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Best Dispersed Camping near Dandridge, TN

14 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Dandridge, Tennessee includes several free primitive sites across Cherokee National Forest and surrounding public lands. FS 289 Pull Off in nearby Pisgah National Forest provides stream-side camping, while Paint Creek Corridor contains limited dispersed sites along forest roads. Additional options include Weaver Bend Road and Calderwood Lake Primitive campground, which requires boat or hiking access. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system or fees.

Access conditions vary significantly between sites. FS 289 Pull Off requires high-clearance vehicles during dry conditions, though some standard vehicles have accessed the area. Paint Creek Corridor has limited sites with several areas now marked as no-camping zones. Calderwood Lake sites require non-motorized boat access or hiking several miles on backcountry trails. Most dispersed areas lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers must pack out all waste and follow leave-no-trace principles. Fire regulations depend on seasonal conditions and forest service restrictions.

These primitive camping areas provide varying levels of solitude and natural settings. "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," notes one visitor to FS 289 Pull Off. Calderwood Lake campsites feature waterfront locations with reports of "undisturbed bliss" for those willing to paddle multiple miles. Some areas suffer from litter problems, particularly Paint Creek Corridor where campers report "a lot of trash in the area." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout these areas, with many sites offering access to hiking trails and water features such as streams and waterfalls.

Map showing campgrounds near Dandridge, TennesseeExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Dandridge, Tennessee (6)

    1. FS 289 Pull Off

    2 Reviews
    Hartford, NC
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "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."

    2. Paint Creek Corridor

    1 Review
    Hot Springs, TN
    31 miles

    3. Weaver Bend Road

    Be the first to review!
    Del Rio, TN
    29 miles

    4. Calderwood Lake Primitive campground

    3 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, TN
    48 miles

    "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!"

    5. Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry

    1 Review
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 479-6431

    "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."

    6. Sam's Gap Overlook

    Be the first to review!
    Flag Pond, TN
    49 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Dandridge, TN

16 Photos of 6 Dandridge Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Dandridge, TN

14 Reviews of 6 Dandridge Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Amin A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Better than I expected

    So 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2024

    FS 289 Pull Off

    Good location

    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. 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.

  • Karli P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2023

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    So Much Potential!

    We 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 💚

  • Tripp A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Closed to Public

    I 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.

  • Claire K.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!🏕

  • Claire K.The Dyrt PRO User
    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! 🏕

Guide to Dandridge

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Dandridge, Tennessee, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Dispersed campers should check out FS 289 Pull Off

  • Located in North Carolina, FS 289 Pull Off offers a peaceful retreat with a nearby creek, making it ideal for relaxation and nature sounds.
  • Accessing this site is manageable with a capable vehicle, and even those with less rugged cars have made it there, as noted by visitors.
  • While the area may have some litter, the overall experience is enhanced by the beautiful surroundings and the freedom of dispersed camping.

Enjoy hiking and exploring while free camping near Dandridge

  • The Calderwood Lake Primitive campground is a fantastic spot for those who love hiking, with trails leading to stunning waterfalls and swimming holes.
  • Campers can paddle to their site, adding an adventurous twist to the experience, as the area is accessible only by canoe.
  • The scenic views and tranquility of the slickrock cover create a perfect backdrop for a memorable camping trip.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Dandridge, Tennessee

  • When visiting Paint Creek Corridor, be prepared for limited camping spots and check for availability before making the long drive.
  • Bringing trash bags is essential, as some areas may have litter, and maintaining the beauty of these natural sites is crucial for future visitors.
  • Always pack bug repellent, especially in warmer months, to ensure a comfortable stay while enjoying the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dandridge, TN?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Dandridge. Paint Creek Corridor offers dispersed sites throughout the corridor, though some spots are now marked with no camping signs. For those with capable vehicles, FS 289 Pull Off provides peaceful streamside camping along the Smoky Mountain 1000 Overland route. While high clearance is recommended, some standard vehicles have accessed it in dry conditions. Other potential options include Weaver Bend Road and Sam's Gap Overlook. Always check current status before traveling, as some sites like Palmers Junction have been temporarily closed.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dandridge, TN?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Dandridge. Paint Creek Corridor offers dispersed sites throughout the corridor, though some spots are now marked with no camping signs. For those with capable vehicles, FS 289 Pull Off provides peaceful streamside camping along the Smoky Mountain 1000 Overland route. While high clearance is recommended, some standard vehicles have accessed it in dry conditions. Other potential options include Weaver Bend Road and Sam's Gap Overlook. Always check current status before traveling, as some sites like Palmers Junction have been temporarily closed.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Dandridge?

Dispersed camping sites around Dandridge are typically primitive with minimal amenities. Calderwood Lake Primitive campground features beautiful waterfront spots accessible by canoe (about 30 minutes from the Magazine Branch boat dock) with fire rings but no picnic tables at some sites. Harold Parrish Lower Camp offers riverside camping but requires a difficult hike in or boat access. Most dispersed sites in the area provide basic fire rings and tent pads. Bring all necessary supplies including water, as potable water is generally not available. Portable toilets may exist at some locations but are often poorly maintained.

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