Best Tent Camping near Rutledge, TN
Searching for a tent camping spot near Rutledge? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Tennessee camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Rutledge, Tennessee (55)
1. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
71 Reviews•426 Photos•466 SavesCosby, TennesseeOverview
Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade beside Cosby Creek. This group campground creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer.
Recreation
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Cosby Campground, including the Appalachian Trail, just three miles away via the Lower Gap Trail.Hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are also popular activities. White water rafting on the nearby Pigeon River. Top tourist towns of gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are just 20 miles away. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.
Facilities
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Cosby Campground, including the Appalachian Trail, just three miles away via the Lower Gap Trail.Hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are also popular activities. White water rafting on the nearby Pigeon River. Top tourist towns of gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are just 20 miles away. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.
Natural Features
World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian culture, Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cosby never disappoints. At 2,460 feet, Cosby Campground provides a moderate climate, typified by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Great Smoky Mountains National Park preserves a rich cultural history of Southern Appalachia. From the prehistoric Paleo Indians to the early 19th century European settlements, the park strives to protect the historic structures, landscapes and artifacts, which tell the stories of the people who once called these mountains home.
Nearby Attractions
Cosby, Tennessee, located about five miles from the campground, offers convenience stores and fuel. Gatlinburg, a one of the Smokies' famous tourist towns, is located about 20 miles from the site, offering visitors tours, organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more.
Charges & Cancellations
Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$50 / night
2. TVA Public Land- Fork Bend
11 Reviews•65 Photos•365 SavesLa Follette, Tennessee- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
3. Chuck Swan State Forest
4 Reviews•18 Photos•34 SavesMaynardville, TennesseeWe have 2 primitive campsites at the entrance of the state forest as the forest itself is for DAY USE ONLY. We have 6 picnic areas, 4 of which have lake views and one having a spring and the other one having a 100 foot firetower adjacent to it.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Alcohol
4. Lakeside Getaway on Douglas
4 Reviews•36 Photos•8 SavesDandridge, TennesseeWe are a newly established Lakeside Getaway in east TN on Douglas Lake. We have waterfront access, dock, new concrete boat launch, tent rental, camp site rentals (large and small), pavilion event rental, kayak rental, basic fishing gear rental, float rental, and other attractions.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Yurts
- Glamping
$35 - $100 / night
5. Hot Springs Campground
29 Reviews•87 Photos•407 SavesHot Springs, North CarolinaCome to where Mother Nature waved her magical wand and created one of the most natural of all wonders, Natural Hot Mineral Waters. Heated deep within the earth, these crystal clear carbonated waters are world famous for their mineral content and legendary healing powers. We pipe these waters to modern outdoor Jacuzzi type hot tubs that are drained and sanitized after each use. Hot Springs, located in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and cuddled along the banks of Spring Creek and the French Broad River, is a town rich in history and beaming with natural charm, this town serves as an intersection along the historic Appalachian Trail and is part of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The heart of Hot Springs, North Carolina, is our 100 acre Resort & Spa. We feature modern Jacuzzi style hot tubs, positioned outside along the tranquil banks of Spring Creek and the French Broad River; our tubs are supplied with a continuous flow of World Famous Natural Hot Mineral Water. We have a nationally certified & state licensed staff of massage therapists on hand to compliment your soaks or for separate service altogether. Located across the road from the Mineral Baths is the Hot Springs Campground. Here you can find peace of mind with ease and comfort. We feature eight primitive camping cabins, over a hundred tent sites (primitive, group & sites with partial hook up) & Full RV Hookups. On site comfort station features hot showers (seasonal) and clean bathrooms. Our beautiful grounds play host to several large events per year and we have the capacity for many more. Whether you’re coming off a long hike on the Appalachian Trail or just passing through, you don’t want to miss the charm and beauty of the Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Hot Springs Resort & Spa also offers other lodging options for those looking for a relaxing getaway. We have four luxury suites that have a Jacuzzi style tub with mineral water in the room. We also have a deluxe cabin with a full size outdoor Jacuzzi style tub.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
6. Holston River Bank
4 Reviews•13 Photos•54 SavesCorryton, Tennessee- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Alcohol
7. GlampKnox
3 Reviews•40 Photos•32 SavesKodak, Tennessee- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$75 - $175 / night
8. Cedar Grove Marina & Campground
1 Review•6 SavesMaynardville, Tennessee- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
9. Big Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
14 Reviews•62 Photos•187 SavesHartford, TennesseeOverview
Big Creek Campground is located in a remote portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Backcountry camping in a front country setting. There are flushing toilets and potable water. This is a tent only campground with a short walk from the parking area. The beautiful flowing waters of Big Creek parallel the campground offering the visitor a pleasant soundscape and peaceful beauty. Big Creek is an oasis for hiking, swimming, wildlife, fishing, and relaxation.
