Best Dispersed Camping near Copperhill, TN

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Copperhill, Tennessee

87 Reviews of 50 Copperhill Campgrounds

• 

  Steve K.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 16, 2023

  Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

  Field test truck camping

  First site(L1)was open so I took it. I spent two nights there. First time dispersed camping in National Forest and truck camping. Even though I've been camping my whole life, all my equipment was new so it was a learning experience. 😁 Parking was pretty level, but behind my rear wheels it declined toward the lake. The tent pad, picnic table and fire ring was on level ground. It was really quiet during the day, but there were some very loud frogs(?) during the night, enough to wake you up. 2nd night I played music and I slept good. Lol If your GPS says that you have reached your destination, you probably have passed the gravel road. Once on gravel road, veer to the right and you will pass the cemetery on your left, then you'll see kiosk. Sign shows you have to register there at the kiosk. I enjoyed my time there and hopefully can go back again this year. Hope y'all are enjoying the great outdoors. LIV'N!

• 

  Clay A.

  Guide

  

  May. 31, 2018

  Cowrock Mountain

  Beautiful Views on the AT

  Dispersed camp sites at or near the summit of Cowrock Mountain offer wonderfully shaded spots with long range views of the Blue Ridge. Perfect spot for hammocks or tents right off the trail with large rocky outcrops for your views. Easy enough to set up a small fire ring right on the edge for night-time relaxing. There is a water source about .5 miles west on the AT at Baggs Creek Gap or ~1.5 miles east at Hogpen Gap. Closest road access is down the mountain about a mile west at Tesnatee Gap on GA Hwy 348 (Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy)

• 

  Steve V.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 1, 2022

  Big Creek Primitive Camping Area

  Remote Primitive Camping

  This is a great off grid camping spot along a creek. There are about 7 spots here with most of them each able to hold multiple vehicles and set ups. We 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. All the sites have at least 1 fire ring, most had multiple.

  This is primitive camping, so there are no facilities (no bathhouse, no power, no dump station, no trash, ect). It's all pack it in, pack it out. We had no service with Verizon. 

  This is also 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. 

  There is hiking in the area and there are areas in the creek deep enough for wading and soaking. 

  This 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.

• 

  Karen

  Guide

  

  Oct. 21, 2022

  Lake Santeelah Dispersed

  Nice serene lakeside spots

  It's an absolutely beautiful lake in the forest. The trees are turning and the sky is blue. Only drawback is the Pine Ridge Rd dispersed camping is along the roadside. Not really private. You have to walk to your site if you want to set up a tent. No room for a large RV. But the scenery is beautiful. AT&T works just fine!

• 

  Damion V.

  Traveler

  

  May. 7, 2019

  High Shoals Falls Trail Dispersed

  Semi-secluded Camping in the Chattahoochee NF

  A relatively moderate 2.4 mile (round trip) hike with primitive camping/ backpacking campsites alongside High Shoals Creek. The trail contains 2 beautiful Georgia waterfalls, Blue Hole Falls and High Shoals Falls. The area is lush with mountain laurel, rhododendrons, and old-growth trees. The cool waters of High Shoals Creek offer rewarding refreshment after a day of exploring the various wildflowers and plant life while serving as a soothing sound to fall asleep too while stargazing.

• 

  Steve V.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 19, 2022

  Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

  Large Dispersed Camping Field

  This is a large field for dispersed camping along Conasauga Lake Road that is popular with both hikers (Emery Creek Trail and Tear Britches Trail both have trailheads here) and Overlanders (site is on the Big Frog Loop and Georgia Traverse). There are multiple fire rings established around the field and this field can handle many groups. No water or facilities here, but you can go down to the Lake Conasauga Campground about a mile away and use their facilities for a $5 fee. The field is fairly sloped, so you want to have some shoring if you are in a trailer, roof top tent, or van.

• 

  Sierra S.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 15, 2020

  Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

  Wonderful Free Site

  If you come from the west beware of 129 aka the dragons tail. It is a very windy road. To get to the sites you turn on Joyce Kilmer road from 129. You will pass a few houses and several spots that looke like they almost could be camping spots but wait until you get to the official marked spots. The spots were amazing, beautiful views, lake access, nice fire pits, good tent pads. One of the best free sites I have stayed at. We stayed for two nights in August and had a fantastic time. Many of the sites were full but never all. The waterfall is on Joyce Kilmer road before you get to the campsites.

