2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent campers visiting Walling, Tennessee have several established campgrounds within South Cumberland State Park and Savage Gulf State Park, offering both walk-in tent sites and primitive backcountry options. Horseshoe Bend Marina provides tent camping with water access, while the Stone Door and Savage Falls areas offer more secluded tent-only experiences. Most sites require advance reservations through the Tennessee State Park website, with many campgrounds situated near scenic waterfalls and hiking trails.
The terrain at most tent sites consists of level gravel or dirt pads with surrounding forest duff. Walk-in tent locations vary in distance from parking areas, ranging from short 50-yard walks at Stone Door to longer 1-2 mile hikes at Alum Gap and Savage Falls. Most primitive tent campgrounds provide fire rings and designated tent pads, though amenities are minimal. A visitor commented, "Alum Gap campground is a perfect choice for those new to backpacking, accessible via a straightforward hike of just over one mile." Potable water is available at some locations like Stone Door and Savage Station, but many backcountry tent sites require campers to filter water from nearby streams or carry in their own supply.
Tent-only camping areas throughout the region offer exceptional access to natural features and hiking trails. Sites at Alum Gap provide tent campers with proximity to multiple waterfalls including Upper and Lower Boardtree Falls and Greeter Falls, all within a short hiking distance. The Stone Door area features spacious, secluded tent sites with nearby access to dramatic overlooks and the Big Creek Gulf Trail. A camper wrote, "The campsites are secluded, but very close to the parking lot. There is an outhouse and drinking water close to the campsites." Summer months bring higher temperatures and more visitors to popular swimming holes beneath waterfalls, making spring and fall ideal for tent camping when temperatures are moderate and crowds are thinner. Most walk-in tent sites offer good separation between campers, providing privacy while maintaining the security of having neighbors nearby.
"The campground has rv sites, tent sites, and glamping tents, which are large canvas tents with beds and swanky furniture in them."
"Located on the Caney Fork River."
Available this weekend
from $75 / night
"It was awesome that they have the rocky pads because it rained our whole trip and we stayed dry. It was very quiet for us and our site faced the open woods behind us."
"Each site had a water spigot, electrical hookups, an asphalt pad, a fire ring with grill, and a standalone grill."
Available this weekend
"Alum Gap campground, situated in the backcountry of Tennessee, is not only a hidden gem but also a perfect choice for those new to backpacking."
"The Alum Gap campground in Savage Gulf State Natural Area was a perfect destination for a first-time backpacker (like me!). The trail is easy-moderate, mostly flat with only a few inclines."
from $8 - $12 / night
"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."
"Prefect spot for a short hike-in backcountry camping experience. The hike in is less than two miles and the camp sites are secluded and spread apart. Highly recommend!"
from $10 / night
"Campsite: Stone Door review This campsite is great for novice primitive campers. The campsites are secluded, but very close to the parking lot."
"Not a far hike in. Isolated camping spots, well marked, out-house nearby, along with water source."
from $8 - $35 / night
"Things to know: $5 reservation fee, $8-45 per site Amenities: picnic table, fire ring, restrooms, heated shower
Drawbacks: no electric or water hook-ups. No gas generators allowed"
"The campground is great for climbers looking to get an early start on all the routes nearby."
from $18 - $21 / night
"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!"
from $50 - $100 / night
from $30 - $60 / night
"Hobbs Cabin itself is a primitive shelter, with six wood bunks. Maximum occupancy is six people. Features a wood fireplace and fire ring."
"Keeps you dry if it’s pouring, but luckily the weather cleared for us for the night. We didn’t utilize the spring that is allegedly there."
from $25 / night
GuideIt's a beautiful place to take walks and look at all of God's beauty while doing it;) Then you have your beautiful water to enjoy while being under the moon… a wonderful place with the right person or even by yourself to get a sweet escape!
ScoutThe hosts were extremely helpful and accommodating. Very clean and well maintained, little campground. Would stay again on a heartbeat.
GuideSite 2 is the only cement pad, but the others look pretty level. While water is not available at individual sites, there is a spigot near the bath house. The bathrooms and showers were really clean.
GuideCampground people were very nice the sites are in the trees very very close . If you’re going to stay more than one night I would go somewhere else. You will trip over your neighbors sewer and bump into the slide out on your way out of your RV thats how close you are .they charge $55 a night for full hook up and it is not far from the HYW
ScoutSurprisingly busy, was almost full when I arrived at dusk on a weekday. Has a toilet, but it’s pretty rank.
LegendWe stayed here overnight on the way to Gatlinburg and three nights on the way back. GPS and signage was good as getting to this COE was easy. Often you don’t know what you’re going to get at a COE i.e. tight roads, low hanging branches etc. This was not the case as the campground (CG) is big rig friendly. For the overnighter, we checked in at the gate and proceeded to back in site 50 with water and electric (50/30/20 AMP). We had no problem backing into site 50 which sits above the creek that runs through the side of the CG. The gravel pad was fairly level(didn’t need any blocks under tires) with a picnic table, fish cleaning station, fire pit and stand up bbq. For the three nights we were in back in site 37, which was along the fence side of the CG. Site 37 had the same picnic table, cleaning table, stand up bbq and fire pit. This site’s pad was plenty long enough so we could put our toy hauler patio down. For both sites we got 1 bar on both Verizon and T-Mobile. As there is no Wifi in this CG, we used starlink. Since our starlink antenna is not hard mounted, we were able to move the antenna around to get a good signal through the trees. We were surprised this COE didn’t sell firewood nor ice. We enjoyed walking our dog around and even did some fly fishing in the adjacent river. We thoroughly enjoyed this COE.
