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Best Dispersed Camping near Shawanee, TN

10 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Shawanee, Tennessee include several primitive sites across the Kentucky border. Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1 offers free camping with three sites along the road, with the first site being the largest and accommodating two groups. This location allows both tent and RV camping, permits campfires and pets, and features a small swimming hole with a rope swing.

Redbird Boat Ramp provides drive-in dispersed camping with space for a few vehicles including RVs. While it lacks amenities and is about ten miles off I-75, campers note the private setting and stargazing opportunities. Swain Ridge offers additional dispersed options with both drive-in and walk-in access, though campers should be prepared for ticks and poison ivy along pasture edges. Most dispersed sites in this region lack basic facilities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers should note that Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping, once popular in the area, is currently closed to the public due to vandalism.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Shawanee, Tennessee (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Shawanee, TN

7 Photos of 4 Shawanee Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Shawanee, TN

10 Reviews of 4 Shawanee 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.

  • 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.

  • Pam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2024

    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.

  • Sierra E.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2023

    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!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    CLOSED.

    I rode all the way over here from Greeneville to check out the area in order to bring a group of friends camping next weekend.

    BUT the entire campground is closed. When I pulled up to the iron gate and saw the sign, it read "CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC DUE TO VANDALISM AND UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITY"

  • h
    May. 13, 2024

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Not too shabby for the south

    Lots of lil cozy pull offs on an easy gravel road. Lots of longer term people staying it seemed like (or just really full send camping friends lol). Many fire rings and spots by the lake. Unfortunately the other reviews are right - A decent amount of trash. There are trash cans and porta potties. I’ve seen worse porta potties at festivals but there were a few stinky ones.

Guide to Shawanee

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Shawanee, Tennessee, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of locations perfect for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Shawanee

  • Enjoy a day on the water at the Redbird Boat Ramp, where you can launch your boat and explore the nearby waterways.

Scenic Spots for Dispersed Campers

  • For a peaceful retreat, visit Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1, which features a small swimming hole and a rope swing, perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day.

Unique Experiences for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience the tranquility of Swain Ridge, where you can enjoy stargazing in a secluded pasture, away from city lights, while keeping an eye out for local wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Shawanee, TN is Asher Hunting Access Area with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Shawanee, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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