Dispersed camping sites surround Sale Creek, Tennessee throughout the mountainous terrain of eastern Tennessee and western Georgia. The area sits at the transition between the Ridge and Valley region and the Cumberland Plateau, offering camping opportunities between 700-4,000 feet elevation. Most free sites become accessible April through November, with seasonal closures affecting winter availability.
What to do
Swimming and fishing access: Lost Creek Campground offers clear creek access with shallow areas for wading and deeper sections for fishing. "My go-to spot gets picked up during the fall a lot but best dispersed site I've found in a while," notes a visitor to Conasauga River Camp.
Hiking opportunities: Several trails connect directly to dispersed camping areas. The Benton McKaye trail runs beside Jack's River Falls camping area, while Prentice Cooper offers extensive hiking networks. "We ran a bunch of the trails - enjoyed the views - wonderful spot," according to a Prentice Cooper visitor.
Stargazing: Remote sites provide exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. A camper at Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area reports it's "remote, little light pollution, and deep in the mountains... Go here on a new moon night in the summer and you're sure to have a great night of uninterrupted beauty!"
What campers like
Creek sounds: Many campers specifically mention enjoying falling asleep to water sounds. The Goforth Creek Campground provides "really easy access to water for purifying or swimming" and "the hike up the creek is really beautiful and a much less traveled trail than others in the area."
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Sale Creek host diverse wildlife populations. At Ball Field, visitors are advised: "There are bears in the area and they love food. (A fed bear is a dead bear-please don't leave any food out and scare them away.)"
Secluded camping areas: Despite being within driving distance of larger cities, many sites provide isolation. The Davis Pond area at Prentice Cooper feels like "having your own small park in the middle of the mountains on a small bass pond," according to one reviewer.
Free camping options: Several no-cost sites are available near Sale Creek. "This campground is incredibly clean + quiet—and completely free," notes a visitor to Lost Creek Campground, adding it's "in the middle of nowhere (7 miles down a gravel forest road), surrounded by forest, with easy creek access."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many areas close during winter months. "This is a beautiful WMA area with tons of offshoots along a service road for camping, but please note, 99% of areas are closed between December and March," reports a Prentice Cooper State Forest camper.
Road conditions: Access to most dispersed sites requires travel on unpaved roads. At Ball Field Dispersed Camping, "the rough gravel forest service roads are best traveled by a higher clearance vehicle. 2x2 usually works ok though. (It takes patience and a while to get here.)"
Cell service limitations: Nearly all dispersed sites have minimal to no connectivity. Lost Creek reports "no Verizon cell reception" while Ball Field Dispersed Camping typically has "intermittent and usually only one bar (or no cell)."
Crowding patterns: Weekends bring significantly more visitors, particularly during summer. At Jackson Island Dispersed Campground, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Best family-friendly spots: Some sites offer better amenities for children. The Tennessee Wall Camp provides "great sites with fire pits" and one visitor notes: "We really enjoyed our night tent camping here. There is a parking lot right off the road after a fun ~30 minute drive through residential roads right on the water."
Safety considerations: Bears are active throughout the region. At Jackson Island Dispersed Campground, staff regularly patrol through the camping area. "However police did patrol thru the area at night when we were there," reports one visitor.
Swimming holes: Several creek and riverside campsites feature natural swimming areas. At Conasauga River Camp, one visitor describes it as a "lovely little spot next to a very swimmable and warm crystal clear river - very popular with locals."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. Lost Creek Campground "can accommodate tents and small RVs, complete with concrete picnic tables and a fire ring."
Level parking issues: Limited graded areas can make RV setup challenging. At Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area, "The field is fairly sloped, so you want to have some shoring if you are in a trailer, roof top tent, or van."
Access constraints: Some roads have specific challenges for larger vehicles. "Gravel road, lots of rocks included, and dust but if you're not worried about your car do it!" notes one visitor to Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area.
