Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Cumberland Gap? Finding a place to camp in Tennessee with your tent has never been easier. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Tennessee camping adventure.
Blue Heron Campground is a rustic and spacious campground, situated on the Kentucky side of The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area--a vast and scenic expanse of land that offers visitors countless recreational activities.
Numerous trails snake through the Recreation Area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors. The main river of the Big South Fork is also a short drive away, offering fishing opportunities.
The Big South Fork is located in north central Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky in some of the most rugged terrain of the Cumberland Plateau. The park encompasses approximately 125,000 acres of both rocky gorges and forested plateaus. Numerous pristine streams unite with the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Over thousands of years, this ceaselessly moving water has carved the sandstone of the plateau into impressive cliffs, arches and chimneys that are found throughout the park.
Just a few miles from the campground is Blue Heron Mine, also known as Mine 18, a historic abandoned mining town that has been rebuilt as an outdoor museum. Visitors can hear audio presentations from actual people who lived in the community in the 1950s. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot is located about 9 miles away in the town of Stearns, which offers train rides and other educational opportunities for campers. More information can be found online at https://bsfsry.com. Additional attractions include the Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, offering additional recreation opportunities.
Our Rabbit Road Campground hosts ten primitive hike-in campsites along the Airplane Pond Trail. These sites are the perfect place for tent camping and peaceful relaxation. Each site hosts a tent pad, a fire pit, and is partially or fully shaded. These sites do not offer electric or water hook-up points. A bathhouse for campers is located in the parking area, which offers hot showers and restrooms.
Please note that the Rabbit Road Primitive Campground is only open March - October.
Find your balance at the height of adventure in the Equilibrium Escape! This unique site offers you the best of both worlds with the conveniences all campers appreciate but the rugged, super private experience only the great outdoors can give you! The site sits ontop of a ridge that has an elevation just over 1100ft and as you can imagine the views & serenity are outstanding! Besides being the ulitmate & absolute private site the abundance of wildlife will keep you amazed and thrilled, from Owls to Bobcat, Deer, Coyote, Fox and Hawks not to mention the variety of musical birds, your senses will take its own adventure just on all you hear. This site has multiple trails that level up and down throughout which will have markers to guide you through your hiking experience. A generous private firepit that offers the ability to enjoy primitive cooking and Forest Bartop that allows you to have a drink, eat your meal while overlooking treetops and the edge of the ridge. Although in the distance some road noise will be heard here and there or the Farmers dog give a bark, the seclusion of this forest jungle and cool breeze that gently passes through the trees will drown out all the background noise. If you are looking for the next level up in a camping experience that allows for you to TRULY unplug, unwind and recenter, The Equilibrium Escape is your next booking. This is an exclusive site that books only 15 nights a month and when you are here, you are the ONLY campers. You have a private span of nearly 8 acres.
Please also note that your camp is actually on our Farm, therefore why we affectionately refer to it as 'The Farmers Forest'. We are true Farm to Table Cultivators that offer more than a point of sale or just production. We enjoy educating those who really want to learn how to manage livestock, compost, Forage for edibles and also have proper infrastructure. Private tours include a hike through the farm, meet and greets with our Animals with being informed of the care & husbandry of each stock and feel free to bring your camera, the Farmer here happens to be pretty good with photography. The memories from the Full experience of the Farmpsite you will not only enjoy, but also gain more practical knowledge to carry with you into the future. Please note, you're in the country. So cell service can be very spotty. US Cellular works great, AT&T and T Mobile sometimes can be 50/50.....Verizon will just plain not impress you.
$90 - $100 / night
Located 15 minutes NW of Williamsburg Kentucky, Tranquillity Creek Campground offers 8 acres of beautiful woods with a creek for a peaceful get away to relax and be one with nature. Close to stores and area attractions in SW Kentucky.
