Sleeping in a sleeping bag, shared toilets, unpredictable weather and risk of waking up lying on the ground is what puts people off camping.
But never fear ‘glamping’ is here!
While Tennessee has no deficit of campgrounds, cabins and rentals, there are some great locations across the state where you can be surprisingly close to some of the state’s magnificent outdoor without parting ways with a bed, a private bath, air conditioning or even a hot tub.
Two such options are operated by Tennessee Glamping with one close to Savage Gulf in Altamont and another at Center Hill Lake near Smithville.
One is near Savage Gulf in Altamont and the other overlooks Center Hill Lake in Smithville, both in Middle Tennessee but different experiences.
Altamont is great if hiking and waterfalls and the Cumberland Plateau are what are drawing you there.
The Smithville property aligns more closely with spending your mornings overlooking a lake and your weekends out on a boat, fishing or adventitious state park exploration.
Here’s what to know about both before you book.
Tennessee Glamping Near Savage Gulf, Altamont
Address: 2902 Gap Road, Altamont, TN 37301
The Altamont property is on the Cumberland Plateau within a few miles to one of the most beautiful wild places in Tennessee: Savage Gulf.
If you are going for a weekend of hiking and waterfalls but do not crave a tent at the end of the day, then this locale starts to make a lot of sense.
Tennessee Glamping currently offers several geodesic domes here, along with a converted school bus called the Snuggle Bus. (tennessee-glamping.com)
The domes are far more luxurious than the word “camping” implies.
Listings mention actual beds, heating and air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, hot tubs and baths, en suite bathrooms, private outdoor decks on the domes, even hot tubs and fire pits for five of the domes within Savage Gulf. (tennessee-glamping.com)
This really is not simply camping with a nicer tent.
Instead of it basically being similar to camping with a nicer tent, there actually is a small accommodation you can choose in a pod with the structure of a geodesic dome that is far more related to the outside environment
The Biggest Reason to Stay Here: Savage Gulf
The lodging itself is interesting, but I would pick the Altamont location more for what is around it.
The Cumberland Plateau is one of my favorite parts of Tennessee to explore and this area gives you access to waterfalls, rocky overlooks, deep gorges and miles of hiking.
Tennessee Glamping specifically positions the Altamont property as a base for exploring the Savage Gulf area. (tennessee-glamping.com)
Thus it is a good pick, where your basic itinerary is:
Hike during the day. Come back. Shower. Sit in a hot tub. Repeat tomorrow.
A great choice is Greeter Falls; Tennessee Glamping mentions their Snuggle Bus is just about a thirteen-minute trip. ( tennessee-glamping.com )
Additionally, the broader Savage Gulf/South Cumberland area contains numerous trails and waterfalls meaning you can come back time and time again without exploring everywhere.
The Snuggle Bus Is the Most Unusual Stay
Not unique enough, well there is always the Snuggle Bus (a dome within a dome!).
It’s a retired school bus turned mini vacation rental overlooking the mountains.
“This listing currently features a real bed, full kitchen, private bathroom, heating and air conditioning, outdoor shower, deck, fire pit and private hot tub. It sleeps two, making this option better suited “to a couple than a large family” (tennessee-glamping.com).”
This is probably the option I would look at if the accommodation itself is meant to be part of the experience than simply somewhere to sleep between hikes.
Who Is the Savage Gulf Location Best For?
If you are interested purely on: I choose Altamont because
- Hiking
- Waterfalls
- Mountain and plateau landscape
- Savage gulf
- More of a restful weekend away then
- Couples travels
- Evenings out and stargazing
- It is good to have somewhere comfortable to go back to after being out all day!
One thing I will not say is that you are at the ends of earth.
These current lodgings provide Wi-Fi along with contemporary conveniences. (tennessee-glamping.com)
Thus, if you are a fan of nature escapes but are still willing to shower, get on Wi-Fi or have the air-con running, then that is an aspect some really go for.
Tennessee Glamping at Center Hill Lake; Smithville
278 Summit Pointe Lane # Smithville, TN 37166
In Smithville, we offer a different take on the Tennessee vacation.
These domes provide the reverse location to being nestled in the mountain trails of Savage Gulf. Instead, these geodesics domes rest above Center Hill Lake and overlook it! (tennessee-glamping.com)
Present listings come with queen beds and private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, HVAC and kitchenettes.
Outside, the private decks include hot tubs, fire pits and seating overlooking the lake. (tennessee-glamping.com)
Therefore Smithville might appeal more for those who might find themselves gazing at the lake than traipsing a gorge in their ideal relaxing weekend.
