Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Almost 30,000 acres of supremely wooded land atop the Cumberland Plateau comprise Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee. The Civilian Conservation Corps, created in the wake of the Great Depression, was instrumental in building the infrastructure for the park, which came under the protection of the state in 1944. These conservation efforts produced one of the most popular natural attractions in Tennessee.
Today, Fall Creek Falls State Park is an incredible destination for outdoor enthusiasts and naturalists. Visitors come from all over the region to view one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi and to explore and play in the gorgeous wooded, hilly landscape. As you travel across Tennessee in your rental RV, Fall Creek Falls State Park is definitely worth your time.
Visitors come from all over to view the spectacular namesake Fall Creek Falls. At a height of 256 feet, it is one of the tallest falls east of the Mississippi. The deep gorge carved out by the falls makes for a fantastic backdrop that makes it look like the falls are on display.
You will also be able to view five other major waterfall features throughout the park. Coon Creek Falls is only slightly smaller at 250 feet, while the remaining falls are still significant and range between 40-125 feet. The hiking trails do a great job of getting you to the various falls for your enjoyment.
Put on those boots and get to hiking the park’s more than 56 miles of trails. Whether you’re looking for a full day hike or a leisurely stroll, you’ll find a trail that’s right for you. Trails range from just a quarter mile all the way to 14.
One unique aspect of the trail system is that you’ll have the option to do some backcountry camping off the trail, if you wish. The long Upper Loop (14 miles) and Lower Loop (13.2 miles) are designated overnight trails and you are permitted to pitch a tent where you please among the trees.
Feeling a little adventurous? Give rock climbing a try at Copperhead Rock. The climbing routes are well designed for beginners and experts alike and anchors are already in place on the rock face. Some climbers prefer to get their kicks by repelling instead.
If your whole group is new to climbing and doesn’t have any gear, try to attend the park’s climbing workshop to learn the ropes (check with park staff for when they occur). All climbers must also register before climbing in any Tennessee park. Permits are free and can be found at the park headquarters.
A rare occurrence at a state park, you’ll be able to hit the links at Fall Creek Falls State Park. The full size, 18-hole championship course is a par 72, measuring at 6,667 yards from the tips. The course is well maintained and has repeatedly earned high honors as a fantastic public course.
Golfing at the park is popular and it can be difficult to walk on, so reserving a tee time is highly encouraged. Don’t worry if you don’t have space for or forgot to pack your clubs; the clubhouse has rentals available. All that swinging can work up an appetite and conveniently, you can also grab a quick bite at the snack bar.
Looking for excitement? Look no further than the Canopy Challenge Course. Your two-and-a-half-hour experience will be filled with fantastic views and heart-pounding challenges as you navigate a series of obstacles suspended in the treetops.
Tickets must be purchased to partake in the Challenge Course and due to its popularity, buying in advance is recommended. The course is fairly dynamic and open to children as young as four (with proper supervision) and is also suitable for seniors as well. Try something completely different this camping trip and conquer this high rope course.
There’s an impressive RV camping scene within the park. The onsite campgrounds offer 222 campsites that are suitable for rigs up to 65 feet in length. All sites have water and electrical hookups and if you prefer, 92 of these sites also have a sewer hookup. Staying here allows you constant access to all of the fun activities in the park. Groceries are available at the camp store and you can also find some sandwiches and other snacks at the pool’s snack bar or in the golf clubhouse.
About 12 miles to the south, Mountain Glen RV Park and Campground is a solid Fall Creek Falls RV park to set up camp for the night. All of your necessities will be covered by your full hookup access and any of the 41 RV sites. Some nice touches are the private bathrooms, laundry facility, and general store with essentials. For fun, check out the game room, playground, lawn games, or ping pong table. There’s also great catch and release fishing at the two-acre pond on site.
South of the nearby town of Pikeville, you’ll find the quaint R and R RV Campground. A small campground with just 17 sites, R and R is geared towards a quiet and peaceful RV camping experience. All of the sites have water and electric access, but only five are full hookup capable. The camp store across the road has all of the essentials and for a hot bite to eat, you’ll be close by to the town of Dunlap with a variety of dining options.
If you’re craving the most authentic camping experience available in an RV, Hammock’Sway may be right for you. This is not a traditional campground, but rather a beautiful area with enclaves carved into the lush forest and situated near a river for you to immerse yourself in nature. Each RV area is extremely private and well-spaced out from surrounding spaces. There are no hookups or amenities here, but if you are craving that ‘all-alone’ feel, this is the perfect place to set up camp and it’s only 20 miles from the park.
Just a little more than 21 miles to the northeast of the park, Breckenridge Lake RV Campground is a quaint ‘mom and pop’ operation. RV sites have full hookup capability and Wi-Fi is available park wide. Amenities include free firewood, laundry machines, a bathhouse, and propane service. Nearby, enjoy the local winery, museums, and hiking trails.
You can grab a casual bite to eat at the Snackbar Grill (located right next to the pool) which serves hot and cold food from all three meals. The fare is American fast food, with burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, french fries, personal pizzas etc. The camp store also has groceries if you would like to make a meal or two yourself.
The town of Pikeville is just a few miles southeast of the park and has a cluster of dining options to offer, including BBQ, an ice cream shop, Mexican, and a few American cafés and fast-food joints. A couple of miles to the northwest, Spencer offers a Chinese buffet, a small town American diner, and a couple of chains. If you’re craving more options, drive a little further up to Sparta for a more diverse selection.
No matter where you stay, all of the outdoor fun around the thunder of the falls will be a fantastic memory for you and your family. Make sure you take a day or two to enjoy Fall Creek Falls State Park on your RV camping trip through Tennessee.