$60 - $100 / night
The campground is located in Jonesville Virginia on a large creek in the woods. We have unlimited camping spots and can accommodate large groups. Picnic tables available. All fires must be inside the campground an inside a fire pit. Fresh spring water is provide but necessary to treat if used for drinking. Firewood can be provided for a small fee. No cutting of live trees are allowed but you can pick up dead limbs. We live on sight so should you need anything just ask. Enjoy your stay!!!
$15 - $50 / night
$75 - $175 / night
Scout
My fiancee and I stayed here for 3 months. It was fine at first. The camp host told us that it was only open til Nov 15th like TVA campgrounds. He actually made it sound like it was a TVA campground. The big rule here that nobody talks about is "live here, but look like you don't live here". Everything went fine until Hurricane Helene hit. It destroyed our campsite. We started the clean up the day after the storm and nothing was said until it still wasn't clean 3 days after the storm .We were working as fast and hard as we could , but it wasn't fast enough for them because they were afraid TVA would find out they all live here year round. He said the camp had changed hands and the new owners were going to be looking over the park and deciding who could stay past the close date of November 15th. We were told to clean it up as fast as we could. I assured him we were working as fast as possible. About this time we got a call and found out my mother had fallen ill and had to leave camp for a few days to go stay with her. We returned to an eviction notice giving us 48 hours to vacate. This was impossible si I contacted the camp host and told him I needed more time and that my mother had been diagnosed with cancer. He seemed to understand and said he'd give us til the 1st to be gone . This gave us an additional 2 weeks or do we thought. A few days later the camp host pulled up obviously drunk and was screaming about the rent needing to be paid. Considering we'd rented a truck, secured a new site, and rented a 2nd storage for everything so we could meet his deadline I we didn't have the money and couldn't pay the rent for the month we were being evicted. I explained that we would pay but since I didn't know what date we were leaving I wouldn't pay him the month in advance like he demands of everyone else who stays here. He got very upset and started texting daily in a very rude manner demanding rent. I read reviews on the place and there were 3 or 4 where people stared that they had to leave and were refused refunds fit the days they dud not stay. Knowing this we were unwilling to pay until we knew how many days we'd be there He said that they would tack on $45 a day if I didn't pay it by the 7th. I tried to explain we would pay when we left but he became verbally abusive and did so on 2 other occasions well before the 1st of the month we'd agreed on. The 2nd time he cussed my fiancee and threw gravel and dust in the air and all over her car while yelling " you tried to f#$k me over just remember that" as though he was coming back with "his boys" to physically put us out by force. We'd been working our asses off attempting to leave the entire time but I guess it wasn't good enough. These people show favorites and treat people differently based on who they want to have there year round. We left and would advise anyone to look elsewhere for a spot to park your RV and camp. There is a right and a wrong way to treat people and our site being a little messed up after a hurricane was enough to make this camp host act very threatening and treat us in a pretty awful way in a very difficult time in our lives. Not the nicest folks we've ever met for sure.
Guide
The sites are nice and wooded. There is plenty of space between sites to give each camp a little privacy. We were a drive up, no reservation camper. They only took cash or check on-site. Camp host was very nice and helpful.
Guide
There are three dispersed camp sites along this road. We stayed at the first and largest of the three. This first site has room for two groups. It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing.
Guide
Beautiful lake and clean bathhouse. Sites are close together, not really tent friendly
Scout
I rode all the way over here from Greeneville to check out the area in order to bring a group of friends camping next weekend.
BUT the entire campground is closed. When I pulled up to the iron gate and saw the sign, it read "CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC DUE TO VANDALISM AND UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITY"
Scout
Quiet campground with a private pond for fishing.
ScoutI drove over an hour to get here to find that it is “closed to public for vandalism”. I was very upset by this but obviously nothing I could do. Just wish I knew how to check before driving all the way. But the drive! Woah! So beautiful, I wish there was a way I could find out when it opens back up because I was very much looking forward to camping here.
Traveler
Campsites are spacious with gravel campsites and paved rv parking at campsites. Water and electric at each site. Clean bathrooms with showers.
