Best Tent Camping near Dunlap, TN

Savage Gulf State Park features multiple tent campgrounds within 30 minutes of Dunlap, Tennessee, offering primitive backcountry tent camping experiences with varying levels of accessibility. Stone Door Campground and Savage Falls Camping Area provide secluded tent sites with access to scenic overlooks of the Cumberland Plateau. Alum Gap Campground and Savage Gulf South both offer tent-specific sites that require short hikes to reach, providing a true wilderness experience without the commitment of deep backcountry camping.

Most tent sites in the Savage Gulf area require campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all trash. The tent campgrounds typically feature basic amenities including fire rings, and some provide access to vault toilets and potable water sources. Sites at Stone Door Campground have fire rings and are located a short distance from the parking area, making them ideal for novice primitive campers who want to experience tent camping without a strenuous hike. Savage Falls Campground offers multiple tent sites situated within walking distance of the waterfall, with each site providing sufficient privacy from neighboring campers. Reservations are required for most tent sites and can be made through the Tennessee State Parks website, with fees typically being nominal.

Tent sites throughout Savage Gulf provide excellent bases for day hiking and exploration. The terrain varies from relatively flat areas to more challenging slopes, with most tent campsites offering natural clearings surrounded by forest cover. Areas near Stone Door and Savage Falls provide easy access to swimming holes during warmer months, making them popular tent camping destinations in summer. Campers should be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the plateau can experience significant temperature variations. According to one visitor, "Stone Door is a wonderful spot if you really want to be in nature. Not many people around, quite secluded and very peaceful. Tent camping only with reservations."

Best Tent Sites Near Dunlap, Tennessee (48)

    1. Savage Falls Campground — Savage Gulf State Park

    8 Reviews
    Palmer, TN
    10 miles

    "Backpack in , totally primitive sites. Take your own water or filtration system. Hobbs Cabin is available by reservation, close to the tent sites. Bring an air mattress for the wood bunks."

    "Prefect spot for a short hike-in backcountry camping experience. The hike in is less than two miles and the camp sites are secluded and spread apart. Highly recommend!"

    2. Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park

    31 Reviews
    Tracy City, TN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 924-2980

    $18 - $21 / night

    "Things to know: $5 reservation fee, $8-45 per site

    Amenities: picnic table, fire ring, restrooms, heated shower

    Drawbacks: no electric or water hook-ups. No gas generators allowed"

    "The campground is great for climbers looking to get an early start on all the routes nearby."

    3. Stone Door Campground — Savage Gulf State Park

    6 Reviews
    Beersheba Springs, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 924-2980

    $8 - $35 / night

    "Campsite: Stone Door review

    This campsite is great for novice primitive campers. The campsites are secluded, but very close to the parking lot."

    "Not a far hike in. Isolated camping spots, well marked, out-house nearby, along with water source."

    4. Alum Gap Campground — Savage Gulf State Park

    8 Reviews
    Beersheba Springs, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 532-0001

    $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 Alum Gap campground in Savage Gulf State Natural Area was a perfect destination for a first-time backpacker (like me!). The trail is easy-moderate, mostly flat with only a few inclines."

    5. Savage Station

    1 Review
    Palmer, TN
    9 miles
    Website

    $10 - $35 / night

    "Conveniently located near the parking area for the Savage Fall hike, the Savage Gulf Ranger Station Campground offers a primitive and tranquil camping option amidst the natural beauty of the area."

    6. Savage Gulf South - Backcountry Camp

    1 Review
    Gruetli-Laager, TN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 924-2980

    "1/2 mile walk in from the parking lot. 5 sites with lots of space between them. Beautiful overlook. 1/3 mile Rock scrambling hike to waterfall."

    7. Hobbs Cabin Campground — Savage Gulf State Park

    2 Reviews
    Beersheba Springs, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 532-0001

    $25 / night

    "Hobbs Cabin itself is a primitive shelter, with six wood bunks. Maximum occupancy is six people. Features a wood fireplace and fire ring."

    "Keeps you dry if it’s pouring, but luckily the weather cleared for us for the night. We didn’t utilize the spring that is allegedly there."

    9. Lockhart's Arch Shelter - on the Cumberland Trail

    1 Review
    Signal Mountain, TN
    17 miles
    Website

    "The hike in to this shelter is moderate, passing beautiful views at Julia Falls Overlook, and a cool suspension bridge as it crosses Middle Creek."

    10. Black Willow Farm

    1 Review
    Pikeville, TN
    18 miles

    $50 - $100 / night

    "I had the pleasure of working with Black Willow Farm, and they have an amazing property with an off grid cabin and tent sites to come!  Check them out show them some love!"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Dunlap, TN

1183 Reviews of 48 Dunlap 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.

  • Katrin M.
    Mar. 7, 2021

    Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park

    Nice rustic getaway

    We camped here over the weekend with our dogs. The campground has 26 rustic campsites that need to be reserved in advance. Each site has a firepit and a picnic table. It is probably better for tent camping since there are no electrical hook ups. There are also no generators allowed. Some of the sites are very close together like mostly the ones on the entrance. We camped at #19 and it was very private and spacious. The bathrooms were ok. Unfortunately they were never cleaned over the weekend. It was pretty noisy on Friday night and there is nobody to enforce a quiet time. Be aware... roosters are nearby and they start crowing at 4am. Some of the sites are very well shaded. There is no firewood sale in the campground or the visitor center (which is about 17 min away) but locals have it available near by. The landscape is absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking. Foster Falls is just a short walking distance away and so beautiful. In the summertime it's a popular swimming hole. It is also a paradise for rock climbers. South Cumberland has many spread out entrances. We visited Stone Door and Denny Cove. It was so beautiful. We would camp here again but probably not in the summertime because it can get very crowded.

