6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Palmer, Tennessee offers primitive tent camping opportunities in several parts of South Cumberland State Park. Foster Falls Campground provides 26 rustic tent sites with fire pits and picnic tables, making it a popular base for hikers and climbers. Multiple backcountry tent sites are available throughout Savage Gulf State Park, including Alum Gap, Stone Door, Savage Falls, and Savage Gulf South, all requiring short hikes to access.
Most tent sites feature established fire rings and basic amenities like picnic tables, particularly at the drive-in Foster Falls Campground. The backcountry sites across Savage Gulf are more primitive, with limited facilities—typically just a fire ring and occasionally an outhouse. Campers should bring water filtration systems when staying at backcountry tent campgrounds, as water sources may be seasonal or require treatment. Some sites like Stone Door offer drinking water and toilet facilities, while others are completely primitive. All tent camping areas require reservations through the Tennessee State Park website, with fees ranging from $8-45 per night.
The tent campgrounds provide excellent access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and swimming holes. Foster Falls serves as a convenient starting point for the Fiery Gizzard Trail, while the backcountry tent sites connect to scenic overlooks and multiple waterfall trails. Savage Gulf South campsites are approximately a half-mile walk from the parking area, offering more seclusion with "beautiful overlooks" and "rock scrambling hikes to waterfalls." Alum Gap provides an ideal introduction to backcountry camping, with a visitor noting it's "perfect for novice primitive campers" as sites are accessible via a straightforward hike just over a mile from the Greeter Falls parking area. Tree coverage varies by location, with most sites offering good shade and privacy, though some sites at Foster Falls have less separation between campers.
"Things to know: $5 reservation fee, $8-45 per site Amenities: picnic table, fire ring, restrooms, heated shower
Drawbacks: no electric or water hook-ups. No gas generators allowed"
"The campground is great for climbers looking to get an early start on all the routes nearby."
from $18 - $21 / night
"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."
"Prefect 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. Highly recommend!"
"Alum Gap campground, situated in the backcountry of Tennessee, is not only a hidden gem but also a perfect choice for those new to backpacking."
"The Alum Gap campground in Savage Gulf State Natural Area was a perfect destination for a first-time backpacker (like me!). The trail is easy-moderate, mostly flat with only a few inclines."
from $8 - $12 / night
"Campsite: Stone Door review This campsite is great for novice primitive campers. The campsites are secluded, but very close to the parking lot."
"Not a far hike in. Isolated camping spots, well marked, out-house nearby, along with water source."
from $8 - $35 / night
"We stayed in the Tent camping area recently."
"There are picnic tables and fire rings at every site but they recently removed the trash cans due to a racoon problem. There is a large central dumpster available though."
Available this weekend
"Hobbs Cabin itself is a primitive shelter, with six wood bunks. Maximum occupancy is six people. Features a wood fireplace and fire ring."
"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."
from $25 / night
"1/2 mile walk in from the parking lot. 5 sites with lots of space between them. Beautiful overlook. 1/3 mile Rock scrambling hike to waterfall."
"Conveniently located near the parking area for the Savage Fall hike, the Savage Gulf Ranger Station Campground offers a primitive and tranquil camping option amidst the natural beauty of the area."
from $10 - $35 / night
"It was awesome that they have the rocky pads because it rained our whole trip and we stayed dry. It was very quiet for us and our site faced the open woods behind us."
"Each site had a water spigot, electrical hookups, an asphalt pad, a fire ring with grill, and a standalone grill."
Available this weekend
"All of the sites in the campground are level and have adequate shade. The water available in the parking lot is either from a water fountain or the bathroom sink. "
"The weather was very nice and the sites are well maintained. It’s also only about a half mile down to a swimming hole and water fall perfect for swimming in the summer"
TravelerThe waterfalls are beautiful and relaxing. You can hike the high-easier trail (but tree roots are present) or the lower-harder trails and be a unprofessional rock climber right down to the falls. 2.5 mile hike if you go all the way around. We spent over 2.5 hours here. Bonus is that if you are not camping here... you can use the very very clean showers for $5!
TravelerEnjoyable place to stay, quiet nights. Very chill atmosphere. Would recommend.
ScoutI was worried that I would arrive and find all the campsites occupied. This was not the case. When I got there around 5:30 there was only one other site taken. I didn’t see them until the next morning. By morning, there were two other sites occupied.
TravelerThis was a last minute stay, the camp was full but accommodations were made for us by the host to park in his front yard and connect to house power. We were invited to join the host and other guests at the massive fire pit that was warming the cool mountain evening. Very pretty here…was a long and winding road up the mountain from our travel direction. Excited to see what it looks like in daylight. I have 3 bars on my T-Mobile but also have StarLink.
TravelerSides are clean and well spaced. The review said before that it was $20 a night. It’s now $30 a night for 20 amp service and I believe 44 for 30 or 50 amp service.
TravelerHard to find, really busy but most of them were hikers let left at nightfall.
GuideGreat bunch of people working there helped me out alot Sites were very tight I had to switch mine to just fit my camper 38 ft . The staff switched me to another spot
TravelerNice place but you gotta have a land pass or a hunting or fishing license to camp here. Access is easy to get in here. AT&T signal is good so this is very doable except it’s not free. To camp here for three days cost me 20 bucks.
