Fish Camp Restaurant in Centerville delivers the kind of relaxed country dining experience that makes a backroad drive feel worthwhile. Set beside a peaceful pond, this longtime local favorite welcomes hungry guests with generous portions, friendly service, and a menu grounded in familiar Southern flavors. Catfish is the undeniable star. Diners can choose fillets or whole fish, including all-you-can-eat options for anyone arriving with a serious appetite.
Fried until golden and crisp, the catfish comes with classic accompaniments that turn dinner into a satisfying fish-camp feast. Shrimp, barbecue, chicken, steaks, homemade sides, and desserts provide plenty of alternatives. The scenic setting adds to the restaurant’s appeal, creating an easygoing place for a family meal or casual road-trip stop. Come hungry, take your time, and do not be surprised if the server keeps bringing catfish until you finally admit defeat.
A Country Drive Leads To This Centerville Fish Camp
Some meals start the second you leave the driveway. Fish Camp Restaurant is one of them, because getting there is half the fun. You will find it at 406 TN-100 in Centerville, tucked into the quiet countryside of Hickman County.
The road there rolls past fields, tree lines, and hills that look extra pretty in spring and fall. One visitor called the drive breathtaking and said the restaurant felt like a peaceful reward at the end of the road. Another mentioned the views of the hills along with a creek and pond near the building.
Here is a fun detail. Plenty of regulars make long trips just to eat here. One reviewer said her family drives about an hour and a half on a regular basis, and after her first visit, she finally understood why.
So how do you plan the drive? Start by setting your map app to the exact address before you lose cell signal in the rural stretches. Country roads can surprise you with slow tractors, sharp curves, and deer, so give yourself extra time instead of rushing.
It also helps to treat the trip like a mini adventure. Pack some snacks for the kids, though not too many, since you will want room for catfish later. Make a playlist, roll the windows down if the weather is nice, and enjoy the scenery.
Travelers passing through town on TN-100 or TN-48 often stop in by chance, too. One guest said it was an awesome place to pull over while cruising through Centerville. Another group found it on Google while in the area for a wedding, and a basketball crowd stopped for an early supper before a game.
Bikers love the ride as well. One review mentioned visiting with a group of motorcycle friends, which makes sense, since those curvy back roads are a favorite for riders.
Bottom line, do not think of the drive as a chore. Think of it as the warm-up act for one of the best catfish dinners in Middle Tennessee. By the time you pull into the lot, you will be hungry and ready.
Golden Fried Catfish Is The Star Of The Menu
Ask anyone what to order here, and you will hear one word over and over. Catfish. In online reviews, it gets mentioned more than any other food by a long shot, and that tells you everything.
So what makes it so good? Fans describe it as perfectly golden, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. One guest even said it was seasoned with love, which might be the sweetest food review ever written.
The batter gets lots of attention, too. A first-time visitor noticed that the coating on the fish was fine and light, different from what she was used to but very good. That thin, delicate crust lets the flavor of the fish shine instead of hiding it under a heavy shell.
A basketball fan who stopped by for supper called it hands down the best fried catfish he had ever eaten. Another guest praised the Tennessee River catfish specifically. When people from all walks of life say the same thing, you know the kitchen is doing something right.
Want to enjoy it like a pro? Eat it while it is hot. Fried fish tastes best right out of the kitchen, when the crust still crackles. Take a few bites plain before adding sauce, so you can taste what the cooks are doing.
Then go ahead and try it with a squeeze of lemon or a dab of tartar or cocktail sauce. Some folks swear by a dash of hot sauce for a little kick. There is no wrong answer, only personal taste.
Here is a fun fact for the kids at the table. Catfish get their name from the long whiskers around their mouths, called barbels, which look a lot like a cat’s whiskers. Those whiskers help them find food in muddy water.
If you have never been a big fish fan, this might be the meal that changes your mind. Mild, flaky catfish is often a great starter fish for picky eaters. Give it a try and see why it rules the menu.
Diners Can Choose Between Catfish Fillets And Whole Fish
Fillet or whole? That is the big decision waiting for you at Fish Camp, and both answers come out of the fryer tasting great. Knowing the difference will help you order exactly what you want.
Fillets are the easy route. They are boneless strips of catfish meat, so you can just pick them up and eat without worrying about bones. One guest ordered a full order of fillets and could not stop raving about how golden and tender they were.
Not that hungry? A smaller portion has been mentioned by guests too. One reviewer ordered a half fillet catfish plate and called the food great and the service outstanding. That is a smart pick for lighter appetites or younger diners.