  • 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!

  • 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

  • Christy E.
    Jun. 14, 2018

    Rock Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful area with many activities

    I stayed in the tent-only loop - a small group of 10 sites. It was quiet and had many trees for hammocks. Thus site offers level tent pads, a grill, fire ring, and picnic table. Clean bathrooms and hot showers available. The nearby swimming beach was great for the kids. Many short hiking options available. Make sure to visit the ranger station for a map and safety rules during water releases.

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2018

    Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park

    Loud and dirty but spacious with great hiking

    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, with little privacy between sites, although they are still shady due to the extremely tall trees. The outer loop sites have more underbrush between them providing a buffer. Sites 17-26 all have relative privacy from each other, but are smaller sites in general, although many of them have specified tent pads. The sites closest to the bathrooms all had more bugs while we were there in August, and site 16, while very large, has power lines that run into the site itself.

    This is a very beautiful campground. The towering trees give most sites ample shade, and there is a lot of firewood that is easy to collect from felled trees, particularly on the back half of the loop. The front half of the loop is closest to the trail to the falls, and site 8 has a trail running directly behind it that takes you to the falls overlook, and to the trailhead to walk down to the falls themselves. Our 2 and 5 year old walked from our campsite down to the falls and back up easily, and enjoyed having a trail that led to the falls overlook for nightly post-dinner walks, and it would make a great camping base for anyone looking to hike the Fiery Gizzard Trail. The picnic tables are also very large and made it easy to prepare food and for 5 people to sit comfortably, even with our stove at one end, and the tables are on concrete slabs, which helps keep bugs crawling around your feet down a little, and makes it easier to clean up any food that falls while eating. The bathrooms were also cleaned each morning, with the trash taken out and the floor swept clean of bugs and detritus.

    My biggest complaints about this site are the noise, and how much trash we saw. There is a farm nearby with a rooster that spent the better part of the day crowing, which can be distracting when you have a toddler you are trying to get to sleep, and got very repetitive for the adults as well. We could also hear 18 wheelers both nights we were there during the night. We were there on weeknights so there were very few other campers, but there was a lot of trash still evident from the weekend littered across most of the campsites, and a group that stayed our first night there left their fire ring full of paper towels and banana peels. After reporting it to a ranger, he cleaned up the paper but left the banana peels which made me wonder how strictly the campground enforces proper food storage, and the ranger said that the campers had not paid or registered--despite the fact that park vehicles drove past at least twice since that group set up camp. If kept clean, I would easily give this a 4 or 5 star rating despite the noise, but I was very disappointed in the visibility of human impact--a shame, because it is otherwise a great place, and great for families with small children.

  • Stefan A.
    May. 21, 2018

    Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park

    Above average campsites, exceptional proximity to natural beauty

    There are very average campsites for RV’s, car camping, backcountry and your average camping spots. HOWEVER, the beautiful hike down to the waterfall is 100 meters from most of the campsites. The views made it an amazing trip.

    Things to know: $5 reservation fee, $8-45 per site

    Amenities: picnic table, fire ring, restrooms, heated shower

    Drawbacks: no electric or water hook-ups. No gas generators allowed


Guide to Dunlap

Discover the beauty of tent camping near Dunlap, Tennessee, where lush landscapes and serene surroundings await outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for tent camping near Dunlap

  • Foster Falls Campground offers a rustic experience with 26 campsites that require reservations, making it essential to plan ahead for your stay.
  • At Savage Falls Campground, be prepared for a hike-in experience, ensuring you pack light and bring only the essentials for a comfortable trip.
  • Alum Gap Campground is perfect for beginners, featuring an easy hike of just over a mile from the parking area, ideal for families looking to explore the outdoors.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy breathtaking views and various trails at Foster Falls Campground, where families can explore the stunning Cumberland Falls.
  • Experience the thrill of rock climbing and swimming at Savage Falls Campground, a popular spot for adventure seekers during the summer months.
  • Hike to scenic overlooks and waterfalls from Alum Gap Campground, providing ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Stone Door Campground features drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
  • At Savage Gulf South - Backcountry Camp, campers can enjoy a primitive setting with essential amenities like toilets and drinking water.
  • Davis Pond Campsite offers a peaceful atmosphere with picnic tables and a nearby fishing pond, perfect for unwinding after a day of hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dunlap, TN is Savage Falls Campground — Savage Gulf State Park with a 4.9-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 48 tent camping locations near Dunlap, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.