Best Tent Camping near Sparta, TN

Recent Tent Reviews near Sparta, Tennessee

831 Reviews of 35 Sparta Campgrounds

• B

  Bill E.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 15, 2015

  Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

  Great place to camp

  Tent camp here with the family. I would recommend the walk in tent sites if you can get them. Campground is spread out well in places and not so much in others. Horseback riding, hiking trails, fishing, and much more. Last time we spent 3 days and could have easily spent another day or two. Plan on returning for some back country camping on the overnight loops.

• K

  K H.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 13, 2018

  Obey River Campground

  Not Tent Friendly

  The location of the sprawling campground is beautiful on the popular Dale Hollow Lake. The kids enjoyed the beach. However, the tent sites were limited to the inner circle areas, as opposed to the right on the water with great views for the concrete-heavy RV sites. However, the worst part was the size and placement of the tent sites. they are tiny and I have no idea how anyone would find the space, much less a level spot, for a normal family tent. We didn't actually stay within our site with 2 small 2-person backpacking tents. We considered using an RV site but didn't see one with level grassy areas.

  Edited: We were camped illegally on the grass. Tents are supposed to be on the uneven gravel pads. So 3 tent sites and their parking have a maybe 40 x 50 gravel/asphalt area.

  There has to be better places to tent camp in this beautiful area

• T

  Tia M.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 26, 2021

  Rock Island State Park Campground

  Rock Island State Park

  Beautiful state park! Unbelievable waterfalls with many of hiking trails! There is a lot of history in the park! Tent campground was nice and level! Each tent site had a tent pad, lantern pole, fire ring and sturdy table! The bathhouses was clean and warm water! Wood is sold in the near by town or at the park visitor center!

• 

  The Grass F.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 7, 2021

  Lillydale Campground And Day Use

  Perfect Tent Camp Experience

  The tent camp sites on the island were aptly distanced from one another. The other campers seemed to have an unspoken sense of support. Multiple people offered ice, and even campground host offered to air up air mattresses.

  There was plenty of driftwood on site to burn, but if you're going to cook all your meals, I'd bring charcoal or your own wood. Note: they have wood restrictions - heed those.

  There was some noise at night from the boats, but nothing unmanageable or what I would consider a nuisance.

  The island tent area is a park and walk and the campground has 2 carts for people to use.

  The views from the island are unfathomably beautiful.

• 

  Andy K.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 13, 2023

  Obey River Park

  Nice campsite with good lakeside sites

  Had a nice week camping in a tent right on the side of the lake. The bathroom facilities were good, plenty of hot water for showers and the place was kept clean. When we stayed it was nice and quiet during the first week of the season.

• 

  Stephanie J.

  Legend

  

  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.

• h

  heather M.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 2, 2023

  Spacious Skies Belle Ridge

  FYI Tent sites far from vehicle

  The tent sites are park and walk. The furthest tent site is about a 1/4 mile from where you park. Just an FYI.

• 

  John A.

  Traveler

  

  Feb. 20, 2019

  Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

  Prefect weekender for the family

  Nice wooded sites with decent bathhouses. Play sets, mostly paved roads perfect for riding bikes. My family really enjoyed tent camping at Fall Creek Falls.

• 

  Jessica L.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 6, 2016

  Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake

  Beautiful and Quaint Lakeside Sites

  This area has around 100 sites, both RV and tent sites both with and without electricity, so you can camp any way you'd like. All of the tent sites here are facing the lake so it feels a little more private. The RV sites are more grouped together (but I don't have an RV so I can't speak for these as much) There is some great hiking in the area and you can find some quiet and restful spots. There is the Lost Springs Trail that is right near the campground if you like hiking and hikes above the nearby Marina and this campground.

• S

  Sharon H.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 20, 2018

  Stone Door Campground — Savage Gulf State Park

  Quite, private, primative

  This is a wonderful spot if you really want to be in nature. Not many people around quite, secluded and very peaceful. Tent camping only with reservations. Lots of hiking near by and great places to explore.

• 

  Eli L.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 13, 2017

  Edgar Evins State Park Campground

  Good Campground, on water

  Pretty campground on water. Even though it's a mostly RV type place there are some good tent sites and it's a pretty remote quiet place. Very good bathrooms and showers.

