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Best Dispersed Camping near Cherokee National Forest

90 Reviews

Cherokee National Forest lets you camp freely across its vast Tennessee wilderness. The forest's dispersed sites give you plenty of quiet spots away from crowds and facilities. You can find wild camping throughout the forest, including the Cherokee National Forest Recreation Area, where you'll be fully immersed in nature. Remember to follow Leave No Trace practices since these areas are undeveloped and need protection. You'll need to bring everything with you—water, food, and all camping supplies—as there are no services in these remote locations. Check fire rules before your trip, as they change with conditions and seasons. The City Park Campground area offers more remote camping opportunities for those wanting extra seclusion. Many roads to good camping spots are rough, so a vehicle with good clearance helps. Make sure to set up at least 100 feet from any streams or lakes to protect water quality. You can stay up to 14 days in most areas before needing to move on. Weather varies significantly by season—spring and fall tend to be most comfortable, summer can get hot, and winter often brings road closures and difficult access. Always check current regulations and weather before heading out.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Cherokee National Forest (27)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cherokee National Forest

65 Photos of 27 Cherokee National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cherokee National Forest

90 Reviews of 27 Cherokee National Forest Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

    Beautiful & Free but Lots of Road Noise

    Just on the edge of Watauga Lake sits this free dispersed camping area that is perfect for tent camping only. This is a park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, some bring your IKEA bags or a wagon. Opportunities for fishing and boating are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, and have at least one fire ring. A handful of sites have direct water access, and are more private. 

    There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we spent about an hour cleaning the entire campground. Please Leave No Trace! Also, we would not recommend camping here on a busy weekend because the road is very close and the trucks are very loud! 

    The nearest town is Butler, which is small but offers the basics such as groceries and gas.

  • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 20, 2024

    FS 289 Pull Off

    Great dispersed site in the Pisgah NF

    Great Campsite along the Smoky Mountain 1000 Overland route. You need a good off road capable vehicle to access this site but it is very peaceful with a nice stream running by. Tent camping near the jeep or a high clearance overland teardrop should make it back here ok but not recommended for regular RV's.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2023

    Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    Great camping spot

    First the sight is beautiful and most have a beautiful trout stream close by when navigating if using Apple Maps pay attention to where it is routing you mine wanted me to walk through the woods for an hour to get here it’s easier to find if you navigate to north mill’s campground first second there are signs about being a high crime area and they are not kidding while I was out picking up a few things at ingles someone came by and took my tent and sleeping bag that was inside I wouldn’t leave anything valuable to mark it as your sight and I have T mobile and I lost service about 10 mins from the campground and had no signal while staying there

  • Alyssa E.
    Jul. 27, 2021

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful, safe, peaceful, and fast cell service!

    There are so many sites tucked along this dirt road and some incredible views! I spent almost 14 days here and almost didn't want to leave! The dirt road must've been regraded in the past year as it is easily drivable. I stayed in several sites further up the road and they're all good options! There is traffic, but not much. I have 5G service on both Verizon and Sprint/Tmobile (Verizon has a better signal). Lake James State Park has water at the picnic shelters. The water pump at the Catawba River entrance allows you to connect a hose to it while the Paddy Creek is better for using containers. I'm not confident it's potable water though there's no sign saying it's not. I was using jugs at Paddy Creek and noticed tiny things in the water. Went to Catawba and didn't find anything in the water, but filtered it to be safe.

  • Julie L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 16, 2021

    Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

    Good Times at the Gorge!

    These are pretty decent sites. You just pull off the road, set up and enjoy the camping experience. 
    We hiked down to the gorge and also enjoyed the dispersed camping available right along the riverside, which was pretty cool but... that hike back up is a DOOZY especially with a pack on. I would recommend it. The payoff of the views is highly worth any trail difficulties. 
    This was a really clean, well respected area. I liked to see that most other campers were clearly doing their part to Leave no Trace.

