Best Dispersed Camping near Cleveland, TN
The Cherokee National Forest provides multiple dispersed camping options around Cleveland, Tennessee, with several primitive sites concentrated along forest service roads and creek areas. Lost Creek Campground in the Cherokee National Forest offers free dispersed camping about 7 miles down a gravel forest road near Reliance, while additional sites can be found along the Conasauga River and Big Creek areas. Most locations are primitive with limited or no facilities, allowing campers to experience the natural landscape of the Tennessee-Georgia border region.
Access to many dispersed sites requires travel on unpaved forest roads, which may become difficult after heavy rainfall. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching remote areas like Lost Creek, which requires navigating 7 miles of gravel road. Most sites have fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Camping is typically limited to 14 days. Facilities are minimal, with some locations like Lost Creek offering concrete picnic tables and pit toilets, while others like Creekside Camp and Conasauga River sites have no amenities beyond established camping areas. No potable water is available at most sites.
The dispersed camping areas provide direct access to creeks and rivers, making them popular for fishing, wading, and swimming during warmer months. According to reviews, "This campground is incredibly clean and quiet—and completely free. It's in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by forest, with easy creek access." Many sites experience higher visitation on weekends, with one camper noting that Conasauga River sites "can be crowded on the weekends" but are "right on the river and pit toilets close by." Wildlife is common throughout the region, and campers should practice proper bear safety with food and trash. Cell service is typically unavailable in these remote locations, with reviews mentioning "no Verizon cell reception" at sites like Lost Creek.
