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Best Tent Camping near Baxter, TN

795 Reviews

Tent camping near Baxter, Tennessee provides several primitive and established options within the Cumberland Plateau region. Holleman's Bend Camping Area in nearby Granville offers free tent camping with riverside access, though the site is essentially a parking lot with a small grassy area and fire pit. Horseshoe Bend Marina in Walling provides tent sites with more amenities, including drinking water, showers, and toilets. For backcountry tent camping experiences, Savage Gulf State Park offers multiple tent-only campgrounds within reasonable driving distance, including Stone Door, Alum Gap, and Savage Falls campgrounds.

Access to tent campsites varies significantly across the region. Holleman's Bend features drive-in access but minimal amenities, with no drinking water, toilets, or picnic tables. Most campers opt to sleep in vehicles rather than set up tents on the limited grassy areas. Horseshoe Bend Marina provides more comfortable tent camping with full facilities, including electric hookups and a market for supplies. The backcountry sites at Savage Gulf require short hikes to reach, typically 1-3 miles from parking areas. Most primitive tent sites include established fire rings, but campers should bring water filtration systems or carry in their own water supply, as reliable water sources can be seasonal.

The tent camping experience near Baxter offers opportunities for solitude and natural immersion. According to reviews, Stone Door Campground provides "isolated camping spots, well marked, with an outhouse nearby and water source," making it "great for novice primitive campers." At Alum Gap, campers noted the "generously sized designated areas offering ample space for multiple tents and featuring established fire rings." Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, with one visitor reporting bear activity near Savage Falls, recommending appropriate food storage. The area's waterfalls provide natural attractions, with many tent campgrounds positioned within hiking distance of these features, offering cooling swimming opportunities during summer months.

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Best Tent Sites Near Baxter, Tennessee (33)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Baxter, TN

30 Photos of 33 Baxter Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Baxter, TN

795 Reviews of 33 Baxter Campgrounds

  • Shana D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 14, 2022

    Greeter Falls Campground

    New campground

    We only checked out the primitive sites while passing through the area. The sites had picnic tables and fire rings, but they were pretty overgrown. It doesn’t look like this section of the campground is getting much use yet. They have a couple of portable toilets on site with garbage cans next to the toilets. There is a water spigot at the exit that can be used for filling tanks/containers. Also, there is a community fire pit area near the exit and a small camp store building near the entrance. Closed when we drove thru. To be honest, other than sites being marked with a site number, I couldn’t tell where the sites were actually at or where tents were supposed to be set up at.

    We did not drive they the yurts or RV sites, so I cannot speak for those, but the pictures on the website look nice.

    Rating this a 3 based on location to Greeter Falls Waterfall and also because it is new and still an ongoing work in progress, I didn’t want to rate too low.

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Mountain Glen RV Park & Campground

    Ranger Review: The Dyrt Reservations at Mountain Glen RV Park & Campground

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I am occasionally compensated for staying at and reviewing campgrounds. I was given the opportunity to stay at Mountain Glen RV Park and Campground in order to test the new reservation system through The Dyrt. The reservation system works extremely well--it is fast and efficient, and save the trouble of using a third party reservation system after finding a campground you like on The Dyrt. I look forward to more campgrounds joining TD's network!

    Mountain Glen is a new campground, located about an hour northwest of Chattanooga, and it is absolutely beautiful. There are a total of 8 tent sites and 41 RV sites, set next to a lake and a gorgeous view of a farm. Amenities include picnic tables, a playground, fishing, horseshoes, corn hole, a game room, a camp store, and laundry facilities, showers, and flush toilets with electricity (and heat!). It is also a short drive to Fall Creek Falls State Park, for anyone looking to enjoy the hiking near the falls without the overnight crowds the state park brings in. 

    The RV sites occupy most of the campground, and accommodate trailers ranging from 60' to 90'. All sites have electric and water hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and most have small grassy areas for dogs, kids, or even grown ups to stretch out and rest. RVs are also available to rent.

    Tent sites 1-3 are listed as “primitive” sites and have no electricity or water, however it is a short walk to the office where water is available. The road is visible from these sites, however there is a grassy meadow both between the sites and the road, and the sites and the lake, with woods bordering site 3. 

