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Virgin Falls State Natural Area - Primitive

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reaching the backcountry campsites at Virgin Falls State Natural Area means committing to roughly eight miles of trail, round trip, with significant elevation change on the return. The area sits within the Bridgestone-Firestone Centennial Wildlife Management Area outside Pleasant Hill, Tennessee, and those planning a trip can find additional camping near Fall Creek Falls to compare options in the region. Three designated camping zones are spaced along the trail: Cable Crossing, Martha's Pretty Point, and a site directly adjacent to Virgin Falls itself.

Each zone has a distinct character. Cable Crossing puts campers next to reliable creek access, though finding adequate trees for a food hang can be difficult there. The Point sites (numbered 4 through 7) sit on elevated terrain with sightlines over the gorge; site 7 is the most secluded, while site 4 sees consistent foot traffic from day hikers cutting through to the overlook. The campsite nearest the falls has no flat tent pads, making it a better fit for hammock setups than ground-dwellers. Trail signage is clear throughout, and multiple reviewers note the route stays well-marked even under heavy leaf cover.

Water planning requires attention. As Michele M. notes, "a water filter is a necessity for camping in this little wilderness," and creek levels can vary significantly even after recent rain. Firewood availability depends on the zone: Cable Crossing runs scarce, while sites in the broader WMA have ample deadfall nearby. Bring a filter, pack out all waste, and check hunting season dates before visiting, as the WMA restricts access to hunters only during those periods.

Reservation Info

Backcountry camping is permitted at designated campsites only. Backpackers are required to use the on-line reservation system in order to insure that they have a campsite.

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Map & DirectionsVirgin Falls State Natural Area is located in Tennessee near Pleasant Hill

Public Campground

Directions

Virgin Falls is located south off of US Hwy 70 between Sparta, and Crossville. From Sparta head east through town out Hwy 70, approximately 11 miles. Turn right on Eastland Road (at the Headstart building, and the turn has signs), proceed 6 miles to the junction of Scotts Gulf road (also signed), then on 2 miles to the parking lot on the right side (west side) of the road.

Coordinates

35.85403052 N
85.28434636 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Trash
Phone Service
Showers
Drinking Water
Toilets
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

1 hr 26 min from Knoxville, TN
1 hr 33 min from Chattanooga, TN
1 hr 41 min from Nashville, TN
1 hr 43 min from Cleveland, TN

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Virgin Falls State Natural Area

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Guests commonly noted excellent primitive camping with multiple scenic site options and strong privacy. Many mentioned the challenging 8-mile hike and complete lack of facilities requiring full self-sufficiency with water filters.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Elisa T.

Traveler

Reviewed Feb. 9, 2022

Virgin Falls is gorgeous

The hike itself is rough going, but absolutely gorgeous with so many watersheds, beautiful jade pools, and the waterfalls are just stunning. We camped at the backcountry site closest to Virgin Falls, and I give that part 1 star. The entire camp site is slightly inclined, no flat areas large enough to accomodate a tent. If you are sleeping in a hammock, you'll be golden. But we were in a tent, so we had a horrible night sleep of sliding down, waking up, sliding up. Other than that, there are designated places for a fire, and the solitude, is a 4 out of 5, just because while you're a little distance away, you can see and slightly hear the next camp site over.

Joshua C.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 16, 2020

The Caney Fork River Campsite is Great

I hiked out to the Caney Fork River Campsite with the Nashville Backpacking Meetup. The trails were really clearly marked, so they were easy to follow despite all of the leaves on the ground, and there were plenty of signs indicating where to go. The site is less than half a mile away from the falls, and has really easy access to the river for water. There wasn't any trash laying around that we could see, and we found plenty of firewood.

SiteCaney Fork

Month of VisitNovember

Nate H.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 30, 2020

Bridgestone- Firestone, Virgin Falls

Bridgestone-Firestone-Virgin Falls WMA This WMA is the cream of the crop. I think it’s the largest WMA I’ve ever been to. I think we had the perfect camp spot. Nice and level, wooded and secluded, fire pit already constructed, plenty of firewood around. If you love primitive camping, this place is a goldmine. There’s no shortage of great camp sites too. Virgin Falls is nearby, however the trail was closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. There is also a store there, but it was also closed. I was here back in spring turkey season, and there were only a couple other hunters that were camping that I saw. During hunting season, you can only camp here if you are hunting, but it is always free. This is a very nice choice for free primitive camping.

Month of VisitApril

(12) View All

Michele M.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 29, 2020

Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness - Gem of a Place

This is one of my favorite areas to hike and camp. There are three official camping areas: Cable Crossing, Martha’s Pretty Point, and at Virgin Falls. There are two ways to get to the Point: the main trail (white blaze) and the Upland Trail (blue blaze). The Upland trail is about 2.4 miles to the point, is mostly a wide gravel logging road, and is easy until you get to a creek crossing in the woods where it is a little confusing as to which direction to take. We actually got a little lost in the woods on the last trip because it was overgrown at that spot and just wasn’t very obvious. But we retraced our steps and figured it out. Campsites 4-7 are up on the point. 7 is the largest and most secluded. 6 is also very nice. 5 is right along the main trail, across from the point, and 4 is right at the point, which sounds nice, but day hikers walk right through the site to get to the overlook. Part of the creek runs right below the point, past the ladder on the trail back down to the main trail (upland trail is somewhat of a loop). But don’t count on water. I hiked it two weeks before I went back and camped it. It was running when I hiked it, 2 weeks later it was dry despite having rained for days. We tarped rainwater the first night and hiked the half mile down to the creek on the main trail the next day for water. Finding a good tree to hang the food was no problem here, and we had no close encounters with any wildlife. We did hear coyotes in the distance the first night, which was nice.

