Best Dispersed Camping near Louisville, TN

Looking for the best campgrounds near Louisville, TN? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Louisville is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Louisville, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Louisville, Tennessee (14)

    1. Citico Creek Area

    6 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    25 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."

    "My only complaint was there were cars frequently driving by throughout the night on the dirt road. Other than that, really enjoyed this place."

    2. Calderwood Lake Primitive campground

    3 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, TN
    25 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!"

    3. Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    32 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."

    4. Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    33 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."

    5. Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    12 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    36 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."

    6. Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry

    1 Review
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    26 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. Sourwood Campground

    4 Reviews
    Coker Creek, TN
    37 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"

    8. Jackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    9 Reviews
    Spring City, TN
    46 miles
    Website

    "The campground is very easily accessible and has no facilities other than garbage bins."

    "Felt safe overall."

    9. Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)

    4 Reviews
    Lancing, TN
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 456-2479

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Louisville, TN

63 Reviews of 14 Louisville Campgrounds



Guide to Louisville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Louisville, Tennessee, where nature meets tranquility. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer the perfect escape for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Scenic Waterfalls for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience the breathtaking views at Calderwood Lake Primitive campground, where you can canoe to your campsite and enjoy the soothing sounds of nearby waterfalls.
  • The slickrock trail, accessible from this site, leads to Wolfcat Falls, a popular swimming hole just a short hike away, making it an ideal spot for those who love both hiking and water activities.
  • Campers at this location appreciate the flat terrain, which is perfect for setting up tents and enjoying a comfortable stay amidst nature.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Louisville

  • Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities at Citico Creek Area, where the river provides a serene backdrop for casting a line and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
  • For those who enjoy hiking, the area offers numerous trails, including the nearby slickrock trail, which features multiple campsites and stunning views of the creek.
  • Wildlife watchers will be delighted by the diverse fauna in the region, making it a great spot for birdwatching and observing local wildlife in their natural habitat.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Louisville, Tennessee

  • Always pack out what you pack in; visitors to Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry emphasize the importance of leaving no trace to keep these pristine areas beautiful for future campers.
  • Be prepared for a hike-in experience, as many of these spots, like Lake Santeetlah Dispersed, require a bit of effort to reach, ensuring a more secluded and peaceful camping experience.
  • Bring all necessary supplies, including water and firewood, as amenities are limited at these locations, particularly at Sourwood Campground, where you’ll find no drinking water or electric hookups.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Louisville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.