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FOSTER FALLS CAMPGROUND - Open to Vehicles - Reservations Required The Foster Falls campground has 26 rustic campsites ideal for tents or small trailers. The Foster Falls Campground is the only camping area in the park where guests may park a car and/or pop-ups next to the campsite. The campground is open year-round. All sites have a fire ring and a picnic table. Most sites are wooded, offering some shade and have a level, gravel surface. A few are on a slight incline. There are no water or electric hook-ups but a restroom and heated showers are available. No gas generators are allowed at the Foster Falls Campground.
BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING - Reservations Required South Cumberland boasts over 90 miles of backpacking trails with 93 campsites, eight group sites and one rustic lodge, the Hobbs Cabin. These campsites are located within 12 designated back country campgrounds across the Fiery Gizzard and Savage Gulf trail systems. South Cumberland encourages visitors to reserve your campsite early to ensure you have a site upon arrival. Remember, follow all park rules and be prepared to have a rewarding backcountry experience.
All campsites are limited to four adults and two children. Children are defined as ages 13 and younger. Site capacity information can be found under site features on the campsite reservation page. Please look closely at your campsite's capacity when reserving.
Each site has a designated fire ring. Hiking is required to reach the sites, although a few sites are available at only 120 yards from the parking lot. Water must be filtered from natural sources or carried in, be sure to check with the ranger stations about water availability. A pit toilet is also available at each campground.
South Cumberland has primitive group campsites at most Savage Gulf campgrounds. These sites can accommodate from 30-60 campers, depending on the site and location.
$18 - $21 / night
South Cumberland State Park is located within four different Tennessee counties: Grundy, Franklin, Marion and Sequatchie. The park is composed of approximately 30,845 acres in nine separate areas and boasts some of the best hiking and backcountry camping in the region.
$8 - $35 / night
South Cumberland State Park is a state park in the middle and southeast portions of Tennessee on the Cumberland Plateau. The park is one of Tennessee's newer state parks. It is a collection of 10 areas in four counties.
$8 - $12 / night
$25 / night
South Cumberland boasts over 90 miles of backpacking trails with 93 campsites, eight group sites, and one rustic lodge, the Hobbs Cabin. These campsites are located within 12 designated backcountry campgrounds across the Fiery Gizzard and Savage Gulf trail systems. South Cumberland encourages visitors to reserve their campsite early to ensure you have a site upon arrival. Reservations are required. Remember, follow all park rules and be prepared to have a rewarding backcountry experience.
All campsites are limited to six people. Site capacity information can be found under site features on the campsite reservation page. Please look closely at your campsite's capacity when reserving.
Each site has a designated fire ring. Hiking is required to reach the sites, although a few sites are available only 120 yards from the parking lot. Water must be filtered from natural sources or carried in, be sure to check with the ranger stations about water availability. A pit toilet is also available at each campground.
Camping is permitted at the Hunter's Check Station Camping area on a first-come, first-served basis. These primitive campsites have no sanitation facilities.
Prentice Cooper State Forest is located in southeastern Tennessee, in Marion County. The forest is approximately 10 miles west of Chattanooga and is heavily utilized by the public. It is situated on the scenic Tennessee River Gorge. The property for Prentice Cooper was acquired by simple purchase between 1938 and 1944. The site was proclaimed a State Forest in 1945. Sixty-nine percent of the forest is in multiple-use regulated forests and the remainder is in conservation areas. Approximately 6,939 acres are designated as unregulated scenic zones that protect this view shed and other scenic areas of the forest. Hicks Gap Natural Area (350 acres) also occurs in the forest and was developed to protect the federally endangered Large-flowered Skullcap. The forest also includes several in-holdings owned by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and 3 cemeteries. Management activities of the forest focus primarily on sustainable timber management, forest management demonstration and wildlife habitat improvement while maintaining recreational opportunities for the public. There are 35 miles of hiking trails, including the south end of the Cumberland Trail State Park. There also are two designated camping areas. Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division has provided labor and portions of the forest for various types of research in collaboration with the University of Tennessee. Hunting has been a traditional use of the forest. Other recreational activities include OHV use in designated areas, rock climbing, hiking, Mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching, and camping.
