70 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
State parks and national forests surrounding Birchwood, Tennessee offer diverse tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. The Cumberland Trail section at Laurel Snow provides walk-in tent sites with drinking water and fire rings, located approximately 15 miles from Birchwood. Lost Creek in Cherokee National Forest, about 30 miles southeast, offers primitive tent camping with creek-side sites and basic amenities. Foster Falls Campground in South Cumberland State Park, though farther at 45 miles south, provides established tent campsites with access to waterfalls and hiking trails. Eads Bluff Overlook offers drive-in tent camping with drinking water and reservable sites for those seeking convenience with views.
Most tent campsites in the region feature dirt or gravel pads with minimal grading. Lost Creek requires navigating 7 miles of gravel forest road but rewards tent campers with concrete picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets. According to reviews, the sites are "incredibly clean and quiet" though lacking potable water. Foster Falls provides more amenities with 26 rustic tent sites featuring fire pits and picnic tables, but requires advance reservations. Backcountry tent camping areas in Savage Gulf State Park involve short hikes to reach secluded sites. Bear activity is common throughout the region, so proper food storage is essential at all primitive tent campgrounds. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most sites, particularly at Lost Creek.
Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for hiking and water activities. One visitor noted that Lost Creek offers "easy creek access with some sites right beside the creek," perfect for wading or fishing. At Foster Falls, campers reported that "the outer loop sites have more underbrush between them providing a buffer" for privacy, while sites 17-26 offer the most seclusion. Summer brings higher temperatures and crowds, particularly at waterfall-adjacent sites. Spring and fall provide more comfortable tent camping conditions with fewer visitors. The proximity to water features is a highlight at many locations, with several campers mentioning the peaceful sound of flowing water at night as a primary reason for returning to primitive tent camping in the area.
"We stayed in the Tent camping area recently."
"There are picnic tables and fire rings at every site but they recently removed the trash cans due to a racoon problem. There is a large central dumpster available though."
"One being very close to a waterfall. Definitely would recommend to a friend"
"One being very close to a waterfall. Definitely would recommend to a friend. I haven't camped on the eagles bluff, but given the topo map, I'd imagine it would be fabulous"
"The state park/campground adjoins the Cherokee National Forest and sits on the north bank of the Hiwassee River outside of Benton, TN."
"Very nice campground with large tent sites with fairly level ground capable of sitting 2 or 3 tents. Most have mature trees to hang hammocks. Very quiet during weekdays."
"this cam ground grat for tents only ,you can drive up with your vehicle but when it rains you might need to have 4x4, otherwise spacious wooded 10 acres land with like 16 Camp sites,, Super easy to book"
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"It's in the middle of nowhere (7 miles down a gravel forest road), surrounded by forest, with easy creek access (some sites are right beside the creek), and the Benton McKaye trail running directly beside"
"We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived. Sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad. We had to clean ours when we arrived."
"Things to know: $5 reservation fee, $8-45 per site Amenities: picnic table, fire ring, restrooms, heated shower
Drawbacks: no electric or water hook-ups. No gas generators allowed"
"The campground is great for climbers looking to get an early start on all the routes nearby."
from $18 - $21 / night
Check Availability"Backpack in , totally primitive sites. Take your own water or filtration system. Hobbs Cabin is available by reservation, close to the tent sites. Bring an air mattress for the wood bunks."
"Prefect spot for a short hike-in backcountry camping experience. The hike in is less than two miles and the camp sites are secluded and spread apart. Highly recommend!"
ScoutI camped here with a friend last weekend and absolutely loved this place! It's a cute little site with a great host, clean bathrooms, free firewood, and super friendly dogs, goats, and people. I would for sure stay here again and recommend.
GuideParksville Lake RV Campground is an absolute gem! I had a fantastic stay here. The campground is beautifully maintained, and the sites are nice, spacious, and wonderfully shaded by the trees. We loved the layout of the RV loop, especially the outer section where a peaceful creek flows right past the sites—the sound of the water at night was perfect. The restrooms and showers were exceptionally clean and well-kept. I had Starlink connectivity at my site and my WeBoost cell signal booster gave me up to three bars on AT&T. The campground host was incredibly nice, welcoming, and helpful. It's a wonderful, relaxing spot, and I will definitely be back!
TravelerEnjoyable place to stay, quiet nights. Very chill atmosphere. Would recommend.
ScoutI was worried that I would arrive and find all the campsites occupied. This was not the case. When I got there around 5:30 there was only one other site taken. I didn’t see them until the next morning. By morning, there were two other sites occupied.
GuideThis is one of several USFS campgrounds that are within a few miles of each other. The cost is only $8/night, first come first served. The sites are fairly large with about half of them on a wide, clear creek. There is no running water, but there are bear proof trash cans and vault toilets that were fairly clean, but didn't smell great.
There is free potable water and an RV dump station about a mile away at the North River Game Checking Station on River Road near the Spivey Cove campground..
The campsite was clean with picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern post. The fire ring was almost full of ashes and it appears that campers have to clean them out themselves.
The Green Cove Angler store is a couple miles away and has ice, firewood and other camper things.
Unfortunately, while we were there, it was bear hunting season and another camper had multiple barking and baying dogs that went on and on for hours.
TravelerThis was a last minute stay, the camp was full but accommodations were made for us by the host to park in his front yard and connect to house power. We were invited to join the host and other guests at the massive fire pit that was warming the cool mountain evening. Very pretty here…was a long and winding road up the mountain from our travel direction. Excited to see what it looks like in daylight. I have 3 bars on my T-Mobile but also have StarLink.
