Best Tent Camping near Sewanee, TN

Tent camping near Sewanee, Tennessee centers around South Cumberland State Park, which offers several tent-friendly campgrounds across its scattered sections. Foster Falls Campground provides 26 rustic tent campsites with fire rings and picnic tables on level gravel pads. Other notable tent camping options include Father Adamz Campground, a tent-only area with walk-in sites, and the backcountry tent sites at Savage Gulf State Park, including Alum Gap, Stone Door, and Savage Falls campgrounds. Most primitive tent sites require short hikes ranging from half a mile to three miles from parking areas.

Most tent campgrounds in the Sewanee area require advance reservations through the Tennessee State Park system. Foster Falls sites accommodate tents on gravel pads with concrete picnic table slabs, while backcountry tent sites typically feature dirt surfaces with established fire rings. Water availability varies significantly between campgrounds. Foster Falls provides potable water, flush toilets, and hot showers, while primitive tent camping areas like Alum Gap offer only basic pit toilets and require water filtration from nearby streams. Fire regulations permit campfires at most sites except Savage Falls, where fires are prohibited. Summer temperatures can be extremely hot and humid, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for tent camping in the region.

The backcountry tent camping experience near Sewanee offers exceptional access to natural features. According to reviews, Alum Gap provides "a perfect choice for those new to backpacking" with a straightforward one-mile hike from the Greeter Falls parking area. Stone Door campground offers secluded tent sites with outhouses and drinking water nearby, making it suitable for novice primitive campers. Foster Falls tent sites serve as an excellent basecamp for hikers tackling the Fiery Gizzard Trail and rock climbers accessing nearby routes. Most tent campsites feature tall trees providing ample shade, though outer loop sites at Foster Falls offer more privacy with underbrush between sites. Cell service is generally available at plateau-top campgrounds but limited in gorge areas.

Best Tent Sites Near Sewanee, Tennessee (40)

    1. Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park

    32 Reviews
    Tracy City, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 924-2980

    $18 - $21 / night

    "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."

    2. Father Adamz Campground — South Cumberland State Park

    2 Reviews
    Tracy City, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 867-2757

    "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"

    3. Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite

    6 Reviews
    Estillfork, AL
    17 miles
    Website

    "The trailhead campsite is a short walk from the parking lot, but makes for a great basecamp for exploring the area. The campsite is level and large enough to accommodate many tents."

    "The Walls of Jehrico trail offers a handful of first-come/first-serve primitive campsites set adjacent to two separate water sources (streams). "

    4. Alum Gap Campground — Savage Gulf State Park

    8 Reviews
    Beersheba Springs, TN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 532-0001

    $8 - $12 / night

    "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."

    5. Walls of Jericho - Hurricane Creek Backcountry Campsite

    3 Reviews
    Estillfork, AL
    17 miles

    "I just got back from a weekend backpacking trip to Wall of Jericho and stayed at this site located right after coming down the hill before crossing the bridge."

    "This is a great spot to camp if you are wanting to do some easy backpacking in Alabama. It is quiet and right on Hurricane creek on the way to Walls of Jericho."

    6. Whippoorwill Woods Nature Retreat

    1 Review
    Bridgeport, AL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 295-7452

    $30 / night

    "There is a trail that goes down to the pond so if privacy is an issue then I wouldn’t recommend that site specifically but the other campsites are pretty spread out and well hidden from one another."

    7. Stone Door Campground — Savage Gulf State Park

    6 Reviews
    Beersheba Springs, TN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 924-2980

    $8 - $35 / 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."

    8. Evans Loop Backcountry Site — Tims Ford State Park

    3 Reviews
    Lynchburg, Moore County, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 867-2757

    "great time, one of the larger islands, great lake views. Only down side is the paddle to the island, not hard or difficult, the boat traffic and lack of respect for kayakers was concerning"

    9. Savage Falls Campground — Savage Gulf State Park

    8 Reviews
    Palmer, TN
    27 miles

    "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!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 40 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Sewanee, TN

1057 Reviews of 40 Sewanee Campgrounds


  • Shana D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 14, 2022

    Greeter Falls Campground

    New campground

    We only checked out the primitive sites while passing through the area. The sites had picnic tables and fire rings, but they were pretty overgrown. It doesn’t look like this section of the campground is getting much use yet. They have a couple of portable toilets on site with garbage cans next to the toilets. There is a water spigot at the exit that can be used for filling tanks/containers. Also, there is a community fire pit area near the exit and a small camp store building near the entrance. Closed when we drove thru. To be honest, other than sites being marked with a site number, I couldn’t tell where the sites were actually at or where tents were supposed to be set up at.

