Best Tent Camping near Bulls Gap, TN

Tent campsites near Bulls Gap, Tennessee include several options within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, providing a range of experiences from developed campgrounds to more secluded areas. Cosby Campground offers tent-specific sites with wooden tent pads situated among heavily wooded terrain approximately 25 miles southeast of Bulls Gap. Big Creek Campground provides a smaller, tent-only experience with just 12 sites located along a scenic creek at the northern edge of the Smokies. Paint Creek Corridor also offers primitive tent camping opportunities within Cherokee National Forest.

Most tent campgrounds in the area have basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault or flush toilets. Cosby Campground provides tent pads that are often elevated and accessed by stairs, with parking spaces that accommodate one vehicle per site. According to one visitor, "Many sites are on an incline and accessed by stairs. Tent pads, picnic tables and fire rings are mostly level." Sites typically lack electricity, showers, and cell service, creating a more rustic camping experience. During peak season from April through October, reservations are recommended for established campgrounds, while dispersed camping areas may operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

The forested setting around Bulls Gap provides tent campers with natural shade and cooler temperatures, especially at higher elevations. Big Creek Campground's proximity to water creates a peaceful soundscape as one camper noted, "It was great to hear the creek throughout the night." Areas like Cosby remain less crowded than other Smoky Mountain campgrounds, offering more privacy between sites despite being visible to neighbors. Tent campsites throughout the region serve as excellent basecamps for day hiking, with multiple trails accessible directly from campgrounds. Wildlife sightings are common, with black bears active throughout the area, requiring proper food storage in vehicles or dedicated bear boxes where provided. Most tent camping areas close seasonally, typically operating from mid-April through mid-October.

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Best Tent Sites Near Bulls Gap, Tennessee (59)

    1. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    70 Reviews
    Cosby, TN
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 487-2683

    $50 / night

    "Cosby is a small town about a 45 minute easy drive from Gatlinburg. Heavily wooded, lends itself nicely to hammock camping."

    "Most of the sites are better suited to tent campers, though a few of them are designated RV sites offering a back-in parking pad."

    2. Hot Springs Campground

    29 Reviews
    Hot Springs, NC
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 622-7676

    "Situated along the beautiful French Broad River."

    "Beautiful campground with great campstore right at the entrance that sells everything. Large campsites with great privacy foliage, picnic tables, & fire rings."

    3. Lakeside Getaway on Douglas

    4 Reviews
    Dandridge, TN
    21 miles
    +1 (423) 231-9399

    $35 - $100 / night

    "I picked this site because it met my criteria for quick tent camping and has the awesomely easy instant book feature. More of that please!"

    "Currently there are no hookups, conveniently located off I40 and a perfect place to overnight for us. An additional 40 sites are currently being built."

    4. Covered Bridge Campout

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    Bulls Gap, TN
    9 miles
    +1 (907) 371-3224

    $30 - $120 / night

    5. Fancher's Willow Branch Camp Ground

    1 Review
    Dandridge, TN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 397-3510

    "This place has been around for years...I have fond memories at Fanchers, growing up. Renovations & improvements over the past 10 years offer the best of both worlds."

    6. Big Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    14 Reviews
    Hartford, TN
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 436-1261

    $30 / night

    "Each one has a firepit, picnic table, lantern pole, and a very large tent pad. There are no RV's allowed. Nearby is group camping and horse camping.

    You cannot park your car right on the campsite."

    "Located at the base of the Baxter Creek Trail, which leads to Mount Sterling, this drive-in campground provides a picturesque backdrop for nature enthusiasts."

    7. Camping with the Cows

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    Bean Station, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 403-2870

    $50 - $100 / night

    8. Sunny Hills Farm & Camp

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    Greeneville, TN
    15 miles
    +1 (404) 606-5645

    $10 - $20 / night

    9. French Broad River Area

    1 Review
    Del Rio, TN
    24 miles

    "I love that we camped in the mountains by the river, and were only about a ten minute drive to the city.