• 

  Jake C.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 25, 2023

  Black Willow Farm

  Off -Grid with the necessities

  Jake from the Dyrt here!  I had the pleasure of working with Black Willow Farm, and they have an amazing property with an off grid cabin and tent sites to come!  Check them out show them some love!

• 

  Shelly S.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 31, 2016

  Savage Falls Campground — Savage Gulf State Park

  Awesome scenery/hike!

  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. Otherwise love, love, loved the adventure, hike, backpack in:)

• 

  Arden S.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 17, 2018

  Edgar Evins State Park Campground

  All the Water Views

  Almost all of their sites have a view of the lake. Tent sites give just enough space for seclusion and everyone sites are on elevated platforms. Plenty of bathhouse access and if you like to paddle the candy is close by too.

• L

  Lori H.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 13, 2018

  Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

  Perfect getaway for a family

  My only complaint is I didn't have more time to spend. Our site (L4) was shaded all day long, which is important when you tent camp. The grounds are well kept. Plenty of park hosted activities for kiddos and adults. A lot of trails, good clean pool, nice clean bathrooms, excellent staff!

• 

  Rachelle W.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 8, 2018

  Edgar Evins State Park Campground

  Primitive Tent Camping in woods by lake

  We loved this primitive tent camping spot. All sites were nestled in the woods along the edge of the lake. Each site had a fire ring & tent landing. It was near parking, but all gear had to be carried into the woods. These were not pull in campsites. Shower house was a decent walk. Maybe at 1/4 mile? Water spigots were dotted throughout the woods, but not at every site.

• 

  Shelly S.

  Legend

  

  May. 13, 2018

  Ragland Bottom

  Hide away

  Ragland Bottom Campground is a nice place hid-away between Sparta and Smithville, Tn. Luckily The Dyrt has added a “directions” button that gets you there or you might miss it because there is no sign that I saw.

  As with all US Army Corps of Engineers areas it has some rules that a little more strict than most state parks.(one is only 2 dogs allowed in day use/campground) The day use area has a fee which is included in you campground fee if your staying for a few days. There is also an annual fee for the day use area that applies to all the Corps sites. (In TN at least)

  The retirees at the front gate are friendly and very informative. The couple I spoke to know the area pretty well too because they let me know where several attractions are. This campground is pretty cool in the way the sites are set up. RV’s are at lake edge, there are several walk in tent sites near the lake too. If you have your watercraft along direct put in is possible but it’s rocky. I didn’t walk the shore so I’m not sure how easy the out in would be. There are RV sites up the hill and then a long loop along the hill top where you can park next to your tent site and have a nice view if the area and excellent shade.

  Site 48 and 51 would be the least private they are right on the road near the front gate. Site 55 is very private but the farthest from the showerhouse.

  Things to do in the area aside from watersports, Burgess Falls State Park. A little busy but worth the visit. If you don’t mind a technical hike Windows Falls Natural Area is part of Burgess excellent hike with some awesome natural features. No dogs in the natural area.

• E

  Elise D.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 29, 2019

  Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

  So much to do! And beautiful fall tent camping

  There is so, so much to do at this park. Unfortunately, we only got to hike around the falls since the weather was so bad. 

  Tent camping review:

  • Lots of flat space for your tent, a canopy and for parking
  • Easy to put down stakes
  • A ton of beautiful trees
  • Mostly RVs - as tent campers, we were in the minority
  • Bathrooms were a bit old school; I did not want to shower there
  • A lot of trashcans closeby
  • So many daddy longlegs
• E

  Elizabeth P.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 4, 2020

  Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

  A great park

  We definitely enjoyed our visit. Sites in Campground c were very tight and in a field. Many of the tent sites were on a huge hill. We would stay in a different area if we returned. It was very busy on the trails but we were able to find some less traveled sites.

• 

  Tim S.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 21, 2022

  Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground

  Great back to back weekends for two novice tent campers

  We tent camped for two consecutive weekends at Cedars of Lebanon. We are local novice campers. The campsites were well maintained with electric and water hookups. The bathhouse at Campground 2 is quite clean and is newer than Campground 1. Both of our stays were in Campground 2 near the bath house. Our first visit was with our dog, second was without. The fire ring in our second stay was weirdly located. Firewood is for sale inside the park and late afternoons the campground host drives thru on a gator like vehicle and offers bundles for sale at $6 each. The place is busy and active but very chill.