    We did not drive they the yurts or RV sites, so I cannot speak for those, but the pictures on the website look nice.

    Rating this a 3 based on location to Greeter Falls Waterfall and also because it is new and still an ongoing work in progress, I didn’t want to rate too low.

  • Melissa K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2017

    Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    Beautiful

    This park was really nice. We stopped while passing through. The only sites available were walk in tent sites. This isn't a huge big deal but it wasn't ideal for us at that particular time. We had a hard time identifying our site number as they really weren't marked but it wasn't far from the parking lot. There was a tent pad and fire ring but no picnic table. Not the end of the world as we arrived late and were really just sleeping there for the night. The sounds were amazing, owls for a good part of the night. We did have an issue with noise, there was a large group somewhere that was very loud well in to quiet hours and without a camp hose or attendant in the walk in sites, nothing was done about it and the noise started back up first thing in the morning as well. The park did acknowledge other complaints but without knowing which site they were in, it was hard to correct the situation. We did decide to explore the park before driving on and hiked to two waterfalls. Both hikes contained many stairs which is a good workout. The falls were really pretty and well worth the walk with a toddler.

  • Katrin M.
    Mar. 7, 2021

    Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park

    Nice rustic getaway

    We camped here over the weekend with our dogs. The campground has 26 rustic campsites that need to be reserved in advance. Each site has a firepit and a picnic table. It is probably better for tent camping since there are no electrical hook ups. There are also no generators allowed. Some of the sites are very close together like mostly the ones on the entrance. We camped at #19 and it was very private and spacious. The bathrooms were ok. Unfortunately they were never cleaned over the weekend. It was pretty noisy on Friday night and there is nobody to enforce a quiet time. Be aware... roosters are nearby and they start crowing at 4am. Some of the sites are very well shaded. There is no firewood sale in the campground or the visitor center (which is about 17 min away) but locals have it available near by. The landscape is absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking. Foster Falls is just a short walking distance away and so beautiful. In the summertime it's a popular swimming hole. It is also a paradise for rock climbers. South Cumberland has many spread out entrances. We visited Stone Door and Denny Cove. It was so beautiful. We would camp here again but probably not in the summertime because it can get very crowded.

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Mountain Glen RV Park & Campground

    Ranger Review: The Dyrt Reservations at Mountain Glen RV Park & Campground

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I am occasionally compensated for staying at and reviewing campgrounds. I was given the opportunity to stay at Mountain Glen RV Park and Campground in order to test the new reservation system through The Dyrt. The reservation system works extremely well--it is fast and efficient, and save the trouble of using a third party reservation system after finding a campground you like on The Dyrt. I look forward to more campgrounds joining TD's network!

    Mountain Glen is a new campground, located about an hour northwest of Chattanooga, and it is absolutely beautiful. There are a total of 8 tent sites and 41 RV sites, set next to a lake and a gorgeous view of a farm. Amenities include picnic tables, a playground, fishing, horseshoes, corn hole, a game room, a camp store, and laundry facilities, showers, and flush toilets with electricity (and heat!). It is also a short drive to Fall Creek Falls State Park, for anyone looking to enjoy the hiking near the falls without the overnight crowds the state park brings in. 

    The RV sites occupy most of the campground, and accommodate trailers ranging from 60' to 90'. All sites have electric and water hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and most have small grassy areas for dogs, kids, or even grown ups to stretch out and rest. RVs are also available to rent.

    Tent sites 1-3 are listed as “primitive” sites and have no electricity or water, however it is a short walk to the office where water is available. The road is visible from these sites, however there is a grassy meadow both between the sites and the road, and the sites and the lake, with woods bordering site 3. 

    Sites 4 and 5 are located closest to the picnic shelter, with a clear view of the lake. Sites 6-8 are next to the office/bathrooms. Site 6 is the smallest and 8 is the largest. All tent sites are fairly hilly, and accommodate small tents better than large based on limited flat space—though hammocks would work well!