TravelerThis is now a bed-and-breakfast and bee farm.
Tent camping near Palmer, Tennessee sits within the Cumberland Plateau region at elevations ranging from 800-1,800 feet. This geographical position creates microclimates where temperatures can drop 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands during summer months. The landscape features sandstone bluffs and natural arches, with camping areas distributed across several sections of South Cumberland State Park containing over 30 miles of connected backcountry trails.
Waterfall swimming: Foster Falls offers a swimming hole at the base of a 60-foot waterfall, accessible via a moderate 0.8-mile trail with stone steps. "You can't beat this area for great non-glamorous camping. It gives you just what you need- a spot to set up a tent and so many nearby adventures that you really don't need to be there except to sleep and refuel," notes a Foster Falls Campground visitor.
Rock climbing access: The sandstone cliff faces near Foster Falls provide over 300 established sport climbing routes ranging from beginner to expert grades. "Camping was easy and bathrooms were clean. Really beautiful scenery on somewhat strenuous hikes to waterfalls, some good sport climbing, and a few trails that will take you really high up," reports another Foster Falls camper.
Overnight loop trails: Combine the North Rim Trail with North Plateau Trail for a 17.5-mile overnight hiking loop to Hobbs Cabin Campground. "The cabin can be accessed via the North Rim Trail or the North Plateau Trail, which can be combined as a loop for an overnight trip," explains a backpacker who completed this circuit.
Novice-friendly backcountry: The Alum Gap sites offer a gentle introduction to primitive camping with reasonable access requirements. "The Alum Gap campground in Savage Gulf State Natural Area was a perfect destination for a first-time backpacker. The trail is easy-moderate, mostly flat with only a few inclines," shares a Alum Gap Campground visitor.
Solitude opportunities: The less-visited sections of the park provide quiet camping experiences, particularly on weekdays. "I visited in early October and plan on revisiting during more colorful time in the landscape and after a good rain to see what must be rapid waterfalls and streams... I didn't see another person the whole time I was hiking and camping which is exactly what I was looking for," notes a camper at Savage Falls Campground.
Geological features: The Stone Door area features a 10-foot wide, 100-foot deep crack in the sandstone cliff that creates a natural staircase access to the gulf below. "The Stone Door trail is a paved in & out trail that's manageable for hikers of all ages and abilities, complete with stunning views of the Cumberland Plateau - it's incredible in the fall. You can climb down the steep stairs through stone door to reach connecting trails to back country campsites," describes a Savage Gulf visitor.
Water planning: Water availability varies drastically across campsites, with some having reliable potable water and others requiring treatment or carrying. "Spring is located approximately 50 yards south of Hobbs cabin. Spring water may not be available during dry conditions," warns one camper about seasonal variations.
Campsite reservation requirements: All tent camping locations must be reserved through Tennessee State Parks website, with backcountry sites filling up weeks in advance during peak seasons. "It's essential to plan ahead and make a reservation before your visit, as this campground tends to be in high demand," notes a Savage Station camper.
Noise considerations: Some developed campgrounds experience unexpected noise. "There is a farm nearby with a rooster that spent the better part of the day crowing, which can be distracting when you have a toddler you are trying to get to sleep, and got very repetitive for the adults as well. We could also hear 18 wheelers both nights we were there during the night," reports a Foster Falls camper.
Short hike-in options: Several backcountry sites require minimal hiking, making them accessible for younger children. "1/2 mile walk in from the parking lot. 5 sites with lots of space between them. Beautiful overlook. 1/3 mile Rock scrambling hike to waterfall," describes a family at Savage Gulf South.
Cabin alternative: For families seeking a more sheltered option while still experiencing backcountry, Hobbs Cabin offers six wooden bunks and protection from weather. "There was firewood left under the cover of the porch, so we had dry wood for the wood fire place. So cozy!" shares a cabin user who hiked the 17.5-mile loop with their group.
Kid-friendly hiking connections: Some campgrounds offer direct access to shorter trail segments suitable for children. "The Stone Door trail is a paved in & out trail that's manageable for hikers of all ages and abilities... I hiked down 'Fiery Gizzard' and it was an easy ten-mile hike to our site, perfect for beginners and kids," notes a parent who backpacked with their children.
Limited RV options: Only Foster Falls Campground accommodates RVs, but without hookups or specific RV amenities. Sites vary in size and levelness, with limited pull-through options. "Campground was clean. Bathrooms were not. The guy in charge was cool. The waterfall is awesome. It is a very short drive and short rocky hike to the water fall," notes a visitor to Father Adamz Campground, highlighting the trade-offs in this primitive camping area.
Preparation for basic facilities: RVers should arrive self-contained as services are minimal throughout the South Cumberland camping areas. "The campground provides essential amenities, including a single pit toilet and a pump offering potable water," explains a Savage Station camper about the limited facilities available.
Alternative forest camping: For RVers seeking more accommodation, nearby Prentice Cooper State Forest offers free primitive camping with larger spaces. "Has toilet facility," notes a visitor to Hunter's Check Station Campground, though others mention issues with cleanliness and road noise at this alternative location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Palmer, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Palmer, TN is Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Palmer, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 48 tent camping locations near Palmer, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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