Searching for a tent campsite near Gruetli-Laager? Finding a place to camp in Tennessee with your tent has never been easier. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Gruetli-Laager, Tennessee's most popular destinations.
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 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
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
$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.
$10 - $35 / night
Horseshoe Bend Marina is a secluded get away situated on the scenic head waters of Center Hill Lake. Our marina is only (by water) a mile from Rock Island State Park's Sand Bar and boat ramp. It is the perfect place to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you are wanting to go boating, fishing, or camping, we have quite a bit to offer. As one of the few marinas on Center Hill Lake that stays open year 'round, we rent boats, boat slips, and camp sites. Fall scenic tours and year 'round guided fishing tours are available also. We have a boat ramp that is easily accessible even when the lake water level is low. Our store offers a variety of drinks, snacks, camping supplies, boating supplies, and fishing supplies. We are also operating under new ownership and new management. With this said, we invite you to come by, meet the new managers, and see the improvements that have been made. Please, take the time to look through our web site for all the services we offer!
$75 / night
$10 / night
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.
Scout
Tent camp here with the family. I would recommend the walk in tent sites if you can get them. Campground is spread out well in places and not so much in others. Horseback riding, hiking trails, fishing, and much more. Last time we spent 3 days and could have easily spent another day or two. Plan on returning for some back country camping on the overnight loops.
Guide
Beautiful state park! Unbelievable waterfalls with many of hiking trails! There is a lot of history in the park! Tent campground was nice and level! Each tent site had a tent pad, lantern pole, fire ring and sturdy table! The bathhouses was clean and warm water! Wood is sold in the near by town or at the park visitor center!
Legend
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.
Legend
As exclusively tent campers, I have always steered away from KOAs. But given how close this one is to my home city of Chattanooga, and how beautiful the Lookout Mountain region is, I decided to do a drive-thru tour just to check out a campground within 30 minutes of home, and this is definitely a place I would love to camp, even in a tent!
Convenient to I-59, this KOA is in an extremely rural part of northern Georgia, giving it a backcountry feel despite how easy it is to access. And while it is still primarily for RV campers, they do have a some designated tent-only sites that are on their own leg of the road, and spaced out to provide some privacy--site D in particular had more of a feel of a private campground to it.
There are two distinct sections to this campground; when you first enter, there is a turnoff to the right that takes you to lower elevation. These sites are more spaced out, have trees (or bamboo!) in between them, and are generally larger. This is also the side where the tent and group camping sites are. Group camp sites allow one tent per site, and RV sites are all 50A full service except for sites 60 and 61 which are 30A. Tent sites have water and electric available but are for one vehicle and tent only.
To the left of the welcome center upon entering sites are closer together, with a combination of 30A and 50A full services hookups. There are still plenty of trees, particularly along the uppermost loop (sites 16, 18, 20, and 22). This side is also where the majority of the cabins are.
The coolest aspect of this campground for me was the massive jumping pad they have, and I had to promise my kids we would take an overnight trip here just so they could use it! It is restricted to ages 16 and under (and appeared to be closed, along with the playground and saltwater pool, due to COVID-19), but looked like an amazing addition, especially for families who may be staying here long-term and need a way for their kids to get some energy out without leaving the campground!
This would still not be my primary choice for tent camping as it is still largely geared towards RVs, however the group camping, the wooded feel, and the convenience to Chattanooga make this an amazing play to stay, whether it is folks in the city looking to get into nature without a long drive, fulltimers who want long-term accommodations while they take advantage of all the region has to offer, or travelers just looking for a quiet place to stay while passing through.
Guide
Tent camped for a night can’t wait to go back. Didn’t get to see the caverns but did visit the gift shop.
TravelerNice wooded sites with decent bathhouses. Play sets, mostly paved roads perfect for riding bikes. My family really enjoyed tent camping at Fall Creek Falls.
Scout
Staff was very helpful in finding the right spot. Campsites are clean and hot showers are abundant. We tent camped, but the park is more suited for RVs or TTs
Traveler
Nice sand beach. Ample parking. Grassy tent camping areas and RV paved area pull through. Lots of wildlife. Quiet area. Good fishing, kayaking, canoeing area. Boat dock nearby. Bathroom facilities on property.
Traveler
Beautiful location with an overlook to watch the sunset. Location is excellent for day hikes with plenty of options. Also this site provides a variety of options for your stay. Great place for tent camping.
Traveler
This 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. Lots of hiking near by and great places to explore.
Guide
This area has around 100 sites, both RV and tent sites both with and without electricity, so you can camp any way you'd like. All of the tent sites here are facing the lake so it feels a little more private. The RV sites are more grouped together (but I don't have an RV so I can't speak for these as much) There is some great hiking in the area and you can find some quiet and restful spots. There is the Lost Springs Trail that is right near the campground if you like hiking and hikes above the nearby Marina and this campground.