    Our site was right on the river. Beautiful stars."

    10. Paint Creek Corridor

    1 Review
    Hot Springs, TN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 476-9700

    "There is a paid campground in the area which is $10 and offers vault toilets and nice sites.

    If you drive past that there are parking and picnic areas along the road that have “no camping” signs."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Bulls Gap, TN

1097 Reviews of 59 Bulls Gap Campgrounds


  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2019

    Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    National Park Campground with Roadside RV Parking

     I camped at this campground about fifteen to twenty years ago, and I loved the coolness of the high altitude. That has not changed. When I camped at Balsam Mountain last night, there were things I didn’t remember from my first visit long ago. Now there are tent pads, and some of them are within spitting distance of each other. Fortunately, I got a site that was a good distance away from the next site. However, the site was small and sloped. If you have a large tent, just know that you might have to stake guy lines outside of the tent pad. The picnic table was not level, and the fire pit was very close to the picnic table. That wasn’t too bad, but almost every site was such that you had to park on the campground road, except for sites 26-31. Those were tent sites in which you had to park in a designated parking area and walk in a short distance. There are no hookups at this campground, which is okay with me since I am in a tent and carry my own water, and the restrooms have no showers. The worst part about the restrooms, however, is that you have to remember to take a towel/paper towel with you, and at night, make sure to take a lantern/headlamp/flashlight to the restroom. This may be TMI, but I am glad I had tissue in my pocket. Both rolls of toilet paper were empty. The men’s urinals are placed fairly high, so if you have small children, you will definitely want to let them use the toilet in the stall. There is no electricity at the restrooms, which means there is no light—not even outside. I enjoyed the campground for it being away from towns, but it was a little crowded anyway. Beware. If you are in an RV, you will have to park it on the campground road. There are no back-in sites, nor are there any pull-through sites. The RV sites are literally on wide sections of the paved campground road. Each site does have a picnic table and a fire pit, but there are no lantern poles. I did like it that there was a separate building for washing dishes. Also be aware that the campground is in a bear habitat, and you have to take precautions. I actually saw a huge pile of bear scat(poop) on the nature trail fewer than 100 yards away from the campground. Make sure when you go that you take everything you need, including ice, kiln-dried firewood, etc. The nearest town is fifteen miles away. Finding downed wood is hard to come by. I found just enough to have about a twenty-minute fire, and bringing wood from outside the park is not allowed unless it is sealed and certified. There is one nature trail that is about a half mile long, and it takes you to Heintooga Overlook, which is at the picnic area. To me, this is the best part about the campground, although it’s not really part of the campground. There is another trail not accessible directly from the campground, and years ago, you could hike to a waterfall. That is no longer the case. The trail has been re-routed, and several people have tried to find the waterfall without any luck. I came upon a small amphitheater while I was looking for wood, not that it would interest the camping overnighter, but it is interesting. Overall, I was disappointed in the campground. I was hoping to give it at least three stars, but the fact that you have to park in the road, there are not real RV sites, the restrooms are disappointing, and the site I was on was really small, I cannot give it three stars. Some of the campers I talked to loved the campground and come back every year. For me, there are better national park campgrounds in the Smokies.

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2018

    Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Foggy, Quiet, and Away From the Crowds

    We chose this campground specifically for the elevation, knowing we would be camping in late August and wanting an escape from the heat. It definitely delivered--at over 5300' elevation, it is much, much cooler at the campground than many of the trails lower in the Smokies. It is also extremely foggy--we did not spend much time here during the day as we were hiking, but both morning and nights we were there, clouds settled in over the entire campground, creating a very cool effect. (It also rained on us both nights, so make sure your tent is properly sealed against water!) 

    We stayed in sites 38 and 39, which had been booked in advance by the friends we went with. These are very close to the entrance, to other sites, to the bathrooms, the campground hosts, and the dishwashing station, and they are right on the road. It made these sites very convenient, but not the best for us as we had 5 small children with us. The tent pad at site 38 was also a little too small for our 6 person Coleman Evanston—one corner was hanging off the wooden platform.

