Holleman's Bend Camping Area

Great little spot, but not so great with a 40-foot class A. There is zero access to a flat enough site to level unless you have a BUNCH of blocks. We had to leave because we couldn’t get level enough. Would be great with a little trailer though!

Arrived at dusk, parking lot area was empty, most of the parking lot slopes too much for most RVs, some of the smallest RVs, trailers or vans might find a spot or two to camp. A local with a loud old truck came into the parking area a couple of hours after dark made a loop and parked about 50 feet away from us, they stayed there for 10 or 15 minutes and then went on their way, other than that it was a quiet evening.

We went around and picked what little bit of trash we could find, which wasn’t much. There was one trash barrel available on the premises.

We stopped here looking for something free. It was just as sunset was happening so we were glad to get here when we did. The weather was pretty cold, but someone had left the fire rings full of wood. So we chose one and made ourselves a fire to keep warm. We ended up sleeping in the car (I made a sleeping platform in the rear of our vehicle). We were the only one's there and had the place to ourselves. 2 Porto pottys there too, which was a plus. Place was real quiet and we enjoyed a leisurely stroll down to the lake. I bet this place gets packed during the warmer months.

Stayed here two nights tenting, quiet, a bit of wildlife including owls. Decently close to small towns. No reservations required. These Canadians liked it. Hour from Nashville.

We stayed here one night. GPS directions are good, turn right before dead end. Several sites, some are muddy or uneven. This is designed as a horse rider's camp, with lots of hitching posts. We had called the listed phone number and the first person that answered said you have to reserve at recreation.gov. However, this location isn't listed online. Called back, and they said that its a horse riders camp, and suggested we go elsewhere using the same website. We risked it anyway and it worked out. No other campers in the camping areas. In the morning, we did see a motorcycle camper parked near the paved area at the dead end. Cons: mosquitoes (even with deer, we were bitten), and from time to time, cars drove by slowly, sort of checking us out, so we didn't feel fully secure. Also, prior campers overloaded the only trash can, left old folding chairs and other debris near the trash cans. No problem using a generator, since the noise wouldn't bother neighbors.

Camp site is in a wooded area, but if you walk to the end of the dead end, or along the road that you came in on, there are great views of the reservoir.

This location was really beautiful for the area. It is on the water next to a boat ramp. Would be great if you had a kayak or canoe.

There were several unsavory characters that did drive-bys during the day and late evening. We couldn't tell if they were locals looking to party at the spot or if we were getting cased. It was uncomfortable but infrequent and nothing happened after dark.

You can get cell service when standing on the boat ramp, but no cell service outside of that spot.

There is one campsite on the point by the water, plenty of room for 2 or 3 RVs or vans around, then a couple more sites away from the water closer to the horse trails. The one site by the water had a trash bin and a fire circle, as did the sites by the horse trails. The ones by the horse trails away from the water also had an outhouse. The GPS coordinates are for the site near the water.

We set up our tent in an area that was barely big enough for a tent and made up our own site in order to be closer to the water and have a little more privacy.

This site would be great for van lifers with a cell booster.

This camp is great in the off season and is easy to get in and out of for any sized rig. It is easy to find a level spot! If it is raining there is a small lean-to. There are horse trails and if you want to do a 3-7 mile hike there are great trails for that right from camp. I have been here 3 times in November/December and never seen anyone else.

Alright. The coordinates for this place are off. GPS has you go to the end of the dead end road. There is a large gravel patch and a boat ramp. THIS IS NOT THE CAMPGROUND! We did however stay at the boat ramp for the night and other than one car driving by, we were not bothered by anyone. The correct coordinates are
N36°18.7798’ W085°47.7939’ for the camping area entrance.
The campground is actually before the dead end on the right hand side. It’s labeled “Horse Trails”. Nothing I saw actually called this place “Hollemans Bend Campground”. There is a bunch of campsites with trash cans, fire pits and a few grills. There is also two porta potties! A few sites (better for tents or car campers) are right on the water. Many sites would accommodate larger rigs because it’s designed for horses. There are horse trails (no ATV’s allowed). If you have kayaks/canoes this would be a great place to paddle. I couldn’t find any information on the board with max nightly stay limit. Overall this is a great place.

Pulled off here on my way to New Mexico, fairly convenient to I-40. I camped at the small spot all the way at the end of the road. There's a decent amount of traffic here, as people come out to fish and most folks just end up turning around at the end. For quieter spots, bear right at the last intersection before the river, onto the loop here, 36.3129401, -85.7965245.
There were two porta johns, a shelter and more than ten places to camp. You might not be able to get your car all the way up to it, but there's a beautiful spot near the water.
Verizon coverage was 2-3 MBps and not very reliable. Suitable for checking email or sending texts, but too slow to browse.

I stayed twice, at the campground, not at the boat ramp, in April 2022. During the week, I was the only one there. Others show up on the weekend.