RV Parks In Byrdstown, Tennessee
36.5745° N, 85.1288° W
Quick Overview
Byrdstown is a small county seat on the Upper Cumberland plateau, and for RVers it is really the gateway to Dale Hollow Lake, a 27,000-acre clear-water reservoir known for some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the country. Come up TN-111 and you will catch the Island View Overlook glimpse of the lake before you drop toward the water. It makes a relaxed base for a long weekend or a full week on the water, with a good split of public and private places to park the rig.
The public side is run by the US Army Corps of Engineers, and it is the heart of camping here. Obey River Park sits right next to Sunset Marina near the TN-111 bridge with 123 sites, Lillydale Campground offers 112 waterfront sites and a swim beach, and Dale Hollow Damsite has 72 sites below the dam. All three give you electric and water hookups, flush toilets, and a dump station, and you reserve them through Recreation.gov. They trade sewer-at-the-site for real lakefront scenery and easy boat access. If you want full hookups including sewer at your own pad, the private parks deliver: Owl Hollow Retreat is a year-round park in town with pull-through pads and 20, 30, and 50 amp service that big rigs handle easily, while Star Point Resort tucks a small campground into a cove where Jouett Creek meets the lake, with boat rentals and cabins. The Hideaway is another full-hookup option close to the marinas.
Byrdstown rewards RVers who like clear water, quiet coves, and affordable sites. Corps electric-and-water sites run in the low $20s to low $30s, and private full-hookup parks sit a bit higher in exchange for sewer and pull-through convenience. Beyond the lake, Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park and Museum tells the story of the Byrdstown-born Nobel Peace Prize winner and Secretary of State, with a museum, a replica log cabin, and a loop trail to Bunkum Cave. Late spring through mid-fall is the sweet spot, with warm days and cool nights, though summer books up fast on the waterfront and most Corps campgrounds close in winter. Reserve early for peak weekends, stock up in Livingston or Cookeville on the way in, and settle in by the water.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Byrdstown
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All Dump Stations Near Byrdstown
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owl Hollow Retreat | 2.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Garrett RV Park | 3.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Mcdermit RV Park | 5.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Wolf River Campground | 9.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Dale Hollow State Park Campground | 10.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Whitetail Trail RV Park | 11.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Willow Grove Campground | 11.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Maple Hill RV Park & Cabins | 12.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Deep Valley Campground | 12.9 mi | N/A | RV Park | Varies |
| Down Yonder Camp Llc | 13.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Owl Hollow Retreat
2.4 miGarrett RV Park
3.6 miMcdermit RV Park
5.1 miWolf River Campground
9.8 miDale Hollow State Park Campground
10.1 miWhitetail Trail RV Park
11.9 miWillow Grove Campground
11.9 miMaple Hill RV Park & Cabins
12.1 miDeep Valley Campground
12.9 miDown Yonder Camp Llc
13.0 miTraveling to Byrdstown by RV
Byrdstown sits on TN-111, the main highway that climbs north from Livingston and Cookeville onto the Upper Cumberland plateau, with TN-42 and TN-325 feeding in locally. TN-111 is well maintained with no notable low bridges or weight limits for a standard rig, so a big coach tows in comfortably, and you get the Island View Overlook glimpse of Dale Hollow Lake on the way. Most RVers reach town by heading north on TN-111 off I-40, which is roughly 45 to 55 miles south at Cookeville.
The town itself is small and easy to drive, but the county roads that drop down to the marinas and some lakeside campgrounds are narrow, winding, and steep, so take them slow with a long rig and let your park help you spot the site. Fuel up on gas or diesel along TN-111 in Byrdstown or Livingston, and handle a big grocery run in Livingston or Cookeville before you settle in. For Corps campground reservations, book through Recreation.gov well ahead for summer.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Byrdstown, Tennessee, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Byrdstown
Byrdstown is an easy stop on the wallet, especially if you camp public. The Army Corps of Engineers electric-and-water sites at Obey River Park, Lillydale, and Dale Hollow Damsite generally run from the low $20s to the low $30s a night depending on whether you land a standard or premium waterfront site, plus a modest Recreation.gov reservation fee. Corps campgrounds also honor the interagency senior and access passes for a discount, which is a real saving on a longer stay.
