The best camping near South Cumberland State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next South Cumberland State Park adventure.

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Community favorites near South Cumberland State Park

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Top-rated campgrounds near South Cumberland State Park

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The Falls at Sewanee Creek

11 sites · Lodging, Tents45 acres · Tracy City, TN

45 private acres on our homestead for you to roam. Seven eclectic sites to choose from ranging from primitive camping to a lovely log cabin. All except the log cabin lovingly built by the owner, loaded with creative touches. Featuring: * Two gorgeous waterfalls. Each of our stay-sites are located within about 100-150 yards of Fifty-foot tall Miller’s Falls. * A large cave at the end of a short, but rugged hike. * A fairy Village filled with Hollow Oak Tree Fairy homes. The trees glow after dark. Magical. * Three acres for group camping centered on a well-equipped, covered outdoor kitchen. * Peaceful Meditation Retreats at the Outdoor Kitchen under brain-wave enhancing satellite dishes. * Certified Hypnotherapy Disclaimer: The flow of the waterfall is subject to fluctuations in temperature, seasonal droughts, & rain fall. The most favorable seasons for waterfall flow are fall, winter & early spring. We came to this magical place to found a self-reliant, homesteading eco-community when I retired from corporate life in 2006. It's called the Village on Sewanee Creek, named for the creek 800 feet below the bluff where we are located. I traveled the world as a senior executive for Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin' Donuts, Papa Johns, Blockbuster, 7-Eleven and other retail franchises, making the world safe for Pizza, Ice Cream, Pancakes Video Rentals and American convenience. And I was ready for something more fufilling. I scouted for a place of exquisite natural beauty and I found it here. I bought way too much land just before the real estate bust and learned how to turn a nice fortune into a very small one. I faced challenges and had lots of fun. Now I want to share our experience. It's the Village 2.0 for guests. Or not. Life in the city is OK as long as you can get away frequently. I'm convinced if you love nature and the outdoors, this is the best place to celebrate it.

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Fireside Camp + Lodge

27 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Sequatchie, TN

Tucked away on Sequatchie Mountain, this little campground and hostel invites you to experience some of East Tennessee's best parks for climbing and hiking. Cliffs and waterfalls are minutes away at near by Foster Falls, Denny Cove and Castle Rock. The hostel offers 3 bedrooms, fast internet, complete kitchen, comfortable beds, smart TV, fire pit, and laundry. The campground offers dispersed sites with fire pits and picnic tables, as well as clean bathrooms and a communal barn with a microwave, fridge, games, tables and chairs. You can walk our 22 acres and even take a short hike out to our bluff. Make sure to say "Hi" to our chickens and our barn cat, Strawberry, on the way. Add in the view of the stars and that makes this the perfect basecamp after a long day out.

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Elk Head Overlook

4 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Pelham, TN

**Please note the address is 9665 SR 50, Pelham, TN 37301** The best part about this site are the views! Relax on the side of the Cumberland Plateau while overlooking Burroughs Cove and the Elk River. Need firewood? Please let us know at least 48 hours prior to arrival and we can coordinate to have it delivered to your campsite before you arrive, enough wood for the night (and then some) $35. Specific Details: **Please note the address is 9665 SR 50, Pelham, TN 37301** You can see the sites from the main road, different maps (Google/Apple/etc.) show slight variations such as 9665 SR-50 or 9665 TN-50. If you find yourself on a gravel road for more than 50ft, STOP and verify the address. There is an electrical box at each end of the graveled parking area (Sites 1 and 2) with 20- and 30-amp plugs, plus 110v. If the power is not working, please check the panel and turn on/reset the breakers, many of our guests turn them off when departing. If you are at Site #2 and the steps above do not work, please check/do the same at the Site #1 panel (it is the master power source). Water is NOT available on site. NOTE: Depending on the time of year (warmer months only) a water container with a limited amount of NON-POTABLE water is on site for your use. Please plan on filling your water reservoir(s) PRIOR to arriving at the site. There is an outhouse for all guests, and picnic tables and fire rings for Sites 1 and 2. We are located just minutes away from The Caverns, South Cumberland State Park, Bigfoot Adventures, and many other outdoor attractions and hiking opportunities. The graveled camping area is fairly close to SR-50 so please expect to hear some road noise, more so in the winter months. The entrance/driveway is on a small incline, if you are traveling with a light vehicle and a heavy camper, its best to maintain a slow and steady speed to the camp site (for almost everyone, this is not an issue). If you are towing a camper, we recommend the total length of the vehicle and the trailer not exceeding 30ft, longer set ups can (and have been used) without issue. However, there is not a significant place to "turn around" at the sites and novice drivers (not used to backing out of tight spots with long rigs) may find this very challenging. Need firewood? Please let us know at least 48 hours prior to arrival and we will attempt to coordinate having it delivered to your campsite before you arrive, enough wood for the night (and then some) $35. This is a 3rd party service and not always available, please be proactive and plan accordingly. There is a double gate that is usually closed, and latched so it stays closed, it is not "locked". The site is self-serve (not manned), Site #1 is to the left, Site #2 is to the right, and Site #3 is down the path past the outhouse at the bottom of the path. It is recommended that campers set up early for Site 3 (still daylight) to get an idea of the layout. Parking for Site #3 is by the shed at the main entrance and power is not available at the site.

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Magnolia Campground at Hixson Farms

5 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Chickamauga, GA

Are you trying to talk your spouse into moving to a farm and starting your own homestead? Come spend time on a real working farmstead. Spend your days petting goats, feeding snacks to the pigs, and listening to cows moo in the field. Collect your own eggs from the coop and fresh veggies from the garden. Meet Fergus and Ellie, our Scottish Highland calves. Then hang out by the campfire or swing in a hammock in the evenings. Take a tour of our 12 acres and learn the ins and outs of homesteading. We are a first-generation farm and we love sharing our passion. You’ll be picking out a farm of your own in no time! Includes 30 or 50 amp hook-ups, septic, water, and wi-fi. Just a few miles from Cloudland Canyon State Park and historic downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Chickamauga, Georgia.

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(284)

Running Water Creek

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Guild, TN

Running Water Creek is a unique, fully off grid campground just 20 minutes to downtown Chattanooga. We have 80+ campsites spread out over 120 acres. Most of the roads are accessible in any small car, but some roads require 4x4 (they're marked with a sign). We have a bath house with toilets, showers, and sinks and even offer hot water! Our well and cabins are all solar powered as we are not on the electric grid. Some info about the property: -we DO NOT have water or power hookups -we have gravel roads with a 5 MPH speed limit on the property (if you drive too fast the roads will seem rough) -we are right next to a highway and train tracks so there will be some noise (some days are better than others and we have no way of predicting how many trains will/will not go by) -none of our campsites have picnic tables (please plan accordingly) -most campsites have fire rings built, but if you choose a site without one you need to build your own

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The Ole Place

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents35 acres · Whitwell, TN

35 mostly wooded acres with a 3acre stocked pond (catch and release)for a small group or private getaway. Wildlife viewing, walking, atv riding. Within about 50 miles of Chattanooga, TN. river and other parks, mountains etc.nearby. Will have a couple of camper spots and One cabin with electricity, one camper site with full hookups and one with electricity and water. Dump station,Outhouses onsite, and a shower.

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Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground

95 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Chattanooga, TN

Here in Lookout Valley, you’ll have access to stunning views, top-notch amenities, and dedicated, hardworking staff that provides exceptional hospitality. Whether you’re camping with us, staying in one of our beautiful cabins, or taking a tour of our spectacular caverns, you’ll love the tranquility of our retreat. Experience the wonder of a natural underground world at Raccoon Mountain Caverns! Rated as the #1 ‘Thing To Do’ in Chattanooga on TripAdvisor, with over 5.5 miles of passageways, our caverns boast an incredibly well-preserved landscape filled with countless natural formations. Considered one of the most geologically active caverns in the south, you’ll be amazed by the beauty that surrounds you. Don’t miss out on this adventure!

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Hammock’Sway Off Grid Private Camp

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents37 acres · Rock Island, TN

Get Lost or Find Yourself. Sway Camping is a private, Off Grid camping experience in Rock Island TN. Situated between Isha Yoga center, Fall Creek Falls, and Rock Island state park, this property is something special. Each campsite offers a private space perfect for getting away, or large enough for family and groups. Pet Friendly property with lots of room to be a part of nature along the beautiful Rocky River. Camp along the river or up in your own private forest. One of the darkets skies around so be ready for some stargazing at night by the fire. This is a property I purchased in 2018 to create a camping experience that reflected the image of camping as a kid. This isn’t a "hotel without walls." This is real camping. No phone signal. No electric wires. Just nature and beauty in a quiet environment. Get lost or find yourself relaxing along the Rocky River. Stay in a hammock, a tent, camper, RV, or one of our cabins. Privacy and freedom is what we are about. Pet friendly camping that should be shared, but please don't tell everyone you know. Only your favorite people.. Then come camp!

