The area surrounding Tracy City, Tennessee features several campground options nestled in the Cumberland Plateau region. Bigfoot Adventure RV Park & Campground offers 35 sites within Tracy City itself, while Foster Falls Campground in South Cumberland State Park provides tent and RV camping with access to hiking trails and waterfalls approximately 10 miles from Tracy City. The region includes both developed facilities with modern amenities and more primitive camping experiences. Campgrounds like Fireside Camp + Lodge offer tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, while others like Alum Gap Campground in Savage Gulf State Park cater to more rustic backcountry experiences.
South Cumberland State Park dominates the camping landscape with multiple campgrounds featuring varying levels of development. Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, while some offer full hookups for RVs. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer and fall weekends when sites fill quickly. The region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal camping seasons. Cell phone reception varies significantly throughout the area, with better coverage on plateaus than in valleys. According to one visitor, "Alum Gap campground is accessible via a straightforward hike of just over one mile from the Greeter Falls parking area, making it a perfect choice for those new to backpacking."
Many campgrounds in the area feature proximity to notable waterfalls and hiking trails. Foster Falls receives consistently positive reviews for its waterfall access and hiking opportunities. One camper wrote that "Foster Falls is right around the corner and you can even take a dip in the little waterfall pool when it isn't too hot out!" The region's unique geography creates numerous swimming holes and hiking trails as draws for visitors. Savage Gulf State Park and Fall Creek Falls State Park (about an hour's drive from Tracy City) offer additional camping options with scenic views. Campers frequently mention the abundance of waterfalls, hiking trails, and swimming areas as primary attractions, with many sites providing direct access to natural features within walking distance of camping areas.
$18 - $21 / night
"Foster Falls is located at one end of the Fiery Gizzard Trail, one of the most beautiful trails in Tennessee, possibly the country!"
"We used two cars and parked one at our campsite here, and brought one to the beginning of the Fiery Gizzard Trail."
$21 / night
"Foster Falls Climbers Loop Trail is right at the entrance of the campground, definitely recommend hiking this trail. You’ll hike all around the falls getting beautiful views from the top and bottom."
"Bathhouse is a short walk from all the sites. Rangers there were helpful. Leaves are everywhere and we did see a few snakes but nothing we don’t expect from the great outdoors."
$10 - $270 / night
"Campground Review:East Rim Campground Pro’s: 1-Handicap Accessible, there is a cabin which is also HDA. 2- If your visiting for a get together your right next to the day use area and there is a picnic"
"We stopped in for a few hours on our drive home from Tennessee. We drove through the campgrounds to scout out our site."
"Try to get a campsite on the lakeside, because the view is very nice and it makes it easy to get your boat in the water. They advertise a beach but we never found one."
"Tent camping along the edge of the river. Fire pits or grills, picnic tables, clean bathroom, and hot showers. If you are a light sleeper, the traffic noise from the highway might be disturbing."
$10 / night
"Nestled in Tennessee’s Sequatchie Mountain, this tranquil campsite on a private estate’s grassy field is great for nature enthusiasts."
"Wide open spaces and access to amenities. The Verizon service here is great and the hosts have Wi-Fi. Close to town for your needs and 30 minutes away from Lookout mountain and those attractions."
$45 - $60 / night
"Close to Mount Eagle. Large pull thru site with full hookups. Live music,zip lines & frizby golf. Beautiful farm with waterfalls& lots of nearby hiking trails."
"Clean, great walking trails, fun zip lines. Clean bath house only one shower but it wasn't a problem getting in. Needs a bench in bathroom."
$8 - $32 / night
"Fall creek falls is one of the best recreational areas in Tennessee. The park is very large and has so much to do. The falls are amazing, and it’s a moderate hike down to the base."
"Tons to do at one of Tennessee’s top state parks."
$55 - $56 / night
"This place is Close to everything you’ll want to do in Chattanooga Tennessee"
"My family and I went a few years ago on a trip to Tennessee. It was a decent place to stay. We RV camped on this trip, but the campground had tent sites too."
$8 - $12 / night
"Alum Gap campground, situated in the backcountry of Tennessee, is not only a hidden gem but also a perfect choice for those new to backpacking."
"The waterfall here can be close to 25-30 ft. If you're adventurous it's definitely worth a quick plunge"
$20 - $70 / night
"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."
"It was a 2 hour drive from where we got married. Got here close to midnight and they had a yurt ready for us. They where more than happy to accommodate us!"
