Map showing campground location near Palmer, Tennessee

Camper submitted image from Savage Falls Campground — Savage Gulf State Park

Savage Falls Campground — Savage Gulf State Park

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Savage Falls Campground sits within Savage Gulf State Park on the Cumberland Plateau, reached by foot rather than by car. The hike in covers less than two miles, making it accessible to campers who want a backcountry feel without a grueling approach. Sites are spread apart and described by visitors as secluded, with at least one positioned directly above the falls, a short walk from a viewpoint overlooking the drop and the stairs leading to the base.

Facilities here are minimal. No water sources are available at camp, so Shelly S. advises to "take your own water or filtration system." Hobbs Cabin is available by reservation nearby and sits close to the tent sites, with wood bunks that benefit from an air mattress. Bear activity has been noted on the trail in, so standard backcountry food storage practices apply. The parking area at the trailhead can fill quickly on weekends, particularly when day hikers come out to see the falls.

The surrounding trail network connects to Savage Station and extends through gorges and boulder-strewn slopes across the broader park. Fall is a frequently cited time to visit, when the canopy changes and water levels after rain push the falls. Campers interested in campgrounds near Savage Gulf State Park will find several options within the park system, including Stone Door Campground to the west. This campground suits hikers comfortable with primitive conditions who want a short approach to a waterfall camp.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

TransAmerica Trail Road Trip

Alexander to Berea: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsSavage Falls Campground is located in Tennessee near Palmer

Public Campground

Coordinates

35.43827272 N
85.55555154 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets

Drive Time

47 min from Chattanooga, TN
1 hr 10 min from Cleveland, TN
1 hr 51 min from Huntsville, AL
2 hrs from Rome, GA

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews8 Camper Reviews - Savage Falls Campground

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the excellent primitive backpack-in sites with scenic locations near waterfalls. Many visitors reported the complete lack of facilities requires preparation, but most found the backcountry experience rewarding with reasonable fees.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Jason J.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 15, 2021

Excellent for a short in/out

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.

Site4

Month of VisitDecember

(6) View All

Cole T.

Guide

Reviewed May. 14, 2021

Perfect

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!

Brittni F.

Ranger

Reviewed Apr. 25, 2021

Hike in

I’m not much for hike in to camp but I did really enjoy savage falls trail and the falls. 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. Definitely one trip I will always remember

Month of VisitJune

(15) View All

Scott G.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 8, 2018

Hike in/out - be fit!

You gotta be super fit to get to this place but once you do, it's AMAZING. I did notice bear scat on my hike in and that was a bit of a concern but once everyone settled in at night, it was great. There are NO facilities so be prepared for that.

Month of VisitAugust

Brooke O.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 6, 2018

wonderful with water close by for backpacking, love this camp ground

camp ground at Alum Gap is Nice, Water a short walk from camp site if you are backpacking. My husband and I are very fond of this particular camp site.

Siteseveral

(4) View All

Phoebe A.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 17, 2018

Best place to backpack in Middle TN!!

Savage gulf in Bersheba Springs, TN near Monteagle is absolutely some of the best hiking and backpacking you can find in Middle TN. The 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 - it's incredible in the fall. You can climb down the steep stairs through stone door to reach connecting trails to back country campsites. I 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!

Photos below were posted on two separate trips to Stone Door/ Savage Gulf area

Month of VisitOctober

Lavender T.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 28, 2016

Perfect for solitude

Savage Gulf Natural Area is massive with several miles between entrance points that lead to stunning overlooks of the gorges and gulfs, and several miles worth of trails within each location. I visited in early October and plan on revisiting during more colorful time in the landscape and after a good rain to see what must be rapid waterfalls and streams. There were interesting bridges over the water ways, wifi available at the ranger station and quaint camping within an easy walk from the parking lot. I didn't see another person the whole time I was hiking and camping which is exactly what I was looking for. The trails do follow through slopes and boulders so the difficulty varies, I broke a sweat. I also saw that one of the trails leads to a cabin that I didn't see this time. It was beautiful.

(4) View All

Shelly S.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016

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:)

(8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the camping regulations at Savage Gulf State Natural Area?

Camping at Savage Gulf State Natural Area is primitive and requires a reservation with a nominal fee (discounted for Tennessee residents). Sites are backpack-in only with no facilities, so campers must pack in their own water or bring filtration systems. Bear activity has been noted in the area, so proper food storage is essential. Camping is permitted only in designated areas like Alum Gap and near Savage Falls. Hobbs Cabin is also available by reservation for those seeking shelter with wooden bunks (air mattress recommended).

Where is Savage Falls Campground located in Tennessee?

Savage Falls Campground is located in the Savage Gulf State Natural Area near Palmer, Tennessee. It's part of the larger Savage Gulf State Park situated on the Cumberland Plateau. The campground is accessible via a hiking trail and requires a short hike of less than two miles to reach the camping area. The location offers proximity to Savage Falls, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts looking to experience the natural beauty of Middle Tennessee.

What are visitors saying about Savage Gulf State Natural Area in their reviews?

Visitors consistently praise Savage Gulf State Natural Area for its outstanding hiking opportunities and natural beauty. The area is highlighted as one of the best hiking and backpacking destinations in Middle Tennessee. Many appreciate the primitive camping experience and the secluded, well-spaced campsites. The Stone Door Trail receives particular acclaim for its accessibility to hikers of all abilities and spectacular views. Savage Falls itself is a popular attraction, with visitors noting the parking area can fill quickly on busy days. While some mention the physical demands of hiking to certain areas, most agree the views and experience are worth the effort.

What hiking trails are accessible from Savage Falls Campground?

From Savage Falls Campground, visitors can access the Savage Falls Trail, which leads directly to the waterfall. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of various skill levels. For more experienced hikers, the area connects to the extensive trail system throughout Savage Gulf State Natural Area, including the popular Stone Door Trail—a paved in-and-out path with stunning views of the Cumberland Plateau. The entire natural area offers miles of trails with varying difficulty levels, connecting different entrance points and showcasing the gorges and gulfs that make this area special.

Keep Exploring