    While our campsite was not as private as we normally would choose for ourselves, the campground itself was very quiet and very peaceful, and nowhere near full occupancy, despite the crowds on the trails below us. It is very wet, so if you want a campfire be sure to buy some of the heat-treated wood available for purchase down the mountain, and be prepared to secure anything you don't want to get wet in your cars overnight. 

    My only complaint here was the interaction the campground hosts had with our children--a bear had been seen at the entrance to the campground our first night there, and one of the hosts attempted to scare one of our toddlers into staying close to her mom, which is a decision I found highly inappropriate, and the hosts in general acted annoyed anytime our children wanted to play more than a few feet away from the adults. However that is not a fault of the campground itself, and I think if we had not been so close to the host site that would not have been an issue, and would have made this a very family-friendly place to go--provided you prepare for temperatures 10-20 degrees cooler than it is at lower elevations!

    **Other things of note with this campground: **

    -For privacy, sites 32-37 looked to be the best, although they require a couple of steps down from the car so are not ADA compliant. These sites are very grassy, with a lot of room for kids and dogs to run around without being right on the road. Site 23 was also very private compared to the others, although small; I don’t think anything larger than a 4 person tent would fit here.

    -The tent-only sites, 26-31, are clustered together and very open to each other, but offer privacy from the road and the other sites in the campground, and are considered the "walk-in" sites. The walk is very short, and I did see bear boxes to store food, as proper food storage is extremely important in the Smokies--within a few miles of the campsite we saw elk, bears, wild turkey, and deer. 

    -There is a dishwashing station behind site 38, with two sinks. There was some dish soap in there on our trip, but as always, be prepared with your own, and the water was cold water only. 

    -Site 38 is next to an open field rolling down the mountain; the hosts told us there is a bear family that likes to cross the campsite between sites 7 and 38, so be prepared to see one if you choose a site near this crossing!

    -There is a trail along the edge of this campground that is supposed to have wonderful sunset views, although we did not get to take advantage of this due to the fog.

    -Because of the high elevation, Balsam Mountain has a shorter operating season that the other GSMNP campgrounds; plan your trip accordingly. 

    -There are no electric or water hook-ups here, although RVs and campers may park at the sites. 

    -The bathrooms have solar-powered lights for nighttime, but they are very dim, so flashlights/headlamps are encouraged.

  • K
    Jun. 24, 2022

    Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Quite and Serene Sites on the side of a Mountain

    After researching sites, this one peaked my interest for the serenity it offered within a busy park and boy did it deliver! It is a long drive from the Oconaluftee Visitors Center inside the park but it is a really beautiful one! We even saw some elk on the side of the road about a mile from the campground on the drive in! Once we got there though, it was full but everyone was very quiet and pretty much kept to themselves. The tent sites are very close together as others have said. We had awesome neighbors the whole time so it didn't bother us much. Everything was super clean, and well kept. 

    There was no place up there to buy wood, so make sure to grab some before you go. The toilets are kept very clean and there are dish washing stations and bear proof trash bins within a short distance as well as bear vaults at each walk in tent site. 

    At night, the whole campground was quiet and dark, so if you want seclusion and great stargazing this is the place! I'm also glad that I read some reviews because we came from 100 degree temps and enjoyed the cool 50 degree nights. I took our sleeping bags worried that we would get too hot but it was chilly at nights. 

    There were just a few things I noted, at the walk in tent sites, there was really no great place to set up the hammock. This trip was just my husband and I so the limited space wasn't an issue. If we take the kids we will stay in one of the other sites that has more room to spare. The only other thing was that it is so far away from everything. Its a minimum of 20 min drive down to Cherokee or the visitors center so if you are planning on seeing a lot of stuff you might want to find a more centrally located campsite.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    Appalachian Pond Campground

    Back to Nature Campground to Get Away from it All

    For tent campers, I would rate this campground with five stars. For RV campers, I would rate it with one star. There are no hookups for RV campers, but there is a place to park a small RV camper that is self-contained. I loved this campground. It is everything you need for tent camping. It is remote in the mountains of western North Carolina and has lots of shade. It has a small pond, it is quiet, and the owners are very nice. One of the owners apologized for the grass being so high, but I assured him it was all right(and it wasn’t really that high). 

