Top Free Dispersed Camping near Loudon, TN

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Loudon? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Loudon, TN (17)

    Camper-submitted photo from Citico Creek Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Citico Creek Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Citico Creek Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Citico Creek Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Citico Creek Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Citico Creek Area

    1. Citico Creek Area

    6 Reviews
    12 Photos
    135 Saves

    View of Citico Creek in Cherokee National Forest This area provides opportunities for solitude and backcountry experiences. You will find ample opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, camping, and hiking. With more than 20,000 acres of Wilderness in Citico Creek and Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock, this area provides ample opportunities for solitude and backcountry experiences. Catch both native and stocked trout in Citico Creek and its rugged tributaries, and fish for small-mouth bass and catfish in the creek’s lower reaches. Citico Creek Area Map Citico Creek Area Guide

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

    2. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

    9 Reviews
    18 Photos
    270 Saves

    Lost Creek Campground is located along the banks of Big Lost Creek. This primitive campground offers remote camping and is surrounded by dense forest and creeks. Lost Creek Campground is open year round. Sites are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. While staying at Lost Creek, campers can enjoy fishing in Big Lost Creek (note: special regulations are in effect for fishing in Big Lost Creek).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    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)

    3. 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 Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry

    4. Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry

    1 Review
    12 Photos
    21 Saves

    For hikers and backpackers, the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness presents a variety of recreational hiking opportunities. There is a relatively easy two-mile long Memorial Loop Trail in the Memorial Forest, which annually greets more than 35,000 visitors, or there is a complex of hiking trails that cater to more experienced hikers, such as the 13.3 mile long Slickrock Creek Trail, considered as one of the ten toughest trails in the United States. With a 3,700 foot climb overall and 13 stream crossings, this trail is seldom completely traversed, but used in conjunction with the other trails in the Wilderness to provide excellent backpacking trips.

    Other than at trailheads, camping is allowed anywhere within the Wilderness using Leave No Trace principles, but given the steepness of the topography, there are a few relatively heavily used back country camping areas. Many fishermen enter the Wilderness from the north using the Slickrock Creek Trail, Ike Branch Trail or hike down to the creek from Big Fat Gap, camping along the creek. Backpackers use the area at Naked Ground on the southern ridge, and there is an area near the Hangover that offers excellent views, but an unreliable water source. Nichols Cove area has good camping spots with abundant water, and some hikers camp near Wildcat Falls, but long sections of the various trails lack suitable spots for camping.

    As a designated Wilderness, there are no trail blazes, just signs at trail junctions, so it is essential that hikers carry maps and compass, and know how to use them. It is not uncommon for very experienced hikers to get “confused” for a while in the creek area due to the multiplicity of real trails, unofficial trails, old logging trails, etc. Along the ridge, the trails are well-defined, but physically demanding.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground A
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground A
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground A
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground A
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground A
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground A

      6. Goforth Creek Campground A

      2 Reviews
      15 Photos
      39 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Drinking Water
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Panther Top Dispersed Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Panther Top Dispersed Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Panther Top Dispersed Site

      7. Panther Top Dispersed Site

      2 Reviews
      3 Photos
      109 Saves

      Dispersed campsites are primitive camping areas that don't have bathrooms or many of the other amenities you will find at developed campgrounds. Dispersed camping is only allowed at designated areas.

      For site-specific information, call the local ranger station.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Dispersed
      • Picnic Table
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground B
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground B
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground B
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground B
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground B
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground B

      8. Goforth Creek Campground B

      1 Review
      9 Photos
      19 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Drinking Water
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground C
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground C
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground C
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground C
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground C
      Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground C

      9. Goforth Creek Campground C

      1 Review
      7 Photos
      7 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Drinking Water
      • Alcohol
      • No image available
      Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Loudon

      61 Reviews of 17 Loudon Campgrounds


      • SThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Panther Top Dispersed Site
        May. 17, 2024

        Panther Top Dispersed Site

        Amazing spot with GREAT views

        I had 3 bars of AT&T which worked well. The view from the shore was amazing and in my opinion comparable to some spots in Hawaii. It was nice and quiet, chilly at night, and not too far from murphy. We also hiked up to a nearby fire tower and it was a fun little hike. 10/10 will be returning.

        (I just got a new drone and I made a fun little video of the campsite and the hike we did.)

      • TThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
        Apr. 14, 2024

        Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed

        Beautiful, but stuff stolen

        Beautiful spot, early - mid April plenty of room & privacy.

