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Dispersed camping near Corryton, Tennessee extends across several nearby areas, with free primitive campsites located in parts of Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Calderwood Lake Primitive Campground offers free backcountry camping accessible by hiking or paddling in. Other options include Jellico Creek Road Dispersed #1 in Kentucky, which permits tent and RV camping without facilities, and FS 289 Pull Off in North Carolina, where primitive camping is available along forest service roads. Several sites like Harold Parrish Lower Camp require hiking access, while others like Jellico Creek can be reached by vehicle.
Access conditions vary significantly between sites. Calderwood Lake requires paddling or hiking, with no vehicle access to campsites. FS 289 Pull Off has mixed reports about road conditions, with some campers noting that standard vehicles can reach it in dry conditions despite recommendations for high-clearance vehicles. Most dispersed sites lack amenities, with no drinking water, toilets, or trash service available. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, and campers must follow leave-no-trace principles. Sites typically permit camping for extended periods without reservations, though some areas show evidence of longer-term use.
The character of these primitive dispersed campsites varies considerably. Calderwood Lake offers exceptional seclusion and natural beauty. "It was beautiful everything about it," one camper noted about the lake area, mentioning "waterfalls as white noise" and swimming opportunities. Jellico Creek features "a small swimming hole with a rope swing" according to a visitor. Many sites suffer from occasional trash problems, with one camper at FS 289 noting, "There's a bit of trash but I've seen worse." Wildlife encounters are common in these areas, and the proximity to water features like creeks and lakes adds to the primitive camping appeal. Most locations remain relatively uncrowded except during peak summer weekends, providing genuine backcountry solitude.
"You need a good off road capable vehicle to access this site but it is very peaceful with a nice stream running by."
"Another review recommended an off-road vehicle or a jeep to get here. In dry conditions, I got here just fine in an Outback Wilderness, and 5 minutes later a Prius drove up."
"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"
"If you are willing to bring everything with you, pack everything out, and paddle multiple miles on a nonmotorized finger lake, this is this place for you!"
"There are three dispersed camp sites along this road. We stayed at the first and largest of the three. This first site has room for two groups. It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing."
"Using the coordinates from the dispersed site #1 post, we found our way down the road and settled on the third site. Not huge, but right next to the creek."
"Overall, a decent dispersed camping spot. I saw and heard no one my entire time at this spot. It’s right on the river which is great. The drive in is mostly paved, but a little narrow."
"Parked at the top where there is a fire ring and nice size flat spot for a small camper or truck set up like we had. Very secluded. Can’t believe we got this spot. So thankful. Pack it in pack it out"
"No amenities. The sky was beautiful. Would go again. About ten miles off 75. We were there in Sept 2025"
"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."
GuideGreat 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.
TravelerSo we weren't sure what we would end up finding here. I will say that there are a lot of places to camp, many many many options away from the porta potties. If you get within about 20-30 feet of those they are a bit stinky. The one camp site we chose was a great place, tons of space and well manicured. A lot of options for pull up to your campsite or park and walk to campsite spots.
My only complaints are about the campers that stay there. The litter isn't horrible, but it's not great. It is a leave no trace place. Apparently some people have difficulty with throwing away their trash.
When we stayed last night there was a person that kept peeling out up and down the gravel road (3/4 times) in a diesel truck at 10:00 at night. Not very courteous to all of us at the campground.
And I was awakened at 2:00 a.m. by our camping neighbors when they were playing loud music. Also not cool, thankfully they stopped shortly after
Overall we were very pleased with this campground, beautiful views, it was hard choosing one spot. We will be coming back, and hopefully we won't have loud campers next time.
TravelerAnother review recommended an off-road vehicle or a jeep to get here. In dry conditions, I got here just fine in an Outback Wilderness, and 5 minutes later a Prius drove up. There’s a bit of trash but I’ve seen worse. Definitely bring bug repellent. The creek is only a few feet away from the campsite.
TravelerGreat area back in the woods. There are multiple pull off options to camp but this one is right next to the water. Loved it here!
GuideUsing the coordinates from the dispersed site #1 post, we found our way down the road and settled on the third site. Not huge, but right next to the creek. Went to sleep to the sound of coyotes and woke up to turkeys gobbling, and saw otters in the creek over breakfast. Someone had left a bunch of trash when we showed up, bottles, cardboard, cigarette boxes, etc but we picked it up and made the most of it. Not a bunch of places to use the bathroom but just do your best. Minimal traffic down the road. Saw one car pass while we were at our site? The drive in is beautiful in the fall. There is a point where Jellico Creek Rd continues straight, and also peels off to the right, it’s really weird. But take the option to the right down across the small bridge.
TravelerWe arrived at this dispersed campground at around 7:30 on a Saturday evening in July. It was pretty packed but since we were planning on leaving early the next morning, we took a family’s offer of taking over their spot as they left.
