Dispersed camping near Andersonville, Tennessee is concentrated in several primitive sites across Kentucky and Tennessee state lines. The Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed area and Trace Branch Dispersed on Rock Creek Road in Kentucky provide free camping options for both tent and RV campers. Additional sites include Bi-Color Campground in Catoosa Wildlife Management Area and Calderwood Lake Primitive campground in Tennessee, both offering rustic backcountry camping experiences without developed facilities.
Most access routes to these dispersed sites involve gravel or dirt roads that may become challenging during wet weather. Jellico Creek features a swimming hole with rope swing, while the Trace Branch site offers creek-side camping with picnic tables. No potable water exists at any location, requiring campers to bring all supplies. Fires are permitted at most sites, though established fire rings should be used when available. Camping is typically limited to 14 days, and all locations follow leave-no-trace principles with no garbage service available.
The dispersed sites in this region vary considerably in usage patterns and conditions. Calderwood Lake Primitive campground requires boat access and remains relatively pristine. According to one visitor, "If you are willing to bring everything with you, pack everything out, and paddle multiple miles on a nonmotorized finger lake, this is the place for you." Bi-Color Campground sees seasonal fluctuations, particularly during hunting seasons. A camper noted, "This area is beautiful almost all times of the year! Plenty of wildlife and lots of shady areas." Several sites struggle with maintenance issues, and campers should be prepared for basic conditions. Cell service is limited or nonexistent throughout most areas, adding to the remote camping experience but requiring additional preparation.
"There are three dispersed camp sites along this road. We stayed at the first and largest of the three. This first site has room for two groups. It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing."
"Using the coordinates from the dispersed site #1 post, we found our way down the road and settled on the third site. Not huge, but right next to the creek."
"Solid location for a night or a whole weekend. There are several porta potties available and the sites are spacious. This camp is perfect for the fam as it can accommodate RV sized vehicles."
"There was no accessible water near by so make sure you bring your own provisions. Haven’t got to explore much around the area by hiking. Found a nice creek a few miles on down the road."
"Visited here in the middle of January with all the snow and I was hot tent camping."
"The site was clean, spacious, and private with several access points to to the creek. Quiet. A fire ring and picnic table are on site and the ground is mostly level."
"No amenities. The sky was beautiful. Would go again. About ten miles off 75. We were there in Sept 2025"
"You are right in the little slickrock cover with waterfalls as white noise. unlike the other sites this one is also very flat which is best for walking. if you enjoy hiking campsite one is right on the"
"If you are willing to bring everything with you, pack everything out, and paddle multiple miles on a nonmotorized finger lake, this is this place for you!"
ScoutThere were several sites along the creek and we only saw one other vehicle on the road during our stay. The site was clean, spacious, and private with several access points to to the creek. Quiet. A fire ring and picnic table are on site and the ground is mostly level. Plenty of shade but a nice clear view of the sky among the tree canopy as well. Would definitely stay again.
TravelerCool spot very little traffic the only maybe down side is all the camp spots are in view of each other but this weekend we are the only ones here
GuideI drove quite a ways to get here. I’ll need to find a locked gate and assigned saying that the area was closed for hog hunting. Despite it being the last day of February and the sign dating to December, it did seem to be inaccessible.
GuideUsing the coordinates from the dispersed site #1 post, we found our way down the road and settled on the third site. Not huge, but right next to the creek. Went to sleep to the sound of coyotes and woke up to turkeys gobbling, and saw otters in the creek over breakfast. Someone had left a bunch of trash when we showed up, bottles, cardboard, cigarette boxes, etc but we picked it up and made the most of it. Not a bunch of places to use the bathroom but just do your best. Minimal traffic down the road. Saw one car pass while we were at our site? The drive in is beautiful in the fall. There is a point where Jellico Creek Rd continues straight, and also peels off to the right, it’s really weird. But take the option to the right down across the small bridge.
GuideSolid location for a night or a whole weekend. There are several porta potties available and the sites are spacious. This camp is perfect for the fam as it can accommodate RV sized vehicles. Only word of caution is that the ground can get a bit muddy, so try to find something dry.
TravelerVisited here in the middle of January with all the snow and I was hot tent camping. You can only set up your tent on the designated tent pad, luckily we had heavy duty stakes that could get through the ground. The entire river was frozen over and ponds were frozen too. There were a few cars that drove through the middle of the night but no issues. We left our site unattended for hours to check out the streams and rivers and nothing was missing. Lots of beer bottles left over and shattered so I have to pick up the trash before letting my dog out. There are more sites down the gravel road but we went with the first one we came to.
GuideThere are three dispersed camp sites along this road. We stayed at the first and largest of the three. This first site has room for two groups. It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing.