• 

  Myron C.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 27, 2021

  Siler Bald Trail Shelter TR 373

  Trail Shelter along the Appalachian Trail

  Siler Bald is not to be confused with Silers Bald, which borders the NC/TN state line in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Siler Bald is actually in the Nantahala National Forest and is close to Wayah Bald along the Appalachian Trail. The shelter is aptly named after the adjacent mountain bald. I first went to Siler Bald many years ago but did not go to the trail shelter. This second time, I did go to the trail shelter, which is about nine-tenths of a mile past the Siler Bald summit if you are hiking north on the Appalachian Trail. If you are hiking from Wayah Bald, it is a little over three and a half miles. Since this is a trail shelter, it does not have electrical hookups. You will need to take a water filtration system for fresh water. Instead of searching for firewood, we used my old Coleman stove for dinner. Surprisingly, there were no other groups in the shelter the night we stayed there. The best things about this trail shelter are its proximity to the Appalachian Trail, the quietness you’ll experience since it is away from major highways, and its proximity to the Siler Bald summit. The summit provides a fantastic 360 degree view since it is a grassy bald, but it is a steep climb from the base to the summit. This is not an RV campground, and you do have to pack everything in(and out). You cannot go to the store to get supplies without hiking a long way, so be prepared. Overall, I loved it because of its peace and solitude.

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Mar. 12, 2018

  Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

  Ranger Review: Renogy 100-Watt Foldable Solar Suitcase at Lake Santeetlah

  Campground Review:

  The Nantahala National Forest, due south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is chock full of free semi-developed campsites – some are drive-up, some are boat-up, and are there are even a few large enough for sizable RV’s. J8 is one of those larger sites.

  Our site has been very well-kept and is right next to the boat launch on Lake Santeetlah, at Avey Creek. This is a beautiful reservoir for fishing, canoeing, SUPing, or sea kayaking, and very close to some great hiking in the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. The famous Tail of the Dragon (Highway 129) between here and Tennessee, with twists and turns and beautiful views…very popular among both cyclists and motorcyclists. The closest town is Robbinsville, NC which is about 30 minutes away and has all the basics you need. Nothing fancy or special, though the people are extremely nice.

  Each of the free sites we’ve seen appear to be well-maintained with nice flat, well-drained tent pads, a fire pit, a picnic table, and 2 poles to hang lanterns, shower bags, etc. Lots of trees around for hanging hammocks, too. There are no toilets or drinking water available, so just come prepared! And, please Leave No Trace!

  No reservations necessary, or even possible. These are free first-come, first-served campsites which probably fill quickly during the main season. Given that we are here in early March, the skies the limit! Check out our blog on The Dyrt's Online Magazine about our experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

  Product Review:

  As Rangers with The Dyrt, we’ve been taking this solar panel out on a test drive as we’ve camped in various places throughout the southeast this winter. It plugged right into our existing system, and after some retrofitting needed to attach it to the tonneau cover on our truck, we were good to go! So far, we love it!

  We’ve been traveling across the country with one 80-watt solar panel mounted on the back of our Nissan Frontier for the past 5.5 years. This panel charged a deep cycle marine battery, and we used an inverter to convert the power to AC to run some of our lights, charge our laptops, charge batteries; or we simply used DC power directly from the battery to charge our cell phone, run our 12-volt fan and lights. We like having it on our truck (and removable) so that we can park our camper in the shade during the warmer months, but put the panel in the sun with an extension cord. Whether we are parked at a campground or driving down the road, if the panel is illuminated, we are gathering solar power.

  The amount of power is a simple equation between how much you can collect (with your panel) and store (with your battery), and then how much you use. If you need to convert the type of electricity to AC to charge up something with a standard 3-prong plug, you lose a bit in the conversion from DC to AC. If you just need DC power to run a 12-volt fan, lights, or charge your cell phone with a USB, you get more bang for your power buck.

  What we like about this product:

  · It has a larger capacity than our previous panel, but with a slimmer profile and just a slightly larger footprint.

  · It’s easier to manage because it folds in half for storage, if that is what you plan to do when you are not using it, and it comes with its own carrying case.

  · It comes with its own kickstand! Previously, we used Hutch’s guitar stand and bungee cords to put the panel in the right orientation to the sun. Now, we just pull out the stand, set it up, and start charging.

  · The carrying handle is firmly integrated into the side, making for an easy place to loop a cable through to lock it down when we leave for the day.