TravelerThe waterfalls are beautiful and relaxing. You can hike the high-easier trail (but tree roots are present) or the lower-harder trails and be a unprofessional rock climber right down to the falls. 2.5 mile hike if you go all the way around. We spent over 2.5 hours here. Bonus is that if you are not camping here... you can use the very very clean showers for $5!
TravelerEnjoyable place to stay, quiet nights. Very chill atmosphere. Would recommend.
TravelerThis was a last minute stay, the camp was full but accommodations were made for us by the host to park in his front yard and connect to house power. We were invited to join the host and other guests at the massive fire pit that was warming the cool mountain evening. Very pretty here…was a long and winding road up the mountain from our travel direction. Excited to see what it looks like in daylight. I have 3 bars on my T-Mobile but also have StarLink.
Tent camping in Walling, Tennessee provides access to the rugged Cumberland Plateau ecosystem with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,800 feet throughout the region's state parks. The area receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually, creating the numerous waterfalls and streams that characterize the landscape. Water sources at tent sites typically require filtration during summer months when seasonal springs may run dry.
Swimming beneath waterfalls: 1.5-mile hike from Foster Falls Campground leads to the main falls with deep swimming holes. "Beautiful spot any time of year but we like to go when it's warm enough to swim in the waterfall," notes Kelly M.
Kayak the Caney Fork River: Launch directly from Horseshoe Bend Marina for paddling upstream to hidden waterfalls or downstream to Rock Island State Park. A reviewer mentioned, "The property sits right on the water, and it's perfect for kayaking! You can paddle both directions with ease, and there are several waterfalls nearby."
Rock climbing access: Foster Falls offers sport climbing routes for various skill levels. The area includes bolted routes rated from 5.8 to 5.13. "Really beautiful scenery on somewhat strenuous hikes to waterfalls, some good sport climbing, and a few trails that will take you really high up," reports Kelly M.
Complete the Fiery Gizzard Trail: This challenging trail connects multiple camping areas with boulder fields and scenic overlooks. "Hiked the Fiery Gizzard before it was closed then reopened. Was a CHALLENGE! Boulder field Delores! With gorgeous scenery!" shares Shelly S.
Proximity to multiple waterfalls: Alum Gap Campground serves as a central hub for waterfall exploration. "The campground is a short hike (1-2 miles) from Upper & Lower Boardtree Falls and Greeter Falls, which are all beautiful. It makes for a great way to spend the afternoon!" writes Brittany S.
Secluded tent sites with minimal hiking required: Stone Door Campground offers isolation without long approaches. "Not a far hike in. Isolated camping spots, well marked, out-house nearby, along with water source," notes Aaron M.
Cooling off during summer heat: The numerous swimming holes provide relief from temperatures that often exceed 90°F in July and August. "If you're adventurous it's definitely worth a quick plunge," writes Tyler J. about the approximately 25-30 foot waterfall near Alum Gap.
Cell service availability: Despite the remote setting, several campgrounds maintain connectivity. "Furthermore, you'll be pleased to know that cell phone service is excellent, thanks to the location atop the plateau," reports Asher K. about Alum Gap.
Water availability varies seasonally: Many tent sites require additional planning for water. "Spring water may not be available during dry conditions," warns a review about Hobbs Cabin, which notes the nearest spring is "approximately 50 yards south of Hobbs cabin."
Tent site privacy levels differ: At Alum Gap, "camp ground has been picked almost clean of lower tree life so no privacy from neighbors. Quiet and Clean though," reports Buddy G.
Reservation requirements: Most tent camping areas require advance booking through Tennessee State Parks system, especially during peak seasons (April-October). "Book ahead of time as campsites fill up quickly on weekends!" advises a Stone Door camper.
Limited bathroom facilities: Expect minimal amenities at backcountry sites. "The bathhouse was functional, but really only one person can be in there at a time, even with two toilets, as one is not enclosed," explains Lori H. about Horseshoe Bend.
Start with shorter backpacking routes: Savage Falls Campground offers beginner-friendly backpacking experiences. "Prefect spot for a short hike-in backcountry camping experience. The hike in is less than two miles and the camp sites are secluded and spread apart," notes Cole T.
Stone Door area for younger children: The paved trail sections accommodate strollers and tired hikers. "Stone Door trail is a paved in & out trail that's manageable for hikers of all ages and abilities, complete with stunning views of the Cumberland Plateau," explains Phoebe A.
Plan swimming activities during weekdays: Popular swimming holes become crowded on summer weekends, particularly between 11am-3pm. "I hiked down 'Fiery Gizzard' and it was an easy ten-mile hike to our site, perfect for beginners and kids," adds Phoebe A.
Bring games for downtime: The large tent sites provide ample space for activities. "The campground has an inflatable water slide during the day... They have a game room tent with ping pong, cornhole, jenga, etc. and they host a movie night sometimes!" shares Lori H.
Limited RV options in state parks: Most camping in the area requires tent setups, with few developed RV sites available. "We have a 25ft class C. Arrived at night & got lost due to hardly any visible signs," reports a reviewer at Horseshoe Bend Marina.
Leveling challenges at marina sites: RV campers should bring leveling blocks. "We are on site 9 and it's not the most leveled spot," notes the R. at Black Willow Farm.
Poor cellular coverage impacts navigation: "No service for T-Mobile sprint," warns the R. about Horseshoe Bend, though "Wi-Fi worked great for streaming" according to Joe B. at the same location.
Plan arrival during daylight hours: Limited signage and narrow access roads make nighttime arrivals difficult. "Marina staff was super friendly. They sell pizza, snacks, drinks. 10-15 minutes from falls & parks," adds the R.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Walling, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Walling, TN is Horseshoe Bend Marina with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Walling, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Walling, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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