Best Dispersed Camping near Mount Carmel, TN
Dispersed camping near Mount Carmel, Tennessee primarily occurs in the surrounding Cherokee National Forest and nearby Wildlife Management Areas. Several primitive sites are available within driving distance, including Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area and Hidden Valley WMA across the Virginia border. The Unaka Mountain area offers multiple dispersed camping locations, with spots at Beauty Spot Gap and Unaka Mountain Overlook. Grassy Ridge Bald provides backcountry camping options for hikers along the Appalachian Trail at elevations around 6,000 feet.
Access to most dispersed sites requires traveling on unpaved forest roads that may present challenges during wet weather or winter conditions. Little Stony Creek Road features narrow, rocky trails that demand careful navigation. Hidden Valley WMA requires a Virginia Wildlife Access permit ($4) with camping authorization, allowing stays up to 14 days. Most sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with some areas prohibiting fires entirely. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching many of the more remote camping locations.
The dispersed camping experience varies significantly across sites. Paint Creek Corridor offers limited designated spots despite what forest service information suggests. According to one visitor, "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." Little Stony Creek sites provide water access for kayaking and fishing but suffer from road noise. A camper noted, "You're sitting in a valley bordered by highway on 3 sides, and the echo is serious." Grassy Ridge Bald delivers exceptional mountain views but limited natural resources. Trash accumulation remains problematic at several sites, particularly at Unaka Mountain Overlook where broken glass and litter detract from otherwise scenic locations.
