Best Dispersed Camping near Smyrna, TN

Dispersed camping near Smyrna, Tennessee primarily centers on Goose Island in J. Percy Priest Lake. This location requires watercraft access, as it is a boat-in only site approximately a quarter mile from shore. The island offers primitive camping with minimal development and no facilities. Another dispersed option in the broader region includes Cordell Hull Horseback Trails, located about 45 miles east of Smyrna, which permits drive-in access for primitive camping.

Access logistics vary significantly between these dispersed sites. Goose Island requires a canoe, kayak, or small boat to reach, making it less accessible than typical road-accessible dispersed camping areas. No drinking water, toilets, or other amenities are available on the island, requiring complete self-sufficiency. Fires are permitted on Goose Island, but campers must pack out all trash and waste. Cordell Hull Horseback Trails features drive-in access but prohibits fires, limiting camping options to no-trace practices.

The primitive nature of these sites appeals to campers seeking seclusion and basic outdoor experiences. Wildlife encounters are common at Goose Island, particularly with raccoons. "The raccoons will come up really close at night begging for food. They're harmless though," notes one camper who accessed the island via canoe. Both locations feature minimal development, preserving natural surroundings while requiring visitors to be fully prepared with all necessary supplies. Neither location offers amenities like drinking water, toilets, or designated camping pads, making them suitable primarily for experienced backcountry campers comfortable with leave-no-trace principles.