If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Birchwood, look no further. You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Birchwood campsites are perfect for tent campers.
FOSTER FALLS CAMPGROUND - Open to Vehicles - Reservations Required The Foster Falls campground has 26 rustic campsites ideal for tents or small trailers. The Foster Falls Campground is the only camping area in the park where guests may park a car and/or pop-ups next to the campsite. The campground is open year-round. All sites have a fire ring and a picnic table. Most sites are wooded, offering some shade and have a level, gravel surface. A few are on a slight incline. There are no water or electric hook-ups but a restroom and heated showers are available. No gas generators are allowed at the Foster Falls Campground. BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING - Reservations Required South Cumberland boasts over 90 miles of backpacking trails with 93 campsites, eight group sites and one rustic lodge, the Hobbs Cabin. These campsites are located within 12 designated back country campgrounds across the Fiery Gizzard and Savage Gulf trail systems. South Cumberland encourages visitors to reserve your campsite early to ensure you have a site upon arrival. Remember, follow all park rules and be prepared to have a rewarding backcountry experience. All campsites are limited to four adults and two children. Children are defined as ages 13 and younger. Site capacity information can be found under site features on the campsite reservation page. Please look closely at your campsite's capacity when reserving. Each site has a designated fire ring. Hiking is required to reach the sites, although a few sites are available at only 120 yards from the parking lot. Water must be filtered from natural sources or carried in, be sure to check with the ranger stations about water availability. A pit toilet is also available at each campground. South Cumberland has primitive group campsites at most Savage Gulf campgrounds. These sites can accommodate from 30-60 campers, depending on the site and location.
$18 - $21 / night
Lost Creek Campground is located along the banks of Big Lost Creek. This primitive campground offers remote camping and is surrounded by dense forest and creeks. Lost Creek Campground is open year round. Sites are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. While staying at Lost Creek, campers can enjoy fishing in Big Lost Creek (note: special regulations are in effect for fishing in Big Lost Creek).
View of Big Frog Mountain Area of Cherokee National Forest This area is known for solitude and backcountry adventure, with Big Frog Wilderness being a destination for backpacking, day-hiking and hunting. The area offers about 35 miles of backcountry trails, some of which climb to over 4,000 feet. In addition to the backcountry hiking opportunities, the area is also managed as a Black Bear reserve. Try snorkeling at Conasauga River, renowned for remarkable fish viewing. Pitch a tent at Tumbling Creek or Sylco Campgrounds. Big Frog Area Map Big Frog Area Guide
Located in the Chilhowee Recreation Area, Chilhowee Group Camp offers camping for up to 75 individuals. Nearby McKamy Lake offers a swim area with a sandy beach and fishing from the bank. On the drive up to the campground, stop at one of the many observation overlooks to enjoy the beautiful mountains. Wildlife is abundant in this area, so have your camera ready and tread lightly.
Within the recreation area are approximately 25 miles of hiking and biking trails including the Chilhowee Trails System. Chilhowee Group camp is an excellent location for wildlife viewing and accessing a nearby scenic waterfall. Fishing is available on the seven-acre McKamy Lake. Boats are allowed, but gasoline motors are not.
The campground is located near the top of Chilhowee Mountain at an elevation of 2,000 feet. It is in a mixed hardwood and pine forest and the lake is a short walk from the group camp.
In addition to the immediate local activities, world class whitewater rafting opportunities are nearby on the Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers.
Goup areas must be cancelled more than 14 days from reservation date to get refund. The $8.00 service fee will still be charged for the reservation
$50 / night
South Cumberland State Park is located within four different Tennessee counties: Grundy, Franklin, Marion and Sequatchie. The park is composed of approximately 30,845 acres in nine separate areas and boasts some of the best hiking and backcountry camping in the region.
$8 - $35 / night
Our Ocoee River Camping site is located on a 6 acre campground where you can park, set up site, build a fire, and hang out. Hammock campers have plenty of trees to choose from and the shade helps keep you cool on those hot summer days. If that’s not cool enough, our property borders the Lower Ocoee and has two take outs allowing easy access into and out of the river for those looking to float or take a swim.
