Tent camping near Chattanooga, Tennessee offers access to numerous primitive sites within the Cumberland Plateau region, which features sandstone cliffs and deep gorges carved by ancient rivers. Elevation ranges from 630 to 2,000 feet across camping areas, creating diverse microclimates for campers. Several sites require moderate hiking to access, with distances ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 miles from trailheads.
What to do
Waterfall viewing: 45-minute hike at Foster Falls Campground provides access to impressive cascades. One camper noted, "It is a very short drive and short rocky hike to the water fall. You can see the falls from a distance if you don't want to hike down."
Rock climbing: Access to sport routes through Foster Falls with varying difficulty levels. A visitor reported, "Really beautiful scenery on somewhat strenuous hikes to waterfalls, some good sport climbing, and a few trails that will take you really high up so you can look down at the beautiful green canopy."
Cave exploration: Several cave systems are accessible near Blue Hole Dispersed Camping in Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA. One camper mentioned, "It's right down the road from blue hole and Ellison Cave trail."
Trail connections: Multiple hiking paths link camping areas with longer routes. A backpacker at Foster Falls described, "Hiked the Fiery Gizzard before it was closed then reopened. Was a CHALLENGE! Boulder field Delores! With gorgeous scenery!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Savage Falls Campground offers secluded camping spots. A camper noted, "The camp sites are secluded and spread apart. Highly recommend!"
Swimming opportunities: Natural pools form ideal swimming spots during warmer months. A Foster Falls visitor mentioned, "Beautiful spot any time of year but we like to go when it's warm enough to swim in the waterfall."
Free camping options: Several no-cost sites exist within an hour of Chattanooga. A camper at Davis Pond Campsite said, "This is what camping should be!! Free, first come first serve, with some fire pits and picnic tables and plenty of room to pitch a tent."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot native animals. A Savage Gulf visitor shared, "I visited in early October and plan on revisiting during more colorful time in the landscape and after a good rain to see what must be rapid waterfalls and streams."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Some sites require high-clearance vehicles. A Davis Pond reviewer warned, "Last 7 miles are on a windy gravel road. The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance."
Limited facilities at most sites: Prepare for minimal amenities. A Lockhart's Arch Shelter camper advised, "The closest guaranteed water source is Middle Creek, so be sure to fill water bottles and filter when you cross."
Seasonal crowds affect availability: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. A Blue Hole camper reported, "The campground was beyond capacity. Went to the Ada site and it looked like it was a cruel joke?"
Tick prevention: Certain areas have high tick populations. A Blue Hole visitor cautioned, "Stepped out just to see the clearance on a turn and got in with 4 ticks on me."
Tips for camping with families
Choose shorter hike-in options: Some sites require minimal walking. A Savage Falls camper recommended, "Perfect spot for a short hike-in backcountry camping experience. The hike in is less than two miles."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds experience road or farm noise. A Foster Falls reviewer mentioned, "Foster Falls Campground has 26 sites, most of which are very large and spacious. As is common in loop campgrounds, the sites in the center of the loop--especially sites 1-13--are very open."
Look for tent pads: Designated spaces make setup easier with children. At Hunter's Check Station Campground, a visitor simply noted it "Has toilet facility," which can be essential for family camping trips.
Prepare for insects: Bug activity increases near water sources. A Blue Hole camper shared, "I loved it there. So peaceful! A couple of other people there and a little bit of trash, but I picked it up."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV-friendly tent camping options: Most primitive tent camping near Chattanooga isn't suitable for larger vehicles. A Davis Pond visitor observed, "On arrival there is a huge meadow area. Tons of spots to pitch a tent or park vehicles."
Small RVs can access some areas: Compact campers work at select sites. A Blue Hole camper reported, "We stayed 3 days 2 nights here in our 21' pop up camper with our generator. Road is pretty well maintained, spots are good size."
Consider alternative camping styles: Some areas offer unique accommodations beyond tent camping. When traditional camping isn't viable, the region offers other options as described by a camper at Foster Falls: "We camped at the Father Adamz campground. It was a little hard to find initially, there were no trail markers. Luckily we ran into a hiker that knew where it was."