TravelerHard to find, really busy but most of them were hikers let left at nightfall.
ScoutCalled the day of to ask if we could camp and set up after hours for that day and the next the lady told me yes i could pay in the morning i got here set up that night woke up around 8 am to go pay and reserve my campsite for the day and she told me they were booked even though she had told me the day before she had plenty of campsites. Then tried to tell me the only one she had was a $75 site for 4 people which is absolutely insane. She made snarky remarks and was overall incompetent in making sure the guests receive the right information the first time. Absolutely zero care that we set up not even 12 hours before to make us take it down and leave.
ScoutFort Mountain SP offers some great adventures for the outdoorsman. Hiking and Biking are the mainstays. The overlooks are absolutely astounding from the Cool Springs Overlook, which is easily accessible to anyone even the disabled. The overlook on the trail to the wall and tower is equally amazing. The campground is electric and water only, no fhu. All spots are gravel and fairly level. The bathhouses are older and could use updating . We have zero T-Mobile service at the campground, but it works well in other areas of the park. We have Starlink for our 5th Wheel but the heavy tree canopy in our site made it sketchy. The staff is very friendly.
Primitive camping areas near Birchwood, Tennessee are scattered throughout the densely forested foothills of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Most sites sit at elevations between 800-2,000 feet, where summer temperatures average 82°F and winter lows regularly drop below freezing. These tent campsites feature minimal development, with many requiring travel on unpaved forest roads to access the most secluded locations.
Wading and swimming in creek water: At Lost Creek - Cherokee NF, campers can enjoy accessible water recreation. "There are spots that you can swim around in," notes Scott E., who enjoyed camping near the clear, flowing creek. The campground's proximity to water makes it ideal for cooling off during hot Tennessee summers.
Hiking the Benton McKaye trail: This long-distance trail runs directly beside several tent campsites near Birchwood. According to Chris D., Lost Creek offers "Many places to explore on bike or hiking. Super remote area, ride were in decent shape, I could see them being bad after a heavy storm." The trail connects several campgrounds in the region and offers varying difficulty levels.
Rock climbing opportunities: Foster Falls attracts technical climbers seeking sport climbing routes. "Really beautiful scenery on somewhat strenuous hikes to waterfalls, some good sport climbing, and a few trails that will take you really high up," reports Kelly M. The sandstone cliffs provide routes for various skill levels within walking distance of tent sites.
Secluded tent camping spots: At Savage Falls Campground, campers appreciate the privacy between sites. "The camp sites are secluded and spread apart," writes Cole T. The campground offers a "Perfect spot for a short hike-in backcountry camping experience" with a hike in less than two miles.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Despite being primitive, many tent campsites near Birchwood maintain basic facilities. At Lost Creek, Gregg G. notes the campground "offers concrete picnic tables, lantern post, a pit toilet and bear safe trash receptacles." Rayley P. adds, "Each campsite has a concrete table, fire pit, and tent platform."
Waterfall proximity: Foster Falls Campground provides direct access to its namesake waterfall. "Camping was easy and bathrooms were clean. Really beautiful scenery on somewhat strenuous hikes to waterfalls," writes Kelly M., who recommends visiting "when it's warm enough to swim in the waterfall."
Limited cell service: Most tent campsites near Birchwood have poor connectivity. At Lost Creek, Gregg G. notes there is "no Verizon cell reception," while Chris D. mentions "likely no cell service unless you go one way or another up the mountain."
Water availability varies: Many campgrounds lack reliable water sources. Lost Creek has "no potable water available from a spicket," according to Gregg G. At Savage Gulf State Park, Shelly S. recommends you "Take your own water or filtration system."
Road conditions can be challenging: Several tent campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. Chris D. describes Lost Creek access: "Gravel 7 miles to here," noting the roads "were in decent shape, I could see them being bad after a heavy storm."
Bear activity requires precautions: Wildlife encounters are common near Birchwood tent sites. Scott G. observed "bear scat on my hike in" at Savage Falls, recommending proper food storage. Lost Creek provides "bear safe trash receptacles" to minimize wildlife interactions.
Consider hike distances for children: When selecting tent campsites near Birchwood with kids, evaluate hiking requirements. Cherokee National Forest Chilhowee Campground offers drive-in access and "mountain lake/beach, waterfall, and hiking trails," according to Dan N., making it suitable for various ages.
Scout bathroom facilities: Foster Falls provides more comfort for families with children. Kelly M. notes, "Camping was easy and bathrooms were clean," though Sarah N. cautions facilities "were not the most maintained."
Plan for variable weather: Tennessee's mountain climate can change quickly. Ken O. stayed at Chilhowee and reported, "The campsite was crushed stone chips, and I suspect it would drain well after a storm," noting the "lots of shade" helped moderate temperatures during July.
Limited RV-friendly options: Most tent campsites near Birchwood cannot accommodate larger vehicles. Outdoor Adventure Rafting Campground is one exception, with Tyler J. noting it's "a great spot if you either want to go rafting for a weekend or spend the day tubing the lower Ocoee and have a campground all ready for you."
Smaller rigs only: For RVers considering tent campsites near Birchwood, Lost Creek can "accommodate tents and small RVs," according to Brittany S., though the 7-mile gravel forest road access limits larger vehicles.
Consider group camping areas: RV groups might find Black Willow Farm suitable, as Jake C. notes they have "an amazing property with an off grid cabin and tent sites," accommodating various camping styles in one location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Birchwood, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Birchwood, TN is Harrison Bay State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 60 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 70 tent camping locations near Birchwood, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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