Cheatham Lake Wildlife Management Area, Doziers Dock, and Pardue Recreation Area. The 15 campsites in this area are suitable for RV or tent campers. All sites now have water and electric hookups. Potable water is available in the campground. Amenities consist of restroom and shower facility, launch ramp, courtesy float, and playground. Resident park attendants control entry, issue camping permits, and provide assistance and information to visitors. Base campsite fees are $12 per night. For more information call the attendant at (615) 792-4195 or the Resource Manager’s Office at (615)792-5697.