Best Campgrounds near Dunlap, TN

Camping opportunities surrounding Dunlap, Tennessee range from established RV parks to backcountry sites within the Cumberland Plateau region. R&R RV Campground in Dunlap provides full hookup sites for RVs and tent camping with modern amenities, while more adventurous options await at nearby Savage Gulf State Park. The area's campground options extend from fully developed facilities with electric, water and sewer connections to primitive backcountry sites accessible only by hiking trails. Proximity to Fall Creek Falls State Park, approximately 25 minutes away, expands the variety of camping experiences available in this scenic region of southeastern Tennessee.

Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the Cumberland Plateau. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing, particularly at higher elevations. Many sites require advance reservations, especially during peak fall foliage season when the region's hardwood forests display vibrant colors. Developed campgrounds like Mountain Glen RV Park provide year-round access, while backcountry sites at Savage Gulf may have seasonal restrictions or limited water availability. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, particularly in the more remote areas and within the deep gorges that characterize the landscape. A camper noted, "Savage Gulf in Bersheba Springs near Monteagle is absolutely some of the best hiking and backpacking you can find in Middle Tennessee."

Visitors consistently mention the natural beauty and tranquility of the area's mixed-use campgrounds. The region features dramatic waterfalls, deep gorges, and extensive trail systems that connect many camping areas. Glamping at Deer Camp, a unique private accommodation option, receives exceptional reviews for its blend of rustic comfort and natural setting. According to one review, "It's quiet, peaceful, and you just don't want to leave." Savage Falls Campground earns praise for its secluded sites and proximity to hiking trails, with campers highlighting the waterfall access as a major draw. Both primitive campsites and developed campgrounds provide access to the area's extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, swimming holes, and wildlife viewing. The relative seclusion of many campgrounds, even those with full amenities, offers a peaceful retreat from more crowded tourism destinations.

Best Camping Sites Near Dunlap, Tennessee (187)

    1. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

    145 Reviews
    Spencer, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 881-5298

    $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."

    2. Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Harrison, TN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 344-6214

    $22 - $28 / night

    "Harrison Bay is a huge park, with four camping loops (3 for RVs, 1 for tents), and a large marina, located on the Chickamauga Reservoir of the Tennessee River."

    "This is a great family campground and Tennessee State Park located on Chickamauga Lake of the Tennessee River. Good playground for the Grandkids and bicycle paths."

    3. Chester Frost Park

    35 Reviews
    Harrison, TN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 842-0177

    $21 - $30 / night

    "Tons of room to walk and play. Great swimming and fishing. Boating is huge here Bc there are docks all around the campground to pull up to. Playgrounds everywhere."

    "They have a frisbee golf course, playgrounds, walking trails, beach, easy access to the water and fields to start up any activity you desire. We read about uneven campsite but ours was pretty flat."

    4. Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground

    43 Reviews
    Lookout Mountain, TN
    23 miles
    +1 (423) 821-9403

    $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."

    5. Savage Falls Campground — Savage Gulf State Park

    8 Reviews
    Palmer, TN
    10 miles

    "Savage Gulf Natural Area is massive with several miles between entrance points that lead to stunning overlooks of the gorges and gulfs, and several miles worth of trails within each location."

    "camp ground at Alum Gap is Nice, Water a short walk from camp site if you are backpacking. My husband and I are very fond of this particular camp site."

    6. Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Signal Mountain, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 658-5551

    "We drove for what felt like 20 miles down a well kept unpaved road from the entrance but I think it reality was only 5.5 miles."

    "You can definitely get lost driving around or hiking. If you're looking for a quiet place to camp near Chattanooga this is it."

    7. Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    183 Reviews
    Trenton, GA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 657-4050

    $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."

    8. Hammock Sway

    11 Reviews
    Beersheba Springs, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 259-8968

    $25 - $89 / night

    "This is a primitive camping experience in the pristine woods of Van Buren County, TN about 20 miles(30 minutes) outside of McMinnville, Tennessee. The campground borders the beautiful Rocky River."

    "Chris is very helpful, friendly and willing to show you around upon arriving. You will also be introduced to all his great dogs. After that you won’t be bothered unless you need help."

    9. Glamping at Deer Camp

    5 Reviews
    Dunlap, TN
    11 miles

    $109 - $139 / night

    "They put so much thought into every little detail, from the s’mores scented citronella candle next to the fire, to the coffee station, and everything in between."

    "Outside movie screen with hammock chairs. Quiet and peaceful. Will definitely go back. Owners did a great job!!!"

    10. R&R RV Campground

    4 Reviews
    Dunlap, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 562-1182

    "We are a 40’ rig with a tow behind and we had plenty of space! If we are passing through we would absolutely stay again!"

