Best Dispersed Camping near Ocoee, TN
Want to go dispersed camping near Ocoee? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Ocoee, TN (36)
1. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
Reliance, Tennessee9 Reviews•18 Photos•274 SavesLost 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
3. Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area
Crandall, Georgia5 Reviews•31 Photos•149 SavesA large grassy field located approximately 1 mile from Lake Conasauga Recreation area. Primitive camping--no amenities. Campers may utilitize Lake Conasauga recreation opportunities by parking in the picnic area parking lot, which has a $5 parking fee, or the boat ramp parking area. Emery Creek trail departs from the Ball Field, and Tearbritches Trailhead is just across the road for those interested in Cohutta Wilderness hiking.
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Goforth Creek Campground A
Reliance, Tennessee2 Reviews•15 Photos•42 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
- Alcohol
5. Conasauga River - Dispersed Site Sheeds Creek Road
Cisco, Georgia1 Review•5 Photos•41 SavesFor visitors wanting to get away from it all, dispersed camping outside of developed campgrounds is allowed throughout Cherokee National Forest unless posted otherwise. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of water, trails, trailhead parking lots and developed recreation areas. Dispersed camping is free and no permits are required.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
8. Big Creek Primitive Camping Area
Reliance, Tennessee1 Review•6 Photos•93 SavesFor visitors wanting to get away from it all, dispersed camping outside of developed campgrounds is allowed throughout Cherokee National Forest unless posted otherwise. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of water, trails, trailhead parking lots and developed recreation areas. Dispersed camping is free and no permits are required.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
10. Goforth Creek Campground B
Reliance, Tennessee1 Review•9 Photos•20 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Ocoee
70 Reviews of 36 Ocoee Campgrounds
Lakisha D.
TravelerTennessee Wall Camp
Awesome escape
Great sites with fire pits.
Sarah H.
Guide
Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA
Blue Hole is neat
Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area. The camp sites are first come, first serve. They are free. Only 2 sites with tables. If you like dispersed camping you'll probably enjoy it. If you prefer a campground, this is not for you.
- BBob P.Guide
Creekside Camp
Very primitive
No picnic tables or pit toilets. Flat campsites next to a very nice creek.
- BBob P.Guide
Conasauga River - Dispersed Site Sheeds Creek Road
Easy access
Can be crowded on the weekends. Right on the river and pit toilets close by.
Robyn W.Traveler
Hidden Creek Campground
Very Decent Primitive Spot
Overall we enjoyed this stay! GPS wants to take you to where the road dead ends but the actual turn off is before the end of the road on the right where the big wood sign is. The first road is pretty nice but then the road forks. We went right which goes up, passed an open gate followed the road LOTS OF DEEP POTHOLES. The road then opens up to a four way, we kept going straight, followed the road down and then came to three sites all empty. It was quiet and we were alone so overall we enjoyed other than the deep potholes. Our truck is pretty high and 4x4 so wasn’t too bad for us but a low car may not fair as well. We were there on a Friday
- SSeth R.Guide
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.)
- hheidi H.Traveler
Hidden Creek Campground
Pretty Decent Place to Stay
A little farther off the highway than I wanted to go, but definitely a solid free campsite. There are a few substantial pot holes, so wouldn’t recommend for someone driving a super low vehicle. Also GPS isn’t perfect. It will take u to someone’s private property next door. Look for the big wooden sign that indicates that it is for public use.
- BBillie P.Traveler
Jones Creek Dispersed Campground
Beautiful but popular
Dont park where the map tells you, you can drive to the locations on a decent narrow dirt road.
When we first arrived, the camp site we chose was on the river, but also off the main road. This area seems to be popular for local dirt bikers, but we seen people fishing and relaxing all the same.
I would have gave 5 stars, but these sites are well used and has years of careless debris around. We also heard some folks shooting guns( in the distance), which isn’t a problem for us, but reduced the relaxing nature of the visit with all this combined.
This river is amazing, low current makes its easy to walk in and there are a few little water falls we enjoyed hanging on for a bit.
- Wenona B.
Scout
Jack's River Falls Trail/Cohutta Wilderness Backcountry Group Camp
Nice
Be safe it's deep in woods high up in MT has bathroom facilities water stream very beautiful Had strang vibes ended up leaving my stuff in middle of night just be save I was a single woman camping alone. $5.00 day
- TTam E.Guide
Jackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
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.
- Angie A.
RangerJackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
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.TravelerPanther 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.
- ssavGuide
Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA
Awesome!
