Cumberland Trail Camping
Notification Alert

Cumberland Trail Need to Know

Cumberland Trail State Park

Please exercise extreme caution while enjoying creek areas, including waterfalls. Water levels may change suddenly, running high and moving fast in many areas and posing increased safety risk. Check out our interactive map to plan your trip.

All Counties: All caves on lands managed by the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail are closed to the public at this time due to White Nose Syndrome.

  • A person with a backpack and a dog crosses a narrow metal bridge over a serene forest stream. Sunlight filters through lush green trees, creating a tranquil scene.
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    Reservations

    1-888-867-2757
    1-888-TN-PARKS

    Cove Creek Park Office

    1-423-562-1267

    Head of the Sequatchie Park Office

    & Cumberland Trail Office
    1-423-533-2928
    Reserve a Campsite

    Camping at Cumberland Trail

    Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park manages a scenic trail corridor that stretches across the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, connecting high ridges, deep gorges, and protected public lands across multiple regions of the state. The park is designed primarily for hikers seeking extended trail experiences through remote and rugged landscapes. 

    Camping within the park is limited to designated backcountry campsites located along the Cumberland Trail. These sites support overnight stays for both short hikes and longer through-hikes and are accessible only by hiking and require registration.

    • Leaf-covered forest floor with scattered trees in autumn.
    • Forest clearing with trees, leaf-covered ground, and small stone piles.
    • Forest floor covered with fallen leaves, surrounded by trees.
    • Forest floor covered in fallen leaves, with scattered tree trunks and undergrowth.
    • Forest clearing with fallen leaves and scattered logs.
    • Richland Creek Campsites map with numbered locations 1 to 5.

    Richland Creek Campsites

    Backcountry Camping

    The Richland Creek Campground offers five backcountry campsites with a max occupancy of six people per campsite. The five partially shaded, level sites can accommodate up to two tents per site. Entering from the Laurel Snow Trailhead, the campground is a 1.9 mile hike toward the Snow Falls Trail Junction.

    Please note that all visitors camping in this area must be inside Laurel Snow State Natural Area before 7:00 PM (or before dark).

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    • Rock circle in a snowy, wooded forest clearing.
    • Forest trail with light snow and fallen leaves.
    • Forest trail with sparse snow on leaves, surrounded by bare trees.
    • Map highlighting Laurel Snow Campsites near Morgan Creek and Snow Falls Trail.

    Laurel Snow Campsites

    Backcountry Camping

    Laurel Snow Campground offers three backcountry campsites with a maximum occupancy of six people per campsite. The three partially shaded, level sites can hold up to two tents per site. Entering from the Laurel Snow Trailhead, the campground is a 4.4 mile hike toward the Snow Falls Trail Junction. 

    Please note that all visitors camping in this area must be inside Laurel Snow State Natural Area before 7:00 PM (or before dark).

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    Friends of the Cumberland Trail 
    Learn more about other camping opportunities along the Cumberland Trail.

    Go To Friends Site Now

    Details You Should Know

    Whether you are on a short weekend adventure or a long through-hike, the Cumberland Trail offers hikers the opportunity to camp overnight in the backcountry.

    For those looking to camp in the Frozen Head State Park section of the Cumberland Trail, reservations can be made on our reservation site. Hiking is required to reach all campsites.

    • Capacity

      There are two camping areas within the Laurel Snow State Natural Area with 8 backcountry campsites. Each site is limited to six people.

    • Water

      Water must be filtered from natural sources or carried in, so please check with the ranger stations about water availability.

    • Hiking In

      Please allow enough time to reach your destination during daylight hours. All visitors camping in this area must be inside Laurel Snow State Natural Area before 7:00 PM (or before dark).

    • Leave No Trace

      Sites do not have a privy or outhouse at this time, so please follow Leave No Trace. Campers must deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. 

    • Availability

      Cumberland Trail State Park encourages visitors to reserve their campsite early to ensure they have a site upon arrival. 

      Registration is required for all approved campsite locations. Please submit your registration on the friends' site using this form. For help locating campsites and parking areas, visit the interactive map.

    Firewood Policy 

    Tennessee State Parks asks that ALL campfires be made with heat-treated wood or downed wood collected inside the park, near the campsite. Please refrain from bringing untreated wood into the park.  

    • Protect Tennessee Forests 

      To learn more about the pests that threaten Tennessee and what you can do to help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive pests, click the link below.

      Learn More

    • Don’t Move Firewood 

      To learn more about Don’t Move Firewood, click the link below.

      Learn More

    • Find Firewood Vendors 

      Find firewood vendors near you, when you are at the park, or on the way.

    Discover More at Cumberland Trail

    Visit the Gift Shop

    Cumberland Trail State Park has several gift shops.

      • Gift shop with Cumberland Trail shirts, plush toys, and brochures.

      Cove Creek Visitor Center Gift Shop

      The Cove Creek Visitor Center Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a map, learn about the park, or find a souvenir. You’ll find an assortment of apparel and keepsakes to remember your trip to the park.

      Address:
      220 Park Road, Caryville TN, 37714
      1-423-562-1267

      Hours: 
      Weekdays
      8:00 AM - 4:30 PM EST

      • Old mill by a river with a gentle waterfall, surrounded by hills and grassy banks.

      Head of Sequatchie Visitor Center Gift Shop

      The Head of Sequatchie Visitor Center Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a map, learn about the park, or find a souvenir. You’ll find an assortment of apparel and keepsakes to remember your trip to the park.

      Address:
      270 Glyph Parkway, Pikeville TN, 37367
      1-423-533-2928

      Hours: 
      8:00 AM - 4:00 PM CST

    Explore the Park

    Inspiration

    Get Inspired

    Cumberland Trail Jr. Ranger Camp

    Cumberland Trail State Park
    small plant growing in between a open area between some wood with a blue highlight

    More Parks with Camping

    Other Activities at Cumberland Trail State Park