    Sites 4 and 5 are located closest to the picnic shelter, with a clear view of the lake. Sites 6-8 are next to the office/bathrooms. Site 6 is the smallest and 8 is the largest. All tent sites are fairly hilly, and accommodate small tents better than large based on limited flat space—though hammocks would work well!

    There is a trail that winds around the lake, and passes a beautiful spillway on the end opposite the office which is great for getting some shade, and a chance for kids to splash in some water. This end also has a picnic table for day use. I would love to see this area eventually become a walk-in campsite as it is definitely the most beautiful area of the entire campground!

    The owners here are extremely nice. We were greeted warmly on our arrival, and spent some time talking with them our second day. It is obvious they care about the campground and want campers to enjoy themselves and feel comfortable. We are tent campers and I was wary of staying somewhere more geared towards RVs, but what tent camping here lacks in privacy and wilderness, it more than makes up for in beauty, peace, and a feeling of home-away-from-home.

  • Christy E.
    Jun. 14, 2018

    Rock Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful area with many activities

    I stayed in the tent-only loop - a small group of 10 sites. It was quiet and had many trees for hammocks. Thus site offers level tent pads, a grill, fire ring, and picnic table. Clean bathrooms and hot showers available. The nearby swimming beach was great for the kids. Many short hiking options available. Make sure to visit the ranger station for a map and safety rules during water releases.

  • Davina B.
    May. 9, 2019

    Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground

    Great for RVs, Ok for Tents

    This campground is located within the Cumberland Mountain State Park. The sites are set up for RVs and it is very popular.

    Pros: There is no camp store, but there are vending machines available. There are restrooms available. Staff is in the office during business hours. There are 2 short hiking trails (less than 1 mile in length each). There are playgrounds, a lake for fishing, and a golf course. Each site has parking for 1 vehicle, a large gravel pad, water and electric hookup, picnic table, and lantern hook.

    Cons: site are very close together. Tents and RVs do not have separate loops. No camp store. No showers.

    Overall, this campground is set up to cater more toward those with RVs than people camping in tents.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2019

    Edgar Evins State Park Campground

    A Campground with Lots to Do but with Interesting Tent Pads

    Edgar Evins State Park is a large park with lots of activities for young and old. However, if you want to stay in the campground, make sure to take a freestanding tent unless you have creative ways to keep your tent up. Most of the sites have wooden platforms, and the fire pits are beside the road. Perhaps most people like that sense of permanence, but I personally prefer solid ground or even gravel pads. Fortunately, the one I used was a free-standing tent. There is another option, and that is to stay in the primitive camping area. Of course, they are walk-in sites, but they are not far from where you park. I would normally choose the primitive camping area for a couple of reasons. There is a little more privacy, and you have soft ground on which to pitch your tent. Obviously, if you are an RV camper, staying in the primitive area does not apply. Unfortunately, it was better this time to choose a site that you don’t have to walk to. Out of all the state park campgrounds I have visited, the bath rooms in this state park are the best. They are modern with tiled floors, and the showers resemble ones you would find at privately owned campgrounds. There are several different activity options—volleyball, horseshoes, playgrounds, hiking trails, etc. There is also an aviary, a marina, a restaurant, and a couple of boat ramps. For the children, there is the“Storybook Trail.” For other overnight options, there are also cabins that you can rent. In retrospect, the primitive area would have been a better choice. It definitely would have been more quiet. No matter whether you stay in the primitive area or the regular camping area, you will encounter hilly terrain. The camp store is fully stocked with most of your camping needs, and there is also a laundry. Overall, Edgar Evins State Park was a good place to spend time, but again, I have my doubts about the wooden platforms.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 24, 2019

    Edgar Evins State Park Campground

    Sorta like a treehouse

    Edgar Evins SP is unique in that the campground sites are decks, which is actually pretty cool. Now the one down side is that certain sites can be a challenge to back into. If you are a talented backer upper shouldn’t be an issue. However if your backing up could use some practice, and/or causes fights with your spouse you may want to call and ask the easier sites to set up in...just saying, less stress. The bottom sites are along the lake and you are across from the marina. Another thing is your cooking area is off the side of your deck with your picnic table. The primitive sites are walk in and have some pretty sweet views of the lake. Downside your walking up and down a slope with your gear. Speaking of slopes, the whole campground is on a slope so your pretty much either going up or down. Cool stairways to use and strategically placed facilities. The store and trash are located wheee you park for the primitive sites at the entrance. There’s a trail in the campground that gives you a quick route to the beach area.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 25, 2025

    Rock Island State Park Campground

    Waterfalls!

