Savage Gulf Campground in Palmer, TN
Guide for Campers and Hikers
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Palmer, TN GPS: 35.452304, -85.597572 Elevation: 1473′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – State Park Most places are $8 a night Hike in—usually less than two miles |
Previous Reviews:
Savage Gulf Campground: The road in is Dirt and 3 miles from a paved road. Savage Gulf is open 24/7/365. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. The campsites are large and very remote. You’ll need to hike in—usually less than two miles—to reach most backcountry campsites. The wild life here is also very active (and noisy!). Great hiking. Most places are $8 a night and each campsite has a fire pit and there is a public restroom.
About This Location
Savage Gulf Campground in Palmer, TN, is a solid pick for anyone who loves backcountry camping and hiking. Tucked away on the Cumberland Plateau, this place gives you that quiet wilderness vibe, with plenty of trails to wander and peaceful corners to pitch your tent. The campground has several secluded campsites, so you can actually hear the birds instead of the neighbors.
With over 50 miles of hiking trails, you’ll find routes leading to waterfalls and some pretty stunning overlooks. The campground really caters to folks who want to keep it simple—no RV hookups, limited vehicle access, and a real chance to unplug from all the noise. If you’re looking to get away from city chaos and just soak up Middle Tennessee’s rugged beauty, this is your spot.
Even though Savage Gulf is easy enough to get to from nearby towns, it still feels like you’re way out there. You can spend your days hiking, camping out in the backcountry, and just watching the stars come out—there’s something about Tennessee’s landscape that makes it all feel a bit magical.
Key Takeways
- Backcountry sites are perfect for hiking and camping.
- Over 50 miles of trails and loads of natural features.
- Limited vehicle access, so it’s a primitive camping kind of place.
Savage Gulf Campground In Palmer, TN
Savage Gulf Campground sits inside South Cumberland State Park, right on the Cumberland Plateau. The area is famous for its deep gorges and natural beauty. The park protects nearly 19,000 acres, with virgin forests and some seriously rugged terrain.
You’ll find several backcountry campgrounds along Savage Creek and Meadow Creek. These sites are pretty quiet and natural—some are primitive, with zero amenities, so you get a true wilderness feel.
More than 50 miles of hiking trails wind through the gorge, past waterfalls and rocky outcrops. Meadow Creek Campground has four new primitive sites and a group camping area about 5.5 miles from the East Entrance.
You’ll need to hike in—usually less than two miles—to reach most backcountry campsites. That keeps things secluded and helps the park stay wild. There’s also a backcountry cabin called Hobbs Cabin if you want a roof but still crave that remote vibe.
Savage Gulf is a big deal in Tennessee State Parks, offering deep gorges, clear creeks, and forested hills to explore. If you want a peaceful stay surrounded by nature and trails, this campground delivers.
Things To Do
There’s plenty to keep you busy at Savage Gulf Campground. Hiking is the main draw—over 50 miles of trails take you to overlooks, waterfalls, and quiet forest spots.
The Savage Falls Overlook is a must if you want to see the falls up close. The Savage Day Loop is a solid 4.2-mile hike with a nice mix of waterfalls, rocks, and woods.
For longer treks, the North Rim Trail and North Plateau Trail offer quieter paths with some great views. The Fiery Gizzard Trail is nearby too, and it’s famous for its scenery and a cool suspension bridge.
You’ll want to check out waterfalls like Laurel Falls and Greeter Falls—they’re close enough for a side trip. And after a long hike, the picnic area is a nice spot to catch your breath.
Rock climbing is an option if you know what you’re doing. Rattlesnake Point is a favorite for climbers.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Hike Savage Day Loop (4.2 miles)
- Visit Savage Falls and the overlook
- Explore North Rim and North Plateau Trails
- Cross the suspension bridge on Fiery Gizzard Trail
- See waterfalls like Laurel and Greeter Falls
- Picnic in the designated areas
- Try rock climbing at Rattlesnake Point
You’ll have plenty of ways to enjoy the wild side of Savage Gulf.
Directions
To get to Savage Gulf Campground, head toward Palmer, TN. The main entrance is at Savage Gulf North Trailhead, 1183 Stone Door Road. That’s where you’ll find the Stone Door Ranger Station and signs pointing you in the right direction.
If you’re coming via Highway 399, watch for the Savage Gulf entrance and ranger station about halfway between Cagle and Gruetli-Laager. That’s your landmark if you’re driving in. From there, local signs will guide you to the East Trailhead or Savage Gulf East Trailhead, depending on your route.
The campground itself sits about five miles from the Savage Gulf North parking lot. You’ll hike in along the Stone Door, Big Creek Gulf, and Connector trails. You can’t drive right up to the campground, so be ready for a moderate hike with your gear in tow.
Using a map or GPS app makes sense here—the trail network can get confusing. Mark the East Trailhead on your phone before you go. That way, you’ll know exactly where to start your hike into Savage Gulf.
You’ll park at the North Trailhead or Savage Gulf East Trailhead, then hike in. Plan ahead so you’re ready for the walk and don’t get caught off guard.
Vehicle Access
You’ll reach Savage Gulf Campground by car, but don’t plan on camping in your vehicle. Vehicle camping isn’t allowed inside the park. It’s all backcountry camping—no RVs or cars at the campsites overnight.
Four main parking areas sit near the trails and campsites. The Savage Gulf East Trailhead is a popular starting point and sits right by the Savage Ranger Station. The rangers there can help with info or permits if you need them.
If you park overnight, make sure you put your camping receipt or reservation name on the dashboard. Rangers check for this, and they don’t mess around with the rules. Camping outside designated spots or skipping reservations can land you a citation.
Parking lots are just a short walk—usually a few hundred yards—from the backcountry campsites. That keeps cars out of the wildest parts of the park.
If you’re confused about directions or vehicle rules, head to the Savage Ranger Station at the East Trailhead. They’ll set you straight and have maps on hand.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
RV and camping trailer options at Savage Gulf Campground are pretty limited since it’s all backcountry. The biggest RV you can bring is 15 feet—anything larger just won’t fit.
Most campsites are for tents or small trailers only. There aren’t any RV hookups—no water, electricity, or sewer—so you’ll need to bring your own supplies if you’re camping out of a vehicle.
Many sites have fire rings for cooking or staying warm, but space can get tight, so squeezing in a big trailer isn’t really practical.
If you’ve got a small trailer or a pop-up, you’ll still get that quiet, natural setting and easy access to trails. Honestly, the backcountry sites are the way to go if you want a remote experience over RV camping.
Parking is close to the camping spots, so unloading gear isn’t a huge hassle. Just make sure you stick to the designated parking to help keep the park in good shape.
If you want to be close to your camper, Savage Station Campground has sites just a few hundred yards from the parking lot. That’s handy if you don’t want to haul your stuff too far, but you’ll still feel like you’re out in nature.
All in all, Savage Gulf is best for smaller camping setups and tents—think simple and low-impact if you want the best experience.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At Savage Gulf Campground, some spots cost money, while others just need a permit. You’ll need to pay a $5 non-refundable reservation fee for each paid campsite. That small fee goes toward keeping the place running.
Stone Door Campground has about twelve paid backcountry campsites. Each one fits up to six people. These are a bit more structured than the free sites—maybe that’s a plus if you like a little order.
For most backcountry sites, you need a permit for hiking and camping. Savage Gulf offers over 70 backcountry campsites that require permits. Permits help protect the area and, honestly, keep things from getting too crowded or trashed.
Permit-required campsites are scattered around backcountry spots like Hobbs, Savage Falls, and Alum Gap. The permit system keeps the crowds in check.
Here’s a quick summary:
| Type | Sites Available | Requirement | Fee | Max Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paid Campsites | About 12 (Stone Door) | Reservation & Fee | $5 reservation | 6 per site |
| Permit Camping | Over 70 | Permit required | No extra fee | Varies |
If you’re planning to camp at Savage Gulf, it’s smart to sort out your permit or reservation ahead of time.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Fire Ring Restroom |
Tent Camping Hiking Rock Climbing Nature Walks Wildlife Viewing |
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