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

Best Dispersed Camping near Jefferson City, TN

10 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Jefferson City, Tennessee include FS 289 Pull Off in North Carolina and Paint Creek Corridor in Tennessee. FS 289 Pull Off provides free primitive campsites along a stream, accessible via forest service roads. The site accommodates tents and RVs, allows campfires and pets, but requires suitable vehicles for access. A recent visitor noted, "In dry conditions, I got here just fine in an Outback Wilderness," though another suggested "a good off-road capable vehicle" is recommended.

Paint Creek Corridor offers limited dispersed camping with fewer amenities. Despite the Forest Service indicating multiple sites throughout the corridor, visitors report difficulty locating all available spots. A camper observed, "There are several spots along the road that may have been for dispersed camping at some point but are now clearly marked with no camping signs." Both areas experience trash issues, with no facilities for drinking water, toilets, or hookups. Campers should plan to pack out all waste and bring necessary supplies for primitive camping conditions.

Map showing campgrounds near Jefferson City, TennesseeExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Jefferson City, Tennessee (3)

Show More
Showing results 1-3 of 3 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Jefferson City Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Jefferson City, TN

6 Photos of 3 Jefferson City Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Jefferson City, TN

10 Reviews of 3 Jefferson City 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 4, 2024

    Paint Creek Corridor

    Paint Creek Dispersed Camping

    The national forest service website says there are dispersed camping site throughout the corridor; however, I was only able to locate one and luckily it was vacant. There are several spots along the road that may have been for dispersed camping as some point but are now clearly marked with no camping signs. I did enjoy my stay here but I’m a little disappointed in the website saying there were multiple sites … i has to drive almost 4 hours to get there and would have been super disappointed if I arrived to no spots. Also a lot of trash in the area of the site sadly.

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2024

    FS 289 Pull Off

    Good location

    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. There’s a bit of trash but I’ve seen worse. Definitely bring bug repellent. The creek is only a few feet away from the campsite.

  • Karli P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2023

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    So Much Potential!

    We arrived at this dispersed campground at around 7:30 on a Saturday evening in July. It was pretty packed but since we were planning on leaving early the next morning, we took a family’s offer of taking over their spot as they left.

    We use a roof top tent so unfortunately we weren’t able to camp at the actual site, instead we set up on an almost level gravel parking area that had a private trail to the actual camp site. There were garbage cans and a port-a-potty set up right there, which is why this site lost some stars. Even though these facilities were provided, people didn’t use the garbages and there was a lot of garbage on the ground, including broken glass that made us worry about our pup’s paws. Also, the port-a-potty was pretty yucky..neither my husband nor I were willing to use it.

    Now, I want to reiterate that this is a geographically beautiful spot! Humans just need to take better care of it 💚

  • Tripp A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Closed to Public

    I drove over an hour to get here to find that it is “closed to public for vandalism”. I was very upset by this but obviously nothing I could do. Just wish I knew how to check before driving all the way. But the drive! Woah! So beautiful, I wish there was a way I could find out when it opens back up because I was very much looking forward to camping here.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    CLOSED.

    I rode all the way over here from Greeneville to check out the area in order to bring a group of friends camping next weekend.

    BUT the entire campground is closed. When I pulled up to the iron gate and saw the sign, it read "CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC DUE TO VANDALISM AND UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITY"

  • h
    May. 13, 2024

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Not too shabby for the south

    Lots of lil cozy pull offs on an easy gravel road. Lots of longer term people staying it seemed like (or just really full send camping friends lol). Many fire rings and spots by the lake. Unfortunately the other reviews are right - A decent amount of trash. There are trash cans and porta potties. I’ve seen worse porta potties at festivals but there were a few stinky ones.

Guide to Jefferson City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Jefferson City, Tennessee, where nature offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With a variety of locations to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors.

Scenic Streams for Dispersed Campers

  • The FS 289 Pull Off is nestled near a peaceful creek, providing a tranquil backdrop for your camping experience, perfect for those who enjoy the sound of flowing water.

Adventure Awaits While Free Camping Near Jefferson City

  • For those seeking adventure, the Paint Creek Corridor offers a unique opportunity to explore the surrounding national forest, although it's wise to check for available sites before heading out.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Jefferson City, Tennessee

  • When visiting the Weaver Bend Road, remember that no permits are required, making it an easy choice for spontaneous camping trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Jefferson City, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Jefferson City, TN is FS 289 Pull Off with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Jefferson City, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring