The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Knoxville, TN

56 Reviews

Knoxville, Tennessee is the closest major city to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Knoxville is only about an hour away if you’re looking for comfortable accommodations when traveling to the park.

Knoxville has capitalized on comfortable camping with plenty of glamping and RV resorts to choose from in the area. The best camping near Knoxville is in the Norris Dam State Park and surrounding area. Another good option for campgrounds is Big Ridge State Park near Ridenour, TN. It’s worth noting that for an extra 30 minutes of driving, you can get to Great Smoky, where admission is free and the campsites are more abundant.

Map showing campgrounds near Knoxville, TennesseeExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Knoxville, Tennessee (12)

    1. Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    14 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    44 miles

    "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)."

    "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."

    2. Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 479-6431

    "Campground Review:

    The Nantahala National Forest, due south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is chock full of free semi-developed campsites – some are drive-up, some are boat-up, and"

    "We got a spot right on the lake. It was nice and quiet. The view was great for watching the sunset. I think there was a pit toilet but we didn’t check it out."

    3. Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "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!"

    "GPS coordinates got me exactly to where I wanted to go. Lots of twists and turns going up the dragon with beautiful scenery of the trees changing colors in late October."

    4. Calderwood Lake Primitive campground

    3 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, TN
    33 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. Citico Creek Area

    6 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    36 miles
    Website

    "This campground is great for being right next to great day hikes and easy access to Citico Creek, which was just across the gravel road from our site."

    "No hookups, but a majority of the 14 sites are on the creek itself. Could not recommend Citico Creek more."

    6. Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry

    1 Review
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    35 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."

    7. Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)

    5 Reviews
    Lancing, TN
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 456-2479

    "Solid location for a night or a whole weekend. There are several porta potties available and the sites are spacious. This camp is perfect for the fam as it can accommodate RV sized vehicles."

    "There was no accessible water near by so make sure you bring your own provisions. Haven’t got to explore much around the area by hiking. Found a nice creek a few miles on down the road."

    8. Sourwood Campground

    4 Reviews
    Coker Creek, TN
    47 miles
    Website

    "You could pretty much drive by this place without giving it a second thought. I am glad I didn't. We got there late after 1pm. I was afraid that we were out of luck."

    "Google maps brought me to a spot 30 miles away"

    9. FS 289 Pull Off

    2 Reviews
    Hartford, NC
    50 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."

    10. Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1

    1 Review
    Jellico, KY
    48 miles
    Website

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Knoxville Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Knoxville, TN

90 Photos of 12 Knoxville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Knoxville, TN

56 Reviews of 12 Knoxville 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Katie A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2021

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Convenient and just as described!

    On a road trip from WV to GA I was so happy to have this free, quiet campsite right on the water! Great option for anyone that wants to paddle around. I opted for site #5, gave good views, and all the sounds of nature into the evening. Picnic bench, fire ring, and flat tent pad are all you get, and all you need. I felt safe as a solo traveler, other sites are a good distance apart. The written driving directions from other reviews are helpful, it's a dirt road, but not too rough. Would recommend!

  • Steve K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2023

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Field test truck camping

    First site(L1)was open so I took it. I spent two nights there. First time dispersed camping in National Forest and truck camping. Even though I've been camping my whole life, all my equipment was new so it was a learning experience. 😁 Parking was pretty level, but behind my rear wheels it declined toward the lake. The tent pad, picnic table and fire ring was on level ground. It was really quiet during the day, but there were some very loud frogs(?) during the night, enough to wake you up. 2nd night I played music and I slept good. Lol If your GPS says that you have reached your destination, you probably have passed the gravel road. Once on gravel road, veer to the right and you will pass the cemetery on your left, then you'll see kiosk. Sign shows you have to register there at the kiosk. I enjoyed my time there and hopefully can go back again this year. Hope y'all are enjoying the great outdoors. LIV'N!

  • Robert W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2023

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Stunning 😍

    GPS coordinates got me exactly to where I wanted to go. Lots of twists and turns going up the dragon with beautiful scenery of the trees changing colors in late October. There are a handful of Lots located right along the lake with a beautiful view of the mountains in the distance. My dog absolutely loved how much space she had to roam around and how clear the water was excellent for swimming.

    Some of the plots you can only fit one tent others you could fit up to three or four

Guide to Knoxville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Knoxville, Tennessee, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Scenic Riverfront Spots for Dispersed Campers

  • The Citico Creek Area offers stunning views right by the river, making it an ideal choice for those who love the sound of flowing water while camping.
  • Campers at the Calderwood Lake Primitive campground can enjoy a serene environment surrounded by waterfalls and lush greenery, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
  • For a more secluded experience, the Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry provides access to beautiful swimming holes and hiking trails, ensuring a memorable adventure.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Always pack out what you pack in; sites like the Sourwood Campground have been noted for needing more care from visitors to maintain their natural beauty.
  • Be prepared for primitive conditions; many spots, such as the Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA), lack amenities like toilets and trash disposal, so bring your own supplies.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot; popular areas like the Lake Santeetlah Dispersed can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Knoxville

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at the Lake Santeetlah Dispersed, where you can catch bass and bluegills right from the shore.
  • Hiking is a must at the Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites, with trails that offer breathtaking views and a chance to explore the local wildlife.
  • For those seeking adventure, the Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1 features a small swimming hole with a rope swing, perfect for cooling off after a day of hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Knoxville, TN is Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites with a 4.5-star rating from 14 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Knoxville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring