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Established Camping

Davis Pond Campsite

3 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Davis Pond Campsite in Tennessee is surrounded by forested terrain with a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees. Temperatures range from the 30s in winter to the 80s in summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the trails and natural beauty of South Cumberland State Park.

Reservation Info

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.

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Location

Davis Pond Campsite is located in Tennessee

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.08151480661929 N
85.43061017025566 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Fireside Camp + Lodge

Fireside Camp + Lodge

55 min away

Camp Chet

Camp Chet

1 hr 3 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Tessa B.
Reviewed Mar. 19, 2025

Awesome campspot

Okay. This spot is super neat! About 45 mins outside Chattanooga, it’s a beautiful drive. Last 7 miles are on a windy gravel road. The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance.

On arrival there is a huge meadow area. Tons of spots to pitch a tent or park vehicles. We used our truck tent and a fire pit and were super happy with the setup.

If you are coming with a group this is an awesome spot. We counted 5 fire pits but you could literally fill the meadow with dozens of tents easily.

I took off a star because the bathroom looks like an actual third world country, covered in trash and bugs and who knows what else. I didn’t stay long to look at it in detail. It was very rudimentary and disgusting. I don’t know if anyone even manages it. That’s how bad it was. I guess that’s what you get from no camp fees.

Overall we really loved our stay here!! Very quiet and peaceful. The little pond is a breeding ground for lots of bugs, but it’s peaceful and pretty to look at. Not many fish biting this time of year. We did see a couple go out on an inflatable boat.

This is what camping should be!! Free, first come first serve, with some fire pits and picnic tables and plenty of room to pitch a tent.

Come check it out!

Month of VisitMarch
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Josh W.
Reviewed Jan. 28, 2023

Basic/small....good overnight

Only spots for two, luckily one area was available upon my arrival. A couple was there already. The two spaces are kinda tight so I asked if I would be imposing staying the night and clearing out in the morning. Thankfully the couple had no problem

Month of VisitJanuary
William S.
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2021

Away from it all

Down a long and winding (and dusty) gravel road into the WMA is the Davis Pond camp site, a real gem with shady trees and a fishing pond. 

This lightly developed site has two picnic tables, and two lantern posts near the tables. However, it can easily accommodate many more campers in the space and has multiple dirt-and-rock fire pits.

While there is a two-station pit toilet, it's a bit of a horror show with a lot of trash accumulating in the structure. Another downside, after I set up my tent I noticed that some hornets were flying into a nearby dead tree. I quickly moved to another spot but luckily noticed it before it got dark.

There's a gravel parking lot with a trail map and sign in sheet right next to the camping area. 

In addition to the multiple trails (for hiking, ATVs, and horses) closer to the entrance to the WMA (and far from the camp) is a shooting range.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Davis Pond Campsite by William S., September 27, 2021
  • Review photo of Davis Pond Campsite by William S., September 27, 2021
  • Review photo of Davis Pond Campsite by William S., September 27, 2021
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Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping at Davis Pond free?

Yes, camping at Davis Pond is free. There are no fees required to stay at this primitive campsite in the Wildlife Management Area. This makes it an excellent option for budget-conscious campers looking for free camping near Chattanooga. Always check with the managing agency before your trip to confirm current policies.

What do reviews say about Davis Pond camping?

Davis Pond Campsite is described as a hidden gem with shady trees and a fishing pond. The site features two picnic tables and lantern posts but remains lightly developed. There's a large meadow area with ample space for tents or vehicles. While there are only two designated camping spots that can feel somewhat tight when both are occupied, the surrounding area can accommodate additional campers. The natural setting and peaceful environment are consistently highlighted as standout features of this campsite.

Where is Davis Pond camping area located?

Davis Pond Campsite is located approximately 45 minutes outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee within a Wildlife Management Area. To reach the campsite, you'll travel down a long, winding gravel road for about 7 miles into the WMA. The final half-mile requires a vehicle with some clearance as the road conditions become more challenging. The campsite itself is situated in a beautiful natural setting featuring shady trees and a fishing pond.

What outdoor activities are available near Davis Pond camping area?

The Davis Pond camping area offers several outdoor activities for visitors. Fishing is available in the pond adjacent to the campsite. The surrounding Wildlife Management Area provides opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. The large meadow area is perfect for casual outdoor games and relaxation. The beautiful scenic drive to reach the campsite is an experience itself. While specific trail information isn't detailed, the natural setting suggests good opportunities for nature exploration and photography.

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