    General: Three distinctly different areas: tent only section, cabin area, and the main campground. I didn’t see the inside of the cabins, but they looked very luxurious from the outside, so I am sure they are very nice. The tent area also looks nice. This review focuses on the main campground. 

    Site Quality: Camper pads are all paved but vary in length from 18 to 51 feet. The width of some can also accommodate two cars side by side. Not all are completely level. Each site has a picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring, and grill. All sites have electricity and water, and eight of the 50 sites are FHU. There are many trees to provide separation and privacy, and sites are spaced a decent amount of space apart. Some sites can accommodate tents, and these are indicated on the post. 

    Bath/Shower: Very clean. There was a sign saying the bathrooms are cleaned twice per day. Soap, paper towels, and utility hooks are all appreciated as was instant hot water from the taps. 

    Activities/Amenities: Many outdoor activities including tennis, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, and a playground. There are two hiking trails accessible from the campground. I hiked a short distance on the Bluff Trail until it became narrow and overgrown. There are other hikes that require a drive from the campground. The best hike is in the Twin Falls area but that is a 10-15 minute drive from the campground. There is also a swimming beach with a rentable pavilion and picnic tables. It is possible to walk there but easier to drive. We also saw people kayaking on the lake and fishing is permitted. Each bathhouse also has one washer/dryer for a reasonable price. Free WiFi with a good, strong signal. 

    We enjoyed our two-night stay at this campground and for us, it was a five-star stay but I gave it four stars due to some sites not being completely level and the necessity to drive to the best hike.

  • T
    Sep. 26, 2021

    Rock Island State Park Campground

    Rock Island State Park

    Beautiful state park! Unbelievable waterfalls with many of hiking trails! There is a lot of history in the park! Tent campground was nice and level! Each tent site had a tent pad, lantern pole, fire ring and sturdy table! The bathhouses was clean and warm water! Wood is sold in the near by town or at the park visitor center!

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2019

    Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground

    Great Day Use or Long-Term Stay For RVs

    Cumberland Mountain has a total of 145 campsites, spread across 5 loops, plus a backcountry site on an 8 mile backpacking trail.

    We have not stayed overnight here as we are tent-campers only, and while tent camping is permitted, after visiting we felt that this campground was much better suited for RV campers. However we have come here for the day to hike and enjoy the playground by the picnic area, and it is a beautiful park, with a large lake, a restaurant, and a bridge that is iconic to the Cumberland region of Tennessee.

    Of the five camping loops, loop 4 offers the most shade (particularly sites 102-109, which are shaded by evergreens and some of the prettiest campsites I have seen in a state park!), although is not ADA accessible. Loop 2 offers the least amount of shade. Loops 1, 3, and 5 have mostly hardwood trees, thus offering more shade in the warmer months and mostly sun in the winter. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and most can accommodate trailers up to 60 feet, with a few going higher (site 145 can fit over 100'!). Tent camping is permitted, although in most sites the only space to put a tent is very close to the fire pits or on a gravel/concrete surface, and in loops 2, 3, and 5 the park prohibits tents on the grass within each site.

    Amenities at this park include hiking, fishing, paddling/boat rental, biking, a swimming pool, golf, and birding. Cabins are also available to rent, many with a view of the lake. Day use includes picnic tables, picnic pavilions, and multiple playground areas for kids. This park is also further away from urban areas and is a good place for wildlife viewing--we have seen black snakes, and what looked like a raccoon!

    This is a much less crowded park than Fall Creek Falls to the south, particularly if you can make it early in the season, and is convenient to I-40, premium golfing, and historical sites on the Cumberland Plateau. While there are better options in this region for someone looking to pitch a tent, if you have an RV, Cumberland Mountain is very peaceful, offering a lot of ways to spend your day and a quiet and relaxing spot to watch the stars and enjoy the sounds of nature at night.