Private parks cost more but add sewer at your pad and pull-through ease. Owl Hollow Retreat, Star Point Resort, and The Hideaway typically land in the $35 to $50 range, and the private parks often discount weekly and monthly bookings, which brings the effective nightly cost down for a longer stay. Between affordable sites, gas and diesel along TN-111, and free-to-cheap attractions like Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park and the lake overlooks, a few days here costs a fraction of a resort-town visit.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Byrdstown
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Best Time to Visit Byrdstown by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
28F - 46F
Crowds: Low
The lake goes quiet and most Corps campgrounds like Obey River Park close for the season. A couple of year-round private parks such as Owl Hollow Retreat stay open, so call ahead and expect to run your own heat.
Spring
Mar - May
44F - 66F
Crowds: Medium
Corps campgrounds reopen through spring and the lake fills in. Wildflowers, cool water, and open sites make this a great value before the summer boating rush, though pack for rain.
Summer
Jun - Aug
65F - 87F
Crowds: High
Peak season on Dale Hollow. Waterfront loops at Lillydale and Obey River Park book months out on Recreation.gov, so reserve early and plan for warm, humid afternoons and pop-up storms.
Fall
Sep - Oct
45F - 68F
Crowds: Medium
A sweet spot. Fall color on the plateau, warm days, cool nights, and easier reservations. Corps campgrounds start closing in late fall, so confirm dates before you roll in.
Explore the Byrdstown Area
A few things we would tell a friend heading to Dale Hollow. First, if you want a waterfront site, book the Corps loops at Obey River Park or Lillydale as early as you can, because the lakefront pads go first for summer weekends and holidays. Second, remember the Corps sites are electric and water only, so if sewer at your own pad matters, aim for a private park like Owl Hollow Retreat instead, or plan a dump-station stop on your way out.
Third, treat Livingston and Cookeville as your resupply towns. Fill fuel, propane, and the fridge there before the climb up TN-111, since Byrdstown itself keeps things basic. Fourth, take the lake access roads slow; they are steep and twisty, and a long fifth-wheel combo needs patience on the descent. Finally, do not skip Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park and Museum in town, an easy and cheap history stop with a nice loop trail to Bunkum Cave that breaks up a run of lake days.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Byrdstown
What are the best RV parks near Byrdstown, TN?
For a public lakeside stay, the Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds on Dale Hollow Lake are the standouts: Obey River Park sits right by Sunset Marina near the TN-111 bridge, while Lillydale Campground and Dale Hollow Damsite offer waterfront electric-and-water sites too. For full hookups including sewer at your own site, the private picks are Owl Hollow Retreat, a year-round park in town with pull-through pads, and Star Point Resort, a small lakeside campground in a quiet cove. The Hideaway is another private full-hookup option close to the marinas.
Do RV parks near Byrdstown have full hookups?
It depends on whether you go public or private. The Corps of Engineers campgrounds on Dale Hollow Lake, including Obey River Park and Lillydale, offer electric and water hookups with a shared dump station, but no sewer connection at the individual site. For full hookups with sewer right at your pad, choose a private park: Owl Hollow Retreat has full hookups with 20, 30, and 50 amp service on pull-through pads, and Star Point Resort and The Hideaway also provide full RV hookups. Plan accordingly if a sewer connection at your site matters to you.
How much does RV camping cost around Byrdstown?
Byrdstown is an affordable lake stop by RV standards. Corps of Engineers electric-and-water sites at Obey River Park and Lillydale typically run in the low-to-mid $20s to low $30s per night depending on whether you land a premium waterfront site, plus any Recreation.gov reservation fee. Private full-hookup parks like Owl Hollow Retreat usually sit a bit higher, often in the $35 to $50 range, in exchange for sewer at your site and pull-through convenience. Weekly and monthly rates at the private parks can bring the nightly cost down noticeably for longer stays.
How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite near Byrdstown?
