The Best Tennessee State Park Campgrounds Near Waterfalls

If your perfect trip includes a campsite, a waterfall stop, and s’mores—of course—then this list will make you smile. I’m sharing Tennessee state park campgrounds near waterfalls where you can camp close to the action and chase epic falls within minutes. You can snap a quick overlook photo or lace up your boots and hike in for the full wow factor. So grab your calendar, pick your dates, and let’s plan a Tennessee waterfall camping trip you’ll talk about all year.

Tennessee Falls Worth the Chase

Tennessee waterfalls are unforgettable. You’ll find tall, powerful falls on the Cumberland Plateau and smaller cascades in East Tennessee. In spring, heavy rain makes the water rush strong and loud. After a good rain, many of the best waterfalls in Tennessee still flow well in summer and fall.

So if you love fresh air and simple outdoor fun, Tennessee waterfalls deliver. Some have easy overlooks. Others require a short hike. Either way, the views are worth it.

→ For more trip ideas, explore our Tennessee State Parks Complete Guide for camping, hiking, waterfalls, and more.

7 Tennessee State Park Campgrounds Near Waterfalls

These Tennessee waterfalls sit within an easy drive of some of the best Tennessee state parks camping spots. So you can sleep under the stars, wake up to fresh mountain air, and head straight to nearby falls for an overlook view or a fun hike.

Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

If you want classic Tennessee waterfall views with easy access, start here. You’ll find multiple waterfalls located inside Fall Creek Falls State Park, so you can camp once and fill your trip with waterfall stops.

Fall Creek Falls (located inside the state park)

• See it: Scenic overlook with no hiking required.
• Get closer: Hike to the base via the Woodland Trail (moderate going down, strenuous climb back up with stairs).
• Trail length (via Woodland Trail): About 2 miles roundtrip.

This 256-foot drop is the park’s main showstopper and one of the most famous Tennessee waterfalls.

Cane Creek Falls (located inside the state park)

• See it: Easy walk to the overlook with no real hiking required.
• Get closer: If you want to see more, you can hike to more viewpoints.
• Trail length: About 2–4 miles roundtrip depending on your route.

This one feels like a bonus waterfall you can add without turning your day into a huge hike.

Piney Creek Falls (located inside the state park)

• See it: You’ll need to hike to reach it.
• Trail: Moderate hike with some steeper sections.

This waterfall feels more tucked away, so it’s a fun pick when you want a quieter trail moment.

Rock Island State Park Campground (Middle Tennessee)

Rock Island State Park sits in Middle Tennessee, and it’s a great basecamp for waterfalls and river views. For Tennessee state park camping, this campground puts you close to two famous waterfalls located inside the park, plus an easy day trip to another waterfall park nearby.

Twin Falls (located inside the state park)

• See it: Easy overlook with a short walk from parking. No hiking required to see the waterfall.
• Trail option: Although you don’t hike directly to the falls, other trail systems in the park can take you closer to the river and gorge views.

This is a great swimming and wading spot when you’re camping in the park, but water levels can change fast, so always check posted signs.

Great Falls (located inside the state park)

• See it: Scenic overlooks with short, easy walks from parking. No major hiking required for the main views.
• Trail option: Park trails let you explore farther along the river and gorge for different viewpoints.

When you’re camping at Rock Island, this area is another fun place to cool off, but avoid the water when currents look strong or after heavy rain.

Burgess Falls (about 25–30 minutes from the campground)

• Get closer: Moderate hike to the main overlooks.
• Trail length: About 1.5 miles roundtrip.

This 136-foot waterfall makes an easy half-day adventure and adds another big wow stop to your weekend.

→ Check availability for Rock Island State Park campground and lock in your dates early.

South Cumberland State Park – Foster Falls Campground (Middle Tennessee)

South Cumberland State Park sits on the Cumberland Plateau in Middle Tennessee, and it’s a top pick if you want dramatic gorge views and waterfalls that feel wild. You can camp at Foster Falls Campground with primitive drive-up sites (no hookups), and you can also choose backcountry campsites if you want a hike-in adventure.

Foster Falls (located inside the state park)

• See it: Scenic overlook with a short walk from parking.
• Get closer: Hike down to the base (moderate going down, strenuous climb back up).
• Trail length: Expect a short hike to the bottom, but the climb out will work your legs.

This 60-foot waterfall drops into a rocky gorge and looks especially impressive after rain.