        Left to go on a hike & came back to our chairs & wood being stolen. Disappointing, but also the chance you take when leaving your personal items unattended.

        They took 2 bundles of wood, but left us some. Plenty of wood on the ground to use. Felt safe overall.

      • amanda R.
        Camper-submitted photo from Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
        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!

      • Natalie R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
        Feb. 9, 2024

        Lake Santeelah

        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.

      • 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!

      • WDRoberson The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
        Nov. 7, 2023

        Lake Santeelah

        Well maintained free camping

        We were fortunate to get a site that allowed us to pull the car right into the site for our roof top tent. Not very far to walk to reach the lake and the fishing wasn’t bad at all. Bass and Bluegills. Fairly quiet besides the rice burners heading to Tail of the Dragon. Very good overall.

      • Robert W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
        Oct. 27, 2023

        Lake Santeelah

        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

      • Angie A.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
        Oct. 19, 2023

        Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed

        Excellent find

        Dispersed camping with a glorious v view. Please pack out what you pack in. Some trash obvious yet cleaner now than past reviews. Camped right on the bank. Fire pits and concrete pads at most sites. Dumpster on site so please use it. Easy to find and private spacious sites available.

      • Robert N.
        Camper-submitted photo from Panther Top Dispersed Site
        Sep. 9, 2023

        Panther Top Dispersed Site

        Panther Top Dispersed

        Great spot right on the little lake. You can hear the gun range from the Camp Spot, but it is barely noticeable. There are two main spots right on the lake that are set up for tent camping. My overland rig fit in the small parking area fine, but I had to find a few rocks to level my truck so the rooftop tent was level. It is obviously a spot that locals come to party on the weekends but I had no issues. There looks like there are only 2 primary camping spots with fire rings and tent pads. My spot had a picnic table and two tent pads, a pole for your lantern and was just feet from the lake. Lots of fish jumping and I caught a 1 pound large mouth bass on a silver spinning lure. Over all a great spot. No bugs, but you will likely need to bring firewood, as all of the fallen trees had been scavenged. Since there are only two spot, definitely have a backup plan, especially on the weekends.

      • Steve K.
        Camper-submitted photo from Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
        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!

      • 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

      • C
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
        Feb. 25, 2023

        Lake Santeelah

        Great spot

        I will say there isn’t a lot of campsites but the ones they have are great. Fishing from the banks is possible and it was relatively clean and quiet. Definitely worth a visit

      • Ethan B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
        Jan. 16, 2023

        Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

        Nice camping ground but closed

        This is a good camping ground especially if you get the one right off the lake. When we arrived the campground was closed for vehicles. So we walk in a took around. Great spots right of the lake. They say it won't open till April. There is a another campsite less than 4 miles up the road you can camp at, but over all good area. Any vehicle can get to location its bumpy bit that's bc its half gravel half dirt. Keeeepp exploring the wilderness must be explored. Ps. Clean up after yourself

      • EThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
        Jan. 4, 2023

        Lake Santeelah

        Great free place with amazing views

        This camp site is free to use and it is a great little place. The sites are huge like you could probably fit a few different set ups in each site. It’s a little confusing if you get here in the dark while it’s pouring rain but I just took the first right onto the gravel road where the bathrooms are and there is 3 sites down there with greats views of the lake.

      • Andy K.
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah
        Jan. 2, 2023

        Lake Santeetlah

        Lakeside site with good view

        Nice lakeside side with good lake views. Park next to site. Toilet facility available, site next to marina on north side. Cellphone service with Verizon ok 1or 2 bars.

      • Andy K.
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah
        Jan. 2, 2023

        Lake Santeetlah

        Nice sites with good views of the lake

        Stayed at the site next to the marina on the North side. Lake sudd access and can park next to the site. Also has a toilet facility. Cell phone service with Verizon was 1 to 2 bars. Sometimes good others not so.

      • 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.

      • C
        Camper-submitted photo from Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
        Nov. 1, 2022

        Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed

        End of season stay in autumn leaves

        We arrived on Oct 30 to find several spaces available, many of which are convenient pull-through spaces. All are right at the waters edge with fire rings. There's trash everywhere; we filled a 10 gal trash bag in a matter of 10 minutes. We've been enjoying our stay but sadly we're informed by a man driving around to be out by Nov 3 as they're closing the site for the season. Luckily this timing is fine for our plans but was a surprise as nothing is mentioned on sites or sign at entrance about this. Beautiful place, peaceful this time of year. Husband caught a bass & dogs enjoyed the shallow edge of the lake at our site. Would stay again!

