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Dispersed Camping

Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area is located near the Appalachian Mountains in Tennessee. The area experiences temperatures ranging from the 30s in winter to the 80s in summer. Campers can explore nearby attractions such as the Cherokee National Forest and Watauga Lake.

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Location

Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area is located in Tennessee

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

36.31331437 N
82.07264682 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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    Verified by 1 user

Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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 Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area needs a permit.

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General Info


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3 Reviews

Reviewed Mar. 31, 2025

Beautiful!

Stayed a night out here while traveling, scary narrow rocky trails, but beautiful streams and mountains

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area by Brendan G., March 31, 2025
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2021

Get what you pay for

Pros: Free, many sites with water access for kayaking/fishing, fire rings, parking lot close to sites. Cons: Lots of road noise-- you're sitting in a valley bordered by highway on 3 sides, and the echo is serious. Trash everywhere making some sites unusable. Lots of poison ivy.

So, if it's worth it to you for a free spot go ahead. You'll basically be camping in someone else's backyard, there are several residents.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Dec. 30, 2020

Beautiful & Free but Lots of Road Noise

Just on the edge of Watauga Lake sits this free dispersed camping area that is perfect for tent camping only. This is a park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, some bring your IKEA bags or a wagon. Opportunities for fishing and boating are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, and have at least one fire ring. A handful of sites have direct water access, and are more private. 

There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we spent about an hour cleaning the entire campground. Please Leave No Trace! Also, we would not recommend camping here on a busy weekend because the road is very close and the trucks are very loud! 

The nearest town is Butler, which is small but offers the basics such as groceries and gas.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area by Shari  G., December 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area by Shari  G., December 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area by Shari  G., December 30, 2020
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Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and amenities are available at Little Stony Creek Campground?

Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area is a primitive camping destination with minimal amenities. The area features established fire rings at most campsites, which are generally spacious. This is a walk-in camping area where you'll need to park outside the gate and carry your gear to your site - bring a wagon or large bags for easier transport. There are no developed facilities like restrooms, potable water, or electrical hookups available. Come prepared with everything you need, including water and waste disposal solutions.

Is Watauga Lake accessible from Little Stony Creek Campground?

Yes, Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area is located right on the edge of Watauga Lake, making the lake easily accessible for campers. Many campsites offer direct water access, which is ideal for kayaking, fishing, and other water activities. The proximity to the lake is one of the main attractions of this free dispersed camping area.

How do I make reservations at Little Stony Creek Campground?

No reservations are needed for Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a free dispersed camping area without a formal reservation system. During peak seasons, it's advisable to arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends. For current information on availability or potential seasonal closures, contact the local Forest Service office that manages this area.

What activities can I enjoy while camping at Little Stony Creek?

While camping at Little Stony Creek, you can enjoy numerous outdoor activities. Fishing and boating on Watauga Lake are popular options, with many sites offering direct water access for kayaking. Hiking is available on the narrow trails through the surrounding mountains, though some may be rocky and challenging. The streams and mountain scenery provide beautiful natural surroundings for photography and wildlife viewing. Be prepared for the environment - there's poison ivy in some areas, and the valley location means you might experience road noise from the nearby highway.