Top Free Dispersed Camping near Rickman, TN
Looking for dispersed camping near Rickman? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Rickman, TN (3)
1. Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
8 Reviews•60 Photos•68 SavesOverview
Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping is a unique series of 32 locations with a total of over 70 individually designated family campsites dispersed over 620 miles of shoreline. Campsites are located in both the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Primitive camping offers a unique rustic lake front camping experience. Remote locations along the shoreline offer campers a peaceful nature experience. Most designated tent sites are accessible only by boat; while a few can be reached by country road. Campers are advised that these areas are remote, primitive sites. Toilets are vault/pit type outhouses. Campers desiring on-site attendant, security and law enforcement services are encouraged to use developed campgrounds where such services are provided. These services are not provided for primitive camping.
Recreation
Dale Hollow Lake, with its crystal clear water and forested hillsides, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities and holds the world record for smallmouth bass and is known as a trophy smallmouth lake. Boating and water skiing are popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake.
Natural Features
Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about three miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities. In the late fall through early spring, the American bald eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second-largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.
Charges & Cancellations
Full rules and reservation policies for fees associated with changes and cancellations can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies There is no fee to make a reservation. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A $10 service fee may be charged to changes made to an existing reservation (see full policies for when this is applicable). A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. Applicable fees, including service/cancellation fees and change fees, are non-refundable and subject to change. No refunds for recreation use fees may be made locally at the lake.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$5 / night
2. Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
4 Reviews•23 Photos•32 Saves82,000 acres of wild land on the upper Cumberland Plateau in both Morgan and Cumberland counties. This area offers some of the best hunting in East Tennessee! This area is home to deer, wild turkey, wild boar, fox squirrels, gray squirrels, ruffed grouse, raccoons, quail, rabbits, and mourning doves. For your fishermen, the game include smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegill, and muskellunge. Although the area is funded by hunters and fishermen, it is popular with all outdoor enthusiasts! Backpacking is very popular in the area, as well as whitewater rafting! The area has many deep cut canyons created by the rivers and streams, and offers access to beautiful scenery unlike anywhere else. The many trails allow access to the back country, but perhaps the best known path is the Cumberland Trail which passes through the area.
Overnight camping is allowed on designated areas. The area is closed to entry between sunset and sunrise.
Bicolor Entrance N 35.993 W -84.678
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Rickman
12 Reviews of 3 Rickman Campgrounds
Robert W.
Traveler
Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
Nice Little Getaway
The GPS coordinates will get you directly to where you want to go there's probably about 10 to 15 campsites there was trash on a few of them. Overall it was a nice place to just go and get away. It is a hunter's Camp first and foremost so there were quite a few people setting up for this week's opening day but the ones I did talk to were all friendly even went and had a couple beers with one of them.
My dog snd I stayed for 2 nights and 2 days. Lots of wildlife sounds at night.
Also a random heard of cattle strols through every now and again.
I'd definitely come back around this time of year!
- Michael W.
LegendBi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
Primitive at its best
Didn’t stay. To far out for me. Lots of knats. Dirt rd I , washboard out was north to Rock Creek campground steep downhill grade narrow. My opinion not for 5th wheel. No cell for miles
Andy K.Legend
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Kemper Flats Dale Hollow TN
I only spent 3 nights at Kemper Flats primitive campground for a fishing trip. We reached Kemper by pontoon boat from Willow Grove Marina a short 20 min ride. Nice site primitive cabin toilet no water faucet. Bring it in, take it out.
- Andy K.Legend
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Dale Hollow Eagle Point
I camped at Eagle Point for a quiet relaxing few days , but due to a group of young lads who camped near me that was not going to be the case. They were loud and annoying and did not care for anybody else's privacy.
The camp site was ok , reached down a very bumpy track not suitable for RV or similar.
There was a porta toilet which was a bonus but lots of trash left behind by other campers.
The site is on the top of a high cliff so no water swimming was possible. Very shady area. There is a boat ramp next to the site which was in constant use day and night.
- Andy K.Legend
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Kemper Flats Dale Hollow TN primitive camping
We took a pontoon boat out to Kemper Flats on Dale Hollow lake for a few days relaxing fishing. Primitive site, island with a porta toilet. Camp right on the side of the lake, very quiet and peaceful
- Andy K.Legend
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Taylors Ford primitive camping lakeside
Taylor’s Ford primitive campsite is down a steep windy track not suitable for big rigs. There are about 4 lakeside sites available all with good lake views
- Andy K.Legend
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Cove Creek camping lakeside
Cove Creek at Dale Hollow lake in TN is a primitive campsite with lakeside camping. There are water faucets for drinking water and a pit toilet available. Great views of the lake and plenty of sites available
Rachel G.