    There are several tent sites back in the woods, but they are spacious and not on top of each other. Some of them have access to running water, and at least one has electricity.  There is also a small cottage by the pond, and a camper that can be rented.   At night, all you will hear are crickets, the wind through the trees, birds, and frogs—just the way I like it. This campground truly is off the beaten path. 

    As far as facilities, it has a shower. There is a portable toilet across the path. Although it sounds primitive, which it is, the quaintness of the shower house and the fact that it has both a shower and a portable toilet is good enough unless you are looking for luxury accommodations. This campground may be remote, but it is not far from many hiking trails and sites, including but not limited to Purchase Knob, Hemphill Bald, the old Ferguson Cabin, Cataloochee Valley, the Great Smoky Mountains, and much more. 

    An additional feature is the old barn owned by the same people, which can accommodate special events, such as weddings and other venues in a beautiful rural setting. Would I recommend this campground? Absolutely!!!!… especially for tent campers.

  • Rich H.
    Aug. 20, 2020

    Gateway RV Campground - Tennessee

    Very clean with amenities

    Highs- Very friendly ( in the South we say “neighborly”) folks in the office, playground for the little ones, crystal clear swimming pool as well as kiddie pool, basketball court, laundry facility, clean bath and showers, vending machines and camp store with just about anything you would need including handmade soap in case you forgot yours. Newly cemented sites that require little to no leveling, firewood, fire starters, parts for your rig, full hookups with cable, fire ring and grill, quiet and peaceful but just 1 mile from the parkway. Lows- No trash can at your site. Don’t let a little thing like no trash can at your driveway keep you from enjoying this RV Park. Highly recommended. Just go already!

  • Mandi M.
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Beautiful and Basic

    A no-frills campground inside GSMNP. Cosby is a small town about a 45 minute easy drive from Gatlinburg. Heavily wooded, lends itself nicely to hammock camping. Campsites are clean and bath houses are interspersed nicely throughout the campground. Bath houses are very basic: flush toilet (paper provided) and stainless steel sinks- no soap or dryers and are very clean. Campground is quiet and one can listen to the sounds of the creek from your tent.

    No cell service.

    Several hiking trails are accessible within the campground.

    No store, though several small stores/gas stations outside the campground sell approved firewood and ice. One or two small sandwich shops are open in the small town.

    Parking for tent camping really is limited to one car per campsite. Small parking spaces.

    Many sites are on an incline and accessed by stairs. Tent pads, picnic tables and fire rings are mostly level. There are grates attached to the fire rings that can be laid back if not in use.

    We enjoyed our stay here very much, though check the weather forecast: it rained at the campground while we were out and had no idea it had rained. :)

  • Christina  Z.
    Jul. 30, 2019

    Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Site #10. First campground experience did not disappoint

