Tent campsites near Signal Mountain, Tennessee sit along the Cumberland Plateau at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,100 feet, creating moderate temperatures even during summer months. The region receives approximately 56 inches of rainfall annually, which supports the lush forest canopy and creates seasonal streams near many camping areas. Most primitive sites require hiking distances of 0.5 to 3 miles from parking areas.
What to do
Waterfall swimming: Foster Falls Campground features a 60-foot waterfall with a deep plunge pool. A camper noted, "Beautiful scenery on somewhat strenuous hikes to waterfalls, some good sport climbing, and a few trails that will take you really high up so you can look down at the beautiful green canopy. Beautiful spot any time of year but we like to go when it's warm enough to swim in the waterfall."
Creek crossing: Hike from Alum Gap Campground to explore multiple waterfalls within 1-2 miles. "We were lucky enough to get campsite #4, which has the best views of the bluff, hands down. The campground is a short hike (1-2 miles) from Upper & Lower Boardtree Falls and Greeter Falls, which are all beautiful," according to one visitor.
Rock climbing: Foster Falls serves as a premier climbing destination with routes for various skill levels. The camping area provides convenient access to climbing walls. "The waterfall is awesome. It is a very short drive and short rocky hike to the water fall. You can see the falls from a distance if you don't want to hike down," mentioned one camper.
What campers like
Easy backpacking introduction: Stone Door Campground offers accessible primitive camping with minimal hiking required. A camper explained, "This campsite is great for novice primitive campers. 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."
Primitive isolation: Savage Falls Campground provides peaceful camping spots above the falls. One camper shared, "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. Fee to reserve is nominal and there is a 10% discount for TN residents."
Secluded meadow camping: Davis Pond Campsite offers free camping in a large open area. "About 45 mins outside Chattanooga, it's a beautiful drive. Last 7 miles are on a windy gravel road. On arrival there is a huge meadow area. Tons of spots to pitch a tent or park vehicles," noted a recent visitor who added, "This is what camping should be!! Free, first come first serve, with some fire pits and picnic tables and plenty of room to pitch a tent."
What you should know
Water sources vary: Most primitive sites require water planning. At Lockhart's Arch Shelter, "The closest guaranteed water source is Middle Creek, so be sure to fill water bottles and filter when you cross, although if there has been a lot of recent rain there is a chance of small seasonal streams closer to the shelter."
Road conditions: Davis Pond requires high-clearance vehicles for the final approach. "The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance," according to one visitor.
Bathroom facilities: Basic or non-existent facilities at most sites. One camper at Davis Pond noted, "I took off a star because the bathroom looks like an actual third world country, covered in trash and bugs and who knows what else."
Reservation requirements: Many backcountry sites need advance booking. A Stone Door visitor advised, "Book ahead of time as campsites fill up quickly on weekends!"
Tips for camping with families
Start with shorter trails: Savage Gulf South offers an easy introduction to backpacking. "1/2 mile walk in from the parking lot. 5 sites with lots of space between them. Beautiful overlook. 1/3 mile Rock scrambling hike to waterfall," reported a parent after their trip.
Choose established campgrounds: Foster Falls provides more amenities. "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," noted a family camper who added that "Our 2 and 5 year old walked from our campsite down to the falls and back up easily."
Consider privacy needs: Stone Door sites offer separation for families. "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," shared one family.
Tips from RVers
Limited options: Most camping near Signal Mountain is tent-only, with Hunter's Check Station Campground being one exception that accommodates small RVs. "Has toilet facility," noted one visitor, though another mentioned, "Most of the camp spots are littered with peoples leftovers (clothes and trash). Not a quiet camping area lots of road noise and traffic."
Consider Foster Falls: While primarily designed for tents, some small camper vans can use Foster Falls sites. A reviewer cautioned, "Sites 17-26 all have relative privacy from each other, but are smaller sites in general, although many of them have specified tent pads."
