Ruby L.
Traveler
TravelerCloudland Canyon State Park Campground
Beautiful park
Loved it, hiking to waterfalls, viewing the rim, spacious sites, quiet, small playground. All in all a very restful stay
Tent Camping near Dunlap, TN
6 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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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 Campgrounds near Dunlap (53)
1. Harrison Bay State Park Campground
"We stayed in the Tent camping area recently."
"There are picnic tables and fire rings at every site but they recently removed the trash cans due to a racoon problem. There is a large central dumpster available though."
66 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
2. Savage Falls Campground — Savage Gulf State Park
"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!"
3. Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $18 - $21 / night
4. Alum Gap Campground — Savage Gulf State Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $8 - $12 / night
5. Stone Door Campground — Savage Gulf State Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $8 - $35 / night
6. Savage Station
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $35 / night
7. Savage Gulf South - Backcountry Camp
"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."
8. Hunter’s Check Station Campground - Prentice Cooper State Forest
9. Hobbs Cabin Campground — Savage Gulf State Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 / night
10. Davis Pond Campsite
"This lightly developed site has two picnic tables, and two lantern posts near the tables."
"About 45 mins outside Chattanooga, it’s a beautiful drive. Last 7 miles are on a windy gravel road. The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance."
Drive Time
- 36 min from Chattanooga, TN
- 58 min from Cleveland, TN
- 1 hr 44 min from Huntsville, AL
- 1 hr 49 min from Rome, GA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Dunlap, TN
114 Photos of 53 Dunlap Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Savage Station
Savage Falls Campground — Savage Gulf State ParkB
Savage Gulf South - Backcountry Camp
Hunter’s Check Station Campground - Prentice Cooper State Forest
Stone Door Campground — Savage Gulf State Park
Lockhart's Arch Shelter - on the Cumberland Trail
Alum Gap Campground — Savage Gulf State Park
Davis Pond Campsite
Harrison Bay State Park Campground
Laurel Snow — Cumberland Trail
Father Adamz Campground — South Cumberland State Park
Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park
Tent Camping Reviews near Dunlap, TN
1282 Reviews of 53 Dunlap Campgrounds
Kaylie/TT G.
GuideTennessee Hills Campground
It's a beautiful place to take walks and look at all of God's beauty while doing it;) Then you have your beautiful water to enjoy while being under the moon… a wonderful place with the right person or even by yourself to get a sweet escape!
Roberta S.GuideFoster Falls Campground
Site 2 is the only cement pad, but the others look pretty level. While water is not available at individual sites, there is a spigot near the bath house. The bathrooms and showers were really clean.
- Ronald C.Guide
Whispering Oaks Campground
Campground people were very nice the sites are in the trees very very close . If you’re going to stay more than one night I would go somewhere else. You will trip over your neighbors sewer and bump into the slide out on your way out of your RV thats how close you are .they charge $55 a night for full hook up and it is not far from the HYW
- CCallum C.
ScoutHunter’s Check Station Campground - Prentice Cooper State Forest
Surprisingly busy, was almost full when I arrived at dusk on a weekday. Has a toilet, but it’s pretty rank.
- eerika V.Traveler
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
The waterfalls are beautiful and relaxing. You can hike the high-easier trail (but tree roots are present) or the lower-harder trails and be a unprofessional rock climber right down to the falls. 2.5 mile hike if you go all the way around. We spent over 2.5 hours here. Bonus is that if you are not camping here... you can use the very very clean showers for $5!
Jeff C.GuideParksville Lake RV Campground
Great little campground
Parksville Lake RV Campground is an absolute gem! I had a fantastic stay here. The campground is beautifully maintained, and the sites are nice, spacious, and wonderfully shaded by the trees. We loved the layout of the RV loop, especially the outer section where a peaceful creek flows right past the sites—the sound of the water at night was perfect. The restrooms and showers were exceptionally clean and well-kept. I had Starlink connectivity at my site and my WeBoost cell signal booster gave me up to three bars on AT&T. The campground host was incredibly nice, welcoming, and helpful. It's a wonderful, relaxing spot, and I will definitely be back!
