The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Pigeon Forge, TN

68 Reviews

The mountainous terrain surrounding Pigeon Forge, Tennessee provides access to numerous dispersed camping opportunities within an hour's drive, particularly in the nearby Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. Citico Creek Area in Tennessee offers free primitive sites along a mountain stream, with campsites spaced far enough apart to provide privacy despite being accessible by vehicle. Lake Santeetlah Dispersed sites in North Carolina, about 45 miles southeast of Pigeon Forge, feature lakefront camping with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Many locations maintain a rustic character while still providing flat tent pads and established camping areas. The region balances developed campgrounds closer to town with more remote options for those seeking solitude in the Smoky Mountains.

Gravel forest roads with potholes and occasional steep grades limit access to many of the best dispersed sites. As one camper noted about FS 289 Pull Off, "You need a good off-road capable vehicle to access this site but it is very peaceful with a nice stream running by." Most dispersed camping areas lack drinking water, requiring visitors to bring their own supplies or water filtration systems. Temperatures in higher elevations remain cool even during summer months, with campers at Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites reporting "it gets cool at night. Don't make the mistake of taking a summer sleeping bag." Cell service is spotty throughout the region, particularly in valley locations. First-come, first-served policies apply at most free sites, which fill quickly during summer weekends and fall color season.

Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, with Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites earning praise for lake access. According to one camper, "Sites are so spread out it feels like you're the only one on the lake!" Many campers appreciate the well-maintained nature of these free sites, with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Road noise can be an issue at sites closer to highways, though several reviewers mention that flowing water helps mask these sounds. Wildlife encounters are common, particularly at dawn and dusk. Camping areas near trailheads tend to experience more day-use traffic, reducing privacy during daylight hours but offering convenient access to hiking opportunities. Sites with both water views and mountain vistas are most sought after, especially those providing enough flat ground for multiple tents.

Map showing campgrounds near Pigeon Forge, TennesseeExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (20)

    1. Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    33 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."

    2. Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    14 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    36 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."

    3. Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    35 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."

    4. FS 289 Pull Off

    2 Reviews
    Hartford, TN
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "You need a good off road capable vehicle to access this site but it is very peaceful with a nice stream running by."

    "Another review recommended an off-road vehicle or a jeep to get here. In dry conditions, I got here just fine in an Outback Wilderness, and 5 minutes later a Prius drove up."

    5. Calderwood Lake Primitive campground

    3 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    30 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!"

    6. Citico Creek Area

    6 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    38 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."

    7. Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry

    1 Review
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    32 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."

    8. Wesser Bald Fire Tower

    2 Reviews
    Almond, NC
    36 miles
    Website

    "The best option would be to bring a hammock and perch up in some of the nearby trees. There is a small spot on the ground you could set up a tent or just sleep on top of the firepower."

    9. Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    8 Reviews
    Balsam Grove, NC
    50 miles
    Website

    "Right off the road, the short couple yards dirt road entrance to the campsite had a couple big pot holes that requires accurate driving around, but the campsite had at least three spots for seclusion for"

    "Good place for me to overnight, there are no facilities, the entrance is a bit hidden google maps will get you very close look for the small tent sign on your right when headed away from the parkway my"

    10. Sourwood Campground

    4 Reviews
    Coker Creek, TN
    46 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"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 20 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Pigeon Forge Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Pigeon Forge, TN

108 Photos of 20 Pigeon Forge Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pigeon Forge, TN

68 Reviews of 20 Pigeon Forge Campgrounds

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    Free Camping but Lots of Foot Traffic

