Best Tent Camping near Cleveland, TN

Tent campsites in the Cherokee National Forest provide primitive camping options near Cleveland, Tennessee, with several established areas like Lost Creek Campground and Big Frog Area offering secluded tent-only experiences. Lost Creek, located about 7 miles down a gravel forest road, features concrete picnic tables and fire rings in a quiet woodland setting, while Big Frog Area provides hike-in access for more adventurous tent campers seeking backcountry solitude.

Sites typically consist of natural forest terrain with minimal development, though some established areas include concrete picnic tables, fire rings, and basic pit toilets. Most primitive tent campgrounds in the region lack drinking water, requiring campers to either bring their own supply or filter from nearby creeks. Road access varies significantly, with some tent-only areas requiring high-clearance vehicles to navigate rough forest service roads. A camper described Lost Creek as "incredibly clean and quiet—and completely free," noting it's "in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by forest, with easy creek access."

Areas farther from town offer deeper seclusion and fewer amenities, making them ideal for experienced tent campers seeking a true wilderness experience. The Benton McKaye trail runs directly beside Lost Creek Campground, providing excellent hiking opportunities for tent campers using the area as a basecamp. Many primitive tent sites in the region sit adjacent to small creeks, offering both scenic camping and a water source for filtering. A recent review noted that "sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad" and that the "highlight would definitely be the creek" with "spots that you can swim around in." Wildlife sightings are common, and campers should follow proper food storage practices, especially in more remote tent camping areas within the Cherokee National Forest.

Best Tent Sites Near Cleveland, Tennessee (71)

    1. Big Frog Area

    5 Reviews
    Ocoee, TN
    16 miles

    "About 1.5-2 mi in at the intersection of Rough Creek trail and Big Frog I saw a grassy patch with a fire ring and set up camp."

    "Disclaimer: Did not camp here On my hike up Big Frog trail this weekend I came across this great site."

    2. Outdoor Adventure Rafting Campground

    2 Reviews
    Benton, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-5746

    "Request Sarah, Cleveland, Crawford or Brett. Awesome place to camp. They got some cool abandoned buses. They do tubing too. They have an awesome bathroom facility."

    3. Cherokee National Forest Chilhowee Campground

    2 Reviews
    Benton, TN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-3300

    $50 / night

    "Our site was clean, shaded and level."

    "Mountaintop campground with exceptional views, mountain lake/beach, waterfall, and hiking trails. We went in the spring for a work retreat."

    4. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

    9 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    23 miles
    Website

    "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."

    5. Sale Creek RV Park and Boat Ramp

    1 Review
    Sale Creek, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 332-8468

    6. Ocoee River Area

    2 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    20 miles

    "There are several places for primitive camping spots that I’ve seen along the bank. 10/10 would recommend for your next adventure spot if you haven’t been."

    "It has hiking trails bycyclin trails it also has local horse back riding that takes you up near Chilhowee Lake once to the top you get a really beautiful overlook of Parksville lake at one of the centered"

    7. Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA)

    4 Reviews
    Crandall, GA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 695-6736

    "This was a beautiful little spot next to a creek. There are 5 sites in all. It was a Monday in August, and there were two spots available."

    "Very nice CG with picnic tables, pit toilet and trash can. I saw 3 copper heads at the creek."

    8. The Limberlost

    Be the first to review!
    Ocoee, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 402-7972

    $20 - $75 / night

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 71 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Cleveland, TN

1281 Reviews of 71 Cleveland 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.

  • Melissa K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2017

    Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    Beautiful

    This park was really nice. We stopped while passing through. The only sites available were walk in tent sites. This isn't a huge big deal but it wasn't ideal for us at that particular time. We had a hard time identifying our site number as they really weren't marked but it wasn't far from the parking lot. There was a tent pad and fire ring but no picnic table. Not the end of the world as we arrived late and were really just sleeping there for the night. The sounds were amazing, owls for a good part of the night. We did have an issue with noise, there was a large group somewhere that was very loud well in to quiet hours and without a camp hose or attendant in the walk in sites, nothing was done about it and the noise started back up first thing in the morning as well. The park did acknowledge other complaints but without knowing which site they were in, it was hard to correct the situation. We did decide to explore the park before driving on and hiked to two waterfalls. Both hikes contained many stairs which is a good workout. The falls were really pretty and well worth the walk with a toddler.

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2019

    Your Toccoa River Cove

    Beauty and Seclusion at Toccoa River Cove

    "Is there water to play in?" 

    This is a question my kids ask about almost every campground we go to. Before this trip I told them, "yes!" But once we got to the Toccoa River Cove, all of us realized that "yes" really meant, "this is a phenomenal wonderland we will never want to leave." 

    I want to say this is a "goldilocks" campground, but only because it has something for everyone, not because it falls into an average category. With 12 acres of woodland and the freedom to pitch a tent anywhere (provided you honor LNT principals about where to set up camp!), you can camp right next to the car, set up a camping hammock, or explore the forest and find a secluded area in the trees for a backpacking tent. There is a spring you can drink straight out of, and streams criss-crossing the entire area if you want the rugged feeling of purifying your own water. There's a large shelter stocked with a table, chairs, lanterns, and a two-burner camp stove for the glamping crowd, with plenty of floor space to throw down a sleeping bag for thru-hikers nostalgic for AT shelters. The campsite also has a huge fire ring (and a shelter with lots of cut wood), a picnic table, a bench, lots of bridges over the water, a few established trails, a privy that is obviously cleaned regularly, and most importantly, a total immersion in nature as only one group can book this site at a time. 

