Best Dispersed Camping near Rugby, TN
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Best Dispersed Sites Near Rugby, TN (6)
1. Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
Lancing, Tennessee4 Reviews•23 Photos•34 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
2. Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road
Stearns, Kentucky1 Review•1 Photo•3 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
3. Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1
Jellico, Tennessee1 Review•2 Photos•4 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
4. Jackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Spring City, Tennessee8 Reviews•21 Photos•93 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Rugby
16 Reviews of 6 Rugby Campgrounds
Pam B.
Guide
Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1
Jellico Creek 1
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.
- Pam B.Guide
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.
- TTam E.Guide
Jackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Beautiful, but stuff stolen
Beautiful spot, early - mid April plenty of room & privacy.
Left to go on a hike & came back to our chairs & wood being stolen. Disappointing, but also the chance you take when leaving your personal items unattended.
They took 2 bundles of wood, but left us some. Plenty of wood on the ground to use. Felt safe overall.
- 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!
- Angie A.
RangerJackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Excellent find
Dispersed camping with a glorious v view. Please pack out what you pack in. Some trash obvious yet cleaner now than past reviews. Camped right on the bank. Fire pits and concrete pads at most sites. Dumpster on site so please use it. Easy to find and private spacious sites available.
- JJacob M.
Scout
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.
- Sierra E.Traveler
Swain Ridge
Quiet Pasture But Ticks
It was wonderfully secluded, we used the car to “mow” the grass down, and set up fine. 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. Outside for normal outside life inconvenience; it was a beautiful, quiet pasture. We were even blessed with see several bats fly around at night. There was no light pollution so we had a great time star gazing!
- 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
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.
- CChelsea H.Scout
Jackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
End of season stay in autumn leaves
We arrived on Oct 30 to find several spaces available, many of which are convenient pull-through spaces. All are right at the waters edge with fire rings. There's trash everywhere; we filled a 10 gal trash bag in a matter of 10 minutes. We've been enjoying our stay but sadly we're informed by a man driving around to be out by Nov 3 as they're closing the site for the season. Luckily this timing is fine for our plans but was a surprise as nothing is mentioned on sites or sign at entrance about this. Beautiful place, peaceful this time of year. Husband caught a bass & dogs enjoyed the shallow edge of the lake at our site. Would stay again!
Brandon B.TravelerJackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Traffic
There is so much traffic at all times day and night. It gets pretty aggregating other than that they clean the Porta John a cpl times a week it's pet friendly and you can hang stuff from trees and lines
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!
Andrew R.TravelerJackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Convenient and pretty
I've read reviews elsewhere of this camping area getting crowded and rowdy. We went during a relatively chilly weekend in early April and had no trouble finding a spot. It was quiet, private, and beautiful. I can see however how that may be very different during warmer months.
The campground is very easily accessible and has no facilities other than garbage bins.
- KKimberly P.Scout
Jackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Good when not overcrowded
We went this past summer and had a nice visit. There wasn't too many people but a few weeks later we drove thru and people were packed in like sardines. Just not our style of camping. Seems the locals really come out in droves and packs the place. Have been told that vehicles have been stolen so may want to watch your surroundings depending on the environment at the time. However police did patrol thru the area at night when we were there.
Jacob T.GuideJackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Closed by TVA
Arrived to find it closed. No one to talk to or call. Just closed. Same with Rhea Springs.
- Tiffany C.Scout
Jackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Very sketchy
Very sketchy park. Vagrants mostly. You wouldn’t be able to leave your site unattended if you want to keep your stuff. Go across to Rhea springs. Nice,safe, free and beautiful.
Guide to Rugby
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Rugby, Tennessee, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the wilderness.
Dispersed campers should check out Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
- Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA) offers a unique experience with no reservations required, making it easy for spontaneous trips.
- Campers can enjoy the freedom of fires allowed, but should come prepared with their own firewood as it's not provided on-site.
- Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the sounds of nature at night, as well as the occasional sighting of cattle wandering through the area.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Rugby, Tennessee
- Always bring your own water, as locations like Jackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) do not offer drinking water or hookups.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and pack out what you pack in; some areas may have trash left behind by previous visitors.
- If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road is known for its serene environment and minimal foot traffic.
Exploring the natural beauty at Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1
- This spot features a small swimming hole with a rope swing, perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day.
- The first site along the road accommodates two groups, providing ample space for family or friends to enjoy the outdoors together.
- Campers can take advantage of the scenic views and the sound of the creek, making it an ideal location for relaxation and nature photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Rugby, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Rugby, TN is Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA) with a 3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Rugby, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Rugby, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.