$10 - $35 / night
Experience true off-grid living in our Mennonite-built cabin nestled in the heart of 81 acres of secluded meadows and pasture. This rustic retreat is the perfect getaway for those looking to fully unplug and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
Our cozy cabin offers a unique blend of country charm and modern convenience. While there is no electricity, we have propane lights inside and solar lights outdoors. We do have running water, although there is no water heater yet. The interior is tastefully decorated with a comfortable queen-sized bed and two twin beds in a shared room upstairs. A futon is available in the family area for additional sleepers and full size kitchen for preparing simple meals. Best of all, there is no WiFi and little cell phone service, giving you the chance to truly disconnect and relax. With a fire pit outside, you can enjoy cozy evenings under the stars, roasting marshmallows and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Additionally, for those who prefer to sleep under the stars, we offer two campsites in an old cattle field at the crest of the hill. Each site is equipped with a fire pit and cooking grate, and a porta potty is conveniently located nearby. Parking is available adjacent to the sites, and it's just a short walk across the field. These are primitive so no water is available on site.
Now true highlight of our property are the four picturesque ponds and natural lake with a beaver dam and small waterfall. Grab a fishing pole and take to the waters, or simply relax and soak in the stunning surroundings. And with an abundance of wildlife, you're sure to spot everything from deer and wild turkey to osprey and blue heron during your stay.
Beyond our property, you'll find endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Although only a mile as the crow flys, the cabin is a 20-minute drive to Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee's largest state park, boasting over 26,000 acres of hiking, waterfalls, streams, cascades, and gorges. And with Cumberland Mountain State Park, Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, South Cumberland State Park, and Chattanooga all within an hour's drive or so, there's no shortage of hiking, dining, and activities to enjoy. The Mennonite community is a short drive away where you'll find local produce, plants, and all sorts of handmade goods.
Experience the simpler life and reconnect with nature at our off-grid retreat. We invite you to unplug, unwind, and recharge in the peaceful embrace of nature.
Feel free, relax and enjoy.
$50 - $100 / night
This place is a great place for camping had nice paved trails clean campground. The bathroom was clean. The shower was hot. Lots of friendly campers.
We arrived and we got to pick out our own campsite. Thanks to the friendly and helpful staff. Bathrooms were clean and the showers were warm water beautiful tall trees provided shade. Scenic Drive was stunning.
Ample space, gorgeous views of the lake, and super friendly staff. We stayed in space 19. It is sized for a smaller rig which was perfect for us. We got to watch fish jump and a crane fishing in the morning. Only caught small fish, but the kids had a blast swimming. The lake is shallow with a slow grade which was perfect for our young children. Everyone was friendly and respectful. The bathrooms were clean and it was a nice bonus to have a no-charge shower available for tent camping.
The campground was one of the most scenic I've been to. Some of the lakefront spots had their own access to the lake and plenty of trees. The camp host was amazing!
Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area. The camp sites are first come, first serve. They are free. Only 2 sites with tables. If you like dispersed camping you'll probably enjoy it. If you prefer a campground, this is not for you.
This quiet little camp site is in the heart of the cherokee Forest. It’s so beautiful. Each site is a good distance away from the other and there is the constant sound of the creek flowing right next to it. The bathrooms are clean and right in the middle a perfect spot for a getaway
We stayed on site 15 of the B loop. It was a great location, but in the center of the site once stood a large tree with a timber surround. The tree has been cut down, but the surround is still there, and we kept tripping over it. Otherwise, it's close to the bathhouse, and the water spigot is right across the street. As someone who uses a camper, here's what you need to know. Coming up the mountain has some steep grades and a few switch backs that you can't see around. There are often oncoming vehicles who are often driving to fast and not considering those of us in large vehicles. We had a couple of course calls even without the camper in tow. The roads in the campground are narrow and again, some of the turns are sharp when pulling a trailer. There is only one dump station and it's on the other side of the campground. From the B loop, you have to traverse about a 120 degree switchback to get to it. My friend who was there pulling a 5th wheel decided not to try it and opted to pay to dump somewhere else. I pull a 25ft travel trailer and had no problem, although it felt sketchy going into it. Once there, it was probably the best dump station I've ever used. The water pressure almost blew a connection to my tank flush, but I'm sure the tank is clean now! As I eluded to before, there are no water hookups at the sites, only power (30A). You'll need to fill your fresh water tanks before you set up. Cell/ internet; in the B loop there is NO AT&T in spite of what this site says. You may get a weak signal on the other side, but it's spotty at best. There appeared to be a Verizon tower on the mountain, so that will probably work. It is a pet friendly campground, but personally, I don't find that friendly. I don't like walking up to someone dog barking at the person getting their 6 am morning walk and then the owner yelling at the dog to be quiet.
Use to be one of my favorite campgrounds. Campspot has turned it into a money racket. Educate yourself and look up dynamic pricing which nothing but greed. If you see prices over their normal it’s dynamic. Not to mention site lock which if isn’t paid they could move you to an unleveled site not of your choice.