For summer, book early. The Corps of Engineers waterfront campgrounds on Dale Hollow Lake are popular, and the lakefront loops at Obey River Park and Lillydale can fill months in advance for holiday weekends and prime July and August dates. Reservations run through Recreation.gov, generally opening a rolling window ahead of your arrival, so set a reminder and grab sites the moment they release. Private parks like Owl Hollow Retreat are easier to book closer to your date, but a call a week or two out is still smart in peak season to lock in a pull-through.
When is the best time to go RV camping near Byrdstown?
Late spring through mid-fall is the window. May and June bring green hills, a full lake, and comfortable temperatures as the Corps campgrounds reopen. Summer is peak boating and swimming season on clear Dale Hollow Lake, though it is warm, humid, and busy, so reserve ahead. September and October are arguably the best of all, with fall color across the Upper Cumberland plateau, warm days, cool nights, and lighter crowds. Winter is quiet and cool, most Corps parks close, and you will want a year-round private park with your own heat.
Can big rigs camp near Byrdstown?
Yes, with a little planning. Owl Hollow Retreat is the easiest big-rig choice, with spacious pull-through pads and 50 amp service built for larger coaches and fifth wheels. The Corps of Engineers campgrounds like Obey River Park and Lillydale have plenty of sites that accommodate big rigs, though loops vary, so check the site length on Recreation.gov before you book. The main caution is the approach: the county roads that drop down to the lake marinas and some campgrounds are narrow, winding, and steep, so take them slowly and let the park help you spot your site.
Are there public or Corps of Engineers campgrounds near Byrdstown?
Yes, and they are the heart of camping here. Dale Hollow Lake is a US Army Corps of Engineers reservoir, and the Corps runs several developed campgrounds within a short drive of Byrdstown. Obey River Park is the closest, next to Sunset Marina near the TN-111 bridge, with 123 sites. Lillydale Campground offers 112 waterfront sites with a swim beach, and Dale Hollow Damsite has 72 sites below the dam. All three have electric and water hookups, flush toilets, and dump stations, and all reserve through Recreation.gov.
Are there free or first-come camping options near Byrdstown?
Free camping is limited around Byrdstown. There is no reliable free overnight RV parking in town, and dispersed boondocking around Dale Hollow Lake is minimal since the shoreline is managed by the Corps of Engineers. Your practical options are the developed Corps campgrounds, which are reservable on Recreation.gov, and the private parks in and near town. If you are hunting for a bargain, the Corps electric-and-water sites are the most affordable developed choice, and midweek stays in spring and fall are the quietest and easiest to walk into.
What is there to do near Byrdstown besides camping?
Plenty, and it centers on the lake and local history. Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park and Museum honors the Byrdstown-born Nobel Peace Prize winner and Secretary of State, with a museum, a replica log cabin, and a 1.5-mile loop trail out to Bunkum Cave. Dale Hollow Lake itself is the main draw, with clear water for boating, swimming, and some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the country. Stop at the Island View Overlook on TN-111 for a big view, and Sunset Marina has boat rentals and a restaurant if you want a day on the water.
Is Dale Hollow Lake good for fishing from an RV base?
It is one of the best in the region. Dale Hollow Lake is famous for smallmouth bass, and the all-tackle world record smallmouth was caught here, so anglers plan whole trips around it. Basing out of a Corps campground like Obey River Park or Lillydale puts you right on the water with a boat ramp nearby, and Sunset Marina rents boats if you did not tow one. The lake is also strong for walleye, muskie, and trout in the tailwaters below the dam. Clear, deep water means it fishes well spring through fall.
What highways lead into Byrdstown for an RV?
Byrdstown sits on TN-111, the main route that climbs north from Livingston and Cookeville up onto the Upper Cumberland plateau, with TN-42 and TN-325 feeding in locally. TN-111 is a well-maintained highway with no notable low bridges or weight limits for a standard rig, and it delivers the Island View Overlook glimpse of Dale Hollow Lake on the way in. Most RVers reach town by heading north on TN-111 off I-40, roughly 45 to 55 miles south at Cookeville. The caution is the last stretch down to the marinas, where county roads get narrow and steep.
Are there services like propane, groceries, and repair in Byrdstown?