    Things to note for planning:

    -The driveway down to the shelter is very steep, and does not allow much space to turn around. RVs or larger trucks will not fit, and per the owner only one vehicle may park at the base of the driveway at a time--all others should park just past the gate once you first turn onto the driveway 

    -Water is available from two natural springs, but there is no filtered or piped water

    -There is no electricity at all at this site

    -The closest town is Copperhill/McCaysville on the TN/GA border. You can get provisions here, or use the campsite as a basecamp to explore the breweries and restaurants the town has to offer.

    -There is a community area a short drive from the campsite that offers swimming and fishing; access is included in your reservation

    I cannot see any tent campers this site would not be perfect for. While there are neighboring houses so loud parties are not permitted, this site allows up to 10 guests, with plenty of room to spare if you are looking to get out with friends. Single campers or couples will appreciate the privacy, and families will find the amenities that make camping with kids easier, accompanied with the space to allow kids freedom to explore.

    I feel like I am always on a quest to find a campsite that blends the ability to carry gear for every possible contingency, with the beauty and privacy of the backcountry. After staying here, I can say that quest is over. This is it.

  • 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.

  • A
    Sep. 5, 2016

    Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    Walk-in sites

    Love the tent-only serenity of the walk-in sites. There is a separate parking lot at the back of the park for the walk-in sites, which are a short distance away (easy to haul your gear). The sites have a tent pad, picnic table and fire ring, and lots of privacy as the sites are very far from each other. The bath house has showers and running hot water. the long hike around the canyon and down into it provided amazing views! I'm always thrilled to find camping areas where I can have the convenience of my car-but can avoid the noise of RVs - and you definitely get that here!

  • M
    Sep. 10, 2016

    Fort Mountain State Park Campground

    Memorial Day Weekend was Awesome..

    We spent Memorial Day weekend at Fort Mountain and it was awesome. We camped in a Pioneer campsite #2 which is a 3 sided pavilion that would easily sleep 8-10 people if you were only using bed rolls and sleeping bags. Pioneer camping has its challenges, but each site has an outhouse and a picnic table and prebuilt fire ring. There is an original fire tower on top of the mountain at the end of the trail. A Great Lake for kayaks and fishing with Jon boats, paddle boats, and canoes avaialble for rentals. Lots of cool lake side tent sites and trailer sites are also avaialble. We have camped several times with our scout troop. Lots of cool trails surround the park. There were fireworks in neighboring towns a short,15 min drive both nights. The towns near by have stores and food if your not I the mood to cook. The history is well documented on displays all around the park. And the there is a station that broadcasts at the end of one of the public service roads.

  • Heather W.
    Jul. 3, 2019

    Chilhowee Recreation Area

    Great place during lightning bug season!

    This campground is great! It has clean bathrooms with showers, fire rings with grill grates, lots of hiking, hike to a beautiful waterfall, huge lake to swim or float on a raft, and the lightning bugs were breath taking!!

    We stayed at site #39. Next to the trail that leads to the lake. Next to rest room, trash bin, and water spout. This specific site has the driveway and then stairs to the fire/table/tent pad. We set our large tent on the tent pad and a smaller tent on the driveway next to the stairs.

    Pros: No reservation needed. Warmish showers. Hiking. Lake to swim in. Beautiful waterfall. Perfect to see millions of lightning bugs. Easy payment (put money in slip and put in bin, and yes they do check). Pets allowed.

    Cons: we had the WORST neighbors I’ve ever experienced while camping! The staff warned them about quiet hours but never came back to in force it. Fire ring grill topper was broke off.

    DON’T drive up the dirt path, we made that mistake. Take the regular rode. GPS sends you automatically to the dirt road.

    Over all I’m defiantly going to camp there again. Well kept and overall has a lot to offer

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2020

    Pocket Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

    Nice overnight

    The Pocket in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Another beautiful place we've never been before! Nice tent camp spot, not sure I would stay several days but we really enjoyed the weekend. This was our last chance since the camp closes on Nov. 9 this year. The sites along the creek are nice but the rest is well laid out with fire rings, lantern poles and tables. No showers but the restrooms were clean and in good order. Cell service is totally nonexistent in the whole area.

  • Michael T.
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Fort Mountain State Park Campground

    A lot offered in a well kept site

    This 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.


Guide to Cleveland

Cleveland, Tennessee, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation in nature.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River, with easy access from Ocoee River Area.
  • Explore scenic hiking trails and fishing spots around Laurel Snow — Cumberland Trail, where you can also find beautiful waterfalls.
  • For a more remote experience, Big Frog Area offers excellent biking and hiking opportunities in a tranquil setting.

Unique local attractions for tent campers

  • Discover the stunning views and challenging hikes at Starr Mountain Area, ideal for those seeking a rewarding outdoor experience.
  • Visit the picturesque Creekside Camp, where you can set up camp next to a serene creek, perfect for relaxation and nature sounds.
  • The Cherokee National Forest Chilhowee Campground offers access to beautiful mountain lakes and hiking trails, making it a great spot for group camping adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cleveland, TN is Big Frog Area with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 71 tent camping locations near Cleveland, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.