Best Dispersed Camping near Dunlap, TN
Prentice Cooper State Forest provides dispersed camping opportunities around Dunlap, Tennessee, with primitive sites located throughout its 24,000-acre wilderness. The forest contains two primary dispersed camping areas: Hunter's Check Station Campground near the entrance and Davis Pond Campground approximately 7 miles down gravel forest service roads. Tennessee Wall Camp offers additional dispersed camping options in the region, featuring sites with fire pits scattered in clearings near water access points.
Access to Davis Pond requires travel on well-maintained but unpaved forest roads that may require high-clearance vehicles during wet conditions. Gates close at dark, preventing late arrivals. Primitive conditions prevail with no reliable water sources, functioning restrooms, or hookups. Camping at both locations is free, though Davis Pond allows tent camping only, with no vehicle access to the actual camping area. Seasonal closures affect many forest areas between December and March, and hunting seasons may impact camping availability and safety.
The area attracts off-road enthusiasts, with frequent ATV, UTV, and dirt bike traffic during daylight hours. Campsites offer seclusion amid wooded settings, with Davis Pond featuring fishing opportunities for largemouth bass. Hikers can access nearby trails, including one leading to Blowing Wind Falls from Davis Pond Campground. Campers report varying experiences with noise levels. "If you want seclusion, this is your spot," one visitor noted about Davis Pond, while others mentioned "Night time is great but gunshots started at 6:30 at a nearby gun range and dirt bikes started hitting the roads not much later." Wildlife sightings, including copperheads near the pond, have been reported.