Recreation
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks. The Big Creek area offers some of the most challenging hikes within the Park. Baxter Creek trail begins near the campground and with an elevation gain of 4200' from trail head to the summit of Mt Sterling provides a strenuous work out for the strongest of hikers. The nearby Big Creek trail offers a pleasant hike along the waters of Big Creek with a beautiful waterfall along the way. Local anglers agree that Big Creek offers some of the best trout fishing in the area. Fly fishing is particularly good during spring months when aquatic insects hatch in large numbers. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 black bear living in the park, it is not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.
Natural Features
Located at an elevation of 1,700' Big Creek Campground is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and a pristine mountain stream. Black Bear sightings are not uncommon and some lucky visitors may spot River Otter playing in Big Creek.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Cataloochee Valley, Newport, TN, Cosby Campground, Hartford Whitewater Rafting, the Appalachian Trail and the Max Patch/Pisgah National Forest.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (423) 487-2683.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$30 / night
10. The Farmers Forest
1 Review•21 Photos•8 SavesCorryton, TennesseeFind your balance at the height of adventure in the Equilibrium Escape! This unique site offers you the best of both worlds with the conveniences all campers appreciate but the rugged, super private experience only the great outdoors can give you! The site sits ontop of a ridge that has an elevation just over 1100ft and as you can imagine the views & serenity are outstanding! Besides being the ulitmate & absolute private site the abundance of wildlife will keep you amazed and thrilled, from Owls to Bobcat, Deer, Coyote, Fox and Hawks not to mention the variety of musical birds, your senses will take its own adventure just on all you hear. This site has multiple trails that level up and down throughout which will have markers to guide you through your hiking experience. A generous private firepit that offers the ability to enjoy primitive cooking and Forest Bartop that allows you to have a drink, eat your meal while overlooking treetops and the edge of the ridge. Although in the distance some road noise will be heard here and there or the Farmers dog give a bark, the seclusion of this forest jungle and cool breeze that gently passes through the trees will drown out all the background noise. If you are looking for the next level up in a camping experience that allows for you to TRULY unplug, unwind and recenter, The Equilibrium Escape is your next booking. This is an exclusive site that books only 15 nights a month and when you are here, you are the ONLY campers. You have a private span of nearly 8 acres.
Please also note that your camp is actually on our Farm, therefore why we affectionately refer to it as 'The Farmers Forest'. We are true Farm to Table Cultivators that offer more than a point of sale or just production. We enjoy educating those who really want to learn how to manage livestock, compost, Forage for edibles and also have proper infrastructure. Private tours include a hike through the farm, meet and greets with our Animals with being informed of the care & husbandry of each stock and feel free to bring your camera, the Farmer here happens to be pretty good with photography. The memories from the Full experience of the Farmpsite you will not only enjoy, but also gain more practical knowledge to carry with you into the future. Please note, you're in the country. So cell service can be very spotty. US Cellular works great, AT&T and T Mobile sometimes can be 50/50.....Verizon will just plain not impress you.
- Reservable
- Tents
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
$90 - $100 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Rutledge, Tennessee
1342 Reviews of 55 Rutledge Campgrounds
Tonya B.
Guide
Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
I love it here
Polite campers in rvs watched over my tent camp site while I enjoyed a couple of the trails. All in all a wonderful place to stay. Plus you're right by the river.
- Emily G.
Scout
Greenbrier Campground
Amazing bathrooms
When you’re camping in a tent, that’s is a big plus
Lori H.
Legend
Cherokee Dam Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Pristine camping
Cherokee Dam campground is literally one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the area! The grounds are so well-kept, and the lake is just breathtaking. The campground is near town, so you can grab some bbq or hit the local hardware store for anything you need. The campground also had a camp store for essentials. They even delivered firewood to our site.
The people running the campground were just amazing. So nice and helpful. Most of the sites have lake views. We were in site #36, and we were in our camper. Lots of space, no shade at all in this one. Most of the sites had some shade though. Picnic tables and fire rings at all.
I’ve noticed the TVA campgrounds don’t have many showers, so I was glad to have that in our camper, just be aware, you might have to wait for one if you are tent camping. The tent sites were awesome, right on the water, and a short walk from the parking lot. If you have a rooftop tent, you won’t be able to park at your site, so you’ll be sleeping in the parking lot, but you could make it work.
There’s a swimming area, boat launch, and walking trails. This is a great spot to have a great time on the lake!
Rachael H.