    There is a trail that winds around the lake, and passes a beautiful spillway on the end opposite the office which is great for getting some shade, and a chance for kids to splash in some water. This end also has a picnic table for day use. I would love to see this area eventually become a walk-in campsite as it is definitely the most beautiful area of the entire campground!

    The owners here are extremely nice. We were greeted warmly on our arrival, and spent some time talking with them our second day. It is obvious they care about the campground and want campers to enjoy themselves and feel comfortable. We are tent campers and I was wary of staying somewhere more geared towards RVs, but what tent camping here lacks in privacy and wilderness, it more than makes up for in beauty, peace, and a feeling of home-away-from-home.

  • A
    Sep. 5, 2016

    Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    Walk-in sites

    Love the tent-only serenity of the walk-in sites. There is a separate parking lot at the back of the park for the walk-in sites, which are a short distance away (easy to haul your gear). The sites have a tent pad, picnic table and fire ring, and lots of privacy as the sites are very far from each other. The bath house has showers and running hot water. the long hike around the canyon and down into it provided amazing views! I'm always thrilled to find camping areas where I can have the convenience of my car-but can avoid the noise of RVs - and you definitely get that here!

  • Christy E.
    Jun. 14, 2018

    Rock Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful area with many activities

    I stayed in the tent-only loop - a small group of 10 sites. It was quiet and had many trees for hammocks. Thus site offers level tent pads, a grill, fire ring, and picnic table. Clean bathrooms and hot showers available. The nearby swimming beach was great for the kids. Many short hiking options available. Make sure to visit the ranger station for a map and safety rules during water releases.

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2018

    Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park

    Loud and dirty but spacious with great hiking

    Foster Falls Campground has 26 sites, most of which are very large and spacious. As is common in loop campgrounds, the sites in the center of the loop--especially sites 1-13--are very open, with little privacy between sites, although they are still shady due to the extremely tall trees. The outer loop sites have more underbrush between them providing a buffer. Sites 17-26 all have relative privacy from each other, but are smaller sites in general, although many of them have specified tent pads. The sites closest to the bathrooms all had more bugs while we were there in August, and site 16, while very large, has power lines that run into the site itself.

    This is a very beautiful campground. The towering trees give most sites ample shade, and there is a lot of firewood that is easy to collect from felled trees, particularly on the back half of the loop. The front half of the loop is closest to the trail to the falls, and site 8 has a trail running directly behind it that takes you to the falls overlook, and to the trailhead to walk down to the falls themselves. 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, and it would make a great camping base for anyone looking to hike the Fiery Gizzard Trail. The picnic tables are also very large and made it easy to prepare food and for 5 people to sit comfortably, even with our stove at one end, and the tables are on concrete slabs, which helps keep bugs crawling around your feet down a little, and makes it easier to clean up any food that falls while eating. The bathrooms were also cleaned each morning, with the trash taken out and the floor swept clean of bugs and detritus.

    My biggest complaints about this site are the noise, and how much trash we saw. 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. We were there on weeknights so there were very few other campers, but there was a lot of trash still evident from the weekend littered across most of the campsites, and a group that stayed our first night there left their fire ring full of paper towels and banana peels. After reporting it to a ranger, he cleaned up the paper but left the banana peels which made me wonder how strictly the campground enforces proper food storage, and the ranger said that the campers had not paid or registered--despite the fact that park vehicles drove past at least twice since that group set up camp. If kept clean, I would easily give this a 4 or 5 star rating despite the noise, but I was very disappointed in the visibility of human impact--a shame, because it is otherwise a great place, and great for families with small children.

  • Stefan A.
    May. 21, 2018

    Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park

    Above average campsites, exceptional proximity to natural beauty

    There are very average campsites for RV’s, car camping, backcountry and your average camping spots. HOWEVER, the beautiful hike down to the waterfall is 100 meters from most of the campsites. The views made it an amazing trip.

