The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Spring City. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Spring City, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Spring City. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
"The campground is very easily accessible and has no facilities other than garbage bins."
"Felt safe overall."
"Solid location for a night or a whole weekend. There are several porta potties available and the sites are spacious. This camp is perfect for the fam as it can accommodate RV sized vehicles."
"There was no accessible water near by so make sure you bring your own provisions. Haven’t got to explore much around the area by hiking. Found a nice creek a few miles on down the road."
"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."
"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."
"This campground is great for being right next to great day hikes and easy access to Citico Creek, which was just across the gravel road from our site."
"No hookups, but a majority of the 14 sites are on the creek itself. Could not recommend Citico Creek more."
"This campsite is a backcountry site located along the Goforth Creek trail and is the closest to the parking area. It is also the largest of the sites with room for several tents."
"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."
"My go-to spot gets picked up during the fall A lot but best dispersed site I’ve found in a while"
"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."
"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."
"Right on the river and pit toilets close by."
LegendThis 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.
GuideNo picnic tables or pit toilets. Flat campsites next to a very nice creek.
GuidePrentice Cooper is an amazing place and offers two campgrounds and several backcountry camping spots. There is a campground not too far after pulling in the gravel road that has some really nice spots. The other campground requires you to drive down a gravel road for approximately 7 miles and then down some trails that require high clearance. This campground is nice and tooked into the woods with a pond nearby. There are several OHV trails in prentice Cooper and the place can get very crowded on the weekends. Definitely recommend going during the week.
GuideThis 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.
GuideWe 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. We ran a bunch of the trails - enjoyed the views - wonderful spot.
TravelerI'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.
GuideThe forest is beautiful but also huge. You can definitely get lost driving around or hiking. If you're looking for a quiet place to camp near Chattanooga this is it.
GuideCan be crowded on the weekends. Right on the river and pit toilets close by.
TravelerReview 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Spring City, Tennessee, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Jackson Island TVA camping area near Spring City?
Jackson Island TVA camping area is a primitive dispersed camping location with minimal amenities. Unlike Lost Creek - Cherokee NF which offers concrete picnic tables and restrooms, Jackson Island is more rustic. The site features waterfront camping with natural surroundings and privacy, particularly during off-peak seasons. There are no formal facilities such as picnic tables, restrooms, or trash services, so campers should come prepared with all necessary supplies and plan to pack out all waste.
Where is Jackson Island dispersed camping in Spring City?
Jackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is located in Spring City, Tennessee along the shores of Watts Bar Lake. This TVA-managed camping area is accessible by vehicle and offers waterfront campsites. While specific driving directions aren't detailed in the reviews, it appears to be a relatively accessible area that can get crowded during warmer months, suggesting it's not difficult to find.
Are permits required for dispersed camping at Jackson Island in Spring City?
No permits appear to be required for camping at Jackson Island TVA area, though it's always wise to check current regulations before visiting. Similar to other dispersed camping areas like Citico Creek Area and Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed, Jackson Island offers free camping. TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) manages the area, and while formal permits aren't mentioned in reviews, standard dispersed camping regulations likely apply, including length-of-stay limitations and pack-in/pack-out waste policies.
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