    I've hiked all over the Balsam Mt and Cataloochee area of the GSM, but this was my first front country camping experience. Quaint and quiet, tent pads are flat/level. Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring with a grate to cook on. The areas are large enough for a canopy to be placed over the table. The tent pads are large enough to accommodate a 1-8+ person tent. One complaint I'd heard from other folks is that their RV's and campers had to be parked right on the road, as apposed to pulling them into an actual spot (no back in or pull through spots). The two restrooms are an easy walk from any spot. No showers. There is a dishwashing station, a nice little shelter with two very large sinks to clean up your dishes. This time of year (end of July/beginning of August), the temps up there never get above 70 or 75, and the lows were in the low 50's. The sites are close together, although I never felt crowded or encroached upon. There are little worn paths between site, so you can easily visit your neighbors if you're camping with friends. The camp hosts were incredibly sweet folks, although at the time I am writing this review, these particular ones will only be there until mid August, and a new host crew will arrive. They were pleasant to chat with, and made sure to come around to warn us that a possible storm was brewing in the Cherokee area and headed our way. Restrooms were super clean!! There is electricity, so be sure to bring a lantern or headlamp. Also, although there is plenty of running water, no soap or towels, only hand sanitizer. So be sure to also bring something to dry hands off with, +/- soap if the sanitizer dispenser is empty. There are many hiking opportunities near by, a few of which are easily accessible with a short, few mile drive down the mountain, and a nature trail is accessible from CS43. An even shorter drive or nice walk up the remaining road will bring you to on of the Flat Creek Trail entrances, which has a few benches to watch the sunset from the overlook. If you venture further onto Heintooga Rd, be warned that it's 14 miles one-way, unimproved, and can be very rutted and hard on low clearance vehicles. A beautiful little drive, just not a smooth one. Your furry family members are also welcome at this campground! They are required to be on a leash or long tie-out at all times for their safety, and the safety of other pets and wild animals. Keep in mind, pets are not allowed on the trails in the GSM, so although they can camp with you, they will not be able to join you on any hikes in the area. I can't wait to stay here again, and I'm so happy that I chose this campground as my first front country experience.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 2, 2021

    Cataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Remote Camping Near Smoky Mountain History

    Full Video With Drive Through Of The Campground CLICK HERE

    When visiting the smoky mountains you might be tempted to try something a little bit more off the beaten path. Sometimes the path being rocky and windy makes the campsite all the more worth it. As is the case with the Cataloochee campground. 

    I took a trip to this campground in hopes of finding something spectacular I had heard that the elk in this area around freely and that on a crisp day you could hear the water which runs along side the camp even at the furthest campsite. As I drove down the winding road I noticed that the twist interns grew narrow the bumps grew frequent and then encountering a motorist was a hairy experience. I had been told that large RVs we're not permitted however I saw one precariously going down the mountain side. 

    The roads suddenly turned from dirt and gravel to a paved section of highway and I was slightly confused. 

    Just a short distance after this occurred I found the Cataloochee campground jetting off to the left-hand side of the road. It welcomed me with open arms and tall trees casting gorgeous shade that seem to be dancing in the sunlight. I pulled in to speak to the Ranger on duty and then quickly found my campsite. It was something unlike any other campground I had found in the area completely removed from the comforts of community and distanced intentionally from the creature comforts. 

    This campground is one for making memories and enjoying truly the outdoors. Hiking trails depart from this campground and lead to some of the most historic areas of the great Smoky Mountain National Park including several structures which ones were the homes of some of the first residents of the Smoky Mountains. 

    Each site was large enough to spread out in with a small camper or a tent. Tent pads are large and size allowing for even the largest of tents. Each pull in was large enough for a large vehicle, though I could see an RV being an issue. Campsites came standard with lantern hooks and picnic tables in addition to a fire ring. 

    Centralized restrooms and trash receptacles were available in addition to a spigot. These restrooms are very basic however do have a wash sink area in a common area as well to avoid restroom clean up for dishes. There are no showers at this facility. 

    Since this area is widely regarded for bear sightings in addition to other wild animals, you can find bear safety at the kiosk and locking trash bins. I would advise brushing up on your bear safety before a trip to the Smoky Mountains for a camping trip in general. 

    Sure enough after settling in this campground was a peaceful and idyllic setting. At$25 per night the waterfront sites more than justify the price point. However, I will say reservations are required for this campground as it is more remote and also more limited on availability. 

    This campground is frequently effected by weather so planning in advance is a must!!

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2019

    Greenheart Forest

    Forest Bathing and Beauty at Greenheart Forest

    (As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I am occasionally given the opportunity to stay at campgrounds to help expand the listings on the site. I was given the chance to stay at Greenheart Forest through this program.)

