Top Free Dispersed Camping near Signal Mountain, TN

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Signal Mountain? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Signal Mountain, TN (24)

Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Signal Mountain

51 Reviews of 24 Signal Mountain Campgrounds


  • Sarah H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    Blue Hole is neat

    Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area. The camp sites are first come, first serve. They are free. Only 2 sites with tables. If you like dispersed camping you'll probably enjoy it. If you prefer a campground, this is not for you.

  • Robyn W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Creek Campground
    Jun. 1, 2024

    Hidden Creek Campground

    Very Decent Primitive Spot

    Overall we enjoyed this stay! GPS wants to take you to where the road dead ends but the actual turn off is before the end of the road on the right where the big wood sign is. The first road is pretty nice but then the road forks. We went right which goes up, passed an open gate followed the road LOTS OF DEEP POTHOLES. The road then opens up to a four way, we kept going straight, followed the road down and then came to three sites all empty. It was quiet and we were alone so overall we enjoyed other than the deep potholes. Our truck is pretty high and 4x4 so wasn’t too bad for us but a low car may not fair as well. We were there on a Friday

  • h
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Creek Campground
    May. 4, 2024

    Hidden Creek Campground

    Pretty Decent Place to Stay

    A little farther off the highway than I wanted to go, but definitely a solid free campsite. There are a few substantial pot holes, so wouldn’t recommend for someone driving a super low vehicle. Also GPS isn’t perfect. It will take u to someone’s private property next door. Look for the big wooden sign that indicates that it is for public use.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
    Apr. 14, 2024

    Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed

    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.

  • Angie A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
    Oct. 19, 2023

    Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed

    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.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    Awesome!

    I loved it there. So peaceful! A couple of other people there and a little bit of trash, but I picked it up. Leave it better than you found it right? It rained, so no bugs, but that’s prob not true for the dry days…

  • richard C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA
    Jun. 4, 2023

    Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    Cool hole, not worth the trip

    The campground was beyond capacity. Went to the Ada site and it looked like it was a cruel joke? Unsure. But there's no way. The spring looked amazing but couldn't camp. Can't add pics atm. Also, stepped out just to see the clearance on a turn and got in with 4 ticks on me.

  • TNWoodsman
    Camper-submitted photo from Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed
    May. 18, 2023

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    Moto Camping

    Review from the perspective of a motorcycle traveler tent camping. Tent sites are near a frog pond. Access was a bit rough. Easy on a motorcycle but could be difficult for a car. Saw a copperhead while strolling around pond.

  • Ava R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp
    May. 13, 2023

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp

    Quiet but muddy

    This is a great FREE spot right outside the hunters entrance of prentice cooper state forest. There are about 12 spots and it wasn’t crowded when we came on a Saturday. It is a bit muddy but it is manageable.

  • Ava R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA
    May. 13, 2023

    Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    Great FREE spot!

    We stayed 3 days 2 nights here in our 21’ pop up camper with our generator. Road is pretty well maintained, spots are good size, some only large enough for tent/car camping. We were never bothered and it’s right down the road from blue hole and Ellison Cave trail.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
    Nov. 1, 2022

    Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed

    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!

  • Gabrielle D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area
    Oct. 16, 2022

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Group camping

    First location was Hickey Gap, we got there around 1 on a Friday and it was full so we headed to the primitive group camping site. Gravel road, lots of rocks included, and dust but if your not worried about your car do it! We had an suv but I saw a handful of sedans that made it up. We got to the group site at 1:20 or so and there was only one person at first but slowly people start trickling in. We stayed 2 nights but a lot of people stayed for 1. The look out driving up is awesome and the lake it gorgeous. Watch out for bears.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground G
    Sep. 30, 2022

    Goforth Creek Campground G

    Backup option

    This is an ok option if there are no other sites available. It is just a cleared-out area near the trail but doesn’t have an established fire pit. The only nice feature is that it is further up the trail and more private as well as has easy access to water.

  • Michael M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    Good dispersed camping at the blue hole

    It has a blue hole an caves no electricity or running water but the camp sites are pretty good. An the do have a handicap access area for rvs to do disperse camping also an parking for the bluehole ...no one to bother you!

  • Steve V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Creek Primitive Camping Area
    Jun. 1, 2022

    Big Creek Primitive Camping Area

    Remote Primitive Camping

    This is a great off grid camping spot along a creek. There are about 7 spots here with most of them each able to hold multiple vehicles and set ups. We had 3 vehicles (two with rooftop tents and one with a small teardrop trailer) and we still had room for more set ups in the spot we set up in. All the sites have at least 1 fire ring, most had multiple.

    This is primitive camping, so there are no facilities (no bathhouse, no power, no dump station, no trash, ect). It's all pack it in, pack it out. We had no service with Verizon. 

    This is also bear country, so you need to practice bear safety with your food and trash. We did not see any bears in camp, but did spot one just down the road the morning we were leaving. 

    There is hiking in the area and there are areas in the creek deep enough for wading and soaking. 

    This is along Forest Service Road 221 which this section of FS 221 shares driving trails such as the Big Frog Loop, the Georgia Traverse, and the Trans America Trail (TAT), so there could be lots of traffic with overlanders, adventure bikers, and off-roaders.

  • Steve V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area
    Apr. 19, 2022

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Large Dispersed Camping Field

    This is a large field for dispersed camping along Conasauga Lake Road that is popular with both hikers (Emery Creek Trail and Tear Britches Trail both have trailheads here) and Overlanders (site is on the Big Frog Loop and Georgia Traverse). There are multiple fire rings established around the field and this field can handle many groups. No water or facilities here, but you can go down to the Lake Conasauga Campground about a mile away and use their facilities for a $5 fee. The field is fairly sloped, so you want to have some shoring if you are in a trailer, roof top tent, or van.