Experience true off-grid living in our Mennonite-built cabin nestled in the heart of 81 acres of secluded meadows and pasture. This rustic retreat is the perfect getaway for those looking to fully unplug and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
Our cozy cabin offers a unique blend of country charm and modern convenience. While there is no electricity, we have propane lights inside and solar lights outdoors. We do have running water, although there is no water heater yet. The interior is tastefully decorated with a comfortable queen-sized bed and two twin beds in a shared room upstairs. A futon is available in the family area for additional sleepers and full size kitchen for preparing simple meals. Best of all, there is no WiFi and little cell phone service, giving you the chance to truly disconnect and relax. With a fire pit outside, you can enjoy cozy evenings under the stars, roasting marshmallows and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Additionally, for those who prefer to sleep under the stars, we offer two campsites in an old cattle field at the crest of the hill. Each site is equipped with a fire pit and cooking grate, and a porta potty is conveniently located nearby. Parking is available adjacent to the sites, and it's just a short walk across the field. These are primitive so no water is available on site.
Now true highlight of our property are the four picturesque ponds and natural lake with a beaver dam and small waterfall. Grab a fishing pole and take to the waters, or simply relax and soak in the stunning surroundings. And with an abundance of wildlife, you're sure to spot everything from deer and wild turkey to osprey and blue heron during your stay.
Beyond our property, you'll find endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Although only a mile as the crow flys, the cabin is a 20-minute drive to Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee's largest state park, boasting over 26,000 acres of hiking, waterfalls, streams, cascades, and gorges. And with Cumberland Mountain State Park, Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, South Cumberland State Park, and Chattanooga all within an hour's drive or so, there's no shortage of hiking, dining, and activities to enjoy. The Mennonite community is a short drive away where you'll find local produce, plants, and all sorts of handmade goods.
Experience the simpler life and reconnect with nature at our off-grid retreat. We invite you to unplug, unwind, and recharge in the peaceful embrace of nature.
Feel free, relax and enjoy.
$50 - $100 / night
Traveler
We tent camped on Spot 27. Nice back in RV spot with water and electric. Bathhouse is close by. Gray water dump is across the road. Originally we booked Spot 60. That’s a pull through with little room for a tent. No cell service but that’s okay as we disconnected for a while. You can get service at the top of the park. Clean bathrooms with hot showers. Trails are nicely blazed with colors that match trail map. Georgia apple farms are a short, 20-30 minutes away.
Legend
We camped here over the weekend. Our campsite was perfect. Very private and enough space for 2 tents. Not all campsites are made for tents, some have just a concrete driveway. We had the usual amenities, like a picnic table with a bench, fire pit, and a lantern pole. The bathhouse was clean and well stocked. Rock Island offers a lot hiking trails and stunning waterfalls. There is a little coffee/icecream shop just outside the park, which was awesome. We would camp here anytime again.
Guide
The campground is very clean and like new. We used our pop up and the site we used was very level.
Excellent hiking and views of the canyon.
Traveler
Cold night. No firewood. Alone. It's okay.
TravelerGreat sites with fire pits.
GuideI had a wonderful time at backcountry site #4 this past Sunday - Monday. The hike to the site is downhill from the stone wall parking lot, so it was pretty easy to get to at only 1 mile.
The site is private and pretty large. There were plenty of trees for hammocks and a few flat spots for small tents.
A small creek flows through the site for easy water access (but I was told that it doesn’t flow all year).
The best part of site #4 is that it’s about 0.2 miles from a beautiful west facing overlook where I enjoyed the sunset.
I can’t recommend this site every .
Scout
Easy to find, close to Fall Creek Falls, Power available, quiet spot except for the coyotes in the woods. Confused Roosters will wake you up at various times. Ear plugs help with the Roosters and coyotes. It's not a campground so don't expect a shower house or bathrooms. I would stay there again. Owner is an exceptional host.
GuideThis is a great park with a lot to offer and more in the near vicinity.
Cell reception (T-Mobile) was non-existent in the site. However, there was reception at the trading post and possibly elsewhere.
They're installing Bear Boxes in tent sites back and front country (as I understood it) and are clearly paying attention to what people want and how to improve visitors experiences.
A lot of the sites are RV orientated. But the walk in tent sites are really close to the parking area. Also, nearby backcountry platforms and sites can be easily accessed.
If you want walking access to the trails, it's probably best to choose a site near the lake as that's where most trails are accessed from.
Ranger
This place is a great place for camping had nice paved trails clean campground. The bathroom was clean. The shower was hot. Lots of friendly campers.
Ranger
We arrived and we got to pick out our own campsite. Thanks to the friendly and helpful staff. Bathrooms were clean and the showers were warm water beautiful tall trees provided shade. Scenic Drive was stunning.
