The best camping near Savage Gulf State Park

Tennessee’s Savage Gulf State Park spans some 19,000 acres around the Savage Gulf State Natural Area and along the western shelf of the Cumberland Plateau. The park’s soaring sandstone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and deciduous forests make a gorgeous backdrop for hiking, camping, and rock climbing. The nine campgrounds are made up of a mix of walk-in and backcountry sites with no drive-up options. These campgrounds are distributed around 60 miles of hiking trails that interlace the park’s vistas, springs, and historic sites like Stagecoach Road. A standout feature of the park is the Great Stone Door, a towering cliff line that stands sentinel over the Savage Gulf. Its name springs from a giant crack running from the cliff's top to its base, suggesting the image of a giant door left slightly ajar. The nearest town is Beersheba Springs, while Chattanooga is an 80-minute drive away.

• Best for walk-in camping: Stone Door and Savage Station campgrounds are just a few hundred yards from the parking area.
• Best for backcountry camping: Collins West and Savage Falls campgrounds are both close to waterfalls.
• Best for cabin camping: You can stay in a rustic cabin with bunk beds and a fireplace at the Hobbs Cabin Campground.

• All Savage Gulf State Park campsites—even those deep in the backcountry—must be reserved in advance. No sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Reservations can be made up to one year in advance, either online or by calling (888) 867-2757.
• Because the Stone Door and Savage Station campgrounds have the shortest approach from the parking lot, they tend to book up first.

Savage Gulf State Park’s peak season is summer, when visitors enjoy temperatures in the mid-80s with some humidity. Impressive spring wildflower and fall foliage displays are compelling reasons to plan a shoulder season trip. Although the park is open year-round, winters are cold, with the possibility of snow and ice. Avoid holiday weekends if you prefer a quieter experience.

• With the exception of water stations at Stone Door and Savage Station, no potable water is provided at Savage Gulf campgrounds. This means all water must be carried in or filtered from natural sources. Some of these sources (streams, spring, or falls) are seasonal, so it's best to consult with park rangers about water access both when planning your trip and before heading out. You can reach the park rangers at (931) 692-3887.
• Remember to pack out all trash and leave no trace to preserve the park's natural beauty.
• Cell service may be limited, so download maps and important information before you arrive.
• Hike-in distances to each campground vary—Stone Door and Savage Station are several hundred feet, Collins West is  a half-mile, Savage Falls is 1.5 miles, Alum Gap is 2.9 miles, Dinky Line is 3.5 miles, Sawmill is 4.2 miles, Stagecoach Road is 6.1 miles, and Hobbs Cabin is 8.5 miles.
• Top-rope climbing is permitted in the Stone Door area. Advanced online registration required. There are additional crags nearby at South Cumberland State Park, and you'll find outdoor/climbing stores in Chattanooga.
• If you're looking for the convenience of a drive-up campground, try the nearby South Cumberland State Park.