Dispersed camping near Knoxville, Tennessee centers primarily around the Cherokee National Forest, with most free sites located within a 65-mile radius of the city. Many primitive camping areas sit at elevations between 1,200-2,500 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures compared to Knoxville. Winter access becomes challenging as forest service roads aren't maintained during snow or ice conditions, and seasonal flooding can affect site availability along creek beds.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites offers excellent fishing access directly from campsites. "I could walk down to the bank to fish and have a fire," reports Bryson D., who stayed in a van at site 7. Multiple sites feature direct lake access, making them popular with anglers.
Swimming holes: Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1 provides a natural swimming area with added fun. "This first site has room for two groups. It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing," notes Pam B., making it ideal for cooling off during summer months.
Hiking trails: The Slickrock Trail near Calderwood Lake offers access to additional primitive campsites and water features. "If you take it about 1.5 miles you'll reach Wolfcat Falls which has a big swimming hole at the bottom," writes Claire K., who discovered this trail starts directly from campsite one.
What campers like
Lake views: Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites features sites with exceptional water access. "8 or so beautiful sites, many with direct lake views/access," explains Sawyer B., who recommends arriving early to secure the best spots with water views.
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas offer substantial distance between camping spots. At Citico Creek Area, "these campsites are extremely spread out, allowing for private camping," according to Zane P., who appreciated the secluded nature of the 14 available sites.
Natural sounds: The creek and waterfall sounds create a peaceful backdrop at many sites. Claire K. describes camping at Harold Parrish Lower Camp where "You are right in the little slickrock cover with waterfalls as white noise," providing a calming natural soundscape throughout the night.
What you should know
Site availability: Many popular dispersed sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. Jake H. noted at Long Hungry Road: "Showed up around 2:30-3 o'clock on a Sunday afternoon and most of the spots were already called for. Seems you gotta get there early if you want easy water access."
Road conditions: Access roads can be rough and unmarked. "The sign at the road looks like it was either taken down or blew away. The pin drop doesn't take you to the turn in on Google or Apple Maps," warns Bryson D. about finding Long Hungry Road sites.
Facility limitations: Most areas lack basic amenities. When camping at Lake Santeelah Dispersed, Charles noted practical realities: "Beautiful campsites along the lake. Parking spots above near road and then some stairs down to a campfire ring, picnic table, and flat surface for a tent by the lake."
Variable site quality: Some camping areas have trash issues. Jason A. reported about the Citico Creek Area: "I live not far from here and we camped at site #3 we picked up so much trash in and around our site that it was sad." This highlights the importance of practicing Leave No Trace principles.
Tips for camping with families
Look for flat, accessible sites: Lake Santeetlah Dispersed offers family-friendly options with easy lake access. "The dogs loved it because our site was right on the lake," shares amanda R., who adds that her site was "very clean minus a few pieces of trash that we later picked up."
Check for swimming options: Sites with safe water access provide built-in entertainment for children. At Jellico Creek, the rope swing and swimming hole create natural recreation without needing additional equipment or planning.
Consider site layout: Some dispersed sites require walking from parking areas to the actual camp spot. As amanda R. observed at Lake Santeetlah: "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."
Tips from RVers
Site access limitations: Most dispersed sites near Knoxville can't accommodate large RVs. At FS 289 Pull Off, Jim M. advises: "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 RVs."
Scout sites first: Many forest roads become progressively narrower with limited turnaround options. Rocio C. found a suitable spot at Lake Santeetlah: "It was the perfect spot for our travel trailer. The other sites did not look to be too RV friendly. This site was long and pretty flat."
Vehicle clearance matters: Low-clearance vehicles may struggle on access roads. At FS 289, John B. notes: "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."