This use to be a nice campground and still is as far as looks and on the water that is.
The bad is....
Sites are too close together and some very unlevel.
No sewer hook-up
Pricey...$50+ a night
NO SENIOR DISCOUNTS....
Not budget friendly....
This is NOT the way most TVA campgrounds are run,,,,,,
Will not be back until New Managment......
While camping right on a ledge would be neat, Hobbs is a great stopover. 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. There are plenty of large and small sites, and it is not as trafficked as some of the other campgrounds in the park.
Plenty of spacious campsites, an easy hike (almost too short!) from the visitor center. Rustic, dispersed, but close enough to other people so you don’t feel absolutely stranded!
I absolutely loved this camping site. As a person who almost never reserved in advanced I really appreciate camping sites that allows spontaneity. We arrived on a Sunday night and it was pretty easy to find available spots. Pretty easy to pay online as well.
Great place to camp near the cloudland canyon. The campsite 8 that we camped on was far from parking and restroom, so you might wanna choose the sites near to parking. Be prepared to carry things for quite a walk. Bring something to carry water to your site from water filling station near the restrooms. But, the campsites are well spaced so you will have the privacy you need. There are lots of beautiful hiking places nearby.
Much better options in the area, this place is run by a pack of a holes.
We enjoyed spending several days exploring Chattanooga. The camp staffers are friendly and helpful. The facilities are clean and the park is well kept. The sites are tight. You're right on top of each other. Fine for a couple of days.
We reserved a site with full- hookups and our friends reserved a tent site. Our site was fine, but there wasn’t what I would describe as a tent site. Our friends ended up just camping behind our camper in the flattest area they could find. All of the sites are pretty close and out in the open.
When we stayed some of the activities/amenities weren’t available (there had been a fire or something at the kitchen). We had a pretty decent time, though. We rented kayaks and paddle boards and explored the lake and they had a huge inflatable slide that our kids spent hours on. The ramp to the swim beach was ridiculously slimy but kids all enjoyed swimming in the lake and jumping off the dive platform. The camp had a movie in the evening (Jaws) and gave out popcorn. There were basketball courts and beanbag toss. Lots of people were out on their fishing boats.
So potentially plenty of activities for the kids, but the campground sites could be a bit nicer for the price. Any staff we interacted with were super pleasant.
Quiet campground tucked away on Lookout Mountain, with super friendly and helpful staff. The campground is very well maintained, has a large pool, playground and giant in-ground bounce ballon for the kids, and a fenced in dog park complete with slides and playground equipment for dogs! There is a walking trails around the campground. The bathroom\shower house was impressive to say the least, very clean and renovated.
Love this place. Took the family and dog. Beautiful and amazing camp site.
Pretty with clean bathrooms.
We’ve stayed at this campground several times over the past 20 years. It has actually improved since our last visit 7-8 years ago. Bathrooms/showers are very nice…each guest gets a private room with shower, sink and toilet. Dog park is very nice, and trails are good. Campground is quite hilly but our site (15 pull through) was level. Only suggestion would be a better stocked store.
This place may be seasonal and have limited hours but oh what a treat it is to make this part of your boating experience on Watts Bar Lake. They feature Monkey Towns local brews out of Dayton,TN. The view is worth the climb up the stairs from the lake to the dining area.
Can't wait till this place opens back up
Easy water access if you are trailer boating. Single room shower house for men and women. Wonderful lake view sunset!
Stayed 13 days. I came from the west and had no problems getting my 23ft camper up the mountain. There were a few people that stayed in a tent for a night or two here and there, but I didn’t see any other RV/Campers so every spot was open. Trees fall easily so if it’s windy be careful where you park. You do need a land pass to be here, the website is on the sign coming in and it was around $60.
Great experience! Our first time out in new to us RV. Went over President’s Day weekend. Myself, Husband & our four boys (5, 16, 19, 21) had a great time relaxing by the fire, jumping on inflatables at playground and gathering firewood in the woods. Site was roomy and very clean. Great crew in the office helpful & super nice. Would recommend!
Our spot was near bathroom and the area was clean. Good hikes nearby. I had good cell reception as well with Verizon so was able to watch a little college football on Saturday.m
COUNTY PARK campground surrounded by water with a 5thmountain view. Great travel stop off I-24 Interstate hwy. Call and tell them your coming they will save a spot for you. I've always called weeks ahead to reserve a spotthey just write down your name and planned nights to stay with assigned site number. Very friendly. ELECTRIC and WATER w/dump station in park. Shower house has key pad entry lock for campers.
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.
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
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dunlap, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dunlap, TN is Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Dunlap, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Dunlap, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