  What could be improved:

  Honestly, so far…nothing that we’ve found. It’s easy to use, robust, and does the job of collecting power from the sun.

  Product Link: https://www.renogy.com/renogy-100-watt-12-volt-monocrystalline-foldable-solar-suitcase-w-o-controller/

  Product Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8udSRefnwmQ&t=78s

• 

  Clayton S.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 19, 2021

  Tallulah River Rd Dispersed Camping

  Nice but doesnt blow your mind

  Nice wide camping spot. Very primitive and if you desperately need toilet facilities, there are a couple of established campgrounds just down the road

• 

  Claire K.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 15, 2022

  Calderwood Lake Primitive campground

  I haven’t seen anything like it!

  It was beautiful everything about it. We put our boat in at the magazine branch boat dock and only had to canoe maybe 30 minutes to the first camp spot (which on a friday afternoon we were very fortunate to get). Unlike the other camp sites we’ve seen there camp site one doesn’t have any picnic tables, which is the only downside to it. You are right in the little slickrock cover with waterfalls as white noise. unlike the other sites this one is also very flat which is best for walking. if you enjoy hiking campsite one is right on the slickrock trail and if you take it about 1.5 miles you’ll reach wolfcat falls which has a big swimming hole at the bottom. lots of fun! slickrock trial also has about 7 more sites that we pasted on that 1.5 mile hike. lots to do here and absolutely beautiful and for the middle of june an amazing temperature.

  Happy Camping!🏕

• 

  Robert N.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 9, 2023

  Panther Top Dispersed Site

  Panther Top Dispersed

  Great spot right on the little lake. You can hear the gun range from the Camp Spot, but it is barely noticeable. There are two main spots right on the lake that are set up for tent camping. My overland rig fit in the small parking area fine, but I had to find a few rocks to level my truck so the rooftop tent was level. It is obviously a spot that locals come to party on the weekends but I had no issues. There looks like there are only 2 primary camping spots with fire rings and tent pads. My spot had a picnic table and two tent pads, a pole for your lantern and was just feet from the lake. Lots of fish jumping and I caught a 1 pound large mouth bass on a silver spinning lure. Over all a great spot. No bugs, but you will likely need to bring firewood, as all of the fallen trees had been scavenged. Since there are only two spot, definitely have a backup plan, especially on the weekends.

• 

  Andy S.

  Guide

  

  May. 20, 2020

  Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

  Private Peninsula

  Campsite L8 was one of 30 something dispersed primitive sites scattered around Lake Santeetlah, and it was an amazing place to spend 4 nights. Our site was a quarter mile peninsula that we had to ourselves. All the sites very in size, shape, and proximity to the road and lake, and they all were nice. The lake itself is absolutely gorgeous and crystal clear! We had lots of birds and butterflies around camp. Keep your eyes out for the Tufted Titmouse a cute little grey bird resembling a Cardinal. Included in the site were a fire ring with cooking grate, picnic table, lantern pole, grill, lots of wood on the ground for fires, and trees to hang hammocks from. No toilets or water besides the lake so plan accordingly. We arrived on Thursday and all 9 sites in our area were full by Friday afternoon, so I’m guessing it tends to fill up quickly when it’s nice. Also the sites are free

• 

  amanda R.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 1, 2024

  Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

  Great site!

  This was such a nice quiet campground. We arrived around 8am and got the first campsite we saw. This is the most established dispersed campsite that I’ve stayed at as it has a fire circle, a grill and a picnic table. It’s very quiet and very few cars passed. There’s a walking/hiking trail across the lake where we saw some hikers and some people on horseback. The site was very clean minus a few pieces of trash that we later picked up. The dogs loved it because our site was right on the lake. We drove down the gravel road to check out the other campsites and they all seem great if you’re tent camping! We car camped and our campsite was perfect because it had a parking space right in front of it whereas the other sites had parking spaces across the road. Overall a great place. I can’t wait to go back!

• S

  Steven C.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 14, 2021

  Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

  Hidden in plain view

  Had a great time here. Easy to miss but right off the main road. Google Maps shows it just before the actual location (turn at the cemetery sign, and go past the cemetery). Spaced far apart but doesn't feel like you are completely isolated. Will be coming back for sure.

