Tent camping near Woodbury, Tennessee sits within the eastern Highland Rim region, with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,000 feet and a humid subtropical climate. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 85-90°F and winter lows around 30°F. Most tent sites in this region are situated on flat to gently rolling terrain with mixed hardwood forest coverage providing natural shade during summer months.
What to do
Kayaking at Center Hill Lake: Horseshoe Bend Marina offers kayak rentals and access to Center Hill Lake with routes to nearby 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," notes a visitor at Horseshoe Bend Marina.
Hiking to waterfalls: Foster Falls Campground provides direct access to the 12-mile Fiery Gizzard Trail with multiple waterfall views. A camper reports, "Hiked the Fiery Gizzard before it was closed then reopened. Was a CHALLENGE! Boulder field Delores! With gorgeous scenery! Rustic camping area, bring your own water filtration and entrenching tool."
Swimming in natural pools: Multiple campsites offer access to swimming holes during warmer months. At Savage Falls Campground, a short walk leads to water access: "There is a big parking area but it can fill up fast with those that are day hiking to see the falls. It's not a tough hike to the campsite or to the falls themselves."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Alum Gap Campground features well-spaced tent sites for more solitary camping experiences. "Several different ways to hike in and many different sights to see. Definitely plan on revisiting. The waterfall here can be close to 25-30 ft. If you're adventurous it's definitely worth a quick plunge," shares one camper.
Riverside camping: Several campgrounds offer sites directly adjacent to water. A visitor at Horseshoe Bend Marina noted, "Secluded, quiet and beautiful. Located on the Caney Fork River."
Ease of access: Many Woodbury area tent camping locations feature relatively short hikes to backcountry sites. A Stone Door Campground visitor explains, "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."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent camping sites around Woodbury offer minimal amenities. At Foster Falls Campground, a camper reported, "Facilities were not the most maintained but like state park for its' location. Lots of louder families while we were there."
Water availability concerns: Campers should plan water needs carefully. A visitor to Turnhole Backcountry Campsite observed, "Despite this campsite being surrounded by the Green River on 3 sides, water is hard to come by here, and hiking it in may be your best bet. The river is at least 1/2 mile away, through extremely dense brush, and the banks are not easy to access."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across the region. At Horseshoe Bend, a recent visitor stated, "No service for T-Mobile sprint. We are on site 9 and it's not the most leveled spot."
Tips for camping with families
Short hike options: Savage Falls Campground offers family-friendly backcountry experiences. "Perfect 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 a recent visitor to Savage Falls.
Campground games: Some locations provide recreation options beyond hiking. A visitor at Horseshoe Bend Marina mentioned, "They have a game room tent with ping pong, cornhole, jenga, etc. and they host a movie night sometimes! They also had an inflatable water slide during the day."
Safety considerations: Parents should account for terrain challenges when planning. A Stone Door visitor advised, "There is a parking lot for overnight campers/hikers. There is also a lovely pavilion with grills for day hikers. This site is obviously close to stone door and Laurel Falls."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Very few tent camping areas near Woodbury accommodate RVs. At Horseshoe Bend Marina, a visitor with a smaller RV noted, "We are on site 9 and it's not the most leveled spot. We have a 25ft class C."
Utilities availability: Where RV camping is possible, expect limited hookups. An Alum Gap Campground visitor mentioned, "Rustic, dispersed, but close enough to other people so you don't feel absolutely stranded!"
Alternative glamping options: For those wanting comfort without an RV, consider canvas tents. "Horseshoe Bend Marina has both tent and RV sites available, plus several 'glamping' style tents. They sell wood at the campground, in addition to fishing bait and kayak rentals."