Ranger
Hot Springs Campground
My favorite place
Across the road from the “resort and spa” that houses the rent-by-the-hour hot spring hot tubs. Situated along the beautiful French Broad River. They offer cabins (primitive to full amenities), RV sites, tent sites with electric, tent sites without and primitive tent sites way at the beach with no tables or fire rings. Plenty of shade and trees. Bath houses. The campground is now gated. The AT runs right in front of it as it passes through the adorable little town. There is a little outdoor outfitter, a couple restaurants... beautiful hikes which ever direction you go.
Kaitlyn F.
TravelerGreenbrier Campground
Not my thing
So I use this app to find tent camping sites. To me, that’s kinda what a campground is. A good variety of both. This turned out to be mostly RVs and then three tents, one including mine. Needless to say, it was loud. For what it was, it was great. For what I thought it would be, it wasn’t. They have a lot of cool amenities and I will totally come back if I ever get a camper. But I wouldn’t just tent camp there again I don’t think.
Steve V.Legend
Halfmoon Camp Ground
Mountain Views
Halfmoon Campground is located near Windrock Off-Road Park and has RV sites, tent sites, and cabins. RV sites have power (up to 50amp) and water, and have decent separation between sites. The RV sites are in a grassy field so minimal shade. The majority of the Tent sites are dry camping (no power or water), however, there are 3 tent sites near the bathhouse that do have power and water. The tents site are in the woods so plenty of shade. The cabins have parking that can accommodate multiple vehicles. Clean and functional bathhouse. Dump station near the bathhouse. Fire wood and ice is available near the bathhouse and has a self pay setup. The campground also includes a vehicle wash station and trailer parking area if you trailered in your off-road vehicles. The nearest grocery store is about 15 minutes away. Beautiful views of the mountains from the RV area.
Link to my YouTube review: Campground Review: https://youtu.be/ZOEj0QoXqfM
- BBlair F.Traveler
West Campground — Norris Dam State Park
Interesting spot
Went on a stag tent camping trip. Decent facility for state park. Sites are small wouldn’t recommend large rigs.
- Suzanne O.Scout
Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
wonderful. hidden gem.
great tent sites. clean and big bathrooms.
- RRichard T.Guide
Lakeside Getaway on Douglas
Great stopover or getaway
I was passing through on my way north and this was midway. I picked this site because it met my criteria for quick tent camping and has the awesomely easy instant book feature. More of that please!
The hosts were really great and what they’ve done with the campsite and what they are working on is amazing. The views of the lake were amazing. There is a sitting area and a dock with paddle sport launches. There is a wash house with toilet and sink but no showers yet.
I was tent camping. There were tents/yurts for rent. A few other tent campers, a full size RV motorhome and a camper van. There was plenty of room and it was peaceful and quiet.
- SSonya A.Traveler
Hot Springs Campground
Nice park
Nice clean gated park. Nice big spots. Only 3 fifty amp full hook up sites. Lots of 30 amp and tent camping. Right on the river.
Frank H.Guide
Wilderness Road - Cumberland Gap National Historic Park
Good national park
Good tent camping sites. Lots of trees; level sites; fire pit; picnic table. Very clean & well supplied restrooms. Great individual private room showers with plenty of good hot water.
- CCindy A.Scout
Big Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
best group camp
this group camp grounds were the best! privacy tent camping, near the stream and great hiking trails. close to the AT . going back!! with the tallest standing chimney
- kkevin M.Traveler
Riverstone Campground
Good basic campground
Right off the highway. Tent sites around back. You can swim in the river. Typical campsite.
Justin E.ScoutGreenbrier Campground
Little Pigeon River
Phenomenal bathhouses but a splash in the river is all you really need. We had a great late July tent camp here with our 4 and 1 year old. The staff were very kind and accommodated our late arrival
- Lay-c N.Scout
Greenbrier Campground
Amazing views
We stayed in the waterfront walkin only tent site right by the river. Beautiful!!!
Restrooms and showers are very clean with AC!
Only 20 min from downtown gaitlinburg!
- TTravis R.Traveler
Adventure Bound Campground Gatlinburg
Great Place! Lots of amenities!
We tent camped here before we got our 5th wheel. Loved it and the kiddos did also. We even stayed a extra two nights. Everything is super clean. They have a nice store and also golf cart rentals. Huge playground and water slide.
Charles D.Guide
Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground
Pigeon Forge Gatlinburg KOA
Nice Camp ground, they moved tent camping up close to road, they used to be next to Pigeon River but now those are premium RV spots. It's closest camping to Dollywood. Storm blew through and flattened our tent, KOA refunded the cost of the last night as we were unable to stay.