Guide to Baxter

Tent camping near Baxter, Tennessee sits within the varied terrain of the Highland Rim, with elevations ranging from 600-1,000 feet above sea level. The area receives approximately 55 inches of annual rainfall, creating a humid climate that supports the region's dense hardwood forests. Most primitive camping locations around Baxter require proper food storage containers due to active wildlife, including black bears that frequent the Cumberland Plateau region.

What to do

Kayaking and fishing access: Horseshoe Bend Marina provides direct water access with kayak rentals available on site. "You can paddle both directions with ease, and there are several waterfalls nearby, also Rock Island State Park is about 1.5 miles by water. The boat traffic is minimal so paddling is easy," notes Lori H. from Horseshoe Bend Marina.

Waterfall exploration: Multiple waterfalls within 20-30 minute drives make for excellent day trips from most campsites. "It's about 20 mins from Rock Island State Park," writes Joe B., who found Horseshoe Bend Marina an ideal base for exploring the region's numerous cascades.

Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing opportunities. At Turnhole Backcountry Campsite, Mandy C. observed, "Clear nights with a bright moon were magical here. It is probably a beautiful spot when there is no foliage, as well."

What campers like

Riverside camping affordability: The free camping at Holleman's Bend Camping Area draws budget-conscious campers. "This was my first experience with free camping and it will be tough to beat! I woke up early enough to see the sunrise and the fog coming off the river. Simply magical," reports Devin R.

Solitude and peaceful settings: Many sites offer significant separation from other campers. Andrew K. advises at Holleman's Bend, "Go past the main sites for more private sites," noting that rangers monitor the area to enforce the 14-day maximum stay rule.

Cell service variability: While many sites lack reliable cell coverage, some campers find this a benefit. Simon B. from Holleman's Bend candidly shared, "No Service (showed me how addicted i am). Other than that as described." At Horseshoe Bend Marina, campers report good Wi-Fi despite poor cell reception: "Wi-Fi worked great for streaming. NO CELL SERVICE for ATT."

What you should know

Primitive site realities: Many free sites have minimal facilities. Tommy S. describes Holleman's Bend realistically: "It's basically a parking lot, with a small patch of grass and a firepit by a loading dock into the river... It didn't seem like a great place to set up a tent, so we slept in our van."

Navigation challenges: Several camping areas have poor signage and limited cell service. At Roaring River Park, GPS directions often fail in the final approach, requiring traditional map navigation. Similarly, Horseshoe Bend visitors report: "Arrived at night & got lost due to hardly any visible signs."

Water access limitations: Despite riverside locations, practical water access varies. At Turnhole Backcountry Campsite, Mandy C. warns: "Despite this campsite being surrounded by the Green River on 3 sides, water is hard to come by here... The river is at least 1/2 mile away, through extremely dense brush, and the banks are not easy to access."

Tips for camping with families

Glamping options: Families seeking comfort might consider the canvas tents at Horseshoe Bend Marina. "The glamping tents... are large canvas tents with two double beds in them and decorated pretty cool inside with a beautiful front porch view of Center Hill Lake. The memory foam beds are literally one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in," writes Nate H.

Entertainment amenities: Some campgrounds provide family-friendly activities. Lori H. notes Horseshoe Bend has "a game room tent with ping pong, cornhole, jenga, etc. and they host a movie night sometimes! They also had an inflatable water slide during the day."

Supply planning: Limited services near many campsites require advance planning. "The campground is off the beaten path, so stock up before you get there!" advises one Horseshoe Bend camper. For coffee lovers camping at Holleman's Bend, Devin R. suggests: "Be sure to stop by the little town of Gainesboro for a cup of coffee at Nostalgic Coffee Cafe."

Tips from RVers

Leveling challenges: Site terrain varies significantly across the region. At Horseshoe Bend Marina, "the R." reported: "We are on site 9 and it's not the most leveled spot. We have a 25ft class C."

Hookup availability: While several campgrounds offer electric and water connections, placement varies. Horseshoe Bend Marina provides full hookups that "worked well" according to recent visitors, though sites with the best views may have more limited utility access.

Size limitations: Most sites accommodate smaller to mid-sized RVs rather than large rigs. "NO big-rig-friendly" is listed for most campgrounds in the area, with narrow access roads at Liberty Oak Oasis requiring particular caution for vehicles over 24 feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Baxter, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Baxter, TN is Holleman's Bend Camping Area with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Baxter, TN?

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