Best Dispersed Camping near Sevierville, TN

Multiple dispersed camping areas in Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests surround Sevierville, Tennessee, with free sites scattered through nearby North Carolina and Tennessee forestlands. Campers can access primitive camping along Forest Service roads including FS 289 Pull Off in Pisgah National Forest and several sites along Lake Santeetlah and Citico Creek. The region provides backcountry camping options with no reservation requirements, particularly in areas like Long Hungry Road and Paint Creek Corridor, which feature lakeside and streamside camping on public lands.

Access to many dispersed sites requires navigation on unpaved forest roads with varying conditions. Several sites like FS 289 Pull Off may need high-clearance vehicles, though reviews indicate some locations remain accessible with standard vehicles in dry conditions. Most dispersed areas follow standard Forest Service regulations with a 14-day camping limit. Facilities are minimal or nonexistent, with no drinking water, electric hookups, or toilet facilities at most locations. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with established fire rings available at some sites like Long Hungry Road, which also features picnic tables at each campsite.

The dispersed camping experience near Sevierville centers around water access and forest immersion. Lake Santeetlah and Long Hungry Road sites offer direct lake access, popular for fishing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Citico Creek sites provide creek-side camping with natural soundscapes. Campsite spacing varies significantly - Lake Santeetlah sites feature good separation for privacy, while Long Hungry Road provides defined tent pads and fire rings at each site. According to reviews, "sites are so spread out it feels like you're the only one on the lake." Another camper noted that Lake Santeetlah has "a handful of lots located right along the lake with a beautiful view of the mountains in the distance."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Sevierville, Tennessee (12)

    1. FS 289 Pull Off

    2 Reviews
    Hartford, NC
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "You need a good off road capable vehicle to access this site but it is very peaceful with a nice stream running by."

    "Another review recommended an off-road vehicle or a jeep to get here. In dry conditions, I got here just fine in an Outback Wilderness, and 5 minutes later a Prius drove up."

    2. Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    14 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    44 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."

    3. Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    41 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. Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    42 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."

    5. Calderwood Lake Primitive campground

    3 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, TN
    38 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!"

    6. Citico Creek Area

    6 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    45 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."

    "No hookups, but a majority of the 14 sites are on the creek itself. Could not recommend Citico Creek more."

    7. Paint Creek Corridor

    1 Review
    Hot Springs, TN
    37 miles

    8. 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."

    9. Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry

    1 Review
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    39 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Sevierville, TN

49 Reviews of 12 Sevierville Campgrounds


  • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 20, 2024

    FS 289 Pull Off

    Great dispersed site in the Pisgah NF

    Great Campsite along the Smoky Mountain 1000 Overland route. You need a good off road capable vehicle to access this site but it is very peaceful with a nice stream running by. Tent camping near the jeep or a high clearance overland teardrop should make it back here ok but not recommended for regular RV's.

  • Kaylee D.
    Apr. 4, 2021

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Absolutely gorgeous!

    Wow! Amazing primitive campsites! 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). Sites are so spread out it feels like you’re the only one on the lake! Most parking next to campsites could fit camper van or tiny trailer and at the end of the road there is a turn around space if needed; however every site has steps down to the level area (L9 has the longest straight down hill to the lake), so you won’t be parking right next to the site if that is a problem...it wasn’t for me). Just drive carefully( lots of big potholes and blind curves)! Overall, a beautiful area to set up camp (up to 14 days)! I didn’t want to leave.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 4, 2024

    Paint Creek Corridor

    Paint Creek Dispersed Camping

    The national forest service website says there are dispersed camping site throughout the corridor; however, I was only able to locate one and luckily it was vacant. There are several spots along the road that may have been for dispersed camping as some point but are now clearly marked with no camping signs. I did enjoy my stay here but I’m a little disappointed in the website saying there were multiple sites … i has to drive almost 4 hours to get there and would have been super disappointed if I arrived to no spots. Also a lot of trash in the area of the site sadly.

  • Natalie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 9, 2024

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Quiet, nice spaces, and clean!

    Such a great find! 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! Very quiet and clean and the sites are very well laid out and maintained! No hook ups of any kind but it’s worth it! Highway Patrol and Park Rangers patrol pretty frequently so I felt really safe as a solo female. I still took all the safety precautions but didn’t feel as necessary as some.

