Best Dispersed Camping near Castalian Springs, TN

Dispersed camping options near Castalian Springs, Tennessee include two notable locations: Goose Island on J. Percy Priest Lake and Cordell Hull Horseback Trails. Goose Island requires boat access and offers primitive camping with no facilities. The island sits approximately a quarter mile from shore, accessible by canoe or small watercraft. Cordell Hull Horseback Trails provides drive-in dispersed camping primarily designed for equestrian users, though it welcomes other campers as well.

Neither location offers drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Visitors must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Fires are permitted at Goose Island, but campers should bring their own firewood and maintain proper fire safety protocols. Wildlife encounters are common at these sites. Campers at Goose Island should be prepared for raccoons, which according to visitor reviews, "will come up really close at night begging for food" though they are generally harmless. Proper food storage in sealed containers is essential.

These primitive camping areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. The camping season typically runs year-round, weather permitting, though summer brings higher humidity and potential for thunderstorms. Winter camping is possible but requires additional cold-weather gear. Both locations permit pets, but owners must keep animals leashed and under control at all times. The absence of facilities means campers must be self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles throughout their stay.