    Located in Pisgah National Forest, Greenheart Forest labels itself as a place of healing, and that description could not be more accurate. David and Jeannette, the owners, are both incredibly nice. From our initial phone call, to meeting them, to when we said goodbye, they were so kind and conversational in all of our interactions.I spent a lot of time talking to David about his passion—and the mission of Greenheart Forest—of forest bathing and terra psychology. 

    The campground itself is both small and large. There are only five sites available for booking, but they are considerably spaced out, and the sites themselves are very large. While the sites are technically“drive-in,” the road to get to them is very difficult to navigate unless you have 4-wheel drive, so when planning the trip, plan to either hike-in(about 200 yards or so), or to pay$5 each direction for David or his wife to provide portage of your gear. When we went it was raining pretty heavily and my front-wheel drive RAV-4 could not make it, so we took advantage of David’s truck. 

    Site 1 is the closest to the lodge/parking lot, with a covered picnic table. Site 2 is the“glamping” site, available at an upcharge; David has a 10-person tent, 2-room tent set up that includes two cots in one“room,” and a rug and chairs in the other. This site is huge, with a large fire ring, and ample room to set up other tents. We stayed here and were able to set up a second tent and a screen shelter with room to spare. Site 3 is also very large, with wooden benches around the fire ring, a gravel tent pad, and plenty of ground space for additional tents. This is also the site closest to the“privy;” a pop up tent set up around a bucket with toilet paper and a bucket of leaves to aide in decomposition.(There is a bathroom with running water in the lodge as well.) Sites 4 and 5 are the furthest from the lodge, with site 5 being the most private and slightly downhill from the others. This site was occupied when we went so I could not get a good look at it, but the privacy it had was incredible. 

    These are tent sites only; they will not accommodate RVs, and sites 3 and 5 are not accessible by vehicle, but by short trails past the other campsites. There is no electricity at the sites, and water is available at the lodge but must be carried the rest of the way. 

    The road that takes you to sites 1 and 2 stretches towards the edge of David’s property, and ends in a trail that takes you to the Max Patch summit via the Buckeye Ridge Trail, about 3 miles round trip from the campground to the summit. We did not get to explore the trail, but have been to Max Patch and it is incredible and well worth the walk if your trip allows time for it. 

    Even better than the wide and open campsites though, is the overall atmosphere David has created. He has a zen garden for walking and meditation, flowers everywhere, and community places set up both inside and outside the the lodge for talking to other campers. His background in Forest Bathing has led to building a place of love and healing, and it shows in everything from the moment you first turn into the driveway. We came with kids, and while everything was very child-friendly, this would be a wonderful place to come alone if you needed to get into the forest and clear your head, or with a retreat looking for a place to facilitate deeper healing or meditations.


Guide to Bulls Gap

Tent campsites near Bulls Gap, Tennessee provide access to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,700 to 3,500 feet. The area's hardwood forests and limestone ridges create natural windbreaks for campers, with temperature differences of 10-15°F cooler at higher elevations compared to the valleys. Campgrounds in this region typically experience high humidity during summer months, with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through August.

What to do

Hiking to mountain vistas: Big Creek Campground offers direct access to several trails including the challenging Baxter Creek Trail. "There are some trails nearby but most of the popular hikes you'll need to drive to," notes one camper, while another adds, "The camp is beautiful and you are surrounded by the magical sounds of rushing water."

Swimming in natural pools: During summer months, creeks provide natural swimming opportunities within walking distance of many campsites. A visitor to Lakeside Getaway on Douglas mentions, "There is a sitting area and a dock with paddle sport launches," making it easy to cool off during hot weather.

Stargazing opportunities: The relative distance from major cities creates excellent night sky viewing conditions, especially during new moon phases. One camper at French Broad River Area recalled, "Beautiful stars. Each site has an electrical outlet, there are water pumps, and also WiFi!"

