Best Tent Camping near Antioch, TN
Tent campers near Antioch, Tennessee can access several established tent campgrounds within driving distance, including Stone Door Campground and Alum Gap Campground in Savage Gulf State Park. These primitive tent-focused sites offer natural settings within the Cumberland Plateau region, with most campgrounds requiring reservations through Tennessee State Parks. Horseshoe Bend Marina also provides dedicated tent sites along Center Hill Lake for campers seeking water-based recreation options.
Tent campsites at Savage Gulf State Park feature basic amenities suited for traditional tent camping experiences. Most sites include established fire rings and nearby pit toilets, but limited services otherwise. Campers should pack in their own water or be prepared to filter from nearby streams, as drinking water is not available at all locations. Alum Gap Campground offers walk-in tent sites accessible via a moderate 1-2 mile hike from the trailhead, making it suitable for beginners but requiring all gear to be carried in. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "campsite #4 has the best views of the bluff, hands down."
The tent camping experience in the Savage Gulf area provides a true backcountry feel without requiring extensive hiking. Sites at Stone Door Campground are relatively secluded yet remain close enough to parking areas for convenient access. Tent campers frequently use these locations as bases for day hikes to nearby attractions like Laurel Falls, Boardtree Falls, and Greeter Falls. The terrain consists primarily of forested sites with some offering scenic overlooks of the surrounding canyons. Primitive tent areas in this region generally remain less crowded than developed campgrounds closer to Nashville. One camper noted that Stone Door is "a great campsite with easy accessibility to great trails" while another described Alum Gap as "perfect for first-time backpackers" with sites that are "far enough apart to maintain a decent amount of privacy."