Byrdstown covers the basics as a small county seat. You can refill propane bottles at local dealers and farm suppliers, top off gas or diesel along TN-111 in town or in nearby Livingston, and pick up groceries and supplies at local stores. For a full-size supermarket run, big-box shopping, or serious RV-specific repair, Cookeville and Livingston to the south are your best bets, with Cookeville being the regional hub off I-40. Stock up before you settle in at a lakeside site, since the campgrounds themselves are a drive from the larger stores.
Can I get sewer hookups at the Dale Hollow Corps campgrounds?
No. The Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds on Dale Hollow Lake, including Obey River Park, Lillydale, and Dale Hollow Damsite, offer electric and water hookups at the site but not sewer. Each campground has a central dump station you use on your way out or during your stay. If a sewer connection at your own pad is a must, book a private park instead: Owl Hollow Retreat, Star Point Resort, and The Hideaway all provide full hookups including sewer. Many RVers pair a scenic Corps waterfront site with a dump-station stop and do just fine without sewer at the pad.
What are the best RV parks near Byrdstown, TN?
For a public lakeside stay, the Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds on Dale Hollow Lake are the standouts: Obey River Park sits right by Sunset Marina near the TN-111 bridge, while Lillydale Campground and Dale Hollow Damsite offer waterfront electric-and-water sites too. For full hookups including sewer at your own site, the private picks are Owl Hollow Retreat, a year-round park in town with pull-through pads, and Star Point Resort, a small lakeside campground in a quiet cove. The Hideaway is another private full-hookup option close to the marinas.
Do RV parks near Byrdstown have full hookups?
It depends on whether you go public or private. The Corps of Engineers campgrounds on Dale Hollow Lake, including Obey River Park and Lillydale, offer electric and water hookups with a shared dump station, but no sewer connection at the individual site. For full hookups with sewer right at your pad, choose a private park: Owl Hollow Retreat has full hookups with 20, 30, and 50 amp service on pull-through pads, and Star Point Resort and The Hideaway also provide full RV hookups. Plan accordingly if a sewer connection at your site matters to you.
How much does RV camping cost around Byrdstown?
Byrdstown is an affordable lake stop by RV standards. Corps of Engineers electric-and-water sites at Obey River Park and Lillydale typically run in the low-to-mid $20s to low $30s per night depending on whether you land a premium waterfront site, plus any Recreation.gov reservation fee. Private full-hookup parks like Owl Hollow Retreat usually sit a bit higher, often in the $35 to $50 range, in exchange for sewer at your site and pull-through convenience. Weekly and monthly rates at the private parks can bring the nightly cost down noticeably for longer stays.
How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite near Byrdstown?
For summer, book early. The Corps of Engineers waterfront campgrounds on Dale Hollow Lake are popular, and the lakefront loops at Obey River Park and Lillydale can fill months in advance for holiday weekends and prime July and August dates. Reservations run through Recreation.gov, generally opening a rolling window ahead of your arrival, so set a reminder and grab sites the moment they release. Private parks like Owl Hollow Retreat are easier to book closer to your date, but a call a week or two out is still smart in peak season to lock in a pull-through.
When is the best time to go RV camping near Byrdstown?
Late spring through mid-fall is the window. May and June bring green hills, a full lake, and comfortable temperatures as the Corps campgrounds reopen. Summer is peak boating and swimming season on clear Dale Hollow Lake, though it is warm, humid, and busy, so reserve ahead. September and October are arguably the best of all, with fall color across the Upper Cumberland plateau, warm days, cool nights, and lighter crowds. Winter is quiet and cool, most Corps parks close, and you will want a year-round private park with your own heat.
Can big rigs camp near Byrdstown?
Yes, with a little planning. Owl Hollow Retreat is the easiest big-rig choice, with spacious pull-through pads and 50 amp service built for larger coaches and fifth wheels. The Corps of Engineers campgrounds like Obey River Park and Lillydale have plenty of sites that accommodate big rigs, though loops vary, so check the site length on Recreation.gov before you book. The main caution is the approach: the county roads that drop down to the lake marinas and some campgrounds are narrow, winding, and steep, so take them slowly and let the park help you spot your site.
