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Best Tent Camping near Sparta, TN

798 Reviews

Tent campsites near Sparta, Tennessee include both established campgrounds and more primitive options throughout the Cumberland Plateau region. Horseshoe Bend Marina offers tent-specific sites right on the water with fire pits and access to kayaking opportunities on Center Hill Lake. Savage Falls Campground in Savage Gulf State Park provides backcountry tent camping with hiking access to waterfalls and scenic overlooks along the plateau's edge. Black Willow Farm features several tent sites with a more rustic experience about 20 miles from Sparta.

Many tent-only sites in the region require advance reservations through campground offices or the Tennessee State Parks reservation system. Walk-in tent sites at Stone Door Campground feature picnic tables and nearby toilets, while more remote backcountry tent camping options generally lack amenities beyond a fire ring. Holleman's Bend offers free dispersed tent camping with minimal facilities—no drinking water or toilets are available, so campers must pack in all supplies. Several campgrounds close seasonally or limit capacity during winter months. A visitor commented, "Savage Gulf Natural Area is massive with several miles between entrance points that lead to stunning overlooks of the gorges and gulfs."

Backcountry tent camping in the Savage Gulf area provides exceptional solitude and natural immersion. The tent sites at Alum Gap Campground allow access to multiple trail networks and water sources, making it popular with weekend backpackers. Tent campers at Horseshoe Bend Marina benefit from lakeside tent pads and clean bathroom facilities, while still maintaining a natural setting. The tent-only sites near Stone Door provide direct access to hiking trails with views of the Cumberland Plateau's dramatic topography. Sites throughout the region fill quickly during fall color seasons when tent camping conditions are ideal. A camper noted, "We didn't see another person the whole time we were hiking and camping which is exactly what I was looking for."

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Best Tent Sites Near Sparta, Tennessee (34)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Sparta, TN

40 Photos of 34 Sparta Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Sparta, TN

798 Reviews of 34 Sparta 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.

  • 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.

  • Katrin M.
    Apr. 10, 2022

    Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

    Nice little primitive campground on the river

    We camped here for one night on a Saturday. 

    The campsites have a fire ring, picnic bench, and lantern pole. Each campsite has their little parking space except site 9, 10, and 11. It is one parking spot for 3 cars and you have to walk about 100 feet. The campsites are very close together. We were very lucky with campsite 11 bc nobody around us showed up. Probably due to the bad weather the first day. The campsite was very spacious and was right on the creek. 

    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. The Obed area is very inviting for fishing, hiking, and rock climbing. There are trails that start right from the campground. If you need an escape from the daily grind, that's your place.

  • Davina B.
    May. 9, 2019

    Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

    Great Little Hiking and Fishing Spot

    Rock Creek Campground is the only campground for the Obed Wild and Scenic River National Park. It's a primitive campground with 11 sites for tents only. RVs are not allowed. There is a restroom for campers with pit style toilets. No potable water available, but there is plenty that you can treat.

    Each site has a picnic table, lantern hook, bearproof food locker, fire ring with grill, and a tent pad. Bearproof trashcans are located throughout the campground. A section of the Cumberland Trail begins at the campground. The Emory River runs right alongside the campground with easy access. There is no camp store, but the town of Wartburg is about a mile away if you need anything.

    Pros: Good hiking trails and great fishing. Easy access to the river. Restrooms available.

    Cons: The sites are very close together and it gets quite crowded during the summer months and on weekends. A public road runs right next to the campground so there is traffic at times when people are coming and going from work. No camp store or potable water available. Bathrooms are not kept stocked.

  • 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.

  • Davina B.
    May. 9, 2019

    Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground

    Great for RVs, Ok for Tents

    This campground is located within the Cumberland Mountain State Park. The sites are set up for RVs and it is very popular.

    Pros: There is no camp store, but there are vending machines available. There are restrooms available. Staff is in the office during business hours. There are 2 short hiking trails (less than 1 mile in length each). There are playgrounds, a lake for fishing, and a golf course. Each site has parking for 1 vehicle, a large gravel pad, water and electric hookup, picnic table, and lantern hook.

    Cons: site are very close together. Tents and RVs do not have separate loops. No camp store. No showers.