Cliff M.TravelerBigfoot Adventure RV park & Campground
Enjoyable place to stay, quiet nights. Very chill atmosphere. Would recommend.
Robert R.ScoutTennessee Wall Camp
I was worried that I would arrive and find all the campsites occupied. This was not the case. When I got there around 5:30 there was only one other site taken. I didn’t see them until the next morning. By morning, there were two other sites occupied.
Guide to Dunlap
The Cumberland Plateau near Dunlap, Tennessee features dramatic sandstone bluffs with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,700 feet above sea level. The terrain creates numerous waterfalls and swimming holes that remain cool even during Tennessee's humid summers. Fall temperatures typically range from 40-70°F, making tent camping near Dunlap ideal for hikers seeking colorful autumn foliage without extreme temperature swings.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 0.5 mile to 2.5 miles hiking distance. Savage Falls Campground provides easy access to multiple cascades. "I'm not much for hike in to camp but I did really enjoy savage falls trail and the falls. There is a big parking area but it can fill up fast with those that are day hiking to see the falls," reports Brittni F.
Swimming holes: Multiple locations within 1-mile hike. During summer months, Foster Falls Campground offers natural pools for cooling off. "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. 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: Various routes for beginner to advanced. Several sandstone cliffs near Foster Falls attract climbers. "Really beautiful scenery on somewhat strenuous hikes to waterfalls, some good sport climbing, and a few trails that will take you really high up," explains a visitor to Foster Falls.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: 30-100 feet between neighbors. Stone Door Campground offers secluded tent camping with substantial spacing. "Our family camped here about 2 years ago as our first camping trip together. It was perfect. We love how much space and privacy we had and will be a regular camping trip for us," shares Robbie M.
Short access trails: Under 2 miles to most sites. Tent campers appreciate Savage Gulf South's accessibility. "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," says Rachel K.
Fire rings at established sites: Consistent amenity across parks. Most designated tent sites include fire rings. At Alum Gap Campground, each site has "ample space for multiple tents and featuring an established fire ring," according to a visitor.
What you should know
Water availability varies by season: Bring filtration systems. "Spring water may not be available during dry conditions," warns a camper at Hobbs Cabin Campground. Most backcountry campers should "Take your own water or filtration system," advises Shelly S.
Reservations required: Book 1-2 months ahead for weekends. Stone Door fills quickly. "Book ahead of time as campsites fill up quickly on weekends!" notes an experienced camper.
Outhouse facilities only: No flush toilets at most sites. Primitive camping is the norm. "There are NO facilities so be prepared for that," cautions Scott G. about Savage Falls.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Stone Door ideal for first-timers. "This campsite is great for novice primitive campers. The campsites are secluded, but very close to the parking lot. There is an outhouse and drinking water close to the campsites," explains Aaron S.
Kid-friendly waterfall hikes: Under 2 miles each way. Savage Station offers accessible tent camping near Dunlap with waterfall access. "The nearby waterfalls, in particular, offer a refreshing escape from the heat during the hotter months, making it an ideal spot for swimming and cooling off," notes Asher K.
Pack-in/pack-out requirements: No trash services. Prepare children for wilderness etiquette. "You have to hike your gear in so it's not quite as convenient as car camping, but it was also a way for us to get somewhat of a backcountry experience with young children," explains Robbie M.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Tent camping dominates the area. Most Dunlap area campgrounds prioritize tent camping only. "Fairly large campsites with easy access to Foster Falls and the Fiery Gizzard trail. Clean bathrooms + showers, and lots of trees," notes Brittany S. about Hunter's Check Station Campground, one of few options with vehicle access.
No hookups available: Prepare for dry camping. RVers should bring sufficient water and power. "Has toilet facility," mentions Amber L. about Hunter's Check Station, but no electrical or water connections exist.
Parking restrictions at trailheads: Overnight limitations. Several campgrounds require backpacking in from day-use parking areas. "Be aware however that the closest trailhead is at Signal Point, and overnight parking is not allowed, so plan on having a ride!" warns Stephanie J.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Dunlap, TN?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dunlap, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dunlap, TN is Harrison Bay State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 60 reviews.
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What is the best site to find tent camping near Dunlap, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 53 tent camping locations near Dunlap, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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