Campsites 1-3 are at Cable Crossing**. Campsite #1 is the most secluded of the three, with a rock wall on one side which is nice. But it’s the least level of the sites. I don’t like it because of that. Site 2 is flat, but small. Site 3 is large and flat. We had 4 tents there easily. These sites are right along the main trail, so there’s a lot of traffic. Wood to burn is very scarce here. But being at the creek crossing, water isn’t a problem. Water filter is a necessity for camping in this little wilderness. Finding a good tree to hang food here was impossible. We did the best we could, but if something wanted the food, they were going to get it. It was hung pretty low. We had no scavenger activity. I think the likelihood of bears here is very small, but we always hang because it’s a good habit. The hike in to Cable Crossing from the parking lot is pretty easy. A little harder than the Upland trail to the point, but still pretty easy. It’s Just past the intersection of the main trail with the Trail up to the point where this area starts to get strenuous. At this point, I have only been as far In as Big Laurel Falls (I really love Big Laurel). The hike from Cable Crossing to Big Laurel is no joke. I’d call it moderately difficult. But I’ve heard it gets even harder past there. I’m going to day hike the rest of it soon. I’ve just had so much fun exploring the first 2.5 miles of this place, learning all I can about the first half of it.

**Just on the other side of the cable crossing is an “unofficial” campsite. It’s not a designated site, but it gets a lot of use and I’ve seen Forestry employees interacting with folks camping there and it seemed fine/acceptable.

SiteCampsites 7 and 3.

Month of VisitSeptember

(6) View All

Lori H.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 28, 2020

Amazing primative spots!

The Virgin Falls area is located in the Bridgestone-Firestone Centennial Wildlife Management Area, and is huge with several awesome camping spots. The WMA is a public camping area, so don’t go during hunting season unless you are hunting. We visited during spring turkey season, and the covid 19 shutdown, so we were nearly alone in this vast area, however we couldn’t actually go to the falls, as they were closed alone with all hiking and such. Literally only activity allowed was hunting.

The signage was better in this area then a lot of WMA’s I’ve visited, and you can tell where the camping areas are. Lots of level spots here, and most connect to hiking trails. There’s an endless supply of firewood too, so no need to bring any. There was a little store, but was closed so I have no idea what’s available there. I look forward to camping here again when the state opens up!

(16) View All

Tyler J.

Ranger

Reviewed Mar. 31, 2020

Be prepared, but well worth the adventure

8 miles is pretty accurate of a round trip. It's a lot downhill until you get to the falls then you gotta hike all the way back out. There are several spots along the way to camp if you want including a creekside, bluff view, and directly next to the falls. Pack a water filter and pack in/out everything

David D.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 10, 2018

Virgin falls is worth the hike

Campgrounds are very primitive. No restrooms or running water. Everything will have to be packed in. Amazing views! Mutiple waterfalls and caves to explore. Highly recommend checking it out. Hike is around 8 miles round trip. Water filters would be a must in my book.

SiteMartha's pretty point #5

Month of VisitOctober

Frequently Asked Questions

What do reviews say about camping at Virgin Falls State Natural Area?

Virgin Falls State Natural Area offers truly primitive camping in a spectacular natural setting. The area features multiple waterfalls and caves to explore with an 8-mile round trip hike that's mostly downhill to the falls and uphill on the return. Camping is very basic with no restrooms or running water available, so everything must be packed in and out. A water filter is essential for this backcountry experience. Despite the challenging terrain, the stunning views and natural beauty make it highly recommended for those seeking an authentic wilderness experience.

Is camping allowed at Virgin Falls State Natural Area?

Yes, camping is allowed at Virgin Falls State Natural Area. The area is located within the Bridgestone-Firestone Centennial Wildlife Management Area and offers primitive backcountry camping opportunities. Be aware that this is a wildlife management area, so camping should be avoided during hunting seasons unless you are participating in the hunt. All sites are primitive with no facilities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

Where are the designated camping spots at Virgin Falls located?

Virgin Falls State Natural Area has three official camping areas: Cable Crossing, Martha's Pretty Point, and Virgin Falls itself. There's also a Caney Fork River Campsite that's less than half a mile from the falls. Martha's Pretty Point can be accessed via either the main trail (white blaze) or the Upland Trail (blue blaze). The camping area at Virgin Falls is closest to the main attraction but tends to be slightly inclined with limited flat space. Some sites feature pre-built fire pits and wooded, secluded settings. All trails are clearly marked with signs indicating directions to the various camping areas.

Do I need reservations for camping at Virgin Falls?

While the available information doesn't specifically mention a reservation system, it's always advisable to check with Tennessee State Parks or the managing agency before your trip. As a wildlife management area with designated primitive camping sites, there may be permits or registration required. Contact the park office directly for the most current information on any reservation or permit requirements before planning your backcountry camping trip.

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