Legend
Spent 2 nights in July at Kentucky Splash Park Campground. Only reason it didn’t get a 5 star is first needs more shade (there are new trees growing ) and the cut through road is busy in the evening from local traffic. Nice size sites with cement or gravel parking. Cement pads with picnic tables and strangely deep fire pits.
The showerhouse is in well maintained shape. Plenty of room and hooks to hang your stuff from. Hot water and large shower heads.
Small playground and pavilion to use.
Easy walk across the parking lot to the water park. Price not included in site cost. If you get a wrist ban you can get back in for the day.
ScoutOverall was impressed with the grounds! Well kept, and huge park. Only reason for 4 stars, is no sewer hookup on site. Several Dump stations on grounds, though they are free for guests. Very friendly Park Rangers at the check-in station. 30 amp hookups. Water hookup. Several Lake front spots. Shower and bathroom buildings on site. Several pavilions. Dumpsters, Lots of walking trails. As well as a boat ramp. For $25 a night, with my 28ft pull behind, I was very pleased with my stay! Will come back again!
Traveler
Did a couple of days at Around the Pond Campground in Greenville Tennessee.( mtns.) It was a awesome trip with our friends Ronni Herold& Dean. And our new friends we met Nancy Riegelsperger& her husband Herb.Campground was clean and the staff was very friendly.
Scout
Very quiet, secluded and private. I have been out there several times and enjoy it every time. Great people and family.
Legend
Easy to find, well marked. It’s has many (12) trails and many falls. Would definitely recommend shopping before camping, it’s several miles, and mountains, to get to stores. There are several lodging options…cottages, The Lodge, (which is beautiful) tent and RV camping. There are 2 small campgrounds ~ 1) Ridgeline which accommodates RVs up to 26”, water and 10/30/50 amp hook ups. Sites have a fire ring and picnic table. WiFi is available, and there is a dump station. A small playground, office/campstore, and a bathhouse and laundry next to it. 3 sites are walk-in. Big rigs would have to stay elsewhere. 2) Clifty Campground is tent camping only 7 sites offer electric and water. WiFi is also offered. There is a bathhouse and a playground, and these CG’s are pet friendly. (Falls Creek is a few miles up the road…they have pull through and back ins. For bigger Rvs. They also have tents, wagons, cabin rentals, and primitive sites) We had no T-Mobile service, or satellite service in our vehicle. The trails and Cumberland falls were awesome. The horse rides looked amazing, and the Pool was big, with a diving board, and a small fee for campers to use it.
Legend
Approximately 4 miles off of exit 144, from I~75. Easy to locate, and a well maintained RV campground! Website has all the info on the different types of sites, cabins and ATV’s. Resources for permits, pricing, and other requirements are also listed. The trails are accessible from the CG. FHUs on Back in and Pull-throughs,bathhouses, on site fishing pond, playground, and Ohhh yes….the ATV wash station! General store is on the right from the entrance, which is awesome! They sell firewood and ice, as well as extreme OHV sporting equipment/gear, snacks, souvenirs….to list a few. Rental cabins are available nearby, for larger families or groups. I believe they thought of almost everything! I would love to come camp here in the fall, as I can imagine that the views are spectacular! They provide WiFi, but my T-Mobile reception was good, at 3 bars.
Legend
Primitive isn’t our mode of camping, but we rode our bikes up the road to check out this beautiful campground. Easy to find, marked with a sign. The road to the campground forks to the left, past the State Park entrance sign. There are plenty of picnic tables and trash cans, before the trails. There is also a mutt mitt station. And an info board, with trail & State Park map.The state park offers 5 trails, pavilions, as well as playgrounds and a lake. Since it’s extremely hot, and there were several areas along the trail with ponds, the biting flies and mosquitoes were active! The camping path and sites were well marked, and sites started at #10, next to the parking lot, and family bathhouse. There are fire pits at each site. The sites are semi private, and 1-9-10 are the most popular sites used, according to the Ranger. No one was camping when we were there on a Sunday afternoon. I posted a video of us biking out of the trail campsites, getting #8, on the right, 9 on left, #10 last, then back at the beginning, to the bathhouse and parking lot.