  • Andrew R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
    Apr. 3, 2022

    Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed

    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.

  • Roy B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area
    Nov. 6, 2021

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Grassy Field in forested mountainous area.

    This is a primitive group camping area close to Lake Conasauga. GPS is 34.86064073010609,-84.63659794105651. (Photos and this review are from my last stay here on 31 Oct- 02 Nov 2021.) 

    The camping field is at the base of Bald Mountain, altitude 4005'. Nearby Tearbritches Trail will take you to the summit of Bald Mountain and then down to the Conasauga River. The Emery Creek Trail is at the back of the camping area. There are some fire pits in the open field. 

    The cell connection is intermittent and usually only one bar(or no cell). 

    This area is fairly remote and 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.) This is a popular mountain bike area and the cyclists can easily hit speeds of 30MPH on the sketchy downhills.

  • Roy B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area
    Oct. 13, 2021

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Remote. Field.

    34.860688452654024,-84.63670121000321

    Stayed here a number of times during each of the four seasons. Fairly remote for eastern U.S, (but I have watched, over the past 2 decades, Atlanta grow northward, and a lot of development in Ellijay and Blue Ridge areas, and it is a little depressing).  Access is by gravel roads. 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 if they come around.)

    No amenities. Lake Conasauga is nearby which has some amenities. One can hike up to the top of nearby Bald Mountain and then hike down to the Conasauga River. One can look for butterflies, other insects, birds, flowers, etc. There are many trails in the Cohutta Wilderness, which is just to the north.

    I will post some photos of nearby Bald Mountain and the trail head for Tearbritches Trail. Other photos of the area here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rbinv/albums/72157634085883873

    (N34 51.670 W84 38.120) This leads over the highest western-most mountain in the eastern U.S., and then down to Bray Field at the junction of Tearbritches Creek and the Conasauga River(N34 53.897 W84 37.296)- It is a long steep grade down to the Conasauga(1-way distance is 3.4 miles)| 30 August 2013

    Here are some notes I took about the vegetation in the area:

    The north-northeasterly facing slope of Bald Mountain within a half-mile of the summit, elevation 4005'. Mostly New York Fern(Thelypteris noveboracensis) here, but also saw Hay-scented(Dennstaedtia punctilobula), Cinnamon(Osmundastrum cinnamomeum), and Interrupted Ferns(Osmunda claytoniana) in this immediate area. New York Ferns are common throughout the widerness| Tearbritches Trail, Cohutta Wilderness, N. Georgia Mountains| 30 August 2013

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground D
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Goforth Creek Campground D

    Keep going

    This was the smallest and worst site in my opinion along this trail. I would continue on to the next site. However, if you are concerned about crowds this spot will most likely be available. Check out my video below to get a better idea of the space.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground C
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Goforth Creek Campground C

    Small site

    This is a much smaller site along the trail with enough space for a single tent or a couple of hammocks. My suggestion would be to keep heading further up the trail if the first 2 sites are occupied. This one does have a nice firepit and easy access to water but so do all the other sites along the trail.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground B
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Goforth Creek Campground B

    Across the creek

    This is another large campsite that sits further up the creek and is pretty easy to find from the main trail. It is more open than site A but also a good option. The photos and videos below will give you a good feel for the space. This is also a good option for anyone who has trouble sleeping with loud water sounds since this site is much quieter than some of the others.



Guide to Signal Mountain

Camping near Signal Mountain, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails around the area. Campers at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground rave about the "good hikes nearby" and the "beautiful park with lots of activities for kids."
  • Waterfalls: Don't miss the stunning waterfalls. One visitor at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground mentioned, "The views of the canyon below are breathtaking," highlighting the park's natural beauty.
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the lake activities at Chester Frost Park. A reviewer noted, "There is plenty of lake access for boating, kayaking, and swimming."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at DeSoto State Park Campground said, "The bathhouse was clean," which is a common theme across many campgrounds.
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Fort Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are nicely spaced and private," making it a great choice for those seeking peace.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families enjoy the variety of activities available. One reviewer at Rock Island State Park Campground noted, "The campground was excellent!!" and appreciated the hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls.

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are very close together here and you can expect it to usually be booked up."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A camper at Harrison Bay State Park Campground pointed out, "Campgrounds A, B, and C are tight, limited space," so it's good to plan ahead.
  • Seasonal Access: Some parks have specific seasons for camping. For example, Chester Frost Park is open from April 1 to October 30, so check the dates before you go.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A reviewer at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground said, "Beautiful park with lots of activities for kids," making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for Crowds: If you're visiting a popular spot, consider going during the week. A camper at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground noted, "It’s crowded," so planning can help you avoid the rush.
  • Pack for Activities: Bring bikes or hiking gear to make the most of your stay. One visitor at DeSoto State Park Campground suggested, "Bring your bikes to discover more of the park."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Rock Island State Park Campground mentioned, "Most of the sites are small," which can be a challenge for larger rigs.
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, plan ahead. A reviewer at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground noted, "At that time no full hookups were available," so it's wise to reserve early.
  • Be Prepared for Terrain: Some campgrounds have uneven ground. A visitor at Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground said, "The tent site we stayed in was fairly level," but it's good to check site conditions before booking.

Camping near Signal Mountain, Tennessee, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Signal Mountain, TN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Signal Mountain, TN is Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed with a 4.4-star rating from 11 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Signal Mountain, TN?

    TheDyrt.com has all 24 dispersed camping locations near Signal Mountain, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.