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Woodybrooke Farm Campground

12 sites · RVs, Tents650 acres · Ider, AL

FREE CANOE RENTAL with any booking for Spring 2024!! Pristine property with 4 stocked fishing ponds. Camp privately beside the water and relax in the canopy of our certified Alabama Treasured Forest. Swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife and bird watching. Amenities and activities available at Woodybrooke: *4 stocked ponds with bream and bass for fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking. *On-site canoe, jon boat and kids' kayaks rental available. *Firewood for campfires for purchase or wild harvest *Pristine private camping in a certified Alabama treasured forest on the southern edge of Cumberland Plateau *Hiking, biking, and wildlife watching opportunities *Potable fresh spring water available year-round. Complimentary coffee and tea. available for purchase farm-fresh eggs. *Hot outdoor shower, composting toilet, and community kitchen with drinkable spring water from the spigot and electricity ay community kitchen. *Electrical available at sites 6, 7, and 8 *Wi-Fi at commons area. Located a short distance renowned Cloudland Canyon, Little River Canyon, DeSoto State Park, Lookout Mountain hang gliding, horseback riding and the artsy community of Mentone Alabama. Located 35 minutes from Chattanooga on southern edge of Cumberland plateau. Easy drive to amazing overlooks. We are 97 miles from Atlanta, 107 miles from Birmingham, 120 miles from Nashville located 5 minutes off interstate! GPS location is 34.70560* N, 85.61740*

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South Suckcreek Campground

20 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Chattanooga, TN

Learn more about this land: Enjoy sunset views of the mountains, plus trails for bicycling, motorcycle riding, 4-wheelers nearby. Set on a low traffic road at the foot of the mountain, this property is close to Prentice Cooper State Forest. Find kayak rentals at the foot of the mountain!

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Mountainview Rock Island rv/tent

1 site · RV, Tent16 acres · Rock Island, TN

Little Bone Cave campground is in the mountains of Tennessee with hiking trails and a beautiful view located on 16 acres. This campground adjoins Bone Cave State Natural Area located in Van Buren County. Big Bone Cave is a 400 acre natural area with trails and a cave that contained bones of a giant ground sloth discovered in 1811 and is maintained by Rock Island State Park. The cave is not currently open to the public. Rock Island State Park (swimming, fishing and hiking) is only 6 miles from the campground and Fall Creek Falls State Park (swimming, fishing, hiking and home of the Annual Mountaineer Folk Festival) is a beautiful 25 mile drive through the winding roads and mountains of Van Buren county. A public boat ramp maintained by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is two miles away to access the Caney Fork River. Come enjoy with friends and family. Campsite #1, "Valley View" is a Rv with 30 amp electric with sewer and water or it can be a primitive campsite that is a wide open space and is approximately 1-2 acres with a beautiful view overlooking the valley below. We do have electric, sewer and water 340 gl tank with a hose, a picnic table and a fire ring at this site. if you'd prefer, you can locate a spot of your choosing off the beaten path anywhere within our 16 acres (ask the hostess for details). We now have rv hook up with a 30 amp electric service, sewer and water available. We have wildlife such as bobcats, coyotes, deer, owls, snakes, turkeys and rumor has it, maybe even a bigfoot. I hope you come enjoy friends, family and nature to make this an incredible experience.

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Little Bluff

1 site · RV, Tent30 acres · Wildwood, GA

Just ten miles from Downtown Chattanooga, Little Buff is the spot to park your van or pitch your tent! We have beautiful mountain views and convenient access to I-24. The Tennessee River, historic attractions, outdoor adventures, and urban life are all nearby. Enjoy a private, roomy campsite with a fine gravel surface, fire pit, bench, and observation point. You will have plenty of space for your rig, vehicles, tents tables and chairs, canopy, or whatever clever camping system you employ. There's an outhouse, a potable water hydrant, and an electric power station on the property. Be sure to check out the extras. We have Firewood for sale: $10 for a big bundle of seasoned, split hardwood. Don't forget the kindling for a quick blaze! We can also supply a generator, all gassed up and ready to go. Please take a moment to read and observe the RULES. They are simple and important. We want to keep your visit fun and safe and affordable, as well as preserve the property for future guests. We are so glad you are coming to Little Bluff. Thank you for booking and enjoy your stay!

The best camping near South Cumberland State Park guide

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations are required for both Foster Falls and the backcountry. Booking in advance is recommended.
Bookings can easily be secured online or by phone, up to one year in advance.
Double-check your dates: Booking fees are non-refundable.

When to go

South Cumberland State Park is open year-round but most visitors are drawn to the park in the summer, when temperatures are typically in the low 80s, to take advantage of its swimming spots, including creeks and lakes. Spring and fall are also attractive times of year, promising cooler temperatures on the trails and migrating birds. Winter temperatures are typically in the mid to high 40s.

Know before you go

Campfires must only be made with heat-treated wood (for sale in the park) or downed wood collected inside the park, near the campsite. Bringing untreated wood into the park is prohibited.
Detailed trail maps can be found at the seasonal South Cumberland Visitor Center, the Stone Door Ranger Station, and the Savage Gulf Ranger Station.
Black bears are present in the park, so visitors should take precautions.