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Places › Scotts Gulf Wilderness
Scotts Gulf Wilderness is a Tennessee state park unit in Sparta, Van Buren County, in our Upper Cumberland & Plateau region. Entry to every Tennessee state park is free, per the state parks FAQ. The park page lists dark sky viewing, hunting, camping and paddling. Overnight options on its page: camping. Read from the official page on October 30, 2026.
- EntryFreeper the state parks FAQ
- Activities6listed on its page
- Stay OvernightCampingon the park page
- DogsOn a leashstatewide policy, see below
No closure or alert notice was printed on the park page when we read it. Check the official page the day you go.
What to Do at Scotts Gulf Wilderness
The park page lists these activities: dark sky viewing, hunting, camping, paddling, hiking and fishing. The page shows a short list with a Show More button, so the park may offer more.
Plan It in Three Lines
Getting In
Entry is free; camping, cabins, reservations and some programs cost extra.
Free to enterBring the Dog?
Leashed dogs are allowed in most of the park; not in lodges, cabins or swim areas.
Rules belowMake It a Trip
Fall Creek Falls State Park is about 12 miles away (straight line).
6 places within 25 miles
Coming Up Near Scotts Gulf Wilderness
None of the events on our checked calendar name Scotts Gulf Wilderness right now. The official site lists everything that is on. See every Tennessee event we have checked.
Also see Upper Cumberland & Plateau Events.
Fees
Tennessee state parks do not charge an entry fee: the state parks FAQ says all state parks are free to enter. Camping, cabins, shelters, tours and some programs are booked and paid for separately.
Planning several parks? Our State Parks Passport guide lists every park side by side.
Dogs and Strollers
- Dogs: Tennessee State Parks allow dogs and cats on a leash or otherwise restrained. They are not allowed in lodges and cabins (except designated pet rooms), public eating places, food stores or designated swimming beaches and pools. A park may post trails closed to pets. This is the statewide policy. This park page does not state a different rule.
- Strollers: Not published. The park page does not say whether strollers are allowed; call the park (931-319-7539) before you go.
Directions and Contact
- Address3663 Country Club Road, Sparta, TN 38583
- Park phone931-319-7539
- Reservations phone1-888-867-2757 (state parks reservations line, printed on the park page)
- Map point35.83924,-85.32755. Latitude and longitude printed on the park’s own page. Directions in Google Maps
- Official pagetnstateparks.com/parks/scotts-gulf
Places Near Scotts Gulf Wilderness
- 1Fall Creek Falls State ParkState Parkabout 12 mi
- 2Rock Island State ParkState Parkabout 17 mi
- 3Justin P. Wilson Cumberland TrailState Park Unitabout 18 mi
- 4Cumberland Mountain State ParkState Parkabout 19 mi
- 5Cardwell Mountain State Archaeological ParkState Archaeological Parkabout 22 mi
- 6Burgess Falls State ParkState Parkabout 22 mi
Straight-line distances between map points, not driving miles. Dots sit in their true compass direction; distance is stretched near the middle so close neighbors stay readable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Scotts Gulf Wilderness?
Entering is free: the Tennessee State Parks FAQ says there is no access fee at any state park. Camping, cabins, shelters, tours and reservations cost extra where the park offers them.
Are dogs allowed at Scotts Gulf Wilderness?
Dogs on a leash are allowed under the statewide policy, except in lodges and cabins (outside designated pet rooms), eating places, food stores and swim areas. The park may post trails closed to pets.
What time does Scotts Gulf Wilderness close?
The text of the park page does not print day-use hours, so we cannot state them (a linked FAQ PDF may; check it). Call the park (931-319-7539) or check the official page.
Can I camp at Scotts Gulf Wilderness?
The park page lists camping. Reserve on the official page or by phone at 1-888-867-2757.
Are strollers allowed at Scotts Gulf Wilderness?
Not published. The park page does not mention strollers, so call before you go.
What We Could Not Verify
- Day-use hours are not printed in the text of the park page. Some parks link a FAQ PDF that may list them; check those PDFs.
- Stroller rules are not stated on the park page.
- Closures and alerts change at short notice; the notice above is a snapshot.
- The county (Van Buren) is not stated on the park page; we added it from the town and have not confirmed it.
Sources
- Scotts Gulf Wilderness on Tennessee State Parks (read 2026-10-30)
- Tennessee State Parks FAQ: entry is free (read 2026-10-30)
- Tennessee State Parks policies: pets (read 2026-10-30)
Last checked October 30, 2026 by the It’s Tennessee editor. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Cite this page: It's Tennessee, “Scotts Gulf Wilderness”, itstennessee.com/places/scotts-gulf/ (updated ). By the It's Tennessee editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.