LegendBack-in site, FHUs, concrete pad, some shade. Fire pit and picnic table at each site, ours is located behind our site. There are 2 playgrounds, Disc golf course, volleyball area, a beautiful lake(with rental paddle boats for $14 hr) We Bought fire wood and Disc Golf sets, at the campground store. Clean with coded entry Bathhouse, by one of the playgrounds. There is an 18 hole Disc Golf we will be playing. We Love the views, and are looking forward to trying out the 5 trails this weekend! The lake is beautiful with geese and ducks hanging out! We used our Starlink over 100Mps, and our T-Mobile had fair reception. There are also 2 playgrounds at the SP!
GuideI was passing through on my way north and this was midway. 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!
The hosts were really great and what they’ve done with the campsite and what they are working on is amazing. The views of the lake were amazing. There is a sitting area and a dock with paddle sport launches. There is a wash house with toilet and sink but no showers yet.
I was tent camping. There were tents/yurts for rent. A few other tent campers, a full size RV motorhome and a camper van. There was plenty of room and it was peaceful and quiet.
Scout
Eagle Rock Resort & Campground is amazing. If you are looking for a place to ride trails and relax, this is the place. You could seriously come here multiple times a year and still not see all of the different trails. The site manager, Jeff, and his staff was extremely nice and helpful. Always there to please and help make your experience one to remember. I am not the camping type so the condos they have for rent was perfect for my group. Spacious and clean with everything you need. We even had very comfortable king size bunk beds, never seen anything like it before. Cannot say enough great things about this experience. Definitely worth a stay!!!
ScoutIt's a cute cozy spot that is on either side of the road. Every spot has an area for a fire and also your car and tent. The only downside is that sometimes it does get trashy and there are a few people who live here.
Traveler
We will absolutely be back! I’ll be honest, as a visibly queer person with rainbow hair I was a bit nervous about the Bible verses and Christian flag due to past experiences, but Patrick and Angelica were welcoming and friendly the entire time!
The RV spot with shade was great! It’s right next to the bathroom but everyone is spread out enough it wasn’t an issue at all.
Strong WiFi, pet friendly, and a beautiful, peaceful spot with very friendly owners!
ScoutGreat location. Not crowded. But could use a cleaning. PortaJons are nasty.
Legend
We camped here while in town for a concert. I love a good riverside campground! The view was great. Sadly, we didn’t get a chance to fish. The campground layout was interesting… Some sites were normal, but then some seemed like they were parking spots on a gravel lot. We got lucky and had a good site because I used someone’s drive thru YouTube video to help select a site. Our site was still edited because it was down a small side turn off, but it wasn’t a loop, so you had to completely back your camper down the road a couple of sites to get it when leaving.
GuideLots of lil cozy pull offs on an easy gravel road. Lots of longer term people staying it seemed like (or just really full send camping friends lol). Many fire rings and spots by the lake. Unfortunately the other reviews are right - A decent amount of trash. There are trash cans and porta potties. I’ve seen worse porta potties at festivals but there were a few stinky ones.
Traveler
We stayed at site #2 which was nice but had soft ground from prior rain (when other sites had already dried up well). There were a lot of headlights on us from traffic entering the campground, even up til MIDNIGHT on Saturday. I would stay here again but would choose a site more towards the backside of the loop for less traffic going by your site
RangerSites are level and pretty spacious, if not some a little tight together. My only complaint was that the restroom wasn’t marked on the map that I could see so I ended up being very far away from it. So more of an issue with recreation.gov than the campground itself. The restroom was nice and clean.
GuideSuper easy booking, great host communication. This is brand new lakefront campground with tent and RV sites. 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.
Traveler
Good for an overnight stay. Full hook up, clean facilities and friendly people. You have to navigate a busy intersection or a narrow road to get there. Not to bad though.
Camping near Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for you to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cumberland Gap, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cumberland Gap, TN is TVA Public Land- Fork Bend with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cumberland Gap, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Cumberland Gap, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
