Top Free Dispersed Camping near Cookeville, TN
Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Cookeville? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Tennessee camping adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Cookeville, TN (3)
1. Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
8 Reviews•60 Photos•68 SavesOverview
Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping is a unique series of 32 locations with a total of over 70 individually designated family campsites dispersed over 620 miles of shoreline. Campsites are located in both the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Primitive camping offers a unique rustic lake front camping experience. Remote locations along the shoreline offer campers a peaceful nature experience. Most designated tent sites are accessible only by boat; while a few can be reached by country road. Campers are advised that these areas are remote, primitive sites. Toilets are vault/pit type outhouses. Campers desiring on-site attendant, security and law enforcement services are encouraged to use developed campgrounds where such services are provided. These services are not provided for primitive camping.
Recreation
Dale Hollow Lake, with its crystal clear water and forested hillsides, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities and holds the world record for smallmouth bass and is known as a trophy smallmouth lake. Boating and water skiing are popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake.
Natural Features
Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about three miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities. In the late fall through early spring, the American bald eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second-largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.
Charges & Cancellations
Full rules and reservation policies for fees associated with changes and cancellations can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies There is no fee to make a reservation. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A $10 service fee may be charged to changes made to an existing reservation (see full policies for when this is applicable). A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. Applicable fees, including service/cancellation fees and change fees, are non-refundable and subject to change. No refunds for recreation use fees may be made locally at the lake.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$5 / night
3. Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
4 Reviews•23 Photos•32 Saves82,000 acres of wild land on the upper Cumberland Plateau in both Morgan and Cumberland counties. This area offers some of the best hunting in East Tennessee! This area is home to deer, wild turkey, wild boar, fox squirrels, gray squirrels, ruffed grouse, raccoons, quail, rabbits, and mourning doves. For your fishermen, the game include smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegill, and muskellunge. Although the area is funded by hunters and fishermen, it is popular with all outdoor enthusiasts! Backpacking is very popular in the area, as well as whitewater rafting! The area has many deep cut canyons created by the rivers and streams, and offers access to beautiful scenery unlike anywhere else. The many trails allow access to the back country, but perhaps the best known path is the Cumberland Trail which passes through the area.
Overnight camping is allowed on designated areas. The area is closed to entry between sunset and sunrise.
Bicolor Entrance N 35.993 W -84.678
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Cookeville
20 Reviews of 3 Cookeville Campgrounds
- T
Tam E.
Guide
Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
Beautiful, but stuff stolen
Beautiful spot, early - mid April plenty of room & privacy.
Left to go on a hike & came back to our chairs & wood being stolen. Disappointing, but also the chance you take when leaving your personal items unattended.
They took 2 bundles of wood, but left us some. Plenty of wood on the ground to use. Felt safe overall.
- Robert W.
Traveler
Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
Nice Little Getaway
The GPS coordinates will get you directly to where you want to go there's probably about 10 to 15 campsites there was trash on a few of them. Overall it was a nice place to just go and get away. It is a hunter's Camp first and foremost so there were quite a few people setting up for this week's opening day but the ones I did talk to were all friendly even went and had a couple beers with one of them.
My dog snd I stayed for 2 nights and 2 days. Lots of wildlife sounds at night.
Also a random heard of cattle strols through every now and again.
I'd definitely come back around this time of year!
- Angie A.
RangerJackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
Excellent find
Dispersed camping with a glorious v view. Please pack out what you pack in. Some trash obvious yet cleaner now than past reviews. Camped right on the bank. Fire pits and concrete pads at most sites. Dumpster on site so please use it. Easy to find and private spacious sites available.
- Michael W.
LegendBi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
Primitive at its best
Didn’t stay. To far out for me. Lots of knats. Dirt rd I , washboard out was north to Rock Creek campground steep downhill grade narrow. My opinion not for 5th wheel. No cell for miles
Andy K.Legend
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Kemper Flats Dale Hollow TN
I only spent 3 nights at Kemper Flats primitive campground for a fishing trip. We reached Kemper by pontoon boat from Willow Grove Marina a short 20 min ride. Nice site primitive cabin toilet no water faucet. Bring it in, take it out.
- Andy K.Legend
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Dale Hollow Eagle Point
I camped at Eagle Point for a quiet relaxing few days , but due to a group of young lads who camped near me that was not going to be the case. They were loud and annoying and did not care for anybody else's privacy.
The camp site was ok , reached down a very bumpy track not suitable for RV or similar.
There was a porta toilet which was a bonus but lots of trash left behind by other campers.
The site is on the top of a high cliff so no water swimming was possible. Very shady area. There is a boat ramp next to the site which was in constant use day and night.
- Andy K.Legend
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Kemper Flats Dale Hollow TN primitive camping
We took a pontoon boat out to Kemper Flats on Dale Hollow lake for a few days relaxing fishing. Primitive site, island with a porta toilet. Camp right on the side of the lake, very quiet and peaceful
- Andy K.Legend
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Taylors Ford primitive camping lakeside
Taylor’s Ford primitive campsite is down a steep windy track not suitable for big rigs. There are about 4 lakeside sites available all with good lake views
- Andy K.Legend
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Cove Creek camping lakeside
Cove Creek at Dale Hollow lake in TN is a primitive campsite with lakeside camping. There are water faucets for drinking water and a pit toilet available. Great views of the lake and plenty of sites available
Rachel G.GuideBi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
Jammed packed with hunters
I’d like to say this spot is beautiful, but I’ve seen better. Rifle season starts Nov 20. I’m 10 days early, and was a bit surprised just how many hunters are already here. I feel like I’m the only solo woman here, also seem to be the only Van lifer. Lots of RVs. The camp was pretty easy to find. There are fire pits, mine is full of garbage. The spots are pretty spacious but there’s no privacy. I won’t be staying here long.