  • 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2022

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Great peaceful spot

    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.

  • amanda R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Great site!

    This was such a nice quiet campground. We arrived around 8am and got the first campsite we saw. This is the most established dispersed campsite that I’ve stayed at as it has a fire circle, a grill and a picnic table. It’s very quiet and very few cars passed. There’s a walking/hiking trail across the lake where we saw some hikers and some people on horseback. The site was very clean minus a few pieces of trash that we later picked up. The dogs loved it because our site was right on the lake. We drove down the gravel road to check out the other campsites and they all seem great if you’re tent camping! We car camped and our campsite was perfect because it had a parking space right in front of it whereas the other sites had parking spaces across the road. Overall a great place. I can’t wait to go back!

  • Steve K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2023

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Field test truck camping

    First site(L1)was open so I took it. I spent two nights there. First time dispersed camping in National Forest and truck camping. Even though I've been camping my whole life, all my equipment was new so it was a learning experience. 😁 Parking was pretty level, but behind my rear wheels it declined toward the lake. The tent pad, picnic table and fire ring was on level ground. It was really quiet during the day, but there were some very loud frogs(?) during the night, enough to wake you up. 2nd night I played music and I slept good. Lol If your GPS says that you have reached your destination, you probably have passed the gravel road. Once on gravel road, veer to the right and you will pass the cemetery on your left, then you'll see kiosk. Sign shows you have to register there at the kiosk. I enjoyed my time there and hopefully can go back again this year. Hope y'all are enjoying the great outdoors. LIV'N!

  • Katie A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2021

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Convenient and just as described!

    On a road trip from WV to GA I was so happy to have this free, quiet campsite right on the water! Great option for anyone that wants to paddle around. I opted for site #5, gave good views, and all the sounds of nature into the evening. Picnic bench, fire ring, and flat tent pad are all you get, and all you need. I felt safe as a solo traveler, other sites are a good distance apart. The written driving directions from other reviews are helpful, it's a dirt road, but not too rough. Would recommend!


Guide to Sevierville

Dispersed camping opportunities in the national forests near Sevierville, Tennessee create affordable, primitive options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude. The region sits at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 feet and densely forested terrain that creates natural privacy between many sites. Weather patterns vary significantly by season, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing.

What to do

Fishing access points: Several dispersed sites at Lake Santeetlah Dispersed provide excellent fishing opportunities. "I stayed at site 9 and it was fantastic. Lots of firewood and enough space for 4 or 5 tents. Site 9 had a little trail down to the lake," notes Blake R., who also mentioned multiple access points to the water.

Waterfall hikes: From Harold Parrish Lower Camp, campers can reach Wolfcat Falls with its large swimming hole. "Wolfcat falls is really pretty with a huge swimming hole. Lots of fun and not far at all from the Lower camp sites," writes Claire K., who accessed the area by boating into Slickrock Cove and hiking approximately 1.5 miles.

Sunrise viewing: Camp at higher elevations for remarkable dawn vistas. "We always do this hike for sunrise since it is a quick trek up and gives the best views of the area," says Asher K. about Wesser Bald Fire Tower. This location offers a distinctive alternative to lakeside camping with panoramic morning views across the mountains.

What campers like

Site privacy: The spacing between sites at many dispersed areas provides a sense of seclusion. At Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites, Bryson D. notes, "I stayed at 7 in a van. It had level parking and I could walk down to the bank to fish and have a fire." The layout allows campers to maintain distance from neighbors.

Accessibility options: Some areas offer surprisingly good access despite their remote locations. At FS 289 Pull Off, John B. contradicts assumptions about difficulty: "Another review recommended an off-road vehicle or a jeep to get here. In dry conditions, I got here just fine in an Outback Wilderness, and 5 minutes later a Prius drove up."

Established amenities: Despite being free dispersed sites, some locations feature unexpected comforts. Amanda R. observed at Long Hungry Road: "This is the most established dispersed campsite that I've stayed at as it has a fire circle, a grill and a picnic table. It's very quiet and very few cars passed."