GuideBi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
Jammed packed with hunters
I’d like to say this spot is beautiful, but I’ve seen better. Rifle season starts Nov 20. I’m 10 days early, and was a bit surprised just how many hunters are already here. I feel like I’m the only solo woman here, also seem to be the only Van lifer. Lots of RVs. The camp was pretty easy to find. There are fire pits, mine is full of garbage. The spots are pretty spacious but there’s no privacy. I won’t be staying here long.
John B.GuideBi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
Great Dispersed Primitive camping
This area is beautiful almost all times of the year! Plenty of wildlife and lots of shady areas. Alcohol is allowed in designated camping areas. Only saw one other camper on our trip this weekend so it was very peaceful. There was no accessible water near by so make sure you bring your own provisions. Haven’t got to explore much around the area by hiking. Found a nice creek a few miles on down the road. Other then that, great area and will most definitely be back soon!
- Hope G.
ScoutDale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Terrible
We got there late for a primitive site and all the sudden the mgr and police show up mind u the mgr passed us 3 times instead of stopping as a professional mgr should he calls police and tells me the website does not state primitive lol. It was cluttered loud and tacky.
- Melody S.Guide
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Beautiful Spot
Beautiful spot close to the water. Secluded area that can be reached via GPS coordinates ONLY (we learned this after trying to check in at the Dale Hollow campground).
Things to know:
- there was no dumpster for trash
-hike in spot with vault toilet
- 45 minutes from Standing Stone State Park
- VVerity O.Scout
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Plankyard: Great price. Ok location.
We stayed for 2 nights at the Plankyard site. We were expecting the site to be more remote - but these sites are right off a large parking area and boat ramp. The sites are not well marked and there was some litter. There were lots of trees and shade, and ample water access. We won't be going back to that site, but will definitely be checking out some more of the primative camping sites in the area. For $3/night you really can't complain!
Guide to Rickman
Camping near Rickman, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails are well marked and in good condition," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Defeated Creek Campground. A camper shared, "Fishing is right there at your doorstep!" which highlights the convenience of having the lake so close.
- Kayaking: Take advantage of the water activities at Edgar Evins State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "Kayaking is great! Put in below Center Hill dam," making it a perfect spot for water sports.
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Rock Island State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were clean," which is always a plus when camping.
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One happy camper at Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "We have a large 8 person tent and need water & electricity so we rent out RV spots instead of the typical tent spots."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. A visitor at Davy Crockett Campground said, "Very friendly staff. Clean bathrooms with hot hot water," which adds to the overall experience.
What you should know:
- Cell Service: Be prepared for limited cell service in some areas. A camper at COE Cordell Hull Lake Salt Lick Creek Campground warned, "Fair warning there is no cell service," so plan accordingly.
- Site Conditions: Some sites may have slopes or require leveling. A visitor at Standing Stone State Park Campground noted, "The RV sites all have slope and not great if you have a large RV."
- Amenities Vary: Not all campgrounds have the same amenities. A camper at Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake mentioned, "The lake seems to be down 10’ or more for some reason but it's still very nice campground."
Tips for camping with families:
- Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. One reviewer at Old Mill Camp and General Store said, "The little playground was a blast for the kids," making it a great choice for families.
- Activities: Check for planned activities. A camper at Belle Ridge Retreat mentioned, "We were hoping to see the cave, but the office was closed so we couldn’t inquire about its location," so be sure to ask about events.
- Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A visitor at Defeated Creek Campground noted, "Our site had a great view of the water and was HUGE."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Conditions: Always check the site conditions before booking. A camper at Rock Island State Park Campground advised, "I definitely recommend either scouting out a site before booking or researching well which site would be a good fit."
- Leveling Needs: Be prepared for leveling challenges. A visitor at Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "There was a 7in difference between the sides," which can be tricky for new RVers.
- Dump Station Access: Make sure the campground has a dump station. A camper at Davy Crockett Campground appreciated the "clean laundry" and "dump station," which are essential for longer stays.
Camping near Rickman, Tennessee, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Rickman, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Rickman, TN is Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park with a 3.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Rickman, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Rickman, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.