Top Free Dispersed Camping near Baxter, TN

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Baxter? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Tennessee camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Baxter, TN (2)

    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

    1. Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

    8 Reviews
    60 Photos
    68 Saves

    Overview

    Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping is a unique series of 32 locations with a total of over 70 individually designated family campsites dispersed over 620 miles of shoreline. Campsites are located in both the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Primitive camping offers a unique rustic lake front camping experience. Remote locations along the shoreline offer campers a peaceful nature experience. Most designated tent sites are accessible only by boat; while a few can be reached by country road. Campers are advised that these areas are remote, primitive sites. Toilets are vault/pit type outhouses. Campers desiring on-site attendant, security and law enforcement services are encouraged to use developed campgrounds where such services are provided. These services are not provided for primitive camping.

    Recreation

    Dale Hollow Lake, with its crystal clear water and forested hillsides, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities and holds the world record for smallmouth bass and is known as a trophy smallmouth lake. Boating and water skiing are popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake.

    Natural Features

    Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about three miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities. In the late fall through early spring, the American bald eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second-largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Full rules and reservation policies for fees associated with changes and cancellations can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies There is no fee to make a reservation. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A $10 service fee may be charged to changes made to an existing reservation (see full policies for when this is applicable). A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. Applicable fees, including service/cancellation fees and change fees, are non-refundable and subject to change. No refunds for recreation use fees may be made locally at the lake.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $5 / night

    • No image available

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Baxter

    8 Reviews of 2 Baxter Campgrounds




    Guide to Baxter

    Camping near Baxter, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Good hikes nearby," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
    • Fishing: Head to Edgar Evins State Park Campground for some fishing fun. A reviewer shared, "Kayaking is great! Put in below Center Hill dam," highlighting the water activities available.
    • Wildlife Watching: At Rock Island State Park Campground, you can enjoy the beauty of nature. One camper noted, "The campground was excellent!!" which suggests a vibrant environment for spotting wildlife.

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Bandy Creek Campground. One reviewer said, "Clean bathrooms were a short walk away," making it convenient for families.
    • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "We had our two dogs with us as well which our spot allowed us plenty of privacy."
    • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff at Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground. One guest remarked, "The staff were helpful and very friendly."

    What you should know:

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground, where one camper said, "Looks like it would be a great family place with the play area and waterfront."
    • Plan for Activities: Make sure to check out the local attractions. A visitor at Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "They also had a bunch of activities, parks, and a restaurant inside the campsite."
    • Pack for Comfort: Bring along items that make camping easier for kids. One family at Bandy Creek Campground enjoyed their stay, saying, "Great amenities, Great sites, Great Park!!"

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Site Sizes: RVers should pay attention to site dimensions. A camper at Rock Island State Park Campground noted, "This is not a big rig friendly park, but lots of people still crammed their campers that were too big onto the sites."
    • Leveling Issues: Be prepared for leveling challenges. One reviewer at Nashville KOA mentioned, "The only issue we had was leveling our camper, there was a 7in difference between the sides."
    • Use Amenities Wisely: Take advantage of the amenities offered. A visitor at Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground said, "The pool was clean ($6/person entry fee)," which can be a fun way to cool off.

    Camping near Baxter, Tennessee, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor getaway!

    Frequently Asked Questions