Best Dispersed Camping near Soddy-Daisy, TN
Prentice Cooper State Forest offers several free dispersed camping options near Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee. The forest contains two primary dispersed camping areas - Hunters Check Station Campground near the entrance and Davis Pond Campground approximately 5.5 miles down unpaved forest roads. Davis Pond requires arrival before dark as gates close at sunset, and features tent camping around a small fishing pond where visitors report catching largemouth bass. Vehicle access to the pond camping area is limited, with tent sites situated in a fenced grassy area containing multiple fire pits.
The forest roads throughout Prentice Cooper can be challenging, particularly after rain. While main access routes are described as "well-kept unpaved roads," the area features numerous off-highway vehicle trails that become muddy and difficult in wet conditions. Campers should note there are no reliable facilities; reviewers consistently warn that pit toilets at Davis Pond are unusable. The area experiences seasonal closures with "99% of areas closed between December and March." Weekends bring increased traffic from ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes, though riding is prohibited after dusk. A recent visitor noted, "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."