    Overall, this campground is set up to cater more toward those with RVs than people camping in tents.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2019

    Edgar Evins State Park Campground

    A Campground with Lots to Do but with Interesting Tent Pads

    Edgar Evins State Park is a large park with lots of activities for young and old. However, if you want to stay in the campground, make sure to take a freestanding tent unless you have creative ways to keep your tent up. Most of the sites have wooden platforms, and the fire pits are beside the road. Perhaps most people like that sense of permanence, but I personally prefer solid ground or even gravel pads. Fortunately, the one I used was a free-standing tent. There is another option, and that is to stay in the primitive camping area. Of course, they are walk-in sites, but they are not far from where you park. I would normally choose the primitive camping area for a couple of reasons. There is a little more privacy, and you have soft ground on which to pitch your tent. Obviously, if you are an RV camper, staying in the primitive area does not apply. Unfortunately, it was better this time to choose a site that you don’t have to walk to. Out of all the state park campgrounds I have visited, the bath rooms in this state park are the best. They are modern with tiled floors, and the showers resemble ones you would find at privately owned campgrounds. There are several different activity options—volleyball, horseshoes, playgrounds, hiking trails, etc. There is also an aviary, a marina, a restaurant, and a couple of boat ramps. For the children, there is the“Storybook Trail.” For other overnight options, there are also cabins that you can rent. In retrospect, the primitive area would have been a better choice. It definitely would have been more quiet. No matter whether you stay in the primitive area or the regular camping area, you will encounter hilly terrain. The camp store is fully stocked with most of your camping needs, and there is also a laundry. Overall, Edgar Evins State Park was a good place to spend time, but again, I have my doubts about the wooden platforms.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 24, 2019

    Edgar Evins State Park Campground

    Sorta like a treehouse

    Edgar Evins SP is unique in that the campground sites are decks, which is actually pretty cool. Now the one down side is that certain sites can be a challenge to back into. If you are a talented backer upper shouldn’t be an issue. However if your backing up could use some practice, and/or causes fights with your spouse you may want to call and ask the easier sites to set up in...just saying, less stress. The bottom sites are along the lake and you are across from the marina. Another thing is your cooking area is off the side of your deck with your picnic table. The primitive sites are walk in and have some pretty sweet views of the lake. Downside your walking up and down a slope with your gear. Speaking of slopes, the whole campground is on a slope so your pretty much either going up or down. Cool stairways to use and strategically placed facilities. The store and trash are located wheee you park for the primitive sites at the entrance. There’s a trail in the campground that gives you a quick route to the beach area.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 25, 2025

    Rock Island State Park Campground

    Waterfalls!

    General: Three distinctly different areas: tent only section, cabin area, and the main campground. I didn’t see the inside of the cabins, but they looked very luxurious from the outside, so I am sure they are very nice. The tent area also looks nice. This review focuses on the main campground. 

    Site Quality: Camper pads are all paved but vary in length from 18 to 51 feet. The width of some can also accommodate two cars side by side. Not all are completely level. Each site has a picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring, and grill. All sites have electricity and water, and eight of the 50 sites are FHU. There are many trees to provide separation and privacy, and sites are spaced a decent amount of space apart. Some sites can accommodate tents, and these are indicated on the post. 

    Bath/Shower: Very clean. There was a sign saying the bathrooms are cleaned twice per day. Soap, paper towels, and utility hooks are all appreciated as was instant hot water from the taps. 

    Activities/Amenities: Many outdoor activities including tennis, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, and a playground. There are two hiking trails accessible from the campground. I hiked a short distance on the Bluff Trail until it became narrow and overgrown. There are other hikes that require a drive from the campground. The best hike is in the Twin Falls area but that is a 10-15 minute drive from the campground. There is also a swimming beach with a rentable pavilion and picnic tables. It is possible to walk there but easier to drive. We also saw people kayaking on the lake and fishing is permitted. Each bathhouse also has one washer/dryer for a reasonable price. Free WiFi with a good, strong signal. 

    We enjoyed our two-night stay at this campground and for us, it was a five-star stay but I gave it four stars due to some sites not being completely level and the necessity to drive to the best hike.

