Prentice Cooper State Forest provides primitive camping options within an hour's drive of Beersheba Springs, Tennessee. The forest encompasses over 24,000 acres of Cumberland Plateau woodland with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,700 feet. During summer months, temperatures typically range between 75-90°F with high humidity, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Davis Pond at Prentice Cooper State Forest offers bass fishing within walking distance of camping areas. A visitor at Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed noted, "My husband caught several large mouth bass in the pond too (catch and release)." Another camper mentioned catching "4 largemouth bass in about 15 minutes of fishing on the pond, largest being about a 1lb."
Trail exploration: Several hiking routes connect camping areas to waterfalls and viewpoints. One camper at Tennessee Wall Camp shared, "We really enjoyed our night tent camping here. There is a parking lot right off the road after a fun ~30 minute drive through residential roads right on the water." At Prentice Cooper, a visitor mentioned, "There's a trailhead that goes to blowing wind falls from the campground too."
Wildlife viewing: The area serves as wildlife management habitat with diverse species. A reviewer observed, "This is a beautiful WMA area with tons of offshoots along a service road for camping." During quiet periods away from OHV traffic, wildlife viewing opportunities increase, particularly at dawn and dusk.
What campers like
Seclusion options: The forests around Beersheba Springs offer varying levels of isolation. A visitor to Jackson Island Campground mentioned, "We went during a relatively chilly weekend in early April and had no trouble finding a spot. It was quiet, private, and beautiful." At Davis Pond, a camper noted it was "basically like having your own small park in the middle of the mountains on a small bass pond."
Fire ring availability: Most dispersed sites feature established fire rings. At Tennessee Wall Camp, one reviewer observed, "sites with fire pits are scattered throughout a small clearing. Plenty of firewood to collect on site." Jackson Island campers reported "fire rings and concrete pads at most sites."
Fall foliage viewing: The woodlands transform during autumn months. A camper noted about Prentice Cooper, "We came here to camp among the turning trees one September. It is a huge area and I didn't see any camping other than primitive tent sites. The fall colors were off the hook but might be even better in October."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Some roads to camping areas require appropriate clearance. A visitor at Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp noted, "This is a great FREE spot right outside the hunters entrance of prentice cooper state forest. There are about 12 spots and it wasn't crowded when we came on a Saturday. It is a bit muddy but it is manageable."
OHV traffic patterns: Off-road vehicles frequent forest roads on weekends. A camper observed, "There a lot of ATV, UTV, dirt bikes, jeeps, etc. riding the area, but there's no riding after dusk, so at Davis Pond it's very quiet and peaceful with only the sounds of nature!"
Site security considerations: At some locations, unattended equipment may be at risk. A Jackson Island visitor reported, "Left to go on a hike & came back to our chairs & wood being stolen. Disappointing, but also the chance you take when leaving your personal items unattended."
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom situation: Most free camping near Beersheba Springs lacks maintained facilities. A camper at Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite mentioned, "This is primitive camping so no bathhouse, but there is a porta-john in the trailhead parking lot." At Prentice Cooper, a visitor warned, "DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT even think of entering the 'restroom' at Davis Pond. They really should demolish it."
Spacing considerations: Site proximity varies by location. A Walls of Jericho visitor noted, "The campsite is level and large enough to accommodate many tents. There are also trees that would be suitable for hammock camping." At Tennessee Wall Camp, a reviewer mentioned, "There was another group of campers at a spot fairly close to us making some noise, but not too late into the night."
Insect conditions: Bug activity varies seasonally. A Prentice Cooper visitor reported summer camping was "quiet and private. Not buggy." Another camper at Jackson Island noted a "surprisingly low amount of bugs" during their spring visit.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most dispersed camping areas near Beersheba Springs have restrictions for larger vehicles. At Little Farmie Farm Dispersed, tent camping and smaller RVs are permitted, but the drive-in sites have limited space for larger rigs. A camper at Prentice Cooper noted, "If you want to stay at davis pond you have to get there before dark, and there is not access for vehicles to get into the campground so it's just tents (no overlanding, unless you're comfortable in the parking lot)."
Resource planning: No hookups exist at any free sites in the area. Visitors should bring all needed supplies. A camper advised, "The site is a good distance from any convenient stores or grocery stores so plan accordingly." Self-contained water and power systems are essential for RV camping in these locations.
