Best Dispersed Camping near Etowah, TN

The Cherokee National Forest surrounds Etowah, Tennessee with numerous dispersed camping opportunities, particularly along creeks and waterways. Lost Creek Campground in Reliance offers primitive tent camping with basic amenities including concrete picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets. Goforth Creek provides several hike-in camping areas with established fire pits and water access. Spring Creek and Citico Creek areas feature drive-in sites that accommodate small vehicles and tents, with most locations situated along flowing water. These public lands primarily support tent camping rather than large RVs, with sites typically spaced well apart to provide privacy and natural immersion.

Forest service roads throughout the region require careful navigation, especially after rainfall when conditions deteriorate. According to one camper at Lost Creek: "Once leaving the pavement of the main road and traversing a well maintained gravel road for 7 miles you will reach the Lost Cove Campground." Cell service is minimal to nonexistent at most sites, with Verizon users reporting no reception at several locations. Bear activity necessitates proper food storage and waste management. Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation systems. Winter camping remains possible but with significantly reduced visitation, while summer weekends often see popular waterfront locations fill by mid-morning.

Creek and riverside sites receive consistently positive reviews for their natural soundscapes and fishing opportunities. One visitor noted: "This is a great spot in the river. Picnic tables, fire ring, pit toilet and all you hear is the river at night." Sites vary in their level of development, with some offering only flat tent pads and fire rings while others include picnic tables and bear-proof trash receptacles. Campers frequently mention the privacy between sites as a significant benefit. Weekend crowding can occur during summer months, particularly at easily accessible locations. The region's camping areas serve as gateways to hiking trails, fishing spots, and swimming holes, with many campers appreciating the opportunity to wade in creeks during warmer months.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Etowah, Tennessee (33)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Etowah, TN

85 Reviews of 33 Etowah Campgrounds


  • Steve V.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Kaylee D.
    Apr. 4, 2021

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Absolutely gorgeous!

    Wow! Amazing primitive campsites! Each has a picnic table, fire pit/grill, and level area for 1-2 tents (a few can accommodate more if you’re ambitious), and lake views (most have lake access if you want to put in a kayak or canoe). Sites are so spread out it feels like you’re the only one on the lake! Most parking next to campsites could fit camper van or tiny trailer and at the end of the road there is a turn around space if needed; however every site has steps down to the level area (L9 has the longest straight down hill to the lake), so you won’t be parking right next to the site if that is a problem...it wasn’t for me). Just drive carefully( lots of big potholes and blind curves)! Overall, a beautiful area to set up camp (up to 14 days)! I didn’t want to leave.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2024

    Creekside Camp

    Very primitive

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

  • Natalie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 9, 2024

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Quiet, nice spaces, and clean!

    Such a great find! I was hoping to car camp a little closer to NOC but not in a campground but this is the closest I could find in February. I would definitely stay here again! Very quiet and clean and the sites are very well laid out and maintained! No hook ups of any kind but it’s worth it! Highway Patrol and Park Rangers patrol pretty frequently so I felt really safe as a solo female. I still took all the safety precautions but didn’t feel as necessary as some.

  • Roy B.
    Nov. 6, 2021

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Grassy Field in forested mountainous area.

    This is a primitive group camping area close to Lake Conasauga. GPS is 34.86064073010609,-84.63659794105651. (Photos and this review are from my last stay here on 31 Oct- 02 Nov 2021.) 

    The camping field is at the base of Bald Mountain, altitude 4005'. Nearby Tearbritches Trail will take you to the summit of Bald Mountain and then down to the Conasauga River. The Emery Creek Trail is at the back of the camping area. There are some fire pits in the open field. 

    The cell connection is intermittent and usually only one bar(or no cell). 

    This area is fairly remote and the rough gravel forest service roads are best traveled by a higher clearance vehicle. 2x2 usually works ok though. (It takes patience and a while to get here.) This is a popular mountain bike area and the cyclists can easily hit speeds of 30MPH on the sketchy downhills.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2022

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Great peaceful spot

    The only downside to this campground is that for half of the sites the parking is across the small access road. This would be most ideal for tent camping.

  • Steve V.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • amanda R.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Roy B.
    Oct. 13, 2021

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Remote. Field.

    34.860688452654024,-84.63670121000321

    Stayed here a number of times during each of the four seasons. Fairly remote for eastern U.S, (but I have watched, over the past 2 decades, Atlanta grow northward, and a lot of development in Ellijay and Blue Ridge areas, and it is a little depressing).  Access is by gravel roads. There are bears in the area and they love food. (A fed bear is a dead bear-please don't leave any food out and scare them away if they come around.)

    No amenities. Lake Conasauga is nearby which has some amenities. One can hike up to the top of nearby Bald Mountain and then hike down to the Conasauga River. One can look for butterflies, other insects, birds, flowers, etc. There are many trails in the Cohutta Wilderness, which is just to the north.

    I will post some photos of nearby Bald Mountain and the trail head for Tearbritches Trail. Other photos of the area here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rbinv/albums/72157634085883873

    (N34 51.670 W84 38.120) This leads over the highest western-most mountain in the eastern U.S., and then down to Bray Field at the junction of Tearbritches Creek and the Conasauga River(N34 53.897 W84 37.296)- It is a long steep grade down to the Conasauga(1-way distance is 3.4 miles)| 30 August 2013

    Here are some notes I took about the vegetation in the area:

    The north-northeasterly facing slope of Bald Mountain within a half-mile of the summit, elevation 4005'. Mostly New York Fern(Thelypteris noveboracensis) here, but also saw Hay-scented(Dennstaedtia punctilobula), Cinnamon(Osmundastrum cinnamomeum), and Interrupted Ferns(Osmunda claytoniana) in this immediate area. New York Ferns are common throughout the widerness| Tearbritches Trail, Cohutta Wilderness, N. Georgia Mountains| 30 August 2013


Guide to Etowah

The Cherokee National Forest surrounding Etowah provides backcountry camping options across diverse terrain from 1,500 to 5,000 feet elevation. Most dispersed camping areas remain accessible year-round though forest service roads can become challenging during winter months and after heavy rain. The majority of sites offer direct water access with varying levels of established facilities.

