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The rural landscape surrounding Belvidere, Tennessee features several dispersed camping options within an hour's drive, primarily focused on primitive and backcountry experiences. Prentice Cooper State Forest offers multiple dispersed camping areas approximately 45 minutes west of Belvidere, with both drive-in and hike-in sites available. The Walls of Jericho area, located near the Tennessee-Alabama border, provides trailhead camping with basic amenities and serves as a gateway to more remote backcountry sites. Tennessee Wall Camp offers a mix of tent and RV camping with fire rings in a clearing near water access. Most sites in the region are primitive with minimal facilities, though some provide basic amenities like fire rings and pit toilets.
Seasonal closures significantly impact camping availability in the region, with many areas closed between December and March. As one camper noted, "This is a beautiful WMA area with tons of offshoots along a service road for camping, but please note, 99% of areas are closed between December and March." Gravel and dirt roads leading to camping areas can become difficult to navigate during wet conditions, particularly at Prentice Cooper where some sites require high-clearance vehicles. Cell service varies throughout the region, with some areas having good coverage while others have none. Campers should arrive prepared with supplies as convenience stores and markets are limited. Gates at some locations like Davis Pond in Prentice Cooper close at dusk, requiring arrival before nightfall.
Seclusion and quiet represent the primary appeal for many campers visiting the Belvidere area. "If you want seclusion, this is your spot," reported one visitor to Davis Pond Campground, noting they encountered only one other couple during a holiday weekend. Wildlife viewing opportunities include fishing for largemouth bass in ponds and possible encounters with native species like copperheads. Weekend traffic from ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles can create noise and dust in some areas, particularly in Prentice Cooper, though regulations prohibit riding after dusk. Fall brings spectacular foliage viewing opportunities, with one camper describing the colors as "off the hook" during September and October. Trailhead camping at Walls of Jericho receives mixed reviews, with some finding it convenient for accessing hiking trails while others describe it as basic "parking lot camping."
"The trailhead campsite is a short walk from the parking lot, but makes for a great basecamp for exploring the area. The campsite is level and large enough to accommodate many tents."
"The Walls of Jehrico trail offers a handful of first-come/first-serve primitive campsites set adjacent to two separate water sources (streams). "
"Prentice Cooper is an amazing place and offers two campgrounds and several backcountry camping spots."
"We loved exploring Prentice Cooper State Forest! What a gem! We actually stayed in one of the camping areas, but next time we'd like to backpack instead."
"You take a sometimes single lane road to get there. Very windy at points. There is a parking lot to hold 4+ cars. You walk 20’ on trail to first campsite."
"We really enjoyed our night tent camping here."
"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."
"Across the main gravel road is a large spot for off-roading / side by side parking. Main gravel road to campground is smooth no ruts. Campground should accommodate 24’ class b or so."
ScoutI was worried that I would arrive and find all the campsites occupied. This was not the case. When I got there around 5:30 there was only one other site taken. I didn’t see them until the next morning. By morning, there were two other sites occupied.
TravelerHard to find, really busy but most of them were hikers let left at nightfall.
TravelerThis is now a bed-and-breakfast and bee farm.
GuideThe road to get to the sites is long, bumpy, and very curvy (so you’ve got to go slow). The sites themselves were full of trash, graffiti, and a homeless camp. We elected to not stay.
ScoutNothing crazy, scenic but tricky drive in here. Use the coordinates to find it, Apple Maps will send you to the other side and add a 30/40 min drive. The camping area had 1 shared restroom/porta potty type deal. The area is pretty flat ground with about 10 good spots to tent/small vehicle camp. Came on a Tuesday evening to about half the site being used. There’s signs to get here once you get close.
GuideSmall gravel parking area off of what appears to be a drive. Nice open field to possibly setup in. Didn’t drive truck on grass. It was cut and well maintained. Large burn pile and old rv on site. Good place to over night. I visited during the day and was not disturbed.
GuideYou take a sometimes single lane road to get there. Very windy at points. There is a parking lot to hold 4+ cars. You walk 20’ on trail to first campsite. Nice wooded area with a trail to the water. There are 5 sites with fire pits. There is one private site past the marked site if you keep going you will find a large level gravel lot with a single fire pit that would be much better for van or truck camping. Past this point it turns back into residential.