ScoutQuick stop on our drive home. Made the reservation the night before, they called to confirm the next day. Nice folks both on the phone and in person! Check in was quick and easy, and you are escorted to your site by a sweet guy on a golf cart. Hook ups are close and they offer free WiFi and cable hookup.
GuideThe staff could not be more friendly and helpful. The park itself is beautiful and the West campground is well maintained and the shower rooms were in excellent shape. I would guess this part fills up very fast in peak season. We are here on a Monday night in early March and most sites are taken.
TravelerGiven that our visit was out of season, campground options in the area were limited, so we decided to stick to state parks. The night before, we were in Southern Illinois and only saw one other camper in the entire park, so we expected very few other campers in this park as well, but there were a surprising number of campers around us. However, there were few enough to have five or six spaces between us and our neighbors.
The pads are gravel, well maintained, and perfectly flat. Our site had an awesome layout with plenty of room for parking, a large pad, and a fire ring with a grill in the corner furthest away from the road. A previous camper was nice enough to leave us dry wood, but there is tons of dry wood laying around within the surrounding woods.
The best part of the campground was the shower house. I would assume from the immaculate condition that the building is not that old or went through a recent remodel. The bathroom/shower stalls are family style, with each locking room containing a flushing toilet and an ADA compliant shower with a high and low nozzle, and shower chair. The best part is that the rooms are heated! On the cold morning when we were there, this was a welcome gift for a long overdue shower.
GuideWe went through the area on our tour of the southeastern and southern coast. Due to technical issues we arrived well after dark. The owners were available and gave us choices on sites. The bathrooms/shower areas were convenient and clean. We left early the next morning so didn’t get a chance to really check out the campground, but what we saw was nice. Easy to find in a really beautiful area of the country. Wish we could have stayed longer!
GuideTim's Ford State Park is a nice place to relax and take in the quiet. We stayed in the main campground - other campgrounds in the park were still closed for the season. The sites are all fairly level and have some space between them. Each site has a place to park one's camper or trailer, a picnic table, fire pit, and a pad to place a tent. There are also some great trails for hiking, as well as a bike path. The bathroom/shower facilities were very clean and the one closest to our site had heated private restroom/showers! Great water pressure and nice hot shower. Lots of deer roaming around at night too.
TravelerThe camping spots at the premium sites where they have hook up and water are nice. They are flat and seem to be well maintained. The public bathroom area is clean. I did not try the showers, but I was visiting in early February and it was pretty cold inside the bathrooms so I don’t know how well the hot water works.
GuideWe booked this as a last minute camp when the hurricane came through and knocked out our NC camping trip. The guys loved the water access and we all had a great time fishing. We had a huge rate snake come into camp, but it didnt bother us. We also saw bald eagles and lots of wildlife even though this is a small island. We tent camped and did have to turn out beds so that we were not leaning but it was a great time overall.
LegendI camped here for 2 weeks in October. Nice campground and great folks. Several state parks for hiking close by. Ider is quiet and peaceful.
TravelerAwesome trails and amenities! Even a laundry room! If you have kids spot 47 at west rim would be perfect the playground is right there and the restrooms !
The Tracy City area of Tennessee offers camping experiences on the scenic Cumberland Plateau, sitting at approximately 1,800 feet elevation. This higher elevation creates milder summer temperatures compared to nearby valleys, with evening temperatures often dropping 15-20 degrees lower than daytime highs. Most campgrounds in this region feature rocky terrain with mixed hardwood forests that provide partial shade throughout the camping season.
Waterfall swimming: 5 miles from Tracy City at Foster Falls Campground, visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip. "Camping was easy and bathrooms were clean. 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 (or orange if it's fall). Beautiful spot any time of year but we like to go when it's warm enough to swim in the waterfall," notes Kelly M.
Rock climbing: Short walk from campsite at multiple locations near Tracy City. Foster Falls is particularly popular. "Showers and quiet. No RV hookups or generators, great for real camping. Walkable to the plethora of climbing," reports Jay F. from Foster Falls Campground.
Zip lining: On-site adventure at Bigfoot Adventure RV Park & Campground in Tracy City. "Close to Mount Eagle. Large pull thru site with full hookups. Live music, zip lines & frizby golf. Beautiful farm with waterfalls & lots of nearby hiking trails," says Timothy T. This activity costs $25-45 per person depending on the course selected.
Cable Trail hiking: 45 minutes from Tracy City at Fall Creek Falls State Park. "Plenty of hikes that lead to wonderful waterfalls and great scenery. My favorite is the cable trail. If I recall it's not far from the campsite," writes Tyler J. This challenging trail requires using a cable to descend to the base of the falls.