    There are two great things about this campsite. It’s free, and it is close to great views of the mountains near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located off of Highway 215, you do hear road noise, but that is not too much of a problem. During the day, you get a lot of day use hikers since the largest campsite is right beside the trail. There is a large flat area to set your tent if you are lucky enough to be the first one there, and there is a fire pit. Beyond that, there are no facilities. You can hear the sounds of water all night long from Flat Laurel Creek. The last time I was in that area, I tried to cross Flat Laurel Creek over slippery rocks against my better judgment, and the weather was in the upper 30s. I fell, got soaked, and nearly froze to death. This time, it was summer and I learned to cross in my bare feet despite the fact that the rocks were dry this time. The trail eventually takes you to Sam’s Knob, which offers beautiful views, and there is lots of scenery along the way. This campsite is fairly high in elevation, so it gets cool at night. Don’t make the mistake of taking a summer sleeping bag. You could, but you take a chance of being cold even during the peak of summer. This is not a good place for RVs or travel trailers. It is mainly for tent camping even though you do not have to hike in. Just make sure to take water or a water filter. Overall, I recommend this campsite if you are going to hike somewhere else during the day. However, you will not get solitude of any kind here because of all the day hikers.

  • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 20, 2024

    FS 289 Pull Off

    Great dispersed site in the Pisgah NF

    Great Campsite along the Smoky Mountain 1000 Overland route. You need a good off road capable vehicle to access this site but it is very peaceful with a nice stream running by. Tent camping near the jeep or a high clearance overland teardrop should make it back here ok but not recommended for regular RV's.

  • Kaylee D.
    Apr. 4, 2021

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Absolutely gorgeous!

    Wow! Amazing primitive campsites! 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). Sites are so spread out it feels like you’re the only one on the lake! Most parking next to campsites could fit camper van or tiny trailer and at the end of the road there is a turn around space if needed; however every site has steps down to the level area (L9 has the longest straight down hill to the lake), so you won’t be parking right next to the site if that is a problem...it wasn’t for me). Just drive carefully( lots of big potholes and blind curves)! Overall, a beautiful area to set up camp (up to 14 days)! I didn’t want to leave.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 4, 2024

    Paint Creek Corridor

    Paint Creek Dispersed Camping

    The national forest service website says there are dispersed camping site throughout the corridor; however, I was only able to locate one and luckily it was vacant. There are several spots along the road that may have been for dispersed camping as some point but are now clearly marked with no camping signs. I did enjoy my stay here but I’m a little disappointed in the website saying there were multiple sites … i has to drive almost 4 hours to get there and would have been super disappointed if I arrived to no spots. Also a lot of trash in the area of the site sadly.

  • Tony F.
    Aug. 7, 2020

    Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    Very nice, great location

    Really isn't much to this campsite. Right off the road, the short couple yards dirt road entrance to the campsite had a couple big pot holes that requires accurate driving around, but the campsite had at least three spots for seclusion for both tent camping and car camping, which I did. Also, there's a little trail to a waterfall after you go down the old logging road and follow the path across the creek. Very short, very easy about 0.5 mile or less from the creek. Also, very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway makes it a great spot.

  • Kevin S.
    Jun. 4, 2021

    Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    Great overnighter

    Good place for me to overnight, there are no facilities, the entrance is a bit hidden google maps will get you very close look for the small tent sign on your right when headed away from the parkway my nv200 did not have a problem navigating but watch the potholes

  • Natalie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 9, 2024

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Quiet, nice spaces, and clean!

    Such a great find! 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! Very quiet and clean and the sites are very well laid out and maintained! No hook ups of any kind but it’s worth it! Highway Patrol and Park Rangers patrol pretty frequently so I felt really safe as a solo female. I still took all the safety precautions but didn’t feel as necessary as some.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2021

