Best Dispersed Camping near Lake City, TN

Dispersed camping near Lake City, Tennessee includes several primitive sites across public lands in both Tennessee and Kentucky. Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1 offers free camping in Kentucky with drive-in access for tents and RVs. Other options include Bi-Color Campground in Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, Trace Branch Dispersed on Rock Creek Road, Redbird Boat Ramp, and Swain Ridge. These sites generally provide basic backcountry camping with minimal or no facilities. Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping area has been permanently closed due to vandalism.

Most dispersed sites in this region are accessible via unpaved roads that may require cautious driving, especially after rain. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for some locations. Primitive conditions prevail throughout the area with no drinking water, electricity, showers, or toilets at most sites. Fire rings are available at some locations, though Swain Ridge prohibits fires. Most sites permit pets, though regulations vary. A camper noted that "there are three dispersed camp sites along Jellico Creek Road with the first site having room for two groups and a small swimming hole with a rope swing."

These primitive areas provide opportunities for solitude and nature immersion, though experiences vary by season and location. Wildlife viewing is common, with one camper at Bi-Color mentioning "plenty of wildlife and lots of shady areas." Hunting activity significantly increases during season, particularly at Bi-Color Campground. "It is a hunter's camp first and foremost," wrote one reviewer who visited before opening day. Site cleanliness can be inconsistent across locations. Trace Branch on Rock Creek Road receives positive reviews for its creekside setting, though a visitor noted "lots of beer bottles left over and shattered" that required cleanup. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in many areas, allowing for a true disconnected experience.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lake City, Tennessee (5)

    1. Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1

    1 Review
    Jellico, KY
    27 miles
    Website

    "There are three dispersed camp sites along this road.  We stayed at the first and largest of the three.  This first site has room for two groups.  It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing."

    2. Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)

    5 Reviews
    Lancing, TN
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 456-2479

    "Solid location for a night or a whole weekend. There are several porta potties available and the sites are spacious. This camp is perfect for the fam as it can accommodate RV sized vehicles."

    "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."

    3. Redbird Boat Ramp

    3 Reviews
    Williamsburg, KY
    37 miles

    "No amenities. The sky was beautiful. Would go again. About ten miles off 75. We were there in Sept 2025"

    4. Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road

    2 Reviews
    Stearns, KY
    39 miles
    Website

    "Visited here in the middle of January with all the snow and I was hot tent camping."

    "Dispersed camping.   We took our portable firepit and sat by the creek for a beautiful evening."

    5. Swain Ridge

    2 Reviews
    Parkers Lake, KY
    49 miles

    "But we did have ticks EVERYWHERE and poison ivy along the edges of the pasture. We had a ball we were playing with roll in there."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lake City, TN

17 Reviews of 5 Lake City Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Robert W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2023

    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!

  • Karli P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2023

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    So Much Potential!

    We arrived at this dispersed campground at around 7:30 on a Saturday evening in July. It was pretty packed but since we were planning on leaving early the next morning, we took a family’s offer of taking over their spot as they left.

    We use a roof top tent so unfortunately we weren’t able to camp at the actual site, instead we set up on an almost level gravel parking area that had a private trail to the actual camp site. There were garbage cans and a port-a-potty set up right there, which is why this site lost some stars. Even though these facilities were provided, people didn’t use the garbages and there was a lot of garbage on the ground, including broken glass that made us worry about our pup’s paws. Also, the port-a-potty was pretty yucky..neither my husband nor I were willing to use it.

    Now, I want to reiterate that this is a geographically beautiful spot! Humans just need to take better care of it 💚

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2023

    Swain Ridge

    Gravel only

    Not able to camp in open field. 1000$ fine for doing so. Camping at trailhead or on road side is fine.

  • Tripp A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Closed to Public

    I drove over an hour to get here to find that it is “closed to public for vandalism”. I was very upset by this but obviously nothing I could do. Just wish I knew how to check before driving all the way. But the drive! Woah! So beautiful, I wish there was a way I could find out when it opens back up because I was very much looking forward to camping here.

  • Matthew H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2025

    Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road

    Great Spot

    Visited here in the middle of January with all the snow and I was hot tent camping. You can only set up your tent on the designated tent pad, luckily we had heavy duty stakes that could get through the ground. The entire river was frozen over and ponds were frozen too. There were a few cars that drove through the middle of the night but no issues. We left our site unattended for hours to check out the streams and rivers and nothing was missing. Lots of beer bottles left over and shattered so I have to pick up the trash before letting my dog out. There are more sites down the gravel road but we went with the first one we came to.

  • Nicholas The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)

    Great for water sports!

    Solid location for a night or a whole weekend. There are several porta potties available and the sites are spacious. This camp is perfect for the fam as it can accommodate RV sized vehicles. Only word of caution is that the ground can get a bit muddy, so try to find something dry.

  • Michael W.
    May. 21, 2023

    Bi-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

  • Pam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road

    Small Campsite on the shores of Rock Creek.

    One picnic table and fire pit.  Dispersed camping.   We took our portable firepit and sat by the creek for a beautiful evening.


Guide to Lake City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lake City, Tennessee, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Swimming Holes for Dispersed Campers

  • The Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1 features a small swimming hole complete with a rope swing, making it an ideal spot for families looking to cool off during hot summer days.
  • This site accommodates two groups comfortably, providing ample space for friends or family gatherings while enjoying the natural surroundings.
  • Located along a scenic road, this area offers a peaceful retreat with the added bonus of water activities right at your campsite.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Lake City, Tennessee

  • When visiting the Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA), be prepared to bring your own water and supplies, as there are no amenities available on-site.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife while camping; the area is known for its rich biodiversity, and you might hear various animals at night, enhancing your outdoor experience.
  • If you’re planning to visit during hunting season, be aware that this location can get busy, so consider going during off-peak times for a quieter experience.

Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Lake City

  • The Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road offers stunning views along the creek, perfect for those who enjoy picturesque landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • With only one picnic table and a fire pit, this site encourages a more primitive camping experience, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in nature.
  • The surrounding area is great for hiking and exploring, providing opportunities to discover hidden gems and enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lake City, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lake City, TN is Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1 with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Lake City, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.