Are there public or Corps of Engineers campgrounds near Byrdstown?
Yes, and they are the heart of camping here. Dale Hollow Lake is a US Army Corps of Engineers reservoir, and the Corps runs several developed campgrounds within a short drive of Byrdstown. Obey River Park is the closest, next to Sunset Marina near the TN-111 bridge, with 123 sites. Lillydale Campground offers 112 waterfront sites with a swim beach, and Dale Hollow Damsite has 72 sites below the dam. All three have electric and water hookups, flush toilets, and dump stations, and all reserve through Recreation.gov.
Are there free or first-come camping options near Byrdstown?
Free camping is limited around Byrdstown. There is no reliable free overnight RV parking in town, and dispersed boondocking around Dale Hollow Lake is minimal since the shoreline is managed by the Corps of Engineers. Your practical options are the developed Corps campgrounds, which are reservable on Recreation.gov, and the private parks in and near town. If you are hunting for a bargain, the Corps electric-and-water sites are the most affordable developed choice, and midweek stays in spring and fall are the quietest and easiest to walk into.
What is there to do near Byrdstown besides camping?
Plenty, and it centers on the lake and local history. Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park and Museum honors the Byrdstown-born Nobel Peace Prize winner and Secretary of State, with a museum, a replica log cabin, and a 1.5-mile loop trail out to Bunkum Cave. Dale Hollow Lake itself is the main draw, with clear water for boating, swimming, and some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the country. Stop at the Island View Overlook on TN-111 for a big view, and Sunset Marina has boat rentals and a restaurant if you want a day on the water.
Is Dale Hollow Lake good for fishing from an RV base?
It is one of the best in the region. Dale Hollow Lake is famous for smallmouth bass, and the all-tackle world record smallmouth was caught here, so anglers plan whole trips around it. Basing out of a Corps campground like Obey River Park or Lillydale puts you right on the water with a boat ramp nearby, and Sunset Marina rents boats if you did not tow one. The lake is also strong for walleye, muskie, and trout in the tailwaters below the dam. Clear, deep water means it fishes well spring through fall.
What highways lead into Byrdstown for an RV?
Byrdstown sits on TN-111, the main route that climbs north from Livingston and Cookeville up onto the Upper Cumberland plateau, with TN-42 and TN-325 feeding in locally. TN-111 is a well-maintained highway with no notable low bridges or weight limits for a standard rig, and it delivers the Island View Overlook glimpse of Dale Hollow Lake on the way in. Most RVers reach town by heading north on TN-111 off I-40, roughly 45 to 55 miles south at Cookeville. The caution is the last stretch down to the marinas, where county roads get narrow and steep.
Are there services like propane, groceries, and repair in Byrdstown?
Byrdstown covers the basics as a small county seat. You can refill propane bottles at local dealers and farm suppliers, top off gas or diesel along TN-111 in town or in nearby Livingston, and pick up groceries and supplies at local stores. For a full-size supermarket run, big-box shopping, or serious RV-specific repair, Cookeville and Livingston to the south are your best bets, with Cookeville being the regional hub off I-40. Stock up before you settle in at a lakeside site, since the campgrounds themselves are a drive from the larger stores.
Can I get sewer hookups at the Dale Hollow Corps campgrounds?
No. The Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds on Dale Hollow Lake, including Obey River Park, Lillydale, and Dale Hollow Damsite, offer electric and water hookups at the site but not sewer. Each campground has a central dump station you use on your way out or during your stay. If a sewer connection at your own pad is a must, book a private park instead: Owl Hollow Retreat, Star Point Resort, and The Hideaway all provide full hookups including sewer. Many RVers pair a scenic Corps waterfront site with a dump-station stop and do just fine without sewer at the pad.
Are there free dump stations in Byrdstown?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Byrdstown.
All Dump Stations Near Byrdstown (99)
RV ParkOwl Hollow Retreat
RV ParkGarrett RV Park
RV ParkMcdermit RV Park
RV ParkDale Hollow State Park Campground
RV ParkWolf River Campground
RV ParkWhitetail Trail RV Park
RV ParkMaple Hill RV Park & Cabins
RV Park





