Best Dispersed Camping near Maryville, TN

The small Tennessee city of Maryville sits just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where backcountry camping requires complete self-reliance with no facilities available. Sourwood Campground near Coker Creek has basic sites that work for trucks or tents. When camping in the backcountry, you'll need to follow Leave No Trace practices and set up at least 100 feet from any water or roads. The national park limits stays to 14 days maximum so everyone gets a chance to use these areas. Many of the dirt roads leading to wild camping spots need high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain. Fire bans happen regularly depending on conditions, so check current rules before planning to cook over an open flame. You'll need to bring everything you need and carry out all trash when you leave. The closest supplies are about 20 minutes away in Maryville, where you can stock up on food and fuel. Weather changes quickly in the Smokies, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer, so always check the forecast before heading out to these public lands.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Maryville, Tennessee (21)

    1. Calderwood Lake Primitive campground

    3 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, TN
    19 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!"

    2. Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    27 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."

    3. Citico Creek Area

    6 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    22 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."

    "No hookups, but a majority of the 14 sites are on the creek itself. Could not recommend Citico Creek more."

    4. Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    28 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
    30 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
    21 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
    33 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"

    9. Beach Creek Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    23 miles

    10. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

    9 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    50 miles
    Website

    "The lost cove campground can be found deep in the wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest outside of Benton, TN. The campground is operated and maintained by the USFS."

    "We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived. Sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad. We had to clean ours when we arrived."

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Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Maryville, TN

69 Reviews of 21 Maryville Campgrounds



Guide to Maryville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Maryville, Tennessee, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. With a variety of locations to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Scenic Riverfront Spots for Dispersed Campers

  • Enjoy the serene atmosphere at Citico Creek Area, where campsites are spread out along the river, providing a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
  • The Calderwood Lake Primitive campground offers stunning views and the soothing sounds of waterfalls, making it an ideal location for those seeking a scenic escape.
  • For a more secluded experience, check out Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry, which is nestled right by the water and surrounded by lush greenery.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Maryville, Tennessee

  • Always pack out what you pack in to maintain the natural beauty of places like Sourwood Campground, where visitors have noted the importance of keeping the area clean.
  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities at locations such as Lake Santeetlah Dispersed, which offers no drinking water or electric hookups, so bring all necessary supplies.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular areas like Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites, where sites can fill up quickly during peak seasons.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Maryville

  • Fishing enthusiasts will love the opportunities at Lake Santeetlah Dispersed, where you can catch bass and bluegills right from the shore.
  • Hiking is a must at Calderwood Lake Primitive campground, with trails leading to breathtaking waterfalls and scenic vistas.
  • For those looking to relax, Citico Creek Area provides a perfect setting for picnicking by the river, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty around you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Maryville, TN is Calderwood Lake Primitive campground with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Maryville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.