    Siler Bald Trail Shelter TR 373

    Trail Shelter along the Appalachian Trail

    Siler Bald is not to be confused with Silers Bald, which borders the NC/TN state line in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Siler Bald is actually in the Nantahala National Forest and is close to Wayah Bald along the Appalachian Trail. The shelter is aptly named after the adjacent mountain bald. I first went to Siler Bald many years ago but did not go to the trail shelter. This second time, I did go to the trail shelter, which is about nine-tenths of a mile past the Siler Bald summit if you are hiking north on the Appalachian Trail. If you are hiking from Wayah Bald, it is a little over three and a half miles. Since this is a trail shelter, it does not have electrical hookups. You will need to take a water filtration system for fresh water. Instead of searching for firewood, we used my old Coleman stove for dinner. Surprisingly, there were no other groups in the shelter the night we stayed there. The best things about this trail shelter are its proximity to the Appalachian Trail, the quietness you’ll experience since it is away from major highways, and its proximity to the Siler Bald summit. The summit provides a fantastic 360 degree view since it is a grassy bald, but it is a steep climb from the base to the summit. This is not an RV campground, and you do have to pack everything in(and out). You cannot go to the store to get supplies without hiking a long way, so be prepared. Overall, I loved it because of its peace and solitude.

  • Amin A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Better than I expected

    So we weren't sure what we would end up finding here. I will say that there are a lot of places to camp, many many many options away from the porta potties. If you get within about 20-30 feet of those they are a bit stinky. The one camp site we chose was a great place, tons of space and well manicured. A lot of options for pull up to your campsite or park and walk to campsite spots.

    My only complaints are about the campers that stay there. The litter isn't horrible, but it's not great. It is a leave no trace place. Apparently some people have difficulty with throwing away their trash.

    When we stayed last night there was a person that kept peeling out up and down the gravel road (3/4 times) in a diesel truck at 10:00 at night. Not very courteous to all of us at the campground.

    And I was awakened at 2:00 a.m. by our camping neighbors when they were playing loud music. Also not cool, thankfully they stopped shortly after

    Overall we were very pleased with this campground, beautiful views, it was hard choosing one spot. We will be coming back, and hopefully we won't have loud campers next time.

Guide to Pigeon Forge

Dispersed camping near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee provides free options within Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 feet. Sites along waterways remain 10-15 degrees cooler than town temperatures during summer months. Most primitive sites lack facilities but offer more privacy than commercial campgrounds.

What to do

Swimming and fishing access: Lake Santeetlah Dispersed offers multiple lakefront sites perfect for water activities. As one camper noted, "My dog absolutely loved how much space she had to roam around and how clear the water was excellent for swimming." Sites near boat ramps provide convenient fishing access.

Waterfall exploration: Several creeks near dispersed campsites lead to waterfalls within short hiking distance. At Calderwood Lake Primitive Campground, campers can access Wolfcat Falls: "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."

Trail connections: Many dispersed sites connect directly to regional trails. The Wesser Bald Fire Tower area provides both camping and hiking opportunities, as one visitor explains: "We always do this hike for sunrise since it is a quick trek up and gives the best views of the area. Camping here is also nice but not the most comfortable."

What campers like

Lake views: Water access consistently ranks as the top amenity for dispersed campers. At Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites, reviewers appreciate the waterfront settings: "8 or so beautiful sites, many with direct lake views/access. We showed up late and got the furthest site on the road."

Camping privacy: Many dispersed sites offer significant distance between camping spots. One camper at Citico Creek Area observed, "These campsites are extremely spread out, allowing for private camping. No hookups, but a majority of the 14 sites are on the creek itself."

Free camping with basic amenities: Despite being free, many sites include fire rings and occasionally picnic tables. A camper at Lake Santeelah Dispersed noted, "Very quiet and clean and the sites are very well laid out and maintained! No hook ups of any kind but it's worth it!"

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Many primitive sites require high-clearance vehicles to access. A review for FS 289 Pull Off mentions: "Another review recommended an off-road vehicle or a jeep to get here. In dry conditions, I got here just fine in an Outback Wilderness, and 5 minutes later a Prius drove up."

Temperature preparation: Elevation affects temperatures significantly, especially overnight. Pack adequate sleeping gear as sites at higher elevations remain cool even in summer.

Campsite availability patterns: First-come basis means early arrival is essential. As one camper at Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites reported: "Showed up around 2:30-3 o'clock on a Sunday afternoon and most of the spots were already called for. Seems you gotta get there early if you want easy water access."

