Best Dispersed Camping near Rockford, TN

Join the fun near Rockford. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Rockford, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Rockford, Tennessee (13)

    1. Calderwood Lake Primitive campground

    3 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, TN
    25 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!"

    2. Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    32 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."

    3. 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."

    4. Citico Creek Area

    6 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    29 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."

    "My only complaint was there were cars frequently driving by throughout the night on the dirt road. Other than that, really enjoyed this place."

    5. Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    12 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."

    6. Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry

    1 Review
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    27 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."

    7. Sourwood Campground

    4 Reviews
    Coker Creek, TN
    39 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"

    9. Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)

    4 Reviews
    Lancing, TN
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 456-2479

    "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."

    10. Wesser Bald Fire Tower

    2 Reviews
    Almond, NC
    44 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Rockford, TN

56 Reviews of 13 Rockford Campgrounds



Guide to Rockford

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Rockford, Tennessee, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Rockford, Tennessee

Top activities while free camping near Rockford

  • Enjoy fishing and swimming at Lake Santeetlah Dispersed, where the clear waters and scenic views create a perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation.
  • Hike the nearby trails leading to stunning waterfalls, such as those accessible from Calderwood Lake Primitive campground, which offers a beautiful canoeing experience.
  • Explore the diverse wildlife and natural beauty surrounding Sourwood Campground, where the sounds of the river enhance the camping experience.

Dispersed campers should check out Citico Creek

  • The Citico Creek Area is known for its spacious sites along the creek, providing a peaceful environment for those seeking solitude.
  • Campers have reported enjoying the scenic views and the sound of flowing water, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.
  • Be mindful of the road conditions, as some visitors have noted frequent traffic on the dirt road, which can affect the tranquility of your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Rockford, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Rockford, TN is Calderwood Lake Primitive campground with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Rockford, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Rockford, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.