Dispersed camping areas near Belvidere, Tennessee offer primitive experiences with minimal facilities and regulations. Located at the edge of the Cumberland Plateau, this region features rugged terrain with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,000 feet. The area's limestone geology creates distinctive rock formations and water features that make tent camping in Belvidere particularly rewarding during spring and fall when temperatures average 50-70°F.
What to do
Waterfall swimming: 2.7 miles from Father Adamz Campground. The short but rocky hike to the waterfall base rewards tent campers with natural swimming opportunities during warmer months. As one visitor noted, "It's only about a half mile down to a swimming hole and water fall perfect for swimming in the summer" while another mentioned the hike is "fairly steep and very rocky, but well worth the effort!"
Cliff jumping: Available for adventurous campers at Evans Loop Backcountry Sites. These sites offer both paddling and cliff-jumping opportunities for more daring visitors. A camper reported that it has "great paddling, few cliffs to jump off of, awesome old cemetery right beside campsite. All in all. Great place to unwind."
Day hikes: Accessible from Stone Door Campground. The Big Creek Rim trail offers relatively flat terrain with multiple overlook points. According to a reviewer, "I did the Big Creek Rim trail. It was relatively flat, but had some beautiful overlooks. A great campsite with easy accessibility to great trails."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Varies significantly by location. At Alum Gap Campground, the campground "has been picked almost clean of lower tree life so no privacy from neighbors" yet remains "Quiet and Clean." Other sites like Stone Door feature more "secluded camping spots, well marked, out-house nearby, along with water source."
Natural water sources: Available but require treatment. Multiple backcountry sites feature streams or lake access, but preparedness is essential. At Hurricane Creek, "Water can be sourced from Hurricane Creek, but should be treated/filtered." A camper at Alum Gap noted, "On my hike there, I encountered a small creek, which served as a sufficient water source. Depending on recent rainfall, you might need to collect water back at the Greeter Falls area."
Beginner-friendly backcountry experiences: Perfect for first-time backcountry campers. Some sites offer an accessible introduction to primitive camping. A visitor described Alum Gap as "a perfect destination for a first-time backpacker. The trail is easy-moderate, mostly flat with only a few inclines." Similarly, Stone Door was praised as "great for novice primitive campers. The campsites are secluded, but very close to the parking lot."
What you should know
Seasonality affects comfort: Spring and fall provide optimal conditions. Summer brings higher humidity and insects, while winter camping requires additional preparation. Reviews frequently mention timing visits to coincide with water levels, as one camper noted, "Springtime is the best time to be here especially after a big rainstorm since the water levels are higher making everything more dramatic."
Cell service varies by elevation: Higher sites offer better connectivity. Campsites on plateaus typically have better reception than those in valleys. A reviewer at Walls of Jericho Hurricane Creek found "ok to weak cell phone service with Verizon at this site," while Alum Gap campers reported "cell phone service is excellent, thanks to the location atop the plateau."
Campsite reservations: Required at most established sites. Popular sites fill quickly, especially during weekends and peak seasons. A Stone Door visitor advised, "Book ahead of time as campsites fill up quickly on weekends!"
Tips for camping with families
Choose shorter trails: Identify family-friendly hike-in distances. Some sites offer backcountry experiences without lengthy approaches. At Foster Falls Campground, a parent reported, "Our 2 and 5 year old walked from our campsite down to the falls and back up easily, and enjoyed having a trail that led to the falls overlook for nightly post-dinner walks."
Verify bathroom facilities before booking: Amenities vary widely. Some sites feature maintained facilities while others are completely primitive. A visitor to Foster Falls noted, "The bathrooms were also cleaned each morning, with the trash taken out and the floor swept clean of bugs and detritus."
Pack water filtration equipment: Natural water sources require treatment. Most tent camping sites near Belvidere have limited or no potable water. One camper recommended, "I am glad we brought along our water filtration system as it was only a short hike down to the river to fill up."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Focus on tent camping or minimal setups. The Belvidere area primarily accommodates tent campers, with few developed RV facilities. At TGL Adventures, visitors can enjoy some amenities while maintaining a natural experience, with one camper noting, "The campsite had just enough light to be able to see go get to the restroom and showers."
Pack-in requirements: Many sites require carrying all gear. Even at drive-up sites, be prepared to move equipment from parking areas to campsites. As one Stone Door camper explained, "You'll have to hike all your gear in a short distance."
Road access considerations: Some roads may be challenging for larger vehicles. Plan routes carefully and consider vehicle limitations when selecting a campsite. Many sites near Belvidere require high-clearance vehicles or involve traversing unpaved roads.
