Free dispersed camping near Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee is available in a state forest with two primary dispersed campsites: Hunters Check Station Campground near the entrance and Davis Pond Campground approximately 5.5 miles down unpaved forest roads. Davis Pond requires arrival before dark as gates close at sunset, and features tent camping around a small fishing pond where visitors report catching largemouth bass. Vehicle access to the pond camping area is limited, with tent sites situated in a fenced grassy area containing multiple fire pits.
The forest roads throughout Prentice Cooper can be challenging, particularly after rain. While main access routes are described as "well-kept unpaved roads," the area features numerous off-highway vehicle trails that become muddy and difficult in wet conditions. Campers planning a dispersed camping trip should note there are no reliable facilities; reviewers consistently warn that pit toilets at Davis Pond are unusable. The area experiences seasonal closures with "99% of areas closed between December and March." Weekends bring increased traffic from ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes, though riding is prohibited after dusk. A recent visitor noted, "Night time is great but gunshots started at 6:30 at a nearby gun range and dirt bikes started hitting the roads not much later."
"Prentice Cooper is an amazing place and offers two campgrounds and several backcountry camping spots."
"We loved exploring Prentice Cooper State Forest! What a gem! We actually stayed in one of the camping areas, but next time we'd like to backpack instead."
"You take a sometimes single lane road to get there. Very windy at points. There is a parking lot to hold 4+ cars. You walk 20’ on trail to first campsite."
"We really enjoyed our night tent camping here."
"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."
"Across the main gravel road is a large spot for off-roading / side by side parking. Main gravel road to campground is smooth no ruts. Campground should accommodate 24’ class b or so."
"The campground is very easily accessible and has no facilities other than garbage bins."
"Felt safe overall."
"The lost cove campground can be found deep in the wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest outside of Benton, TN. The campground is operated and maintained by the USFS."
"We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived. Sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad. We had to clean ours when we arrived."
"I’m giving this place a 5/5 starts for my first experience primitive camping on my own with some friends. We were the first ones there so we had the leisure of picking which site we wanted."
"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."
"Remote but could see being busy during warmer seasons. We loved it."
"Lovely little spot next to a very swimmable and warm crystal clear river - very popular with locals, and I imagine would be packed on weekends."
"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.) "
"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"
"This is a tough trail but good for teens looking to challenge themselves in the back country. The views are amazing with rock falls. Camping is primitive as back country can be but worth the trek."
"Obviously very close to the river to filter water from. We didn't see any wildlife at this site, but we did see a copperhead at another earlier in the trip, so be aware!"
"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."
"Nice spot next to a cool little creek."
ScoutI was worried that I would arrive and find all the campsites occupied. This was not the case. When I got there around 5:30 there was only one other site taken. I didn’t see them until the next morning. By morning, there were two other sites occupied.
ScoutBeautiful view on the water. Not very full, which was nice. I came for some quiet and privacy and while it worked, there were just some that were very social. Haha
TravelerHard to find, really busy but most of them were hikers let left at nightfall.
TravelerNice place but you gotta have a land pass or a hunting or fishing license to camp here. Access is easy to get in here. AT&T signal is good so this is very doable except it’s not free. To camp here for three days cost me 20 bucks.
TravelerThis is now a bed-and-breakfast and bee farm.
ScoutPulled in the middle grassy area to get full sun on my solar panels. I actually found a perfectly level spot even with leaving my truck hooked up. I came here via Mill Creek Road to Cowpen Road, made the first 6 miles in 2WD towing my 5700 lb MDC camper. At the hairpin turn at Cowpen Road I had to engage the 4WD High and manually shifting 1st to 2nd for towing. I didn't air down and my Mickey Thompson Baja Boss tires didn't break loose in any of the gravel or rocks, but it was dry conditions, just slightly wet. Great spot and as quiet as it can get in nature. I'm leaving today and planning to try the other way out, going right it's less unpaved gravel, but either way out it should be downhill and easier than getting here.
GuideHopefully they open it up soon but we drove about an hour to get here just for it to be closed. The whole road seems to be closed for the time being for road work. I hope this helps someone!.
The 5-8 miles up to this area do seem a little sketchy but we were hoping the actually site would be nice and hopefully it will be after the work they are doing right now.
TravelerNice spot next to a cool little creek. There was a good bit of trash in several of the fire rings, and found human waste and toilet paper about 5 feet from the waterline between a camp and the water, that was pretty disappointing. Leave no trace!! This includes hiking away from camp to bury your business. We still really enjoyed our stay. The road in was a little rougher than onX off-road let on, but had no issues getting in with my 4x4. Lots of wildlife, we even saw a bear a few minutes from camp.
GuideThe road to get to the sites is long, bumpy, and very curvy (so you’ve got to go slow). The sites themselves were full of trash, graffiti, and a homeless camp. We elected to not stay.
Prentice Cooper State Forest offers free dispersed camping near Soddy-Daisy with two primary options: Hunter's Check Station Campground and Davis Pond. Davis Pond requires arrival before dark as gates close at sundown, accommodating tent camping only with no vehicle access inside the camping area. The forest contains numerous off-trail primitive sites throughout its extensive road network, though many roads require high clearance vehicles. During wet conditions, the terrain becomes challenging even for off-road vehicles.
Most dispersed sites lack amenities, with visitors noting the pit toilets at Davis Pond are "completely disgusting" and "should be demolished." The area experiences considerable ATV, dirt bike and Jeep traffic during daylight hours, particularly on weekends, though motorized access is prohibited after dusk. Important camping restrictions apply seasonally, with "99% of areas closed between December and March." Hunters have priority during designated seasons. A recent visitor commented, "There's some good spots in the backcountry if you can find them, but be prepared to search quite a bit."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Soddy-Daisy, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Soddy-Daisy, TN is Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed with a 4.1-star rating from 14 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 24 dispersed camping locations near Soddy-Daisy, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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