- SSheree N.Traveler
Paint Creek Campground
Well kept and beautiful.
Tent sites along a little creek. It has bathrooms a few places through the park. Has a waterfall with a swim hole that's nice. Also beautiful in the fall!!
- SSarah V.Guide
Cades Cove Campground
Love this smokies campground
Great smokies campground. Nice walking trail and beautiful scenic loop to drive. Along the drive there are historic buildings and cemeteries. Tent sites were too close together. Not enough privacy
- Beth L.Traveler
Newport-Smoky Mountains KOA
Loud
Location is convenient but definitely more suited for campers than tents. Highway traffic noise (semis, engine braking) is LOUD...might be ok in a camper but not in a tent. Sites are small, close together and mostly gravel. Facilities are nice and clean.
- W L.Scout
Horse Creek Recreation Area
Serene and Peaceful
Having both RV and tent campgrounds, each with large fire pits and lantern stands, this peaceful creekside setting lies just beyond low mountain farms in the northern part of Greene County Tennessee. A thick forest of deciduous trees partially isolates each campground for a relaxed evening of fire provided comfort and repose.
- KKaren P.Scout
Hot Springs Campground
Back to Nature
Dirt site by the River all hook ups. They also have small cabins and tent sites. Walking distance to trails and town. Spa with hot spring hot tubs across the street.
- Evan G.Traveler
Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground
Nice KOA property
Typical KOA, everything was well maintained lots were nice sized, and they had lots of fun activities for the kiddos.
Lots of different stays available here, pull through lots, tent sites, and cabins
- Cristy M.Guide
Townsend-Great Smokies KOA
Right outside of Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Amazingly clean campgrounds 10 minutes from the entrance of the National Park and 20 minutes from the Visitor's Center.
You have a choice of "rustic" tent sites, tent sites with water/electric/cable hook-ups, RV, or Cabins. All sites are pet-friendly including cabins. All camp sites include fire pit and picnic table.
Lots of amenities are included in your stay. 2 bathroom areas, 1 shower area, pool, wi-fi, etc.
There's a general store in front of the campgrounds with gas station and small cafe attached. The general store will even deliver your purchased firewood to your site.
This Koa is near a lot recreational places and some restaurants. Also near towns like Gatlinburg, Pidgeon Forge and Knoxville.
A nice vacation spot.
Paul R.Traveler
Volunteer Park Family Campground
A quick stay
The tent sites can be decent or real bad. T9 and T14 were horrible sites at the bottom of a hill where all rainwater runs through. T7 and T8 are ok sites. They are fairly flat.
- BBrianGuide
Windrock Ridge Campground
Nice place!
Nice place with clean camping spots and clean bath house. Have 3 bars signal with Verizon and good speed. Site 26 is good for rooftop tent camping. Shade in afternoon and plenty of room for additional vehicles. Fire ring has a movable grate that is good to cook on.
- Ellen S.Traveler
Mountain Pass Campground
What a great 4 days!
We had a wonderful time camping! Its mostly for RVs, but they accommodated us for tent camping. The site is beautiful and well kept, everyone was so very friendly. Kayaking the Powell River was a joy. Read the rules before you go, they are there to keep the campground a family place
Guide to Rutledge
Tent camping near Rutledge, Tennessee offers a blend of serene landscapes and well-equipped sites, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape into nature.
Tent campers should check out Lakeside Getaway on Douglas
- Enjoy a peaceful stay at Lakeside Getaway on Douglas, where you can set up your tent by the lake and take in stunning views.
- This campground features a dock for paddle sports, making it ideal for those who love water activities.
- With amenities like picnic tables and firewood available, it’s a great spot for family gatherings and evening campfires.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Explore the natural beauty of Chuck Swan State Forest, where you can hike, fish, and discover hidden gems like caves and old cemeteries.
- For a unique experience, consider camping at Camping with the Cows, where you can enjoy the company of friendly farm animals while soaking in the rural atmosphere.
- If you're into fishing, Holston River Bank offers excellent smallmouth fishing opportunities right from your tent setup along the riverbank.
Features that enhance your camping experience
- GlampKnox provides a glamping option with high-quality tents, a wood-burning stove, and access to hiking trails, perfect for those who want a bit of luxury in the great outdoors.
- At Cedar Grove Marina & Campground, you’ll find amenities like showers and electric hookups, making your stay comfortable and convenient.
- Fancher's Willow Branch Camp Ground is a well-reviewed spot that combines local charm with modern amenities, ensuring a memorable camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Rutledge, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rutledge, TN is Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 71 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Rutledge, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 55 tent camping locations near Rutledge, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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