Whole catfish is a different experience. The fish is fried on the bone, which many Southerners believe keeps the meat extra juicy and full of flavor. It takes a little more work to eat, but lots of folks think it is worth it.
New to whole fish? Here is a quick tip. Start by gently pulling the meat away from the backbone with your fork or fingers. The main bones should come off in one piece, and then you can enjoy the meat on both sides.
Go slowly and watch for small bones along the edges.
Parents with little kids may want to stick with fillets for them. Bones and small children are not a great mix, and fillets let everyone relax and enjoy the meal. Adults who love old-school fish fry tradition will probably lean toward the whole fish.
Can’t decide? Bring a friend and split one of each. That way you can taste both styles and pick your favorite for next time. Many families who visit often end up with different favorites, and that is half the fun.
Either way, you are getting the same light batter and careful frying the place is known for. Prices and portions may change over time, so take a look at the current menu when you sit down. Your server can also help guide your choice.
The All-You-Can-Eat Option Keeps Fresh Catfish Coming
One husband learned the hard way that “all you can eat” is not just a slogan here. His wife wrote that the kitchen started him out with three whole catfish. When he finished his second one, they dropped two more into the fryer so they would arrive hot right after his third.
Her verdict? When they say all you can eat, they mean it. That review says a lot about how the restaurant handles the deal.
The best part is the timing. Instead of piling a mountain of fish on your plate that slowly goes cold, the staff watches your pace and fries more as you go. Every round shows up fresh and crispy, not soggy from sitting around.
So should you go for it? That depends on your appetite. If you are a serious catfish lover or a growing teenager with a bottomless stomach, this is your moment. If you usually fill up fast, a regular plate might be the better deal.
Here are some tips for making the most of it. Skip the big breakfast that morning, but do not show up starving and grumpy either. Pace yourself and go easy on the hush puppies and sides early on, since they fill you up quickly.
Drink water between bites, too. Sweet tea is tasty, but sugary drinks can make you feel full faster. Save room for that famous fish, because that is the whole point.
Also, remember that good manners matter at all-you-can-eat spots. Order only what you can actually finish, and do not waste food. The cooks work hard to keep those rounds coming.
This option is a fun choice for celebrations and big groups. Picture a birthday dinner where the guest of honor tries to set a personal catfish record while everyone cheers. That makes for a memorable night and some great photos.
Ask your server about the current price and any rules before you order. Details like that can change, so it is always best to check. Then loosen your belt and let the fryer do its thing.
Hush Puppies And Southern Sides Complete The Feast
“I don’t even like coleslaw but ate theirs.” That line from a happy first-time guest might be the highest compliment any side dish can get. At Fish Camp, the sides are not an afterthought. They are part of the show.
Many dinners come with a classic Southern trio of coleslaw, white beans, and hush puppies. It is the kind of combo that tastes like a church potluck and a lake trip rolled into one plate.
Let’s talk hush puppies first. They are little balls of cornmeal batter fried until crispy outside and soft and fluffy inside. Guests at Fish Camp mention them often, and one reviewer said they were so good she wanted to try making them at home.
Fun fact time. Nobody knows for sure where the name came from. A popular old story says cooks tossed fried bits of batter to barking dogs to quiet them down, saying “hush, puppies.” Whether that tale is true or not, it is a fun one to share at the table.
The coleslaw adds a cool, crunchy bite that balances out the hot fried fish. White beans bring a hearty, comforting touch, the kind of food that sticks to your ribs. Together, they round out the meal nicely.
Other sides have fans, too. One guest praised the onion rings and fries, while another said even a simple baked potato was cooked to perfection. You have options depending on what you crave.
Here is a smart move. Try a bite of slaw between pieces of catfish to refresh your taste buds. It keeps every bite of fish tasting as good as the first one.
And please, save a little room for dessert if you can. Guests have raved about the homemade hot fudge cake, and one visitor called the pecan pie the best she had ever eaten in her life. That is a bold claim, but it might just be worth testing yourself.
A Southern meal is about more than the main dish. Here, every bowl on the table pulls its weight.
Shrimp, Burgers, Barbecue, And Chicken Offer More Choices
Not everybody in the family loves fish, and that is totally fine. Fish Camp gets it. The menu has plenty of choices for the folks who would rather skip the catfish.
