Best Dispersed Camping near Loudon, TN
Several dispersed camping areas exist within a 30-mile radius of Loudon, Tennessee, primarily in the Cherokee National Forest and along Citico Creek. Free primitive sites include Citico Creek Area, Jackson Island Dispersed Campground managed by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and Bi-Color Campground in Catoosa Wildlife Management Area. These public lands permit no-reservation camping with varying levels of accessibility, from drive-in sites along forest service roads to more remote hike-in locations that require additional effort to reach.
Many access roads to these dispersed sites are unpaved gravel or dirt, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain. Most areas have no drinking water, electricity, or formal facilities beyond occasional pit toilets and trash receptacles. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with most sites allowing campfires in established rings when conditions permit. A camper noted, "This is primitive camping, so there are no facilities. It's all pack it in, pack it out. We had no service with Verizon." Camping is typically limited to 14 days in a 30-day period on most public lands in the region.
The dispersed sites near Loudon feature diverse natural settings ranging from lakeside locations to mountain creek access. Sites along Citico Creek provide creek-side camping with opportunities for wading and fishing. Jackson Island Dispersed Campground sits along a reservoir suitable for paddling and fishing. According to reviews on The Dyrt, "The sites are very well laid out and maintained with no hook ups of any kind but it's worth it!" Wildlife sightings are common, with one camper reporting, "This is bear country, so you need to practice bear safety with your food and trash." Most sites remain relatively quiet during weekdays, though some areas experience increased traffic on weekends, especially during summer months and hunting seasons.
