Cumberland Trail State Park Campground

Open — Open year-round. Reservations are required for all backcountry campsites and can be made through the Tennessee State Parks reservation system. A $5 non-refundable reservation fee applies per site.

About

Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park is Tennessee's only linear state park, spanning over 33,500 acres across 11 counties and offering more than 200 miles of rugged hiking trails from Cumberland Gap to Signal Point near Chattanooga. The park provides primitive backcountry camping experiences at designated locations throughout the trail system. The primary developed camping areas are located within the Laurel Snow State Natural Area in Cumberland County. The Richland Creek Campground offers five backcountry campsites accessed by a 1.9-mile hike from the Laurel Snow Trailhead, while the Laurel Snow Campground provides three sites accessed by a 4.4-mile hike. All sites are partially shaded, level, and can accommodate up to six people and two tents per site. Additional backcountry camping opportunities exist in other sections of the trail, including the Frozen Head State Park section. Campers must be prepared for primitive conditions with no amenities. Water must be filtered from natural sources or carried in, and all visitors must arrive inside the Laurel Snow State Natural Area before 7:00 PM or before dark. The trail traverses diverse terrain including gorges, waterfalls, and forested ridges, offering experienced backpackers a true wilderness experience in Tennessee.

Directions

Multiple trailheads provide access to backcountry campsites along the Cumberland Trail. For Laurel Snow State Natural Area sites (Richland Creek and Laurel Snow campgrounds), use the Laurel Snow Trailhead. Sites require hikes of 1.9 to 4.4 miles from trailheads.

Nearby Campgrounds