federalfederal

DEFEATED CREEK PARK

federal · CARTHAGE, TN

DirectionsCall
  • dump station6.7 mi
  • fuel station4.2 mi

USACE · Data Source: Recreation.gov

About

Overview Defeated Creek Park Campground sits along the banks of Cordell Hull Lake on the Cumberland River System, just seven miles from Carthage, Tennessee. The lake was named after Cordell Hull, a politician that was born in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains. Hull is best known for being the longest running secretary of state in American history, serving for 11 years. Click here for a virtual tour of the Cordell Hull Lake facilities. Recreation The 12,000-acre lake stretches 72 miles upstream and boasts 381 miles of shoreline, offering countless recreational activities for visitors. Anglers enjoy fishing for white bass, rockfish, largemouth bass, catfish, shad and crappie. Boating, sailing, water skiing and jet skiing are popular activities on the water, and boat ramps and a marina provide easy lake access. Miles of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails surround the lake. The 6-mile Bearwaller Gap Trail has a trailhead within the campground. Other trails in the area include the Turkey Creek Nature Trail and Bear Wheels Trail. Facilities The campground offers 155 sites for tents and RVs, all with electric hookups. Two large group day-use shelters are also available on a first come first serve basis or for reservation in the day use area, both shelters have water and electric hookups. A boat ramp, playground, beach, and tennis and volleyball courts are all provided, making the area perfect for families or larger parties. A marina is located adjacent to the campground. Natural Features Cordell Hull Lake is situated among rolling hills covered in a mix of shady maple, hickory, oak, beech and chestnut trees. Summer temperatures range from the 60s to the 90s. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, quail, squirrels, rabbits and a wide variety of waterfowl are commonly seen throughout the area. Nearby Attractions The historic town of Granville, Tennessee, is 25 miles from the campground. Visitors enjoy celebrating the town's Heritage Day annually in May. Events include the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival, antique car and tractor shows and Civil War living history presentations.

Around this stay

Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.

  • dump station

    Dump station

    6.7 mi
  • fuel station

    Fuel station

    4.2 mi
  • grocery

    Carthage Sav-Way

    3.6 mi
  • trailhead

    Trailhead

    2.4 mi
  • attraction

    Cordell Hull Scenic Overlook

    2.4 mi
  • recreation site

    Defeated Creek Campground Boat Ramp

    0.1 mi

Contact & access

Reservations & demand

November weekends are typically reserved about 59 days ahead.

Based on 208 Recreation.gov reservations (Oct 2023–Sep 2024). Historical demand — not live availability.

Outbound provider links only. Roam Atlas does not book sites or show live availability.

Source and verification

Last verified: 10/11/2026

See the Sources tab for provenance detail.