What you should know

Off-grid preparation: Most sites lack basic facilities and require complete self-sufficiency. Robert W. at Lake Santeelah Dispersed explains, "Lots of twists and turns going up the dragon with beautiful scenery of the trees changing colors in late October." The remote nature means campers need to bring all supplies.

Variable site quality: Not all free campsites receive proper care from previous visitors. At Citico Creek Area, Jason A. reported, "I live not far from here and we camped at site #3 we picked up so much trash in and around our site that it was sad." Be prepared to potentially clean up before setting up camp.

Early arrival recommended: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. Jake H. advises about Long Hungry Road: "Showed up around 2:30-3 o'clock on a Sunday afternoon and most of the spots were already called for. Seems you gotta get there early if you want easy water access."

Tips for camping with families

Safety considerations: For families with children, sites with patrol presence offer added security. Natalie R. mentions about Lake Santeelah: "Highway Patrol and Park Rangers patrol pretty frequently so I felt really safe as a solo female. I still took all the safety precautions but didn't feel as necessary as some."

Space requirements: Families need adequate room for multiple tents and activities. Calderwood Lake Primitive campground provides unique options as Claire K. describes: "We put our boat in at the magazine branch boat dock and only had to canoe maybe 30 minutes to the first camp spot. Unlike the other camp sites we've seen there camp site one doesn't have any picnic tables, which is the only downside to it."

Level terrain importance: With children, flat camping surfaces become essential. Robert W. notes about Lake Santeelah: "Some of the plots you can only fit one tent others you could fit up to three or four." Larger families should scout for sites with adequate flat areas for multiple tents.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV access: Most rustic camping near Sevierville has significant limitations for larger vehicles. Sawyer B. cautions at Long Hungry Road: "Important to note that many of the sites do not allow drive in. We camped in a RTT on the pulloff across from the site, saw a few other vans doing the same."

Site selection strategy: Small RVs and camper vans should target specific locations. Rocio C. shares their experience at Paint Creek Corridor: "This site was long and pretty flat. The lake is beautiful to wake up to each morning, definitely looks to be a popular lake in the summer." Sites like these accommodate smaller recreational vehicles but require advance planning.

Weather considerations: Unpredictable mountain weather affects access for RVs more severely than tent campers. Charles at Lake Santeelah notes, "We camped in the truck and had no issues with traffic since the sites are on a side-road off the main road," indicating the value of finding sites on less-traveled roads during inclement conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for boondocking near Sevierville?

When boondocking near Sevierville, you must follow National Forest regulations, which typically include a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. At FS 289 Pull Off, you'll need a high-clearance, off-road capable vehicle for access. Most dispersed areas require camping in existing sites only, with no new clearing permitted. Always practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, properly extinguish campfires, and dispose of human waste responsibly (bury at least 6-8 inches deep, 200 feet from water sources). Firewood collection is typically limited to dead and downed wood. Generators are allowed but observe quiet hours (typically 10 PM to 6 AM). Be aware that cellular service is unreliable in most dispersed camping areas.

Are there any free tent camping sites in Sevierville with basic amenities?

Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites offers exceptional free tent camping with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings/grills, and level tent pads. These sites are spread out along the lakeshore, providing privacy and beautiful water views. Many sites also offer lake access for kayaks or canoes. For tent campers seeking solitude, Calderwood Lake Primitive campground is another free option with minimal amenities. Remember that these sites don't offer running water, electricity, or flush toilets, so bring plenty of water and be prepared for primitive conditions. Most sites accommodate 1-2 tents comfortably, though some larger sites exist. Arrive early on weekends to secure the best spots.

Where can I find free dispersed camping in Sevierville, TN?

While Sevierville itself has limited dispersed camping options, you'll find excellent free camping within a short drive. The Paint Creek Corridor in nearby Cherokee National Forest offers dispersed sites, though they can be challenging to locate as some areas are marked with no camping signs. For a more accessible option, consider Lake Santeetlah Dispersed in the Nantahala National Forest, which features well-maintained sites. These free camping areas require self-sufficiency as they lack facilities. Most sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving early, especially during peak seasons, is recommended. Be prepared for forest service roads that may require higher clearance vehicles in some areas.