Best Tent Camping near Hartford, TN

Great Smoky Mountains National Park surrounds Hartford, Tennessee with several tent camping options, including the highly-rated Cosby Campground and Big Creek Campground. Located approximately 10 miles from Hartford, Cosby Campground offers over 100 tent sites nestled in a heavily wooded setting, with most sites specifically designed for tent camping. Big Creek Campground, the only tent-only frontcountry campground in the national park, provides 12 spacious sites along a beautiful creek. For backcountry tent camping experiences, hikers can access Appalachian Trail shelters like Davenport Shelter and Cosby Knob Shelter, which require permits and proper bear-safety precautions.

Most tent campsites in the Hartford area feature level tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables, though amenities vary by location. Cosby Campground operates seasonally from mid-April through mid-October, with sites available on both reservation and first-come, first-served basis. Big Creek Campground requires advance reservations for all sites. Walk-in tent sites at Big Creek require campers to carry gear approximately 100 feet from the parking area to their campsite. Primitive tent camping areas like Harmon Den in nearby Pisgah National Forest offer more rustic experiences with minimal facilities. Bear activity is common throughout the region, so proper food storage is essential at all tent campgrounds.

According to reviews, tent campers appreciate the privacy at Cosby Campground despite its size. One visitor noted, "Even though you can see your neighbors, the varied terrain and trees help give some privacy." The campground's layout on a mountain slope with switchbacking loops creates natural separation between sites. At Big Creek Campground, campers highlight the "very large tent pads" and proximity to hiking trails. The sound of flowing water is a common theme in camper experiences, with one reviewer mentioning, "A very nice feature is how close the campsites are to the creek." For those seeking solitude, backcountry tent camping options provide deeper immersion in nature, though they require more preparation and self-sufficiency.

Best Tent Sites Near Hartford, Tennessee (85)

    1. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    70 Reviews
    Cosby, TN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 487-2683

    $50 / night

    "Cosby is a small town about a 45 minute easy drive from Gatlinburg. Heavily wooded, lends itself nicely to hammock camping."

    "Most of the sites are better suited to tent campers, though a few of them are designated RV sites offering a back-in parking pad."

    2. Big Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    14 Reviews
    Hartford, TN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 436-1261

    $30 / night

    "Each one has a firepit, picnic table, lantern pole, and a very large tent pad. There are no RV's allowed. Nearby is group camping and horse camping.

    You cannot park your car right on the campsite."

    "Located at the base of the Baxter Creek Trail, which leads to Mount Sterling, this drive-in campground provides a picturesque backdrop for nature enthusiasts."

    3. Hot Springs Campground

    29 Reviews
    Hot Springs, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 622-7676

    "Situated along the beautiful French Broad River."

    "Beautiful campground with great campstore right at the entrance that sells everything. Large campsites with great privacy foliage, picnic tables, & fire rings."

    4. Harmon Den Area

    6 Reviews
    Hartford, NC
    9 miles

    "At the campsite, there is a fire ring, but there are no other facilities such as bathrooms, showers, electricity, running water, trash cans, camp store, firewood for sale, campground hosts, etc."

    "Flat spot near the corner of the road. The forest road is not compatible with big rigs, RV’s, or travel trailers. Recommended high clearance 4x4."

    5. Tricorner Knob Shelter — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    6 Reviews
    Cosby, NC
    11 miles
    Website

    "Water source was very close to the shelter. We had zero issues with bugs or critters bothering us at night. I was also able to get cell/satellite service outside the shelter and up on the AT."

    "The area around the shelter is high, rocky, and remote. Expect 10-15 degrees less than the Park headquarters."

    6. Davenport Shelter — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    2 Reviews
    Hartford, TN
    3 miles
    Website

    "**This is a beautiful shelter on the Appalachian Trail. The trail from the parking lot to the shelter is at least 3 miles, so this is a true backpacking trip."

    "The shelter has a cage around it to keep out the bears. (They all did in the smokies until people started feeding bears to coax them to stay for photos. Then the bears showed up to much."

    7. Shoestring Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Hartford, TN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 487-0008

    $45 / night

    "This property offers secluded tent sites, cabin sites, and plenty of walking trails. Come here to reconnect with nature, then leave a review and give them some love!"

    8. Big Creek Group Camp — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    1 Review
    Hartford, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 487-2683

    $30 / night

    "Reservations required. Smalllest of all the GSM campgrounds. Has some amazing sites all next to Big Creek."

    9. Falcon Expeditions - Big Creek Rustic Camp

    1 Review
    Hartford, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 550-1664

    $65 / night

    "This property offers clean, level sites with nice sized fire-rings. Unbeatable location and hot showers. This place is the perfect spot to relax and truly get away from it all."

    10. Cosby Knob Shelter on the AT

    1 Review
    Hartford, NC
    6 miles
    Website

    $6 - $8 / night

    "With two interior levels for those traveling without a tent or hammock and a convenient bar-style counter near the entrance for meal preparation and dining, it's a true gem in the wilderness. "

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Showing results 1-10 of 85 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Hartford, TN

2201 Reviews of 85 Hartford Campgrounds



Guide to Hartford

Tent camping near Hartford, Tennessee offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and explore the great outdoors.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Local attractions for outdoor enthusiasts

  • Hot Springs Campground is located near the charming town of Hot Springs, known for its hot tubs and vibrant local dining options, making it a great base for relaxation after a day of hiking.
  • Mount Collins — Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a short hike from Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, offering breathtaking views and access to numerous trails.
  • Harmon Den Area provides access to scenic trails and a peaceful river, perfect for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the region.

Tips for tent camping near Hartford

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hartford, TN is Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 70 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 85 tent camping locations near Hartford, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.