- CChelsea H.
ScoutJackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
End of season stay in autumn leaves
We arrived on Oct 30 to find several spaces available, many of which are convenient pull-through spaces. All are right at the waters edge with fire rings. There's trash everywhere; we filled a 10 gal trash bag in a matter of 10 minutes. We've been enjoying our stay but sadly we're informed by a man driving around to be out by Nov 3 as they're closing the site for the season. Luckily this timing is fine for our plans but was a surprise as nothing is mentioned on sites or sign at entrance about this. Beautiful place, peaceful this time of year. Husband caught a bass & dogs enjoyed the shallow edge of the lake at our site. Would stay again!
Brandon B.TravelerJackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
Traffic
There is so much traffic at all times day and night. It gets pretty aggregating other than that they clean the Porta John a cpl times a week it's pet friendly and you can hang stuff from trees and lines
John B.GuideBi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
Great Dispersed Primitive camping
This area is beautiful almost all times of the year! Plenty of wildlife and lots of shady areas. Alcohol is allowed in designated camping areas. Only saw one other camper on our trip this weekend so it was very peaceful. There was no accessible water near by so make sure you bring your own provisions. Haven’t got to explore much around the area by hiking. Found a nice creek a few miles on down the road. Other then that, great area and will most definitely be back soon!
Andrew R.TravelerJackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
Convenient and pretty
I've read reviews elsewhere of this camping area getting crowded and rowdy. We went during a relatively chilly weekend in early April and had no trouble finding a spot. It was quiet, private, and beautiful. I can see however how that may be very different during warmer months.
The campground is very easily accessible and has no facilities other than garbage bins.
- Hope G.Scout
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Terrible
We got there late for a primitive site and all the sudden the mgr and police show up mind u the mgr passed us 3 times instead of stopping as a professional mgr should he calls police and tells me the website does not state primitive lol. It was cluttered loud and tacky.
- KKimberly P.Scout
Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
Good when not overcrowded
We went this past summer and had a nice visit. There wasn't too many people but a few weeks later we drove thru and people were packed in like sardines. Just not our style of camping. Seems the locals really come out in droves and packs the place. Have been told that vehicles have been stolen so may want to watch your surroundings depending on the environment at the time. However police did patrol thru the area at night when we were there.
Jacob T.GuideJackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
Closed by TVA
Arrived to find it closed. No one to talk to or call. Just closed. Same with Rhea Springs.
- Tiffany C.Scout
Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
Very sketchy
Very sketchy park. Vagrants mostly. You wouldn’t be able to leave your site unattended if you want to keep your stuff. Go across to Rhea springs. Nice,safe, free and beautiful.
- Melody S.Guide
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Beautiful Spot
Beautiful spot close to the water. Secluded area that can be reached via GPS coordinates ONLY (we learned this after trying to check in at the Dale Hollow campground).
Things to know:
- there was no dumpster for trash
-hike in spot with vault toilet
- 45 minutes from Standing Stone State Park
- VVerity O.Scout
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Plankyard: Great price. Ok location.
We stayed for 2 nights at the Plankyard site. We were expecting the site to be more remote - but these sites are right off a large parking area and boat ramp. The sites are not well marked and there was some litter. There were lots of trees and shade, and ample water access. We won't be going back to that site, but will definitely be checking out some more of the primative camping sites in the area. For $3/night you really can't complain!
Guide to Cookeville
Camping near Cookeville, TN, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing in nature, there’s something for everyone.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Good hikes nearby," making it a great spot for those who love to hit the trails.
- Water Activities: At Rock Island State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A camper shared, "This is a great state park with great hiking and beautiful waterfalls."
- Wildlife Watching: Edgar Evins State Park Campground is known for its wildlife. One reviewer noted, "The park has a lovely waterfall hike that we did and many others that we didn’t make it to."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the parks. A visitor at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park said, "Pretty with clean bathrooms," highlighting the well-maintained amenities.
- Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground. One camper remarked, "The campground is quiet, clean, beautiful. So nice to be on the river."
- Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the activities available at Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "Everyone was so friendly and had haunted houses set up for the trick or treaters."
What you should know:
- Site Selection: Some sites can be tricky to access. A camper at Edgar Evins State Park Campground advised, "I definitely recommend either scouting out a site before booking or researching well which site would be a good fit."
- Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Bandy Creek Campground noted, "The campgrounds are nice and well maintained. However, most of the sites are small."
- Seasonal Restrictions: Some parks have seasonal openings. For example, Frozen Head State Park Campground is open from March 15 to November 1.
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Kid-Friendly Parks: Look for parks with playgrounds and activities. Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground has a playground and a restaurant, making it a hit with families.
- Plan for Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms can make a big difference. A camper at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park appreciated the "very clean and well maintained" facilities.
- Bring Outdoor Games: Many parks have open spaces for games. A visitor at Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Looks like it would be a great family place with the play area and waterfront."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Rock Island State Park Campground noted, "There was a 7in difference between the sides and being new to camping we weren’t prepared."
- Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can be a game-changer. A visitor at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground mentioned the convenience of having "electric hookups."
- Plan for Leveling: Be prepared for uneven sites. A camper at Bandy Creek Campground shared, "The campground was excellent!!" but noted the need for leveling their camper.
Camping near Cookeville, TN, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cookeville, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cookeville, TN is Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park with a 3.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cookeville, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Cookeville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.