Best Dispersed Camping near Benton, TN
Dispersed camping opportunities near Benton, Tennessee include several primitive sites within the Cherokee National Forest. Lost Creek Campground, located 7 miles down a well-maintained gravel forest road, offers concrete picnic tables, fire rings, pit toilets, and bear-proof trash receptacles. The campground adjoins a small creek suitable for wading and fishing. Goforth Creek Campgrounds provide multiple primitive sites with varying levels of accessibility, from drive-in to hike-in options. The Conasauga River area features additional dispersed camping with riverside locations.
Most sites in this region require self-sufficiency and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. According to reviews, "This is primitive camping, so there are no facilities (no bathhouse, no power, no dump station, no trash). It's all pack it in, pack it out." Potable water is not available at most locations, and cell service is typically limited or nonexistent. Campers should prepare for complete disconnection from utilities and services.
This area is designated bear country, requiring proper food storage and waste management. Several campers have reported bear sightings near camping areas. Fire rings are provided at established sites, but visitors should check current fire restrictions before their trip. Sites are typically first-come, first-served with no reservation systems in place. The camping season extends year-round at most locations, though winter access may be challenging after heavy precipitation. Forest Service roads can become difficult to navigate during inclement weather, and higher clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote sites. Weekday visits often provide greater solitude than weekends when local traffic increases.