Shrimp is a big favorite. Guests have praised the fried shrimp, the popcorn shrimp, and even grilled shrimp for those wanting something a little lighter. One reviewer said the shrimp was one of the best reasons to stop in.
Burger lovers, listen up. One visitor ordered a really big cheeseburger with fries and called it a more-than-you-can-eat size, though he admitted he finished it anyway. Another guest said the burgers were surprisingly good, which is high praise from someone at a fish restaurant.
Barbecue and chicken are on the lineup too. A happy reviewer pointed out that the restaurant serves barbecue, chicken, and hamburgers along with the seafood. That makes it a safe bet for mixed groups.
Here is a cute story. One family brought along a picky child who tried the Chicken Alfredo. The verdict? Best chicken they had ever had.
If you have a choosy eater at home, that is good news.
Other dishes have popped up in reviews, like a Philly cheesesteak that a group of bikers enjoyed. One guest also tried a daily special of grilled chili tilapia. Specials can change, so it is worth asking your server what is cooking that day.
This variety is what makes the place so easy for big groups. Grandpa can get his whole catfish, Mom can grab shrimp, and the kids can split a burger. Nobody has to compromise, and everybody leaves full.
A handy tip for families: look over the menu online before you go if you can. Kids often feel more excited when they already know what they want to order. It also saves time once you sit down, especially on a busy night.
So yes, catfish is king here. But the supporting cast is strong enough to make everyone at the table happy, whether they want fins, feathers, or a beef patty.
Two Peaceful Ponds Add To The Restaurant’s Country Charm
Picture this. Your kids are tossing fish food into the water while the fish splash up to grab it, and a pair of geese waddles by like they own the place. That is a normal scene outside Fish Camp, and it might be the most charming part of the whole visit.
The restaurant has its own two ponds, right outside the front door. One guest described it as exactly what you would expect from a local country fish joint with its own ponds. That homey setting makes the meal feel extra special.
Feeding the fish has become a tradition for many families. One mom said her family loved spending a little extra time together at the pond before heading home. Another reviewer simply said, go feed the fish in the pond too.
Here is a practical bonus. If there is a wait for a table, the ponds keep the kids busy. One family mentioned that their children fed the fish while they waited, so nobody got restless.
And then there are the geese. A visitor shared a sweet story about a goose couple that comes back every year with their new babies. An employee even let her feed them, and she called it a simple but unforgettable moment.
The grounds are pretty enough for pictures, too. That same guest said the parking lot area turned into a dreamy photo spot. Bring your phone charged, because you will want a few shots.
There is a deeper story behind this place as well. According to one reviewer, the whole property was underwater during the big 2010 floods in Middle Tennessee, and it had to be rebuilt. Knowing that makes those calm ponds feel even more meaningful.
A few friendly reminders: keep a close eye on little ones near the water. Be gentle with the wildlife and only feed animals when staff says it is okay. Leave the area as clean as you found it, so the next family can enjoy it too.
Check The Limited Weekly Hours Before Making The Drive
Nothing ruins a catfish craving faster than pulling up to a locked door. Trust us, you do not want to drive an hour through the hills only to find the lights off. A little planning saves the day here.
Fish Camp keeps a short weekly schedule. Based on current listings, the restaurant is open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 AM to 8 PM. On Friday and Saturday, it stays open a bit later, from 11 AM to 9 PM.
That means Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday are closed. If your weekend plans center on a Sunday lunch, you will need a new game plan. Many folks circle Friday or Saturday instead.
Hours can change for holidays, weather, or special events, so double-check before you leave. Call the restaurant at 931-729-4401 or visit fishcampcenterville.com for the latest info. A quick phone call takes less than a minute and can spare you a lot of frustration.
Timing matters inside those hours too. One guest suggested getting there early, since they had to wait a little bit for a table. Weekend evenings can get busy, so think about an early lunch or late afternoon visit if you hate waiting.
Bringing a crowd? The staff seems to handle groups well. One party of ten said they never had to wait on anything, and another family celebrated a birthday with more than twenty guests. A reviewer even said the restaurant put the guest of honor’s name on its sign out front.
If you are planning a big celebration, call ahead. Letting the restaurant know your group size helps them get ready for you. It is just good manners, and it makes the visit smoother for everyone.
Parking is plentiful, according to guests, so you will not have to circle the lot. With a 4.6-star rating from more than 700 reviews, it is clear people keep coming back.
So check the calendar, pick your day, and gas up the car. The catfish will be waiting, golden and hot, right where the pond meets the hills.
Share this story