What the Center Hill Lake Domes Are Actually Like
This is another place where “glamping” undersells the comfort.
For instance, the existing Burgess Falls Dome offers sleeping for up to four which include a queen size bed and a pull out couch, a private bathroom, heating and air-conditioning, a Smart Tv and a small kitchen.
Housed within the kitchenette are amenities including a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, toaster and an induction cooking surface. A conventional oven is notably absent, though. ( tennessee-glamping.com )
When you step outside is where the setting really comes into play.
Decks come with all of the domes so you could sit out to admire Center Hill Lake, use the fire pit or hop into the hot tub.
That’s far from the normal hotel check-in experience.
What Can You Do Around Center Hill Lake?
The Lake Itself is an outstanding attractor.
Lake centre hill is famous for boating, fishing and other water activities and the company advertised for marina boat rentals. (tennessee-glamping.com)
There are also several great waterfalls nearby.
Burgess Falls State Park is located just a few miles down the road (this is specifically mentioned as one of the attractions surrounding the domes in the actual details tennessee-glamping.com).
Edgar Evins State Park, another excellent addition to a weekend on Center Hill Lake. You have great hiking here and time around the water; perhaps you do not want to spend your entire trip on your property on the water.
So I would consider Smithville less as “camping” and more as a Center Hill Lake weekend base.
Which Location Should You Choose?
The largest difference is purely the situation.
Choose Savage Gulf if…
You wish for hiking and waterfalls to be the focal point.
I would be most likely to recommend Altamont for a fall weekend when the plateau is changing colors or for that couple who is seeking that outdoor space and wants more seclusion.
Choose Center Hill Lake if…
You’d look out over the water, visit waterfalls like Burgess Falls, boat or fish and have a weekend centring around a lake.
Center Hill Lake domes will also be an easy sell to someone who is not all that keen on “camping,” after all.
You get your own private bathroom.
There’s Wi-Fi.
There is air conditioning.
There is a hot tub.
You are not exactly roughing it.
Are the Glamping Domes Pet-Friendly?
Yes. As I am writing this right now.
Tennessee Glamping which accommodates pets in its Domes for which a pet fee applies and the property needs to be notified in advance.
The company’s covered wagons at its separate Ocoee River location do not allow pets. (tennessee-glamping.com)
Do check before you book because policies do vary according to accommodation itself.
What Should You Bring?
There are all the luxuries of indoor living, but you are still in outdoor locations.
What I’d take:
- Bring a sturdy pair of hiking shoes if you intend hiking the trails,
- Wet weather gear
- Bug away
- Sunscreen
- Seasonal outdoor clothing appropriate.
- Desired food and drinks during the stay
- Torch or headlamp
- Swim suit for the hot tub
- All equipment for fishing / lake use
I would also purchase groceries before your visit rather than just assume that you will have a major store available within five minutes.
Tennessee Glamping currently says the nearest supermarket to its Altamont property is in Manchester, while the Smithville location is about a 20-minute drive from a supermarket. (tennessee-glamping.com)
It is a small detail, but in hindsight, it is one that can make a major impact once you are nestled in for the evening.
Quick Comparison
| | Savage Gulf | Center Hill Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Town | Altamont. | Smithville |
| Suitable for | Hiking & waterfalls | Weekends at the lake |
| Accommodation | ** Accommodation Domes Converted Bus | Domes |
| Private bathroom. | Yes, depending unit can pass (Yes, tergantung pada unit kita dapat lulus) | Yes |
| Climate Controlled Climate controlled | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-fi | Available | Is available |
| Hot tub | Available on selected units | Available on domes |
| Close highlight. | Savage Gulf & Greeter Falls | Center Hill Lake & Burgess falls |
| Best Trip Style | Active outdoor getaway | Relax and Enjoy the lake. |
Are These Tennessee Glamping Spots Worth Considering?
If you love the outdoors but have little to no interest in getting into traditional camping- then yes these are worth a place on your list.
So actually choose your site on the trip you want to have.
For hiking, waterfalls and the Cumberland Plateau I would look at Savage Gulf.
For slower weekends, boating, lake views and Center Hill Lake, look at Smithville.
Neither is value camping there, so do check prices right before you buy so you know the full total because prices can fluctuate depending on several factors like specific dates, chosen property, and current demand.
But you are also getting a different product to a ‘standard campsite’.
But you still go out and explore some of the most beautiful natural areas in Tennessee, come back still to air conditioning, a private shower and a proper bed, including your own hot tub depending on your style of stay.
And for some, that is exactly what camping should be.
