Lakeside Resort
On Center Hill Lake
Tennessee's Most Beautiful Lake!
About Center Hill Dam and Lake
Center Hill Dam and Lake was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938 and the River and Harbor Act of 1946. The project was completed for flood control in 1948. Center Hill Lake is located in the Cumberland River Basin, on Caney Fork River, and covers parts of DeKalb, Putnam, White, and Warren Counties in Tennessee. It controls the runoff from a drainage area of 2,174 square miles.
The lake is 64 miles long and offers creeks, coves, and natural waterfalls where you can find privacy and solitude. Nearly all of the shoreline is undeveloped and natural. Center Hill Lake is owned and managed by the Federal Government through the US Army Corps of Engineers.
View the PDF map of Center Hill Lake provided by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Lakeside's Boat Dock and Ramp is available to all our guests and provides convenient access to Center Hill Lake. Fishing, boating, or just relaxing on the water are just feet away at Lakeside!
We offer pontoon boats and jet skis for rent, call the front office or visit our Activities page for more details.
Located a comfortable distance (15 miles by lake) from Center Hill dam, and just minutes from pristine natural lake scenery, river trout fishing, a championship style water ski course, and hiking trails for all levels; this might be the best spot you will ever find for a secluded lake vacation.
Boat Slips
Planning on bringing your boat, jet ski, or pontoon? Call ahead to reserve your boat slip 888-839-4799.
Due to limited space and high demand we request an advance deposit for the reservation. You are limited to one slip per rented unit unless additional slips are available the day of check in.
Fishing on Center Hill Lake
Welcome to the Best Fishin’ Hole in Tennessee! Center Hill Lake is one of the best fishing lakes in Tennessee according to Danny Stone, Biologist for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Center Hill Lake and the Caney 
Fork River downstream of the Center Hill Dam are very popular areas for fishing. Due to the cooler water temperatures released from the dam, the Caney Fork has become one of the most productive trout fisheries in the state. Other species of fish found in Center Hill Lake include black crappie, brown trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, striped bass, and white crappie. More information regarding the fish on Center Hill Lake can be found here.
The river is easily accessed from Interstate 40 at access areas such as Buffalo Valley, Long Branch, Happy Hollow, and Betty’s Island, all of which are located within seven minutes of interstate exit number 268 (Buffalo Valley Exit).
Tennessee state fishing licenses are required for most individuals prior to fishing on Corps of Engineers waters. Licenses may be purchased at County Clerk's offices, marinas and many other commercial establishments in the area.
View the latest fishing regulations. (You may also find a copy of the regulations in the Lakeside Resort office.)
Center Hill Lake fishing information (updated daily). or call (931) 858-4366 or (615) 548-8581.
Water Skiing
Center Hill Lake, with its many coves, is the best the state has to offer for water skiers. The protection of the high rolling hills keeps the wind off the water and the waves to a minimum producing some of the best barefoot and slalom skiing conditions available. At dawn the lake reflects like glass and you will find the pros at one of the lakes two slalom courses.