  • K
    May. 15, 2021

    Victor Road Dispersed

    On the fly

    My husband and I took a road trip and needed to find a spot to car camp last minute in the area. The narrow road to go up/down is alittle sketchy but we made it. The first two spots were taken so we drove to the end where it seperated to private drives. There was a fire pit and a trail that we didn't explore. Our 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee didn't take up much space. There was plenty of space for a wider vehicle or multiple. There's literally no amenities which was no issue for us since we had what we needed, no cell service(Verizon) but no issues for us. We enjoyed the peace and quiet, other than the stream near by. Other than a deer that left its tracks nearby, nothing bothered us. --Visited May 9th-10th--

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 4, 2024

    Paint Creek Corridor

    Paint Creek Dispersed Camping

    The national forest service website says there are dispersed camping site throughout the corridor; however, I was only able to locate one and luckily it was vacant. There are several spots along the road that may have been for dispersed camping as some point but are now clearly marked with no camping signs. I did enjoy my stay here but I’m a little disappointed in the website saying there were multiple sites … i has to drive almost 4 hours to get there and would have been super disappointed if I arrived to no spots. Also a lot of trash in the area of the site sadly.

  • Justin L.
    Dec. 27, 2020

    Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

    Nice spot off a dirt road

    Lots of pull offs off a dirt road. Beware if you’re coming from the south google tries to take you through private property. Take 221 to linville falls, right on 183, and right onto kistler memorial highway. It’s a dirt road but no issues with my Subaru Forester. I camped here in December 2020 and didn’t see anyone else. Plenty of wood, but not much of a view from my camp anyway. Lots of camps.

  • C
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Victor Road Dispersed

    Quiet & Secluded

    Nearly right at mile marker 342 Long gravel road, couple/few camping spots along the way, mostly on the left. Drive through a little creek, and stay to the right, a little ways down you’ll find another spot just before Laurel Retreat. A little larger clearing than the others, my pop-up fight nicely , plus Toyota Sequoia. Big fire pit. No water, no bathrooms, no hookups. (I have solar panels) A couple shelter/observation buildings with handicap parking scattered along the way.

Guide to Cherokee National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of locations for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee

  • When visiting Paint Creek Corridor, be prepared for a bit of a search, as some areas may be marked with no camping signs despite the promise of multiple sites.
  • Always carry trash bags to help keep the environment clean, especially in areas like Pisgah National Forest Dispersed, where litter has been noted by previous visitors.
  • Ensure you have a reliable vehicle for accessing remote spots, as some locations, such as FS 289 Pull Off, may require a high-clearance vehicle to navigate the terrain.

Scenic hikes while free camping near Cherokee National Forest

Dispersed campers should check out Victor Road Dispersed

  • Victor Road Dispersed features several camping spots along a scenic route, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit of exploration.
  • Expect to find a mix of occupied and vacant sites, so arrive early to secure a good spot, especially near the creek crossing that many campers rave about.
  • This area is known for its peaceful surroundings, but be mindful of other visitors, as the road can attract more traffic than expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping spots in Cherokee National Forest?

Cherokee National Forest offers exceptional dispersed camping options across its vast terrain. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping features numerous secluded sites along a well-maintained dirt road with spectacular views, perfect for longer stays. For water enthusiasts, Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section provides roadside pull-offs with access to riverside camping, though be prepared for a challenging hike back up from the gorge. Other notable spots include Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites, FS 289 Pull Off (requiring high-clearance vehicles), and Little Stony Creek Road area near Watauga Lake. Most sites are accessible via forest service roads, with quality varying seasonally.

What amenities are available at Cherokee National Forest dispersed camping sites?

Dispersed camping in Cherokee National Forest offers a primitive experience with minimal amenities. At Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area, you'll find no facilities but excellent tent camping opportunities with access to fishing and boating on Watauga Lake. Similarly, Paint Creek Corridor provides natural settings without developed facilities. Most dispersed sites throughout the forest feature existing fire rings but no potable water, toilets, trash service, or picnic tables. Campers should bring all necessary supplies, including water, and be prepared to pack out all waste. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent in remote areas, and you'll need to be self-sufficient regarding sanitation and supplies.

Do I need a permit for dispersed camping in Cherokee National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Cherokee National Forest generally doesn't require a permit, but there are important regulations to follow. At Victor Road Dispersed, campers can freely use established sites without prior permission. The same applies at FS 289 Pull Off and most other dispersed areas in the forest. However, the Linville Gorge Wilderness area does require free permits on weekends and holidays from May through October. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period throughout the forest. Always camp in previously used sites at least 100 feet from water sources, and check for seasonal fire restrictions. Some areas may have temporary closures, so checking with the ranger district office before your trip is recommended.

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