    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

  • Cassandra C.
    Sep. 2, 2017

    Monte Sano State Park Campground

    Quiet campground

    I stayed at site number 063, which was an RV site with electric and water, and it was adjacent to the primitive sites. This campsite had a gravel pad, and setting a tent up outside of the pad was impossible as all of the surrounding area was a steep slope. The pad was plenty big for my one person tent, but I can't imagine anything bigger than a 4 person tent fitting in the area. I definitely recommend the primitive campsites if you're tent camping. The sites in this part of the camp were pretty far apart, and there was plenty of privacy. The park was riddled with trails (22 miles of them), many of which were also open to bikes. The bathhouse was pretty far from site 063, but they were clean.


Guide to Sewanee

The Cumberland Plateau around Sewanee sits at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, while summer thunderstorms can develop rapidly due to the plateau's topography. Cell service varies dramatically between plateau-top campgrounds and those positioned in gorges or canyons below.

What to do

Rock climbing access: Foster Falls Campground serves as an excellent basecamp for climbers with dozens of sport routes within walking distance. "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," notes Kelly M.

Swimming holes: Many campgrounds provide access to natural swimming areas during summer months. "Beautiful spot any time of year but we like to go when it's warm enough to swim in the waterfall," says Kelly M. about Foster Falls. Water temperatures remain cool even in summer due to spring-fed sources.

Multi-day hiking: For backpackers, connecting trail systems between campgrounds creates extended trip options. "Small Wild Campsite on Fiery Gizzard Trail - South Cumberland State Park. Hike from Foster Falls to the campsite was 2.5 miles so pretty easy. Full of great overlooks, some waterfalls," reports Aaron S.

What campers like

Hammock-friendly sites: Several campgrounds feature mature forests perfect for hammock camping. "Fairly large campsites with easy access to Foster Falls and the Fiery Gizzard trail. Clean bathrooms + showers, and lots of trees (perfect for hammocking!)," notes Brittany S. about Foster Falls Campground.

Waterfall proximity: Campsites at Savage Falls Campground offer exceptional waterfall access. "Great site right above the falls. A short walk down to a perfect little perch over the top of the falls and the stairs to the bottom," reports Jason J. The falls can be particularly impressive after heavy rainfall.

Canyon views: Some sites offer dramatic vistas across the plateau's canyons. "Entered via Laurel trail. Well maintained. Campsite 4 has the best view!" says Hannah K. about Alum Gap Campground. Clear winter nights provide excellent stargazing opportunities when foliage doesn't obstruct the sky.

What you should know

Water filtration needs: Backcountry water availability varies seasonally. "We found good cell phone service with Verizon at this site. Water can be sourced from Hurricane Creek, but should be treated/filtered," advises Steve V. at Walls of Jericho - Hurricane Creek Backcountry Campsite.

Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience unexpected noise disruptions. "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," reports Stephanie J. about Foster Falls.

Summer heat preparation: Plateau temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through August, with high humidity making conditions feel hotter. Nighttime temperatures may remain above 70°F, making sleeping uncomfortable without proper ventilation in tents.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner backpacking trips: Stone Door Campground offers accessible introduction to backcountry camping. "Our family camped here about 2 years ago as our first camping trip together. It was perfect. We love how much space and privacy we had and will be a regular camping trip for us," writes Robbie M. The trail to the campground stays under a mile from the parking area.

Kid-friendly swimming: Foster Falls features a natural swimming basin at the bottom of the waterfall with shallow areas suitable for supervised children. A short but steep 0.5-mile trail leads from the campground to the swimming area.

Emergency preparedness: During severe weather, seek shelter in bathroom buildings when available. Cell service can be nonexistent in gorge areas, so plan for communication limitations with children.

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility limitations: Most of the best tent camping near Sewanee, Tennessee restricts RV access due to narrow roads and limited turning radius. RVs exceeding 25 feet may struggle with access roads to Foster Falls.

Parking challenges: Father Adamz Campground offers no direct RV camping but provides parking for smaller rigs. "The water available in the parking lot is either from a water fountain or the bathroom sink. I am glad we brought along our water filtration system as it was only a short hike down to the river to fill up," notes Jeff C.

Generator restrictions: Most campgrounds in the Sewanee area prohibit generator use, creating power management challenges for RV campers. Alternative charging solutions like solar panels become essential for extended stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sewanee, 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 Sewanee, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 40 tent camping locations near Sewanee, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.