Dispersed camping near Benton, Tennessee offers wilderness experiences throughout Cherokee National Forest, which spans over 650,000 acres and varies in elevation from 750 to 5,500 feet. Sites near the Conasauga River section feature crystal clear waters that maintain summer temperatures of 68-72°F, making them popular swimming destinations. Most camping areas require high-clearance vehicles to access during wet conditions.
What to do
Creek exploration and swimming: At Conasauga River Camp, visitors can enjoy a "very swimmable and warm crystal clear river" that's "accessible easily from a 2WD just off of a long gravel road," according to Grayce F.
Fishing opportunities: The small creeks throughout the area support various fish species. At Lost Creek - Cherokee NF, campers mention "good place to fish and hunt" with creek access directly from some campsites.
Backcountry hiking: The Goforth Creek trail system offers progressive difficulty levels. Asher K. notes about Goforth Creek Campground A: "The hike up the creek is really beautiful and a much less traveled trail than others in the area. I highly suggest going all the way to the end and taking a little dip."
What campers like
Established amenities: Though primitive, some sites offer basic infrastructure. Rayley P. says about Lost Creek: "Each campsite has a concrete table, fire pit, and tent platform. Some have direct access to the creek."
Privacy and solitude: Many sites provide separation from other campers, especially on weekdays. Chris D. mentions Lost Creek is "Super quiet when we were there in March... Super remote area."
River sound ambiance: Conasauga River - Dispersed Site Sheeds Creek Road offers sites "Right on the river" according to Bob P., though he notes it "Can be crowded on the weekends."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: This region has active bear populations requiring proper precautions. Steve V. warns at Big Creek Primitive Camping Area: "This is bear country, so you need to practice bear safety with your food and trash. We did not see any bears in camp, but did spot one just down the road the morning we were leaving."
Limited facilities: Most sites have minimal or no infrastructure. According to Steve V., "This is primitive camping, so there are no facilities (no bathhouse, no power, no dump station, no trash, etc). It's all pack it in, pack it out."
Site availability considerations: Most locations operate on first-come, first-served basis. Scott E. notes regarding Lost Creek: "We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived."
Road conditions: Access roads can become challenging after precipitation. Gregg G. mentions: "Once leaving the pavement of the main road and traversing a well maintained gravel road for 7 miles you will reach the Lost Cove Campground."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose larger established sites when camping with children. Asher K. describes Goforth Creek Campground A as "the largest of the sites with room for several tents" and notes it has "really easy access to water for purifying or swimming."
Multi-day adventures: For families with teenagers, Jack's River Falls Trail offers challenging but rewarding experiences. Anna R. reports: "This is a tough trail but good for teens looking to challenge themselves in the back country. The views are amazing with rock falls."
Water safety precautions: Many creek areas feature varying depths. Scott E. mentions: "We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate only small trailers or truck campers. Steve V. reports his group had "3 vehicles (two with rooftop tents and one with a small teardrop trailer) and we still had room for more set ups in the spot we set up in."
Primitive preparation: RVs must be fully self-contained with all necessary supplies. Steve V. notes: "We had no service with Verizon" at Big Creek Primitive Camping Area.
Traffic awareness: Some camping areas connect with popular off-road routes. Steve V. cautions that Big Creek is "along Forest Service Road 221 which this section of FS 221 shares driving trails such as the Big Frog Loop, the Georgia Traverse, and the Trans America Trail (TAT), so there could be lots of traffic with overlanders, adventure bikers, and off-roaders."