Denny Cove Falls (a short drive away)

• Get closer: Moderate hike to reach the waterfall.
• Trail length: About 3 miles roundtrip.

This one feels like a hidden gem and makes a fun add-on if you want more trail time.

→ Check availability for Foster Falls Campground and lock in your dates early.

Cumberland Mountain State Park (Middle Tennessee)

Cumberland Mountain State Park sits near Crossville and makes a great basecamp for waterfall day trips. While the park itself focuses more on lake views and easy hiking, you’re within a short drive of some impressive Tennessee waterfalls.

Ozone Falls (about 20–25 minutes away)

• See it: Scenic overlook near the parking area.
• Get closer: Short but steep walk down to the base.
• Trail length: Less than 1 mile roundtrip to reach the bottom.

This 110-foot waterfall drops into a deep pool and feels dramatic after rain.

→ Check availability for Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground and start planning your waterfall weekend.

Cove Lake State Park Campground (East Tennessee)

Cove Lake State Park sits in East Tennessee near the base of the Cumberland Mountains. The campground feels peaceful and lakeside, and you can pair your camping stay with nearby Tennessee waterfall hikes.

Little Egypt / Triple Falls (about 10 minutes away)

Get closer: Moderate hike to reach the falls.
Trail length: About 2–3 miles roundtrip.
These layered waterfalls feel tucked away and make a fun adventure after a good rain.

O&W Bridge Area Falls (varies by trail)

Get closer: Short hikes lead to smaller cascades in the surrounding forest areas.
These smaller waterfalls make great bonus stops when you want something less crowded.

When you’re camping at Cove Lake, this setup gives you a mix of lake time and waterfall exploring in one trip.

→ Check availability for Cove Lake State Park Campground and secure your campsite early.

Roan Mountain (East Tennessee)

Roan Mountain State Park sits in the Appalachian Highlands of East Tennessee and gives you cool mountain air, river views, and easy access to scenic waterfall hikes nearby. This TN state park campground offers tent and RV sites, so it works well for families or longer stays.

Laurel Fork Falls (about 20–25 minutes away)

• Get closer: Moderate hike to reach the waterfall.
• Trail length: About 4–5 miles roundtrip.

This 50-foot waterfall flows beautifully after rain and makes a rewarding mountain hike.

Jones Falls (about 15–20 minutes away)

• Get closer: Moderate hike through forest and along streams.
• Trail length: About 4–5 miles roundtrip.

This tall, narrow waterfall feels peaceful and less crowded than some of the bigger-name falls.

While Roan Mountain State Park doesn’t have a major waterfall inside the park itself, it makes a strong basecamp for exploring some of the best waterfalls in Tennessee’s northeast corner.

→ Check availability for Roan Mountain State Park Campground and plan your mountain waterfall escape.

Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park (Middle Tennessee, Hike-In Backcountry Sites Only)

Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park sits near Sparta in Middle Tennessee and delivers steep canyon walls, rugged trails, and some of the most unique waterfalls in the state. Camping here is hike-in only. You’ll carry your gear to designated backcountry camping sites, so this TN state park is best for experienced campers who want a true wilderness feel.

Virgin Falls (located inside the state park)

• Get closer: Challenging hike to reach the waterfall.
• Trail length: About 8–10 miles roundtrip depending on your route.

Virgin Falls flows out of a cave, drops over 100 feet into a sinkhole, and disappears underground. It’s one of the most unforgettable Tennessee waterfalls, but it requires a full day and solid preparation.

Lost Creek Falls (located inside the state park)

• Get closer: Moderate hike to reach the falls.
• Trail length: Around 2 miles roundtrip.

This waterfall also flows from a cave and makes a shorter option if you want a rewarding hike without committing to Virgin Falls.

This park is ideal for hikers who want Tennessee state park camping near waterfalls that feels remote and adventurous.

→ Check permit requirements and backcountry site availability before planning your Scott’s Gulf trip.

Ready to Chase Waterfalls in Tennessee?

Tennessee makes it easy to camp close to unforgettable waterfalls. Choose an easy-overlook trip, plan a moderate hike, or go all-in with a backcountry TN state park camping adventure. Either way, you’ll wake up outdoors and spend the day chasing some of the best waterfalls in Tennessee.

Now pick your park, grab your calendar, and get your Tennessee waterfall camping trip on the books.