Horseshoe Bend River

The Horseshoe Bend River access site on the Cumberland River/Old Hickory Lake provides a boat ramp for launching kayaks, canoes, and trailered boats. Located near Carthage, Tennessee, this site is part of the Defeated Creek Park Campground operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The boat ramp offers direct access to the Cumberland River at approximately mile marker 193. Old Hickory Lake, formed by a dam on the Cumberland River, is a large reservoir known for its scenic beauty and variety of recreational opportunities. Paddlers and boaters can explore the lake's many coves, islands, and river tributaries. The ramp area may have limited amenities, so visitors should come prepared with necessary gear and supplies.

While there is no fee to use the boat ramp, the nearby Defeated Creek Park Campground does charge for overnight camping. Visitors should check the park's current policies and hours of operation before planning their trip. Overall, the Horseshoe Bend River access provides a convenient launching point to enjoy the Cumberland River and Old Hickory Lake.

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...

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.

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