Explore local hot springs: Drive approximately 40 miles from Bulls Gap to soak in mineral springs after a day of hiking. "The hot springs spa is a must hit after a long weekend of hiking and canoeing," shares a visitor to Hot Springs Campground.

What campers like

Quieter camping experiences: Cosby Campground provides a more peaceful alternative to busier Smoky Mountain destinations. "Was directed to Cosby by a NPS Ranger as an overlooked, beautiful campground. Arrived close to dark and had our pick of gorgeous, wooded sites- even on a weekend in July," shares one camper. Another adds, "This location is a great choice for anyone who wants to visit GSMNP while avoiding some of the crowds."

Creek-side tent pads: Many sites feature the soothing sounds of moving water throughout your stay. A visitor to Big Creek Campground noted, "Camp was great. Pads were large and flat and well kept... Nice path to walk and explore along stream which is very beautiful."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings offer the best chances to spot native species. "The campground has sites for tent camping & RVs. Within the campgrounds are several hiking trails for a variety of hiking abilities," mentions one Cosby visitor who appreciated the natural setting.

Convenient trail access: Campers value sites with hiking options directly from their tent. "Trailheadss conveniently located inside the campground. Peaceful trails," notes a Cosby Campground visitor.

What you should know

Seasonal operation limitations: Most tent camping areas near Bulls Gap close during winter months. "Sites must be reserved in advance," explains a Big Creek camper, while another notes it's a "Gorgeous, Tent Only Campground," making advance planning essential.

Limited or no cell service: Be prepared to disconnect at most campgrounds in the area. At Paint Creek Corridor, one visitor advises, "There is a paid campground in the area which is $10 and offers vault toilets and nice sites. If you drive past that there are parking and picnic areas along the road that have 'no camping' signs."

Weather preparedness: Afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently in summer months. "Even though it rained we had a great hike. The falls were beautiful," reports a Big Creek camper, suggesting rain gear is essential equipment.

Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season (April-October). A visitor to Lakeside Getaway on Douglas mentioned, "Super easy booking, great host communication. This is brand new lakefront campground with tent and RV sites."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly swimming spots: Locations with gentle water access work best for younger children. "We spent one day simply enjoying the campground. There are two creeks nearby, one big and one small," shares a Big Creek visitor, indicating good options for families of all ages.

Short hiking options: Hot Springs Campground provides accessible trails for beginners. "Walking distance to trails and town. Spa with hot spring hot tubs across the street," notes one visitor, making it convenient for families who need amenities nearby.

Bathroom accessibility: Consider campsite proximity to facilities when traveling with small children. "The bathrooms are fairly well kept. There are no showers. For running water you can use water spigots that are around the campground," explains a Big Creek camper.

Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger programs during summer months. "On Fridays they have special Ranger programs. We were lucky enough to learn about moon-shining from guys on the moonshiner TV show. It was very interesting!" shares a Cosby Campground visitor.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup availability: Many campgrounds near Bulls Gap prioritize tent camping with few full-service RV sites. At French Broad River Area, a visitor noted, "Each site has an electrical outlet, there are water pumps, and also WiFi!" showing that some amenities are available but not comprehensive.

Size restrictions: Larger RVs may struggle at some of the more remote locations. "Nice and quite and right by the river. The AT is nearby and the hot springs spa is a must hit after a long weekend of hiking and canoeing," shares a Hot Springs Campground visitor who found the location accessible.

Navigational challenges: Forest roads to some campgrounds can be difficult for larger vehicles. "Plan to be without WiFi and for your car to navigate difficult ground on your way in and out," warns a Big Creek Campground visitor.

Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal as not all campgrounds offer this service. "Nice clean gated park. Nice big spots. Only 3 fifty amp full hook up sites. Lots of 30 amp and tent camping. Right on the river," reports a Hot Springs visitor, highlighting the limited full-service availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bulls Gap, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bulls Gap, TN is Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 70 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 59 tent camping locations near Bulls Gap, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.