What to do

Creek swimming and wading: At Goforth Creek Campground A, visitors can access excellent swimming spots throughout summer. "The hike up the creek is really beautiful and a much less traveled trail than others in the area. I highly suggest going all the way to the end and taking a little dip. The water feels wonderful on a hot summer day," shares Asher K.

Fishing opportunities: Several locations provide accessible fishing spots within walking distance of campsites. "Great hikes around and good place to fish and hunt," notes Rayley P. about Lost Creek Campground. The spring and fall months typically offer the best fishing conditions when water levels are moderate.

Day hiking: Trail access from campsites allows for varied hiking experiences without driving. At Goforth Creek Campground B, campers can find "another large campsite that sits further up the creek and is pretty easy to find from the main trail," according to reviewer Asher K. Multiple connecting trails create loop options ranging from 1-7 miles.

Wildlife observation: The area supports diverse wildlife including deer, turkey, and various bird species. Spring and early summer provide optimal viewing times, particularly during early morning hours. Morning birding is especially productive at creek-side campsites where water attracts numerous species.

What campers like

Creek soundscapes: Campers consistently mention the soothing sounds of running water as a highlight. At Sourwood Campground, Dan R. notes, "The closeness to the river is the main attraction here. It's ever-present sounds make it easy to forget everything."

Site privacy: The spacing between campsites creates a sense of solitude even at more developed areas. "These campsites are extremely spread out, allowing for private camping. No hookups, but a majority of the 14 sites are on the creek itself," explains Zane P. about Citico Creek Area.

Primitive amenities: Many campers appreciate the basic facilities that maintain a wilderness feel. At Lost Creek Campground, Tyler J. describes it as "Your classic primitive campground. No generators, water, or porta potties. How camping in the forest should be!"

Free camping access: The availability of no-cost sites makes the area popular for budget-conscious campers. "This campground is incredibly clean + quiet—and completely free," shares Brittany S. Most free camping locations operate year-round without permits, though holiday weekends see increased usage.

What you should know

Road conditions: Forest service roads require appropriate vehicles with adequate clearance. "I could see them being bad after a heavy storm. Gravel 7 miles to here," notes Chris D. about accessing Lost Creek Campground. Roads typically remain passable for standard vehicles during dry conditions but deteriorate quickly with rain.

Site competition: Popular camping areas fill quickly during peak season. "Nice but super crowded on the weekend," reports J A. about Lost Creek Campground. Arriving by mid-morning on Friday offers the best chance for securing desirable sites during summer months.

Bear awareness: The entire region requires proper food storage practices. Secure all food, cooking equipment, and scented items in vehicles overnight or use bear-resistant containers. Sites with bear-proof trash receptacles should still be treated as active bear habitat.

Water purification: While creek access provides water sources, treatment is necessary. Carrying a minimum of 1 gallon per person per day is recommended if not filtering creek water. Creek water typically runs clear except after heavy rainfall.

Tips for camping with families

Concrete table sites: For easier family camping, seek locations with established facilities. "Sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad. We had to clean ours when we arrived. There are rest rooms and bear proof trash bins," notes Scott E. about his stay at Lost Creek.

Swimming hole access: Several sites offer shallow water access appropriate for supervised children. Jackson Island Dispersed Campground provides family-friendly water access. "Great view, plenty of spots to set up, great fishing and a surprisingly low amount of bugs!" reports Brendan G.

Weekend noise considerations: Some areas experience increased activity on weekends. "There is so much traffic at all times day and night. It gets pretty aggregating," warns Brandon B. about Jackson Island. Weekday camping typically offers a quieter experience for families with young children.

Restroom facilities: Most dispersed sites lack bathroom facilities entirely. When available, they are primitive. "The restroom, although primitive (no water—bring along some hand sanitizer), is incredibly clean," reports Brittany S. Families should plan accordingly with portable solutions.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate only smaller RVs and trailers. At Citico Creek Area, sites can handle modest setups but with limited maneuverability. "Could not recommend Citico Creek more," mentions Zane P., though noting the primitive nature of the sites.

Leveling challenges: Many creek-side locations feature uneven terrain. "All of the sites had solid packed ground so it would not be hard to level whatever rig you use. Drive right up to the camp site better yet use a truck bed camper or tent," advises Victor S. about Sourwood Campground.

Turn-around space: Limited turning areas restrict larger vehicles. "It would absolutely NOT be a good location for a class A motorhome but maybe some of the smaller class C's could get settled in there I saw a small camper trailer sitting comfortable. I would not like to try to get a larger camper or 5th wheel in there, way too tight to turn around," warns Victor S.

Generator restrictions: Many sites prohibit generator use. "No generators, water, or porta potties," confirms Tyler J. about Lost Creek Campground. This makes these locations better suited to self-contained smaller rigs with alternative power sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Etowah, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Etowah, TN is Lost Creek - Cherokee NF with a 4.8-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Etowah, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 33 dispersed camping locations near Etowah, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.