GuideTent camping and we had s beautiful spot. But big problem, the aggregate for the tent pad was so compressed we could not set a stake. Had to move tent off pad! Bathrooms very clean in tent loop. Shame on government for not putting funds into pool maintenance. It was shut down. Deer wandering all around!!!
Scout
Clean, and well maintained. Tent camping along the edge of the river. Fire pits or grills, picnic tables, clean bathroom, and hot showers. If you are a light sleeper, the traffic noise from the highway might be disturbing. Good fishing. It was a nice overnighter on our way North.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! 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!
Legend
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. Otherwise love, love, loved the adventure, hike, backpack in:)
Traveler
Very nice with gorgeous views and fun little hiking trails. Restrooms were nice with hot hot showers. Tent sites very rocky and not even at all but it is a new place so hopefully they’ll clear and level it out
Guide
Stayed at campsite 3, across from the camp host, and in front of playground and bathrooms.
Very large, very widely spaced campsites. Sites were comfortable for tent camping, but there were few tent campers when we were there.
Bathrooms were clean, and had hot showers, but had a lot of deferred maintenance.
The Fall hiking was spectacular. It's a beautiful place to see the hardwoods change color. Trails are well maintained.
TravelerThere is so, so much to do at this park. Unfortunately, we only got to hike around the falls since the weather was so bad.
Tent camping review:
GuideWe definitely enjoyed our visit. Sites in Campground c were very tight and in a field. Many of the tent sites were on a huge hill. We would stay in a different area if we returned. It was very busy on the trails but we were able to find some less traveled sites.
Guide
We went to camp here with our AHG group. We tent camped to complete one of their badges. We camp often and we enjoy it. The place is clean and organized well. The tent sights are elevated slightly which allows a nice “overlook” of the camp ground. Some tent spots were kind of sloped so be mindful of finding a good flat spot. Bath houses were clean and functioning. Good water front locations. We had a great time and recommend for a short stay.
TravelerTent-camped midweek on E210. Lots of open spaces in camp. Tent spot was on level gravel RV pad. Air mattress helped with gravel. Site had water and electricity. Showers were clean with hot water. Be sure to lock up food. We were visited by five raccoons nightly. They were able to get into secured plastic bin we left out. Great hiking around falls. Friendly staff at Visitor Center and Nature Center. Well stocked general store. We will be back.
TravelerThe tent sites were really nice. I love how close you are to the water. It also includes two swim areas which is nice. Bathrooms are good in campground standards! The hiking trail is ok. Canoe the Caney is a few minute drive from the campground which is great if you like canoeing. We really enjoyed it!
Guide
We used two cars and parked one at our campsite here, and brought one to the beginning of the Fiery Gizzard Trail. It was nice to camp the night before in order to get an early start on the trail -- although it did not really help us avoid the incredible heat and humidity of June in Tennessee.
The waterfall and swimming hole were an EXTREMELY WELCOME sight after that long day hike! The water was very cool and felt great in the summer. Tent sites are leveled gravel and we were able to buy some firewood when we arrived. The falls were just trickling -- if you want to see them roaring come in the spring!
Traveler
This campground was right off of the interstate and very easy to get to so that was a benefit. I didn't make a reservation so I just showed up and all the tent sites were taken so I just rented an RV spot. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and neighbors were very friendly and had a permanent site for their RV. Pets allowed too so that was a plus!!
ScoutI enjoyed this little campground, but it could definitely use some updates. The bathrooms were clean and the showers were nice but a few hooks would be helpful. Also, I originally reserved site C157 but found it difficult to see how or where I could camp in the spot. I tent camp and the site is not very level and backs into a very steep hill. I think spots like this could definitely use some kind of tent pad or decking. Looking around the campground I think that these kinds of updates could be beneficial. Especially on tent only sites. All in all I enjoyed this campground and park.
Legend
We have stopped here several times in the past when it was a KOA. The new owners have fixed it up. The roads are still gravel but in better shape, the pads are nicer, and there is more room between sites. 30/50 amp electric, water & sewer. Lots of trees, there is a big dog park. The pool was closed when we were there. Bathrooms and showers were nice, but dated. Tent sites, cabins. Lots of road noise!
Scout
Found this place because it was so close to Chattanooga, we used a primitive tent site right on the water our first night. The only problem with this was the wind was very strong that night coming across the water. It's a beautiful view but didn't get much sleep. Was able to transfer to a better site inland for 15$. There isn't a shop to buy firewood or other things(at the time of writing) and the bathrooms were just ok.
Tent camping near Gruetli-Laager, Tennessee, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds nearby, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and explore the beautiful surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gruetli-Laager, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gruetli-Laager, 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 Gruetli-Laager, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Gruetli-Laager, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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