Skip to main content
FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

LONG BRANCH

Lancaster, Tennessee · DeKalb County · Campground

Overview Long Branch Campground is located below Center Hill Dam on the scenic Caney Fork River in central Tennessee's Highland Rim. Above the dam, the lake stretches 64 miles up the river, where visitors come to enjoy boating, fishing and water sports. The 415 miles of forested shoreline provide excellent hiking, hunt…

Advertisement
36.09925, -85.83180
Open in OpenStreetMap

About LONG BRANCH

Overview Long Branch Campground is located below Center Hill Dam on the scenic Caney Fork River in central Tennessee's Highland Rim. Above the dam, the lake stretches 64 miles up the river, where visitors come to enjoy boating, fishing and water sports. The 415 miles of forested shoreline provide excellent hiking, hunting and camping opportunities. 2025 Events: The annual Halloween event will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025. Recreation Fishermen come to Long Branch to experience trophy trout fishing on the river, which is stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Fly fishers and spin fishers alike enjoy this beautiful river and its abundant fish. Canoeing and kayaking on the Caney Fork River has become a favorite pastime for campers and sightseers alike. The Buffalo Valley Nature Trail is located just across the river from the campground. It provides access to the Caney Fork and is a very popular area for trout fishermen. The area has great wildlife viewing opportunities. Boating, water skiing and canoeing are popular activities above the dam on Center Hill Lake.Facilities The campground offers 60 campsites with water and 50-amp electric hookups. A large, day-use group picnic shelter is also available, with water and electric hookup. Amenities like flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided, creating a comfortable camping experience for guests. A boat ramp, fish cleaning station and playground are all conveniently located within the campground.Natural Features Long Branch is surrounded by the lush mixed hardwood forests of the hilly Highland Rim region. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, squirrels and rabbits roam the wooded hills in the area. Nearby Attractions The Center Hill Lake Resource Managers Office is located across the river next to the Buffalo Valley Recreation Area. Edgar Evins State Park sits on the lake shore about 5 minutes from Long Branch. An observation tower at the Visitor Center offers a spectacular view of Center Hill Lake and the surroundi

How to Get There

From I-40, take exit 268 and merge onto US-96 west. Continue for 5 miles to the end of Center Hill Dam, then turn right on SR-141. Follow signs into campground.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to LONG BRANCH

Heading to LONG BRANCH? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for LONG BRANCH?

No central reservation system listed for LONG BRANCH. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232630) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to LONG BRANCH?

From I-40, take exit 268 and merge onto US-96 west. Continue for 5 miles to the end of Center Hill Dam, then turn right on SR-141. Follow signs into campground.

How do I contact LONG BRANCH?

You can reach the park at phone: 615-548-8002.