Road noise considerations: Sites near highways experience traffic noise. Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites have this issue, though as one visitor noted, "you do hear road noise, but that is not too much of a problem... You can hear the sounds of water all night long from Flat Laurel Creek."

Tips for camping with families

Select sites with water features: Creeks and lakes provide natural entertainment for children. At Sourwood Campground, one camper appreciated that "The closeness to the river is the main attraction here. It's ever-present sounds make it easy to forget everything."

Trash management: Pack extra bags and prepare to haul out all waste. Some sites suffer from previous visitors' neglect, as one camper at Citico Creek Area reported: "I live not far from here and we camped at site #3 we picked up so much trash in and around our site that it was sad."

Safety considerations: Law enforcement occasionally patrols more accessible sites. A female solo traveler at Lake Santeelah Dispersed mentioned: "Highway Patrol and Park Rangers patrol pretty frequently so I felt really safe as a solo female. I still took all the safety precautions but didn't feel as necessary as some."

Tips from RVers

Site dimensions and access: Most dispersed sites accommodate small rigs only. At Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites, a camper advised: "It would absolutely NOT be a good location for a class A motorhome but maybe some of the smaller class C's could get settled in there. I saw a small camper trailer sitting comfortable."

Leveling expectations: Bring leveling blocks as most sites lack prepared surfaces. A camper at Sourwood Campground observed: "All of the sites had solid packed ground so it would not be hard to level whatever rig you use."

Alternative sleeping setups: Some sites work better with roof tents than traditional RVs. At Lake Santeetlah Dispersed, one visitor shared: "We were fortunate to get a site that allowed us to pull the car right into the site for our roof top tent."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pigeon Forge, TN?

Free dispersed camping options near Pigeon Forge can be found in the surrounding national forests. Paint Creek Corridor in Cherokee National Forest offers dispersed sites, though they can be limited and sometimes difficult to locate. For more reliable options, Calderwood Lake Primitive campground provides free sites. Most dispersed camping in the area requires traveling 30-60 minutes from Pigeon Forge into surrounding national forest lands. Be prepared for primitive conditions with no facilities, and always follow Leave No Trace principles. Before setting up camp, check forest service websites for current regulations and seasonal closures.

What primitive camping amenities are available near Pigeon Forge?

Primitive camping near Pigeon Forge typically offers very basic amenities. At Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites, you'll find picnic tables, fire pits/grills, and level areas for tents with lake views and access points for kayaks or canoes. Lake Santeetlah Dispersed provides well-maintained sites with fire rings, though no hookups or running water. Most dispersed sites don't offer restrooms, potable water, or garbage collection. Some areas may have portable toilets during peak seasons, but it's best to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent at most primitive sites in the region.

How far is dispersed camping from Dollywood and other Pigeon Forge attractions?

Most dispersed camping options require traveling 30-60 minutes from Pigeon Forge attractions like Dollywood. Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites is located off Highway 215 near the Blue Ridge Parkway, approximately 1-1.5 hours from central Pigeon Forge attractions. Sourwood Campground offers a slightly closer option. The trade-off for these free camping spots is the drive time to attractions. For convenience, consider staying at established campgrounds closer to town, though these typically charge fees. When planning day trips to attractions, factor in driving time on mountain roads which can be winding and slower than expected.

Is tent camping permitted at dispersed sites around Pigeon Forge?

Tent camping is permitted and often the preferred method at dispersed sites around Pigeon Forge. FS 289 Pull Off offers peaceful tent camping spots near a stream, though access requires an off-road capable vehicle. Siler Bald Trail Shelter TR 373 in Nantahala National Forest provides tent camping opportunities along the Appalachian Trail. Most dispersed sites can accommodate 1-2 tents on level ground, with some locations offering more space for larger groups. Always set up tents in established areas to minimize environmental impact and be prepared for primitive conditions with no facilities. Check current forest regulations before your trip as rules may change seasonally.

Keep Exploring