• A

  Alexandra

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 12, 2021

  Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

  Drive up site by the lake/boat launch

  Note that there are multiple campsites on this lake, some are drive up, some you have to walk to. There is also a campground called "Lake Santeetlah" that is not free. The site by the boat launch was quiet, free, and had beautiful views of the lake. I arrived right before sunset on a week day and found it unoccupied. There was a picnic table, and established flat area to set up a tent. No bathrooms or running water available.

  Warning: the road to get to Lake Santeetlah has endless sharp turns & drop-offs, would not recommend driving this in the dark.

• E

  Evan D.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 4, 2023

  Lake Santeelah Dispersed

  Great free place with amazing views

  This camp site is free to use and it is a great little place. The sites are huge like you could probably fit a few different set ups in each site. It’s a little confusing if you get here in the dark while it’s pouring rain but I just took the first right onto the gravel road where the bathrooms are and there is 3 sites down there with greats views of the lake.

• 

  Katie A.

  Traveler

  

  May. 19, 2021

  Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

  Convenient and just as described!

  On a road trip from WV to GA I was so happy to have this free, quiet campsite right on the water! Great option for anyone that wants to paddle around. I opted for site #5, gave good views, and all the sounds of nature into the evening. Picnic bench, fire ring, and flat tent pad are all you get, and all you need. I felt safe as a solo traveler, other sites are a good distance apart. The written driving directions from other reviews are helpful, it's a dirt road, but not too rough. Would recommend!

• 

  Clay T.

  Guide

  

  May. 7, 2024

  Chattahoochee National Forest Boggs Creek Recreation Area - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

  A breathtaking spot.

  Great quietly secluded. Made an effort to go as far as I could. And even through the water in my 2015 Toyota sienna mobbed right on through. Enjoy the views!

• B

  Bob S.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 28, 2019

  Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

  Great lakeside campsites

  Found this gem while I was traveling back to TX from the NC coast.  There are nine lakeside campsites along a smooth gravel road off of NC-143.  Each of the campsites have fire rings and some had picnic tables.

• 

  Karen

  Guide

  

  Jun. 5, 2021

  Murrays Lake Primitive

  It's Primitive

  There is a lake, but it's not all that pretty. There's a boat ramp, but the lake is small and I doubt it's worth the trouble. There are 2 drive in tent spots, with 2 more at the end of a trail. Secluded. The road in can be handled by a sedan.

• B

  Bob P.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 13, 2024

  Creekside Camp

  Very primitive

  No picnic tables or pit toilets. Flat campsites next to a very nice creek.

• 

  Karen

  Guide

  

  Jun. 5, 2021

  Murrays Lake Primitive

  It's in Georgia, not Tennesse!

  Although there is a Murray's Lake in TN, as you'll note on the location map, this campsite is in Georgia.

• 

  Claire K.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 2, 2022

  Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry

  Large area, hard hike there

  From what i saw, there seemed to be two camp sites at Harold Parrish lower camp. one had the sign and was a bit off the river and the other one was down just a little bit but visible from the first site and right at the water. i have both pictured below. The hike in is quite difficult. we boated into slickrock cove off of Calderwood lake and walked from there to the sites. which was only about 1.5 miles. so a lot easier than the whole 13.5 mile hike. Wolfcat falls is really pretty with a huge swimming hole. Lots of fun and not far at all from the Lower camp sites. if you’re thinking of kayaking or canoeing to these sites it’s impossible because of the amount of small falls so you’ll have to park your boat at the cove and leave it. No way to get it to the campsite.

  Happy Camping! 🏕

• 

  Tyler J.

  Ranger

  

  Mar. 20, 2020

  Jack's River Falls Trail/Cohutta Wilderness Backcountry Group Camp

  Perfect summer spot

  There are a few campsites right next to the river. A cool 9ish mile to the falls or go snorkeling in clear creek waters

• C

  Carrie A.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 30, 2018

  Lake Chatuge Dispersed

  Lake Chatuge TVA

  Great view of lake. Campsite is right on the water. This site is primitive. Previous campers didn’t take their trash with them. Only negative to this site.

• B

  Blake R.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 7, 2020

  Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

  Some great, some okay

  There are 9 sites here down a decent gravel road. You have to drive past the cemetery and you’ll see the sign. A few of the spots are really basic and had some trash left :( I tent camped at spot 9 and it was fantastic. Lots of firewood and enough space for 4 or 5 tents. Site 9 had a little trail down to the lake, 2 fire pits and a picnic table. Very secluded from everything and a great view of the water. Would definitely stay here again