Top Free Dispersed Camping near Smithville, TN

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Smithville, TN (3)

    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

    1. Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

    8 Reviews
    60 Photos
    68 Saves

    Overview

    Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping is a unique series of 32 locations with a total of over 70 individually designated family campsites dispersed over 620 miles of shoreline. Campsites are located in both the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Primitive camping offers a unique rustic lake front camping experience. Remote locations along the shoreline offer campers a peaceful nature experience. Most designated tent sites are accessible only by boat; while a few can be reached by country road. Campers are advised that these areas are remote, primitive sites. Toilets are vault/pit type outhouses. Campers desiring on-site attendant, security and law enforcement services are encouraged to use developed campgrounds where such services are provided. These services are not provided for primitive camping.

    Recreation

    Dale Hollow Lake, with its crystal clear water and forested hillsides, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities and holds the world record for smallmouth bass and is known as a trophy smallmouth lake. Boating and water skiing are popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake.

    Natural Features

    Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about three miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities. In the late fall through early spring, the American bald eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second-largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Full rules and reservation policies for fees associated with changes and cancellations can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies There is no fee to make a reservation. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A $10 service fee may be charged to changes made to an existing reservation (see full policies for when this is applicable). A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. Applicable fees, including service/cancellation fees and change fees, are non-refundable and subject to change. No refunds for recreation use fees may be made locally at the lake.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $5 / night

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        3. Goose Island - J. Percy Priest Lake

        1 Review
        16 Saves

        Primitive camping is available on select islands. Be sure to look for the white Carsonite post bearing a tent symbol and camping rules before unpacking gear and equipment. Firewood quarantines are currently in effect. Firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect our forests by purchasing or collecting firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Tents
        • Dispersed

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Smithville

      9 Reviews of 3 Smithville Campgrounds




      Guide to Smithville

      Camping near Smithville, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

      What to do:

      • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Good hikes nearby," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
      • Fishing: Head to Edgar Evins State Park Campground for some fishing. A reviewer shared, "Kayaking is great! Put in below Center Hill dam," highlighting the water activities available.
      • Waterfalls: Visit Rock Island State Park Campground to see stunning waterfalls. One visitor said, "This is a great state park with great hiking and beautiful waterfalls."

      What campers like:

      What you should know:

      • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots like Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground can get busy. One visitor advised, "Plan ahead to get a good site."
      • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Foster Falls Campground, have fewer amenities. A camper noted, "There are no electrical hookups," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
      • Check Site Conditions: At Edgar Evins State Park Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "I definitely recommend either scouting out a site before booking," highlighting the importance of knowing what to expect.

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground, where one family said, "Everyone was so friendly and had haunted houses set up for the trick or treaters."
      • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Henry Horton State Park Campground mentioned, "Enjoyed walking along the river," which is perfect for family outings.
      • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. One camper at Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground said, "The campground is quiet, clean, beautiful," making it a great place to relax with family.

      Tips from RVers:

      Camping near Smithville, Tennessee, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the outdoors, there's something for every camper.

      Frequently Asked Questions

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

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Smithville, TN is Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park with a 3.8-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Smithville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.