Traveler
Ample space, gorgeous views of the lake, and super friendly staff. We stayed in space 19. It is sized for a smaller rig which was perfect for us. We got to watch fish jump and a crane fishing in the morning. Only caught small fish, but the kids had a blast swimming. The lake is shallow with a slow grade which was perfect for our young children. Everyone was friendly and respectful. The bathrooms were clean and it was a nice bonus to have a no-charge shower available for tent camping.
Traveler
Excellent instructions, easy to find my site. Trees so can add my tarp for possible rain. Restful sleep. Parked by my deluxe primitive site. It comes with hot shower and flush toilet. Porta potties close by lit with fairy lights at night. I was impressed as they were clean. Self check in. I saw a deer on the way to the bathroom. Appreciate the trash cans, water and electricity. Close to gas, food. I went to Coalmont. The Mexican food was authentic. Amazing.
Scout
Visiting in 2 weeks
Traveler
The campground was one of the most scenic I've been to. Some of the lakefront spots had their own access to the lake and plenty of trees. The camp host was amazing!
Guide
It took us about 1.5 hours to reach the campground from where the pavement ended. It gets rough in places, but a sedan can do it if it's dry. Once you finally reach the campground, it is nice. Nestled way back in the woods. No power or water hookups. A couple of water hydrates throughout the campground. No alcohol permitted. It is a wildlife management area. There is a host in the campground. Beautiful scenery!
Guide
Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area. The camp sites are first come, first serve. They are free. Only 2 sites with tables. If you like dispersed camping you'll probably enjoy it. If you prefer a campground, this is not for you.
Guide
Well kept and clean. I was there on Wednesday and no one was there. Please be kind and do not leave trash behind.
Guide
Great open lake for small fishing boats and plenty of campsites.
Scout
Good, discreet and comfortable spot.
Arrived at night and there was not a chance I was going to discover the reserved spot for camping. Only found it because another camper, who seemed to be familiar with area, assisted me. If sections or spots are named after the name reserved online, you wouldn't know this arriving as there is only red reflectors. Overall, good spot just was frustrating at first.
Guide
This quiet little camp site is in the heart of the cherokee Forest. It’s so beautiful. Each site is a good distance away from the other and there is the constant sound of the creek flowing right next to it. The bathrooms are clean and right in the middle a perfect spot for a getaway
Scout
Nice place good quiet. Just would be better if they had water at each site. And a duping station too
ScoutA beautiful place for families and pets. Very shady; quiet very friendly place to go loved it
Scout
Very nice and beautiful quiet place Beautiful lake. And sunsets too and pet are welcome Just a little bit of heaven ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Scout
We've been traveling full time for the past year and Bean Pot campground is by far the best. Beautiful sites, great owners and staff and alot of amenities. They also have fun activities. Definitely will be back!
Guide
I always have a great time staying at this campground and meeting many friendly people. The road noise is not as bad as some people say. I mostly hear only the river running. The shower house is always clean, and for $15, it is a great deal. Make reservations on line as it fills up on the weekends.
Guide
No picnic tables or pit toilets. Flat campsites next to a very nice creek.
Guide
We stayed on site 15 of the B loop. It was a great location, but in the center of the site once stood a large tree with a timber surround. The tree has been cut down, but the surround is still there, and we kept tripping over it. Otherwise, it's close to the bathhouse, and the water spigot is right across the street. As someone who uses a camper, here's what you need to know. Coming up the mountain has some steep grades and a few switch backs that you can't see around. There are often oncoming vehicles who are often driving to fast and not considering those of us in large vehicles. We had a couple of course calls even without the camper in tow. The roads in the campground are narrow and again, some of the turns are sharp when pulling a trailer. There is only one dump station and it's on the other side of the campground. From the B loop, you have to traverse about a 120 degree switchback to get to it. My friend who was there pulling a 5th wheel decided not to try it and opted to pay to dump somewhere else. I pull a 25ft travel trailer and had no problem, although it felt sketchy going into it. Once there, it was probably the best dump station I've ever used. The water pressure almost blew a connection to my tank flush, but I'm sure the tank is clean now! As I eluded to before, there are no water hookups at the sites, only power (30A). You'll need to fill your fresh water tanks before you set up. Cell/ internet; in the B loop there is NO AT&T in spite of what this site says. You may get a weak signal on the other side, but it's spotty at best. There appeared to be a Verizon tower on the mountain, so that will probably work. It is a pet friendly campground, but personally, I don't find that friendly. I don't like walking up to someone dog barking at the person getting their 6 am morning walk and then the owner yelling at the dog to be quiet.
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 Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Birchwood, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 61 tent camping locations near Birchwood, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