We use a roof top tent so unfortunately we weren’t able to camp at the actual site, instead we set up on an almost level gravel parking area that had a private trail to the actual camp site. There were garbage cans and a port-a-potty set up right there, which is why this site lost some stars. Even though these facilities were provided, people didn’t use the garbages and there was a lot of garbage on the ground, including broken glass that made us worry about our pup’s paws. Also, the port-a-potty was pretty yucky..neither my husband nor I were willing to use it.
Now, I want to reiterate that this is a geographically beautiful spot! Humans just need to take better care of it 💚
ScoutI drove over an hour to get here to find that it is “closed to public for vandalism”. I was very upset by this but obviously nothing I could do. Just wish I knew how to check before driving all the way. But the drive! Woah! So beautiful, I wish there was a way I could find out when it opens back up because I was very much looking forward to camping here.
GuideThere are three dispersed camp sites along this road. We stayed at the first and largest of the three. This first site has room for two groups. It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing.
GuideIt 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!🏕
Primitive camping near Corryton, Tennessee offers numerous undeveloped sites within a 60-mile radius. Most locations sit at elevations between 800-1,500 feet where summer temperatures average 85°F during day and drop to 65°F at night. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that regularly fall below freezing, particularly at higher elevation sites in the surrounding national forests.
Paddling and swimming: At Calderwood Lake Primitive campground, campers can enjoy water activities after reaching sites via canoe. "If you are willing to bring everything with you, pack everything out, and paddle multiple miles on a nonmotorized finger lake, this is this place for you," notes Tyler J. Slickrock Cove provides excellent swimming options.
Rope swinging: Visit Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1 where water recreation includes a natural swimming spot. According to Pam B., "There are three dispersed camp sites along this road. We stayed at the first and largest of the three. This first site has room for two groups. It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing."
Hiking to waterfalls: Multiple primitive sites connect to trail systems leading to waterfalls. The Slickrock Trail from Calderwood Lake accesses Wolfcat Falls, which one camper describes as "really pretty with a huge swimming hole." Most waterfall hikes require moderate fitness levels and proper footwear.
Solitude and quiet: Many dispersed sites offer significant separation from other campers. At FS 289 Pull Off, Jim M. describes the area as "very peaceful with a nice stream running by." The setting provides natural sound barriers and privacy between camping areas.
Vehicle accessibility: Several sites accommodate standard vehicles despite their remote feel. John B. notes about FS 289 Pull Off: "Another review recommended an off-road vehicle or a jeep to get here. In dry conditions, I got here just fine in an Outback Wilderness, and 5 minutes later a Prius drove up." Access varies significantly by season and recent precipitation.
Natural features: Creek-side camping creates appealing ambient sounds and practical water access. Campers frequently mention proximity to moving water as a highlight. Steven C. describes Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry and surrounding areas as "a small paradise nestled along the banks."
Vehicle requirements: Road conditions to primitive sites vary significantly by season. Jim M. states that at FS 289 Pull Off, "You need a good off-road capable vehicle to access this site," though others report success with standard vehicles in dry conditions. Call ranger stations for current access information.
Wildlife precautions: Black bears inhabit the region, requiring proper food storage. Most sites lack bear boxes, so campers must hang food or use bear canisters. Snakes are common during summer months, particularly near water.
Limited facilities: Redbird Boat Ramp typifies the minimal infrastructure at dispersed sites, with Aaron R. simply noting, "It's a boat ramp." Pack all necessary supplies including water, sanitation equipment, and trash bags. Cell service is unreliable at most locations.
Consider access difficulty: Some sites require significant hiking or paddling. Claire K. warns about Harold Parrish Lower Camp: "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."
Pre-plan bathroom solutions: With no toilet facilities at dispersed sites, families should pack portable toilets or shovels for catholes. Children may find this adjustment challenging initially. Teach proper waste disposal techniques before arrival.
Select sites with natural boundaries: Choose camping areas with natural features that create child-friendly boundaries. Weaver Bend Road sites generally offer flat terrain with clear perimeters that help keep young campers from wandering too far. Sites near gentle water features provide natural entertainment.
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller trailers only. Jim M. advises about FS 289 Pull Off: "Tent camping near the jeep or a high clearance overland teardrop should make it back here ok but not recommended for regular RVs." Measure your rig dimensions before attempting access.
Site leveling: Bring substantial leveling blocks as most dispersed areas lack graded surfaces. Scout potential spots before committing to a location, as many sites slope significantly toward creeks or low areas.
Water management: Without hookups, RVers must manage water carefully. The creek access at several sites allows for dishwashing and basic hygiene, but drinking water requires treatment or must be brought in. Calculate 1-2 gallons per person per day minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Corryton, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Corryton, TN is FS 289 Pull Off with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Corryton, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Corryton, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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