Quiet, rustic camping settings: Fireside Camp + Lodge provides peaceful sites with minimal development. "Wide open spaces and access to amenities. The Verizon service here is great and the hosts have Wi-Fi. Close to town for your needs and 30 minutes away from Lookout mountain and those attractions," shares Stewart S.
Well-spaced primitive sites: Campers appreciate privacy at several locations. "This is a great primitive campground! Sites are large, flat and spread out. I really appreciate that the sites aren't on top of each other. There is enough room for a small camper or flat gravel area for tents," notes Shana D. about Foster Falls.
Waterfalls within walking distance: Greeter Falls Campground offers immediate access to multiple falls. "Booked two rv sites for this past Labor Day weekend for my wife and I and her sister's family. Very easy to get to, paved roads... Just past the camp store is the trailhead to the water falls. Unfortunately it was pretty dry so there wasn't much waterfall action. The upper falls was pretty cool," reports Thomas H.
Community spaces: Some campgrounds feature gathering areas. At Fireside Camp + Lodge, "One standout feature is the creative use of an old barn, which has been transformed into a hangout space. Inside, you'll find comfortable couches, hang boards for climbing enthusiasts, a vintage fridge, and even a Pac-Man game for some retro fun," explains Asher K.
Water availability varies by season: During dry periods, especially late summer, waterfall flow diminishes significantly. "We went to the falls... Unfortunately it was pretty dry so there wasn't much waterfall action," notes Thomas H. about Greeter Falls in early September.
Bathroom facilities differ dramatically: Alum Gap Campground in Savage Gulf State Park offers minimal facilities. "Be prepared for a rustic experience, as there are no bathroom facilities or other man-made structures in sight," advises Asher K. In contrast, newer campgrounds like Greeter Falls feature "Very clean bath house and grounds," according to Jennifer U.
Cell service depends on terrain: Coverage varies throughout the plateau. "I have Verizon and had 3 bars and LTE and the data signal was strong for me. Was able to stream, FaceTime, pretty much whatever I wanted," reports Thomas H. about Greeter Falls Campground. Signal strength tends to weaken in valleys and gorges.
Some sites require advance planning: For backcountry camping, permits are needed. "To ensure a smooth camping experience, make sure to reserve a site in advance," recommends Asher K. about Alum Gap.
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: For family-friendly facilities, consider Marion County Park. "Swimming, soccer, baseball, boating, disc golf, para course all right here. Water and electric at site and dump site (didn't use)," recommends Cori H.
Plan waterfall swimming days: Multiple campgrounds offer access to swimming holes. "We did this hike in the afternoon and got a nice dip in at the falls since it was such a hot day. There were lots of people there enjoying the space and everyone was incredibly friendly," shares Asher K. about Greeter Falls.
Start with short backpacking trips: For families new to backpacking, Alum Gap provides an easy introduction. "The Alum Gap campground in Savage Gulf State Natural Area was a perfect destination for a first-time backpacker. The trail is easy-moderate, mostly flat with only a few inclines," writes Brittany S.
Consider noise levels at campgrounds: Some areas have more family activity than others. At Raccoon Mountain, "We don't have kids and the place has lots of kids running strong doing what kids do. Our site would have been better for those with kids," notes Jessie D.
Check site length details: Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground can be challenging for larger RVs. "We have a 40' class A and flat tow a Jeep. We stayed in site 203 for 3 nights. While we really enjoyed the campground, this site was not ideal for an RV our size. We weren't able to put our awnings out or comfortably sit outside. Next time, we'll see if it's possible to stay in site 226," advises Jen O.
Consider leveling requirements: Many camping spots near Tracy City, Tennessee have uneven terrain. "Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out," warns Richard F. about Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Verify hookup availability: Most sites offer partial hookups only. At Bigfoot Adventure RV Park, "Zip lining, small catch & release pond, biking, hiking, & cliff views available. It's on its way to being amazing. Gave it 4 stars because we had to move a couple of times. The electricity didn't work where we wound up camping but didn't want to move anymore," shares Arwen.
Arrive during daylight: Many campsites are difficult to navigate after dark. "Arrived in the dark, do not recommend as there are not much lighting to see especially if the sites is tight with others," cautions Richard F. about Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Tracy City, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Tracy City, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 144 campgrounds and RV parks near Tracy City, TN and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Tracy City, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tracy City, TN is Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tracy City, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Tracy City, TN.
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