Free dispersed camping in Prentice Cooper State Forest & Wildlife Management Area starts with a gravel road that reviewers describe as smooth and rut-free, making the drive in more manageable than the navigation. One important note: mapping apps like Apple Maps can route drivers to the wrong entrance, adding 30 to 40 minutes to the trip. Use coordinates rather than a street address, and watch for signs once you get close.
The camping area has roughly 10 to 12 sites on flat ground, each with a fire pit. Sterling G. describes it as "primitive with a clean vault toilet," and the site footprint fits rigs up to around 24 feet. Across the main gravel road, a separate area is designated for off-road vehicles and side-by-sides. Cell service is listed as available, and alcohol is permitted. Dogs are allowed but at least one reviewer flagged loose, unsupervised dogs from other parties as an occasional issue.
Weekday visits tend to find the campground lightly used. A Saturday visit still found space available, though the area can get muddy after rain. The Hunter's Check Station Campground - Prentice Cooper State Forest sits just 0.1 miles west and provides another option if sites here are taken. Spring and fall tend to be the most practical seasons; bring extra traction boards or recovery gear if wet weather is in the forecast.
Description
Camping is permitted at the Hunter's Check Station Camping area and the Davis Pond Camping area on a first-come, first-served basis. These primitive campsites have no sanitation facilities. Campers at the Davis Pond Camping area are required to be in the campsite by sunset and must remain in the campsite until sunrise. No in-or-out privileges with the exception of emergency purposes.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPrentice Cooper State Forest Camp is located in Tennessee near Signal Mountain
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
35.1649805 N
85.41745476 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/28/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 8/28/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/20/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/28/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 8/28/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/20/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 23 min from Chattanooga, TN
- 44 min from Cleveland, TN
- 1 hr 29 min from Rome, GA
- 1 hr 40 min from Huntsville, AL
