Best Tent Camping near Shiloh, TN
Tent campers visiting Shiloh, Tennessee have several options in South Cumberland State Park, including Foster Falls Campground and Savage Falls Campground. Foster Falls offers 26 established tent sites with access to hiking trails and a swimming hole, while Savage Gulf State Park provides more primitive backcountry camping experiences at locations like Alum Gap, Stone Door, and Savage Falls areas. These tent-focused campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities and accessibility within a 60-mile radius of Shiloh.
Most tent sites in the region feature designated tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between established and backcountry areas. At Foster Falls, each campsite includes a fire pit and picnic table on concrete slabs, but lacks electrical hookups or water connections. Backcountry sites at Savage Gulf require water filtration systems, as potable water is limited or unavailable. Sites at Alum Gap and Stone Door are accessible via relatively short hikes, making them suitable for beginning backpackers. During summer months, many sites fill quickly, particularly on weekends, necessitating advance reservations through the Tennessee State Park website.
The tent camping experience around Shiloh offers opportunities to connect with nature and access remarkable hiking trails. Foster Falls provides direct access to waterfalls and swimming areas, making it popular during hot summer months. Backcountry sites at Savage Gulf offer more seclusion, with some locations providing dramatic overlook views of the canyon. Alum Gap campground features well-spaced sites surrounded by trees, creating natural privacy barriers between campers. Several backcountry areas offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and stargazing. As one camper noted, "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, and most of the sites are large with lots of space to set up camp."