Searching for the best camping near Palmer, TN? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Palmer. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Palmer and user-submitted reviews.
"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."
"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."
"We really enjoyed our night tent camping here."
"The campground is very easily accessible and has no facilities other than garbage bins."
"Felt safe overall."
"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). "
"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."
"If you like dispersed camping you'll probably enjoy it. If you prefer a campground, this is not for you."
GuidePrentice Cooper is an amazing place and offers two campgrounds and several backcountry camping spots. There is a campground not too far after pulling in the gravel road that has some really nice spots. The other campground requires you to drive down a gravel road for approximately 7 miles and then down some trails that require high clearance. This campground is nice and tooked into the woods with a pond nearby. There are several OHV trails in prentice Cooper and the place can get very crowded on the weekends. Definitely recommend going during the week.
LegendThis site is 3 separate clearings near the trailhead and parking with small fire pits. They work in a pinch if you get here late and don’t want to hike in or if you want to car camp and hike to the falls without gear. Be aware that you will have to go a little ways down the trail to find water.
LegendThe 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. There are also trees that would be suitable for hammock camping. The site is on the edge of an overlook of the canyon and has multiple fire rings if there are multiple groups there. This site and trailhead serves both the Walls of Jericho trail and the Bear Den Point Loop Trail.
This is primitive camping so no bathhouse, but there is a porta-john in the trailhead parking lot. The site is a good distance from any convenient stores or grocery stores so plan accordingly. We found good cell phone service with Verizon at this site. Trash cans are located in the trailhead parking lot. Please pack out your trash from the campsite.
ScoutThe only decent spot for hammocks is the little campsite that is right in front of the parking lot. We went over to the clearing just north of the parking lot, but there were no good spots. The clearing was extremely overgrown, as was the tree line all around the clearing. At the site directly in front of the parking lot, you can really only get two hammocks, unless you want to stack your hammocks vertically. You'll have to tie both hammocks to the same tree at one end, and then use two trees on the other side. There is no water near this site. This site is OK if you need to be near the parking lot or don't want to hike your gear in and out. Otherwise, you're way better off going down to one of the other sites.
ScoutIt 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!
GuideThis 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.
GuideWe 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. We ran a bunch of the trails - enjoyed the views - wonderful spot.
TravelerI've read reviews elsewhere of this camping area getting crowded and rowdy. We went during a relatively chilly weekend in early April and had no trouble finding a spot. It was quiet, private, and beautiful. I can see however how that may be very different during warmer months.
The campground is very easily accessible and has no facilities other than garbage bins.
GuideThe 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Palmer, Tennessee, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers several spots that cater to different camping styles, making it a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Palmer, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Palmer, TN is Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed with a 4.1-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Palmer, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Palmer, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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