      • Karen
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
        Oct. 21, 2022

        Lake Santeelah

        Nice serene lakeside spots

        It's an absolutely beautiful lake in the forest. The trees are turning and the sky is blue. Only drawback is the Pine Ridge Rd dispersed camping is along the roadside. Not really private. You have to walk to your site if you want to set up a tent. No room for a large RV. But the scenery is beautiful. AT&T works just fine!

      • Tyler T.
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
        Oct. 8, 2022

        Lake Santeelah

        Lake view all around

        There are several camps all just off the road. They all get right up to the lake with area for tent and fire pit

      • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground G
        Sep. 30, 2022

        Goforth Creek Campground G

        Backup option

        This is an ok option if there are no other sites available. It is just a cleared-out area near the trail but doesn’t have an established fire pit. The only nice feature is that it is further up the trail and more private as well as has easy access to water.

      • Brent L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Sourwood Campground
        Jul. 22, 2022

        Sourwood Campground

        Great little spot

        Great area to camp. Only complaints are having to spend an hour picking up others trash that they left. Also reverify your directions. Google maps brought me to a spot 30 miles away

      • Claire K.
        Camper-submitted photo from Calderwood Lake Primitive campground
        Jul. 15, 2022

        Calderwood Lake Primitive campground

        I haven’t seen anything like it!

        It was beautiful everything about it. We put our boat in at the magazine branch boat dock and only had to canoe maybe 30 minutes to the first camp spot (which on a friday afternoon we were very fortunate to get). Unlike the other camp sites we’ve seen there camp site one doesn’t have any picnic tables, which is the only downside to it. 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 slickrock trail and if you take it about 1.5 miles you’ll reach wolfcat falls which has a big swimming hole at the bottom. lots of fun! slickrock trial also has about 7 more sites that we pasted on that 1.5 mile hike. lots to do here and absolutely beautiful and for the middle of june an amazing temperature.

        Happy Camping!🏕

      • C
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
        Jul. 4, 2022

        Lake Santeelah

        Fantastic free campsites along the lake!

        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. We camped in the truck and had no issues with traffic since the sites are on a side-road off the main road.

        Address from Google Maps: 1209-473 Pine Ridge Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771



      Guide to Loudon

      Camping near Loudon, Tennessee, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy nature.

      What to do:

      • Hiking: Explore the trails at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Good hikes nearby," making it a great spot for those who love to hit the trails.
      • Wildlife Watching: At Cades Cove Campground, visitors often spot wildlife. One reviewer shared, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
      • Fishing and Swimming: Harrison Bay State Park Campground is perfect for water activities. A camper noted, "A beautiful and peaceful place to stay with a bunch of different site options."

      What campers like:

      • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Greenbrier Campground. One review stated, "The bathrooms were amazing," highlighting the well-maintained amenities.
      • Family-Friendly Activities: Elkmont Campground offers plenty for kids. A happy camper said, "The campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome."
      • Scenic Views: Campers love the picturesque settings at Anchor Down RV Resort. One visitor raved, "Looking south towards Sevierville over the lake into the mountains. Amazing!"

      What you should know:

      • Crowded Campgrounds: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "The park is a top visited park in TN - it’s crowded."
      • Limited Privacy: Some sites, like those at Elkmont Campground, are close together. One camper noted, "All of the campsites are extremely close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
      • No Showers at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have shower facilities. A visitor at Smokemont Campground pointed out, "No showers in bathrooms."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Plan Ahead: Reserve your spot early, especially at popular places like Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground. One family shared, "We reserved a year in advance."
      • Bring Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A camper at Greenbrier Campground mentioned, "There were bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, and a lazy river."
      • Check for Events: Some parks have special events. A visitor at Harrison Bay State Park Campground appreciated the event page for activities during their stay.

      Tips from RVers:

      • Site Selection: Choose your site wisely. A reviewer at Cades Cove Campground advised, "Plan ahead to get a good site."
      • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Anchor Down RV Resort noted, "All sites paved and many have handmade fireplaces."
      • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during busy times. A visitor at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground mentioned, "This campground is very close to a main road with lots of traffic."

      Camping near Loudon, Tennessee, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!

      Frequently Asked Questions

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

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Loudon, TN is Citico Creek Area with a 3.3-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Loudon, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.