  We hiked a little on Saturday midday. When I say “hike” I mean we strolled on a trail. Very nice time.

  Any critiques by us would be unwarranted. Folks who work there were quite nice. We are very early on the learning curve. That we were able to go and tent camp and have a good time at our age proves that COL is a great place for newer campers to enjoy. We plan to go back a lot.

• S

  Scott S.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 16, 2021

  Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

  Nice tent camping area

  Tent-camped midweek on E210. Lots of open spaces in camp. Tent spot was on level gravel RV pad. Air mattress helped with gravel. Site had water and electricity. Showers were clean with hot water. Be sure to lock up food. We were visited by five raccoons nightly. They were able to get into secured plastic bin we left out. Great hiking around falls. Friendly staff at Visitor Center and Nature Center. Well stocked general store. We will be back.

• H

  Haley B.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 23, 2019

  Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake

  Nice campground!

  The tent sites were really nice. I love how close you are to the water. It also includes two swim areas which is nice. Bathrooms are good in campground standards! The hiking trail is ok. Canoe the Caney is a few minute drive from the campground which is great if you like canoeing. We really enjoyed it!

• 

  Jennifer K.

  Guide

  

  May. 3, 2019

  Standing Stone State Park Campground

  Lots of history

  This this campsite offers everything you need for a great camping experience. Out tent camping was complete with electricity and a short walk to the bathhouse. It also offered a fire pit and picnic table and lots of shade. You can rent a small Jon Boat for $50 a day and they also offer small bundles of firewood for $5. We fished on Kelly Lake and caught about six fish that were keepers.

• 

  Angela C.

  Ranger

  

  Apr. 8, 2024

  Arrowhead Resort

  Lots of kid friendly activities - sites are MEH

  We reserved a site with full- hookups and our friends reserved a tent site. Our site was fine, but there wasn’t what I would describe as a tent site. Our friends ended up just camping behind our camper in the flattest area they could find. All of the sites are pretty close and out in the open.

  When we stayed some of the activities/amenities weren’t available (there had been a fire or something at the kitchen). We had a pretty decent time, though. We rented kayaks and paddle boards and explored the lake and they had a huge inflatable slide that our kids spent hours on. The ramp to the swim beach was ridiculously slimy but kids all enjoyed swimming in the lake and jumping off the dive platform. The camp had a movie in the evening (Jaws) and gave out popcorn. There were basketball courts and beanbag toss. Lots of people were out on their fishing boats.

  So potentially plenty of activities for the kids, but the campground sites could be a bit nicer for the price. Any staff we interacted with were super pleasant.

• 

  Terri F.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 24, 2021

  Defeated Creek Campground

  Quiet lake front

  A variety of large sites. From full hooks ups to group tent sites. The trash at the swimming beach was never taken out while we were there, and the dumpsters were all full. The bathrooms were cleaned regularly though, and the views were breathtaking. Dog friendly, but not at the swimming area. Overall it was a great place to go. Out of the way quiet and the lake was beautiful.

• L

  Luna P.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 2, 2023

  Bean Pot Campground

  Very happy we stayed here!

  We were either planning on staying in a motel or the bean pot and we were so glad we stayed in the bean pot. The owners were incredibly nice and helpful, and the showers, bathrooms, and laundry room were super clean and well kept. No other tent campers were there during our stay, since it’s mainly an rv camp, so this is a great place to try if you’re looking for a last minute place to tent camp. Overall, I would stay here again and I would recommend the bean pot to anyone looking for a place to camp in the area.

• 

  TeenaMari M.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 24, 2021

  Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

  enjoyed but campground use some updates

  I enjoyed this little campground, but it could definitely use some updates.  The bathrooms were clean and the showers were nice but a few hooks would be helpful.  Also, I originally reserved site C157 but found it difficult to see how or where I could camp in the spot.  I tent camp and the site is not very level and backs into a very steep hill.  I think spots like this could definitely use some kind of tent pad or decking.  Looking around the campground I think that these kinds of updates could be beneficial.  Especially on tent only sites.  All in all I enjoyed this campground and park.