Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Lock A Campground sits on the Cumberland River near Ashland City with sites priced at $24-$28 per night. Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov, and the facility accommodates RVs up to 40 feet with electric and water hookups available.
The campground's layout follows the riverbank, with roughly half the sites offering direct waterfront access. Robert P. found "the nicest tent site we have ever camped on" positioned "on a peninsula with the Cumberland River on one side and a small cove on the other." Mature trees provide overhead canopy across most sites, though campers should expect to wash their RV canopies afterward due to pecan and walnut trees that can leave stains. The concrete pads sit level, and each site includes a fire ring, grill, picnic table, and individual trash can that gets emptied regularly.
River traffic creates a constant backdrop as commercial barges navigate the Cumberland throughout the day and night. Campers enjoy watching the boat traffic, and the proximity to Cheatham Lock and Dam adds to the industrial river atmosphere. A boat ramp within the campground provides direct water access for those bringing watercraft. The day-use area features a sandy beach section and playground, while a 13.3-mile section of the Bicentennial Trail offers hiking opportunities with geocaches along the route.
Access requires navigating a steep, winding road that can challenge drivers, particularly after dark. The campground operates with basic facilities including clean bathhouses and a dump station. Ines M. noted that "folks were quiet and friendly" during her stay. Senior Pass holders receive discounted rates of $12 per night. The facility works well for RV campers seeking river access and those comfortable with the sounds of commercial river traffic throughout their stay.
Description
Overview
The relaxing yet activity-rich Lock A Campground has something to offer everyone from horseshoe pits to volleyball courts and hiking opportunities, plus a plethora of lake activities as well. Keep in mind, staff will hold a campsite until the check-out time (2:00 pm) on the day following the arrival date. However, if you're arrving late, we highly recommend you call the campground to notify the Park Attendant. If arrival does not occur before check-out time on the day following the arrival date, the reservation will be canceled.
Recreation
The temperate climate here allows for a lengthy recreation season including boating, swimming, canoeing and fishing. For hikers, the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail is a rails-to-trails project, which runs 6.5 miles long and crosses Sycamore Creek on a historic abandoned railroad trestle.
Facilities
Both RV and tent sites have 50 amp electric hookups. Additional amenities include hot showers, a dump station, boat launch, playground, picnic shelter and swimming area. A beach and additional playgrounds are available in the adjacent Cheatham Dam Right Bank Recreation Area.
Natural Features
Lock A is on the north bank of the lake, just upstream from Cheatham Lock and Dam along the Cumberland River in north-central Tennessee.
Nearby Attractions
The Pardue Pond and Dyson Ditch Wildlife Refuges are on the other side of Cheatham lake. Both are excellent places for bird watching and exploring.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundLock A is located in Tennessee
Directions
From Ashland City, Tennessee, take US 12 and go eight miles west to Cheap Hill. Turn left on Cheatham Dam Road traveling west four miles. Turn left into the campground.
Address
1798 CHEATHAM DAM ROAD
Ashland city, TN 37015-9805
Coordinates
36.3158333 N
87.1869444 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 37 min from Nashville, TN
- 41 min from Clarksville, TN
- 1 hr 23 min from Bowling Green, KY
- 1 hr 57 min from Paducah, KY





