GuideCampground is primitive with a clean vault toilet. There are approx 12 campsites with fire pits. Across the main gravel road is a large spot for off-roading / side by side parking. Main gravel road to campground is smooth no ruts. Campground should accommodate 24’ class b or so. My 18’ truck had lots of room and space for awning.
ScoutQuite at night, but the primitive camping area is overgrown, and I have seen a lot of trash in the woods. Stayed one night just to hike the trail the next morning.
Dispersed camping near Belvidere, Tennessee concentrates in the surrounding foothills and mountains where elevation ranges from 800 to 2,000 feet. Most primitive camping areas feature hardwood forests dominated by oak, hickory and maple trees with occasional limestone outcroppings. Access roads to many sites remain unpaved, with gravel and dirt routes that can become challenging during spring rainfall periods from March through May.
Hiking near trailheads: The Walls of Jericho area provides hiking opportunities with a convenient basecamp option. "The trailhead campsite is a short walk from the parking lot, but makes for a great basecamp for exploring the area. The campsite is level and large enough to accommodate many tents," notes Steve V. about Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite.
Fishing for bass: Several ponds in the region offer fishing opportunities, particularly at Davis Pond where campers report consistent catches. "Caught 4 largemouth bass in about 15 minutes of fishing on the pond, largest being about a 1lb," reports Nate H. from Prentice Cooper State Forest.
Trail exploration: The extensive trail network throughout Prentice Cooper State Forest provides multiple day hiking options. "We ran a bunch of the trails - enjoyed the views - wonderful spot," states Sarah N. about her experience at Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed.
Solitude and privacy: Many dispersed camping areas offer significant distance from other campers. "We came here to camp among the turning trees one September. It is a huge area and I didn't see any camping other than primitive tent sites. Worked for us!" shares Kelly M. about her experience at Prentice Cooper State Forest.
Natural water features: Access to streams and ponds enhances the camping experience at several sites. "There is a trailhead that goes to blowing wind falls from the campground too. My husband caught several large mouth bass in the pond too (catch and release)," reports Lori H. from Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp.
Backpacking opportunities: The region supports extended backcountry trips. "We actually stayed in one of the camping areas, but next time we'd like to backpack instead," notes Sarah N. about Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed.
Seasonal closures impact access: Many dispersed camping areas close during winter months. "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," reports Ava R. about Prentice Cooper.
Vehicle restrictions at some sites: Not all camping areas accommodate vehicles directly at campsites. "If you want to stay at davis pond you have to get there before dark, and there is not access for vehicles to get into the campground so it's just tents (no overlanding, unless you're comfortable in the parking lot)," explains Peyton P.
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Many sites have minimal or poorly maintained facilities. "DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT even think of entering the 'restroom' at Davis Pond. They really should demolish it. Completely disgusting. And creepy. So be advised, there is no USABLE restroom, you are truly roughing it!" warns Lori H. from Tennessee Wall Camp.
Pack in water supplies: Drinking water is unavailable at most dispersed sites. "There are minimal places to stock up on necessities along the road so be sure and come prepared. There is also no cell service so make sure you plan accordingly and have an emergency system in place," advises Blake C. about Walls of Jericho Trailhead Camp.
Consider noise levels on weekends: Some camping areas experience recreational vehicle traffic. "Night time is great but gunshots started at 6:30 at a nearby gun range and dirt bikes started hitting the roads not much later," notes Tucker K. about Prentice Cooper State Forest.
Choose sites with amenities: Some locations offer more family-friendly features than others. "Great sites with fire pits," reports Lakisha D. about Tennessee Wall Camp, making it easier for families to prepare meals and gather.
Limited RV accommodations: Many dispersed sites have restrictions or challenging access for larger vehicles. "Read that there was a drive-in camp site at this location. Upon arrival, we found a parking lot with a fence all around it. There were a few fire rings in the parking lot," reports Kevin C. about his disappointing experience at Little Farmie Farm Dispersed.
Prepare for unpaved roads: Access roads to many sites require careful navigation. "The forest is beautiful but also huge. You can definitely get lost driving around or hiking. If you're looking for a quiet place to camp near Chattanooga this is it," advises Arden S. about Prentice Cooper.
Check gate closing times: Some areas restrict nighttime entry. "If you want to stay at davis pond you have to get there before dark, and there is not access for vehicles to get into the campground," cautions Peyton P., highlighting the importance of arrival planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Belvidere, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Belvidere, TN is Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite with a 2.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Belvidere, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Belvidere, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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