Tent campsites near Pleasant Hill, Tennessee sit at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 feet on the Cumberland Plateau, providing milder summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. The region receives approximately 55 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forests with mixed hardwoods and seasonal wildflower displays throughout the camping areas.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 2-mile trek to Greeter Falls from Alum Gap Campground. "Perched on the rim and a nexus of trails that will take you to everything you want to see in this part of the park," notes Jason J., who recommends the "short hike in (3 miles from Stone Door lot)" with "views of canyon in winter."
Kayak excursions: 1.5-mile paddle to Rock Island State Park from Horseshoe Bend Marina. Lori H. explains, "The property sits right on the water, and it's perfect for kayaking! You can paddle both directions with ease, and there are several waterfalls nearby, also Rock Island State Park is about 1.5 miles by water."
Rock climbing: Multiple difficulty levels available near Lilly Pad Campground. A reviewer notes it's a "Great location (close to the obed)" and Tyler J. calls it a "Wonderful climbing heaven" with "wonderful climbing spots only a short jot away."
What campers like
Water access: Multiple swimming holes within walking distance of campsites. At Savage Falls Campground, Jason J. recommends the "site right above the falls" with "a short walk down to a perfect little perch over the top of the falls and the stairs to the bottom."
Night sky viewing: Dark sky areas for stargazing. Larry from Rock Creek Campground shares, "Nice, simple, quiet place. Many things to do from there- Nemo tunnel, Catoosa WMA, several hikes. This is a dark sky park, a neat thing to experience."
Secluded sites: Widely spaced tent pads offer privacy. Cole T. describes Savage Falls as the "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."
What you should know
Water availability varies: Many campgrounds lack potable water. Katrin M. notes that at Rock Creek Campground, "There is no electricity or water at the campground. The vault toilet had no flushing water but was clean and didn't have a smell."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies by provider. At Horseshoe Bend Marina, "No service for T-Mobile sprint" according to a reviewer, while another notes "NO CELL SERVICE for ATT." Conversely, Asher K. reports "cell phone service is excellent" at Alum Gap "thanks to the location atop the plateau."
Pest management needed: Mosquitoes can be problematic in summer months. Holly at Lilly Pad Campground warns, "The only thing I found to be four star instead of five is the mosquitoes. They were BAD. I sprayed down in deet multiple times and still had at least a dozen bites."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Short hikes ideal for novice campers. Brittany S. calls Alum Gap "a perfect destination for a first-time backpacker. The trail is easy-moderate, mostly flat with only a few inclines. Most of the sites are large, with lots of space to set up camp and hang out."
Water activities for cooling off: Natural swimming areas provide relief during hot days. Asher K. recommends "exploring the waterfalls in the area" which "offer the perfect opportunity to cool off with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear pools at their base."
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity reported in some camping areas. Scott G. mentions at Savage Falls, "I did notice bear scat on my hike in and that was a bit of a concern but once everyone settled in at night, it was great."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions enforced: Limited options for larger vehicles. At Reflection Tree Art Farm, RVs aren't permitted as the 6 sites are designed for tent camping only, while Lori H. notes Horseshoe Bend can accommodate smaller campers, stating "We were limited on site selection with our rooftop tent, and I saw a couple teardrop campers, but you can't take anything larger."
Alternative accommodations: Some sites offer unique lodging options. Joe B. praises Horseshoe Bend Marina's "glamping tents, which are large canvas tents with beds and swanky furniture in them" adding that "the memory foam beds are literally one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in."
Leveling challenges: Some tent camping near Pleasant Hill requires careful site selection. The "R" family notes about Horseshoe Bend, "We are on site 9 and it's not the most leveled spot. We have a 25ft class C."
