Top Free Dispersed Camping near Livingston, TN

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Livingston, TN (4)

    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

    1. Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

    8 Reviews
    60 Photos
    68 Saves

    Overview

    Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping is a unique series of 32 locations with a total of over 70 individually designated family campsites dispersed over 620 miles of shoreline. Campsites are located in both the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Primitive camping offers a unique rustic lake front camping experience. Remote locations along the shoreline offer campers a peaceful nature experience. Most designated tent sites are accessible only by boat; while a few can be reached by country road. Campers are advised that these areas are remote, primitive sites. Toilets are vault/pit type outhouses. Campers desiring on-site attendant, security and law enforcement services are encouraged to use developed campgrounds where such services are provided. These services are not provided for primitive camping.

    Recreation

    Dale Hollow Lake, with its crystal clear water and forested hillsides, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities and holds the world record for smallmouth bass and is known as a trophy smallmouth lake. Boating and water skiing are popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake.

    Natural Features

    Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about three miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities. In the late fall through early spring, the American bald eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second-largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Full rules and reservation policies for fees associated with changes and cancellations can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies There is no fee to make a reservation. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A $10 service fee may be charged to changes made to an existing reservation (see full policies for when this is applicable). A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. Applicable fees, including service/cancellation fees and change fees, are non-refundable and subject to change. No refunds for recreation use fees may be made locally at the lake.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $5 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
    Camper-submitted photo from Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
    Camper-submitted photo from Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
    Camper-submitted photo from Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
    Camper-submitted photo from Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
    Camper-submitted photo from Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)

    2. Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)

    4 Reviews
    23 Photos
    32 Saves

    82,000 acres of wild land on the upper Cumberland Plateau in both Morgan and Cumberland counties. This area offers some of the best hunting in East Tennessee! This area is home to deer, wild turkey, wild boar, fox squirrels, gray squirrels, ruffed grouse, raccoons, quail, rabbits, and mourning doves. For your fishermen, the game include smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegill, and muskellunge. Although the area is funded by hunters and fishermen, it is popular with all outdoor enthusiasts! Backpacking is very popular in the area, as well as whitewater rafting! The area has many deep cut canyons created by the rivers and streams, and offers access to beautiful scenery unlike anywhere else. The many trails allow access to the back country, but perhaps the best known path is the Cumberland Trail which passes through the area.

    Overnight camping is allowed on designated areas. The area is closed to entry between sunset and sunrise.

    Bicolor Entrance N 35.993 W -84.678

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road
    • No image available

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Livingston

    13 Reviews of 4 Livingston Campgrounds


    • Robert W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
      Nov. 14, 2023

      Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)

      Nice Little Getaway

      The GPS coordinates will get you directly to where you want to go there's probably about 10 to 15 campsites there was trash on a few of them. Overall it was a nice place to just go and get away. It is a hunter's Camp first and foremost so there were quite a few people setting up for this week's opening day but the ones I did talk to were all friendly even went and had a couple beers with one of them.

      My dog snd I stayed for 2 nights and 2 days. Lots of wildlife sounds at night.

      Also a random heard of cattle strols through every now and again.

      I'd definitely come back around this time of year!

    • Michael W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
      May. 21, 2023

      Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)

      Primitive at its best

      Didn’t stay. To far out for me. Lots of knats. Dirt rd I , washboard out was north to Rock Creek campground steep downhill grade narrow. My opinion not for 5th wheel. No cell for miles

    • Andy K.
      Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
      Jan. 24, 2023

      Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

      Dale Hollow Eagle Point

      I camped at Eagle Point for a quiet relaxing few days , but due to a group of young lads who camped near me that was not going to be the case. They were loud and annoying and did not care for anybody else's privacy.

      The camp site was ok , reached down a very bumpy track not suitable for RV or similar.

      There was a porta toilet which was a bonus but lots of trash left behind by other campers.

      The site is on the top of a high cliff so no water swimming was possible. Very shady area. There is a boat ramp next to the site which was in constant use day and night.

    • Rachel G.
      Camper-submitted photo from Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
      Nov. 10, 2022

      Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)

      Jammed packed with hunters

      I’d like to say this spot is beautiful, but I’ve seen better. Rifle season starts Nov 20. I’m 10 days early, and was a bit surprised just how many hunters are already here. I feel like I’m the only solo woman here, also seem to be the only Van lifer. Lots of RVs. The camp was pretty easy to find. There are fire pits, mine is full of garbage. The spots are pretty spacious but there’s no privacy. I won’t be staying here long.

    • John B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
      May. 15, 2022

      Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)

      Great Dispersed Primitive camping

      This area is beautiful almost all times of the year! Plenty of wildlife and lots of shady areas. Alcohol is allowed in designated camping areas. Only saw one other camper on our trip this weekend so it was very peaceful. 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. Other then that, great area and will most definitely be back soon!

    • V
      Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
      May. 17, 2017

      Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

      Plankyard: Great price. Ok location.

      We stayed for 2 nights at the Plankyard site. We were expecting the site to be more remote - but these sites are right off a large parking area and boat ramp. The sites are not well marked and there was some litter. There were lots of trees and shade, and ample water access. We won't be going back to that site, but will definitely be checking out some more of the primative camping sites in the area. For $3/night you really can't complain!



    Guide to Livingston

    Camping near Livingston, Tennessee, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly campground or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Many campgrounds, like Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground, have well-maintained trails. One visitor mentioned, "Good hikes nearby," making it a great spot for those who love to hit the trails.
    • Fishing: At Edgar Evins State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing in the nearby waters. A reviewer noted, "Great sites for fishing," highlighting the campground's appeal for anglers.
    • Kayaking: Rock Island State Park Campground offers access to beautiful waterways. One camper shared, "The hikes are amazing!!!" which suggests that the area is perfect for both kayaking and hiking.

    What campers like:

    • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness, especially at places like Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground. A visitor said, "The bathhouse was quite adequate, clean and hot showers," which is a big plus for many.
    • Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds, such as Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground, are noted for being welcoming to families. One reviewer mentioned, "Very safe, quiet/peaceful, family friendly," making it a great choice for those with kids.
    • Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful landscapes. A review for Frozen Head State Park Campground stated, "Beautiful park, nice campground within ear shot of a creek," which adds to the charm of the area.

    What you should know:

    • Site selection matters: At Edgar Evins State Park Campground, a camper advised, "I definitely recommend either scouting out a site before booking," as some sites can be challenging to access.
    • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bandy Creek Campground, may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor noted, "No showers," so be prepared for that.
    • Wildlife: Campers should be aware of the local wildlife. One reviewer at Frozen Head State Park Campground warned, "Watch for copperheads!!!" which is important for safety.

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground, where one family enjoyed "plenty of privacy" for their large tent.
    • Activities for kids: Many campgrounds offer playgrounds and organized activities. A parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave mentioned, "The events and activities scheduled throughout the day was great at keeping the kids busy."
    • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have restaurants or stores nearby. A camper at Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground noted, "They also had a bunch of activities, parks, and a restaurant inside the camp site."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check site dimensions: RVers should verify site sizes before booking. A visitor at Rock Island State Park Campground mentioned, "Most of the sites are small," which can be a challenge for larger rigs.
    • Leveling your RV: Be prepared for uneven sites. One camper at Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground shared, "The only issue we had was leveling our camper," so bring leveling blocks.
    • Amenities vary: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A reviewer at Edgar Evins State Park Campground noted, "No sewer hookups," so plan accordingly.

    Camping near Livingston, Tennessee, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for families and outdoor lovers alike.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Livingston, TN?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Livingston, TN is Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park with a 3.8-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Livingston, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.