Tent camping near Harrison, Tennessee offers rustic accommodations on the Cumberland Plateau with elevations ranging from 650 to 2,300 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Campsites throughout the area typically require permits for overnight stays, with most backcountry sites featuring unprepared terrain requiring proper gear for comfortable sleeping.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: Multiple trails lead to scenic falls accessible from camping areas. At Savage Falls Campground, campers can enjoy "a short walk down to a perfect little perch over the top of the falls and the stairs to the bottom," according to Jason J.
Rock climbing: The sandstone bluffs provide technical climbing opportunities. Tyler J. notes that Laurel Snow wilderness has "a couple of scattered campsites within this wilderness. One being very close to a waterfall," making it convenient for climbers to access routes.
Fishing: Several camping areas offer fishing access in small ponds or streams. William S. describes how Davis Pond campsite has "a fishing pond" and "a gravel parking lot with a trail map and sign in sheet right next to the camping area."
River recreation: The Ocoee River provides whitewater opportunities. "This is a great spot if you either want to go rafting for a weekend or spend the day tubing the lower Ocoee and have a campground all ready for you," says Tyler J. about Outdoor Adventure Rafting Campground.
What campers like
Solitude: The best tent camping near Harrison, Tennessee often provides peaceful experiences away from crowds. At Savage Falls Camping Area, Lavender T. reports, "I didn't see another person the whole time I was hiking and camping which is exactly what I was looking for."
Wildlife viewing: The forests and water features attract diverse animal species. One camper at Big Frog Area warns to "watch out for bears," noting that while the views are "spectacular," you should be prepared for wildlife encounters.
Trail connectivity: Many tent sites connect to longer trail systems. Megan T. describes the Big Frog Area as "a great place to camp if you want to do some loop trails or be close to the trailhead."
Water proximity: Campsites near creeks or waterfalls are highly valued. Brooke O. appreciates that at Savage Falls, "Water [is] a short walk from camp site if you are backpacking. My husband and I are very fond of this particular camp site."
What you should know
Water availability: Many primitive sites have limited water sources. At Big Frog Area, Megan T. notes there's only "a small trickle crossing Big Frog trail just south and there is a stagnant pond 0.1 mi down Rough Creek trail if you get desperate."
Bathroom conditions: Facility maintenance varies widely. Tessa B. warns about Davis Pond that "the bathroom looks like an actual third world country, covered in trash and bugs and who knows what else. I didn't stay long to look at it in detail."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. Tessa B. describes accessing Davis Pond: "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."
Trail navigation: Some paths can be difficult to follow. Joshua C. advises about Laurel Snow: "The trails can also be hard to follow at a couple of points, I'd recommend bringing an offline map of the trail, such as one from All Trails. Otherwise, when in doubt: backtrack."
Tips for camping with families
Choose shorter hike-in options: Some backcountry sites are accessible even with children. Cole T. describes Savage Falls as a "perfect 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."
Consider noise factors: Some campgrounds have unexpected noise sources. Everest C. warns about Hunter's Check Station: "Not a quiet camping area lots of road noise and traffic."
Look for shaded sites: Summer heat protection is important for families. Megan T. recommends a site in Big Frog Area with "lots of shade, on a beautiful stretch of trail around 1 mile north of Big Frog summit on Big Frog trail."
Water recreation access: Swimming holes provide family entertainment. Kelly M. recommends visiting Foster Falls Campground when "it's warm enough to swim in the waterfall," noting that camping there was "easy and bathrooms were clean."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most camping near Harrison is tent-focused. While Hunter's Check Station lists RV as an accommodation type, no reviewers mention RV-specific features.
Consider primitive alternatives: Some sites offer more rustic experiences than typical RV parks. William S. describes Davis Pond as having "two picnic tables, and two lantern posts near the tables. However, it can easily accommodate many more campers in the space and has multiple dirt-and-rock fire pits."
Check site size limitations: Some areas have restricted space. Josh W. cautions about Davis Pond: "Only spots for two, luckily one area was available upon my arrival. A couple was there already. The two spaces are kinda tight."