I loved it there. So peaceful! A couple of other people there and a little bit of trash, but I picked it up. Leave it better than you found it right? It rained, so no bugs, but that’s prob not true for the dry days…
richard C.TravelerBlue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA
Cool hole, not worth the trip
The campground was beyond capacity. Went to the Ada site and it looked like it was a cruel joke? Unsure. But there's no way. The spring looked amazing but couldn't camp. Can't add pics atm. Also, stepped out just to see the clearance on a turn and got in with 4 ticks on me.
TNWoodsmanTraveler
Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed
Moto Camping
Review from the perspective of a motorcycle traveler tent camping. Tent sites are near a frog pond. Access was a bit rough. Easy on a motorcycle but could be difficult for a car. Saw a copperhead while strolling around pond.
Ava R.Guide
Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp
Quiet but muddy
This is a great FREE spot right outside the hunters entrance of prentice cooper state forest. There are about 12 spots and it wasn’t crowded when we came on a Saturday. It is a bit muddy but it is manageable.
- Ava R.Guide
Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA
Great FREE spot!
We stayed 3 days 2 nights here in our 21’ pop up camper with our generator. Road is pretty well maintained, spots are good size, some only large enough for tent/car camping. We were never bothered and it’s right down the road from blue hole and Ellison Cave trail.
Andy K.
Legend
Lake Santeetlah Dispersed
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.Legend
Lake Santeetlah Dispersed
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.
- CChelsea H.Scout
Jackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
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!
Gabrielle D.Traveler
Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area
Group camping
First location was Hickey Gap, we got there around 1 on a Friday and it was full so we headed to the primitive group camping site. Gravel road, lots of rocks included, and dust but if your not worried about your car do it! We had an suv but I saw a handful of sedans that made it up. We got to the group site at 1:20 or so and there was only one person at first but slowly people start trickling in. We stayed 2 nights but a lot of people stayed for 1. The look out driving up is awesome and the lake it gorgeous. Watch out for bears.
Asher K.Legend
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.
Brandon B.TravelerJackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Traffic
There is so much traffic at all times day and night. It gets pretty aggregating other than that they clean the Porta John a cpl times a week it's pet friendly and you can hang stuff from trees and lines
- Michael M.Scout
Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA
Good dispersed camping at the blue hole
It has a blue hole an caves no electricity or running water but the camp sites are pretty good. An the do have a handicap access area for rvs to do disperse camping also an parking for the bluehole ...no one to bother you!
- Brent L.Guide
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.Guide
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!🏕
- Claire K.Guide
Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry
Large area, hard hike there
From what i saw, there seemed to be two camp sites at Harold Parrish lower camp. one had the sign and was a bit off the river and the other one was down just a little bit but visible from the first site and right at the water. i have both pictured below. 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. Wolfcat falls is really pretty with a huge swimming hole. Lots of fun and not far at all from the Lower camp sites. if you’re thinking of kayaking or canoeing to these sites it’s impossible because of the amount of small falls so you’ll have to park your boat at the cove and leave it. No way to get it to the campsite.
Happy Camping! 🏕
Guide to Ocoee
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ocoee, Tennessee, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and outdoor adventures. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.
Dispersed campers should check out Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
- Nestled in the Cherokee National Forest, Lost Creek - Cherokee NF offers a peaceful retreat with direct access to a flowing creek, perfect for fishing and relaxing by the water.
- This site features picnic tables and fire pits, making it an ideal location for evening gatherings around the campfire while enjoying the sounds of nature.
- With no permit required and a first-come, first-served policy, it’s a great choice for spontaneous camping trips.
Scenic hikes for dispersed campers at Jack's River Falls Trail
- The Jack's River Falls Trail/Cohutta Wilderness Backcountry Group Camp is known for its stunning views and challenging trails, making it a favorite among hikers looking for adventure.
- Campers can set up near the river, allowing for easy access to refreshing swimming spots and picturesque scenery.
- The area is remote and quiet, providing a perfect backdrop for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.
Top activities while free camping near Ocoee
- Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Conasauga River Camp, where the river is teeming with fish and offers a tranquil setting for a day of angling.
- For those who enjoy biking, the trails around Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area provide a thrilling experience with scenic views and varied terrain.
- Campers can also explore the nearby hiking trails, which lead to breathtaking vistas and hidden gems, making every outing an adventure in the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ocoee, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ocoee, TN is Lost Creek - Cherokee NF with a 4.8-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ocoee, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 36 dispersed camping locations near Ocoee, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.