Guide to Sparta

Tent camping near Sparta, Tennessee provides access to Cumberland Plateau landscapes with elevations ranging from 900-1,800 feet. The area receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually, creating seasonal waterfalls throughout the rocky terrain. Weather conditions vary significantly with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows dropping below freezing.

What to do

Kayaking at Center Hill Lake: Horseshoe Bend Marina offers kayak rentals with easy water access to multiple waterfalls. "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. The boat traffic is minimal so paddling is easy," reports camper Lori H.

Waterfall swimming: Several primitive camping areas provide access to swimming holes beneath falls within a 30-minute hike. At Alum Gap Campground, "exploring the waterfalls in the area is an absolute must. These natural wonders, especially on a scorching hot day, offer the perfect opportunity to cool off with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear pools at their base," according to Asher K.

Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk offer prime wildlife viewing hours around campgrounds. At Holleman's Bend, one camper noted, "We arrived just after sunset and were the only ones. A nice mist hung on the water, and a swarm of bats began to make their way over us out to hunt for the night."

What campers like

Connectivity despite remoteness: The plateau location provides surprising cell coverage at some sites. "Furthermore, you'll be pleased to know that cell phone service is excellent, thanks to the location atop the plateau," notes a camper at Alum Gap Campground. However, this varies by provider and location.

Water proximity: Many campers value tent sites with immediate lake or river access. At Holleman's Bend Camping Area, "I woke up early enough to see the sunrise and the fog coming off the river. Simply magical," shares Devin R.

Campsite seclusion: Tent sites spread throughout wooded areas provide privacy between campers. At Stone Door Campground, "The campsites are secluded, but very close to the parking lot. There is an outhouse and drinking water close to the campsites. Each site has a fire ring and plenty of space," explains Aaron S.

What you should know

Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Many primitive tent camping areas have minimal or no amenities. "There are NO facilities so be prepared for that," notes Scott G. about Savage Falls Camping Area.

Water filtration needs: Streams and creeks require treatment before drinking. "You'll want to check in with the Rangers at Stone Door before you head out," advises Charles M. about camping conditions.

Reservation requirements: Most established tent sites require advance booking. At Black Willow Farm, tent sites are reservable with "an amazing property with an off grid cabin and tent sites to come," according to Jake C.

Weather preparedness: The plateau experiences rapid temperature drops after sunset, even in summer months. "We hiked down 'Fiery Gizzard' and it was an easy ten-mile hike to our site, perfect for beginners and kids. I especially love this place in the Fall!" shares Phoebe A.

Tips for camping with families

Short hike-in options: Several family-friendly tent sites require minimal hiking from parking areas. "This campsite is great for novice primitive campers. The campsites are secluded, but very close to the parking lot," notes Aaron S. about Stone Door.

Learning opportunities: Savage Falls Campground offers educational hiking with geology lessons built into trails. "We camped there three times and it can get loud at night if the other campers don't follow the quiet times," warns Charles M.

Beginner backpacking routes: Alum Gap serves as an ideal first backpacking experience for families. "Great backing trip with my 9-year-old! BCG in to Alum Gap campground and BCR out," shares Buddy G. about the trail accessibility.

Camping near attractions: Position your campsite near key features to minimize hiking with children. "We did the Big Creek Rim trail. It was relatively flat, but had some beautiful overlooks," reports Aaron S.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV access: Most tent camping areas near Sparta have poor RV accessibility. At Mad Musky Water Sports Rentals, "Had blast owners are awesome camp is too," notes Daniel T., who found the site suitable despite limited RV amenities.

Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven ground at sites accepting small RVs. "We are on site 9 and it's not the most leveled spot. We have a 25ft class C," reports a camper at Horseshoe Bend Marina.

Alternative accommodations: Some tent camping areas offer cabin options for those seeking more comfort. "Super friendly management. Great atmosphere! Great place to kayak and relax! Wi-Fi worked great for streaming. NO CELL SERVICE for ATT," notes Joe B. about Horseshoe Bend facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sparta, TN is Horseshoe Bend Marina with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Sparta, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Sparta, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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