Best Campgrounds near Sherwood, TN
The Cumberland Plateau region surrounding Sherwood, Tennessee features diverse camping options within a landscape of waterfalls, forested ridges, and river valleys. Foster Falls Campground in South Cumberland State Park provides rustic tent and RV sites without electrical hookups, situated near one terminus of the renowned Fiery Gizzard Trail. Within a 30-minute drive, Tims Ford State Park offers more developed camping with full hookups at Fairview Campground, while Fireside Camp + Lodge provides a private camping experience with tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins on Sequatchie Mountain. Cloudland Canyon State Park, just across the Georgia border, rounds out the options with year-round camping including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and yurts. Most campgrounds in this area provide access to hiking trails, swimming areas, and scenic overlooks.
Reservations are essential throughout the region, particularly during summer months and fall color season when campgrounds regularly reach capacity. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while winters bring occasional freezing temperatures and rare snowfall. Spring brings abundant rainfall that creates spectacular waterfall conditions but can make some trails muddy and challenging. As one camper noted about Foster Falls, "It is a great spot to camp if you want to feel like you aren't really at a campground because all sites are rustic. Foster Falls is right around the corner and you can even take a dip in the little waterfall pool when it isn't too hot out." Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage on ridgetops and limited or no service in deeper valleys and gorges.
State parks dominate the camping landscape near Sherwood, with most facilities offering clean restrooms, potable water, and established fire rings. Many campgrounds feature waterfront sites along lakes and rivers that tend to book quickly. According to a visitor at Fireside Camp + Lodge, "Each camp spot boasts its own wooden bench, perfect for soaking in the serene views, with some sites enjoying partial shade from the surrounding trees." For those seeking more solitude, primitive backcountry sites can be found at locations like Alum Gap in Savage Gulf State Park, accessible via a straightforward hike just over a mile from the Greeter Falls parking area. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with deer, wild turkey, and various songbirds commonly spotted near campsites.