GuideOne picnic table and fire pit. Dispersed camping. We took our portable firepit and sat by the creek for a beautiful evening.
ScoutI rode all the way over here from Greeneville to check out the area in order to bring a group of friends camping next weekend.
BUT the entire campground is closed. When I pulled up to the iron gate and saw the sign, it read "CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC DUE TO VANDALISM AND UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITY"
Dispersed camping options near Andersonville, Tennessee span a range of primitive sites across rugged terrain in both Tennessee and Kentucky. The region features elevations ranging from 900 to 1,500 feet with moderate temperatures averaging 55-75°F during peak camping seasons from April through October. Most sites lack developed facilities and require preparation for self-sufficient stays in remote woodland settings.
Waterfront activities: At Trace Branch Dispersed site, campers can enjoy creek-side relaxation with easy water access. "We took our portable firepit and sat by the creek for a beautiful evening," notes one visitor to the Rock Creek Road location. The site features one picnic table and fire pit in a small but scenic setting.
Winter camping opportunities: The Andersonville region offers year-round camping for prepared visitors. A Trace Branch camper reported, "Visited here in the middle of January with all the snow and I was hot tent camping. You can only set up your tent on the designated tent pad, luckily we had heavy duty stakes that could get through the ground. The entire river was frozen over and ponds were frozen too."
Paddling expeditions: Calderwood Lake Primitive campground offers paddle-in camping with hiking connections. "Unlike the other camp sites we've seen, camp site one doesn't have any picnic tables, which is the only downside to it. You are right in the little Slickrock cover with waterfalls as white noise," explains one camper who accessed the site by canoe.
Privacy and seclusion: Redbird Boat Ramp provides free camping near Andersonville with minimal crowds. "It's nice and private. Nothing special there is a boat ramp. Plenty of space for a couple RVs. The sky was beautiful," reports a visitor who appreciated the secluded setting approximately ten miles from Interstate 75.
Multiple site options: Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1 offers several camping possibilities along one road. "There are three dispersed camp sites along this road. We stayed at the first and largest of the three. This first site has room for two groups," mentions a camper who found adequate space for multiple parties.
Wildlife viewing: Wildlife management areas provide habitat for numerous species. A camper at Bi-Color Campground noted, "This area is beautiful almost all times of the year! Plenty of wildlife and lots of shady areas." Several visitors mention hearing wildlife sounds at night, particularly during spring and fall seasons.
Hunting season impacts: Seasonal hunting activities significantly affect camping conditions. A November visitor to Bi-Color Campground observed, "Rifle season starts Nov 20. I'm 10 days early, and was a bit surprised just how many hunters are already here. I feel like I'm the only solo woman here, also seem to be the only Van lifer. Lots of RVs."
Road conditions: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. A camper reported about Bi-Color Campground, "Dirt road, washboard out was north to Rock Creek campground steep downhill grade narrow. My opinion not for 5th wheel. No cell for miles."
Trash management: Camper reports indicate inconsistent maintenance at some sites. "There were trash on a few of them," notes one Bi-Color visitor, while another at Trace Branch mentioned, "Lots of beer bottles left over and shattered so I had to pick up the trash before letting my dog out."
Swimming options: Slickrock Trail near Calderwood Lake offers natural water features. "If you enjoy hiking campsite one is right on the slickrock trail and if you take it about 1.5 miles you'll reach Wolfcat falls which has a big swimming hole at the bottom," reports a camper who explored the area with family.
Flat terrain considerations: For families with small children, seek out level sites. One Calderwood Lake visitor noted, "Unlike the other sites this one is also very flat which is best for walking," when describing campsite one in the Slickrock cover area.
Security concerns: Most dispersed camping areas near Andersonville have minimal issues with theft. A winter camper at Trace Branch shared, "We left our site unattended for hours to check out the streams and rivers and nothing was missing."
Site spacing: Bi-Color Campground accommodates larger vehicles with adequate separation. "The spots are pretty spacious but there's no privacy," notes one visitor. Another camper observed, "This camp is perfect for the fam as it can accommodate RV sized vehicles."
Ground conditions: Weather significantly affects site usability. A Bi-Color visitor warned, "Only word of caution is that the ground can get a bit muddy, so try to find something dry." Free dispersed camping near Andersonville requires appropriate timing and site selection for RVs, particularly during rainy periods.
Cattle encounters: Unexpected wildlife includes domesticated animals. A Bi-Color camper reported, "Also a random herd of cattle strolls through every now and again." RVers should secure food items and be prepared for livestock encounters in some camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Andersonville, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Andersonville, TN is Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1 with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Andersonville, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Andersonville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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