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Recent Reviews near Dunlap, TN

1281 Reviews of 187 Dunlap Campgrounds


  • William  Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Marion county park Tennessee

    Hospitable spot to overnight with great fishing

    Spent the evening of the 9th Sept at Marion County Park near Chattanooga, right on the water, along Hwy 41. Fantastic hosts…Lots of fishing going on all around us. Good camping spot…level, water and electricity for $38.00. Bathhouse was older but clean with lots of hot water. Downside, only one shower stall had a bench for changing and there was no counter at the bathroom sink. The other downside was the traffic noise across the beautiful water from I-24. Very welcoming spot just off of I-24

  • Katrin M.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    Campground on the lake

    We camped here over the weekend, bc we participated in a dog event near by. At first we booked site B31. The tent pad was super small, there was no way for 2 bigger tents to fit. It's definitely better, if you have a camper. We changed to site A9 and that was much better. We had to set up the tents on concrete, which was awesome, because it rained all Saturday. The bathhouses were kinda outdated, but always clean. The park itself is ok. It's nothing spectacular there. The campsites directly on the water were very nice. All the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. I don't think, I would camp here again. The park was very clean, it has just not really anything nature wise that would catch my interest.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    Beautiful park, great hiking

    Cloudland Canyon is one of Georgia’s prettiest parks. There are 2 campgrounds. West Rim campground has more privacy, with the sites in the trees. Sites in The East Rim campground are closer together, and is noisier.. There are also backcountry campsites. The West Rim Loop Trail, considered one of the top 10 hikes in the United States, according to Backpacker Magazine starts in the West Rim Campground. There is also a strenuous waterfall trail into the canyon. The campground was water and electric sites. There are no full hookup sites, but there is a dump station. Modern showers and bathrooms.

  • b
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Campville LLC

    Great stay

    Super clean campground with great amenities!! Only a mile from 75 but doesn't feel like it's located by the interstate. Highly recommend checking the place out!

  • dolphmike The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite

    Quite

    Quite at night, but the primitive camping area is overgrown, and I have seen a lot of trash in the woods. Stayed one night just to hike the trail the next morning.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Rvino - The Broken Banjo

    Convenient and well maintained

    This park is located in Manchester, TN right next to I-24, so if you are in the pull-throughs on the front row, you will hear the traffic.

    The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. They lead you to your site and stay to make sure you don't have any questions. Nice little store, well stocked with conveniences and RV needs, as well as souvenirs.

    Gravel roads and level pads. We stopped overnight and did not have to disconnect, as we were perfectly level. Heated swimming pool and splash pad at the entrance, with other "entertainment" for kids in the back of the park (giant chess board, putting green, playground, etc. next to the small lake)

    We were amazed to see park staff cleaning and picking up until 1900 at night. One was literally filling bags with pine cones from the road and sites.

    The "Premium" sites, such as site 2, has a concrete patio with wrought iron table and chairs, along with a fire-pit and grill.

  • Peyton P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    A few pull offs

    You can stay at either Hunter’s check campground or Davis Pond. If you want to stay at davis pond you have to get there before dark, and there is not access for vehicles to get into the campground so it’s just tents (no overlanding, unless you’re comfortable in the parking lot). I pulled off just off one of the trails and set up. It was quiet and private. Not buggy

  • Kc K.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    Amazing site! See note on hook-ups

    This campground is great. The hosts/camp store workers are so nice. This site is big and has easy walk-in access to water for swimming or fishing. **Only weird thing is the hookups are on the opposite side of the site. Take a 50 ft water hose and a 30 amp extension - ours was 50 ft but I think a 30 ft would work. **


Guide to Dunlap

Camping near Dunlap, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Good hikes nearby," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Waterfalls: Visit Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground for breathtaking views. A reviewer said, "The views of the canyon below are breathtaking," perfect for those who love nature's beauty.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At DeSoto State Park Campground, you can enjoy swimming and fishing. One visitor noted, "There are also so many great places to swim when it gets hot."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer from Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground noted, "The sites are very close together here and you can expect it to usually be booked up."
  • Site Selection: Choosing the right site is crucial. At Edgar Evins State Park Campground, one camper advised, "I definitely recommend either scouting out a site before booking or researching well which site would be a good fit."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Harrison Bay State Park Campground, may have limited amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Campgrounds A, B and C are tight, limited space."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like DeSoto State Park Campground, where one reviewer said, "This is one of our favorite state parks in Alabama to camp at."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. A camper at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "Beautiful park with lots of activities for kids."
  • Check for Amenities: Before booking, check what amenities are available. A visitor at Harrison Bay State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms and showers get cleaned every afternoon."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Dunlap, Tennessee, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and choose the right campground for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Dunlap, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Dunlap, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 187 campgrounds and RV parks near Dunlap, TN and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Dunlap, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dunlap, TN is Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 145 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dunlap, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Dunlap, TN.