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Best Dispersed Camping near Spring City, TN

40 Reviews

Jackson Island Dispersed Campground, managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, provides free waterfront camping near Spring City. The area features pull-through spaces along the lakeshore with fire rings. No drinking water, hookups, or shower facilities are available, though trash collection is provided. The campground typically closes for the season in early November.

Several dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Spring City. Bi-Color Campground in Catoosa Wildlife Management Area offers primitive camping with spacious sites suitable for larger vehicles. Lost Creek in Cherokee National Forest provides more amenities including concrete picnic tables, tent platforms, and pit toilets along a creek. A camper noted, "Each campsite has a concrete table, fire pit, and tent platform. Some have direct access to the creek." Most dispersed sites in the region require traveling several miles on gravel roads with limited cell service.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Spring City, Tennessee (20)

    1. Jackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    9 Reviews
    Spring City, TN
    2 miles
    Website

    "The campground is very easily accessible and has no facilities other than garbage bins."

    "Felt safe overall."

    2. Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)

    5 Reviews
    Lancing, TN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 456-2479

    "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."

    3. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

    9 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    43 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Signal Mountain, TN
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 658-5551

    "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."

    5. Citico Creek Area

    6 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    45 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Goforth Creek Campground A

    2 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    46 miles
    Website

    "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."

    7. Conasauga River Camp

    2 Reviews
    Cisco, GA
    50 miles

    "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"

    8. Goforth Creek Campground B

    1 Review
    Reliance, TN
    46 miles
    Website

    "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."

    9. Rough Creek Dispersed

    1 Review
    Copperhill, TN
    49 miles

    "Only 2 sites and one intense drive to get here. It takes about 35 minutes to go 4 miles. Ground clearance and off road tires needed"

    10. Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp

    2 Reviews
    Signal Mountain, TN
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 658-5551

    "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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Spring City, TN

27 Photos of 20 Spring City Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Spring City, TN

40 Reviews of 20 Spring City Campgrounds

  • Steve V.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2024

    Creekside Camp

    Very primitive

    No picnic tables or pit toilets. Flat campsites next to a very nice creek.

  • Cole T.
    May. 14, 2021

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    Great

    Prentice 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.

  • Ava R.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • S
    Jul. 16, 2016

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    Dispersed Camping in Prentice Cooper State Forest

    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. We ran a bunch of the trails - enjoyed the views - wonderful spot.

  • Andrew R.
    Apr. 3, 2022

    Jackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    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.

  • Arden S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2018

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    Seclusion

    The 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.

  • TNWoodsman The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

Guide to Spring City

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.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Spring City, Tennessee

  • Always pack out what you pack in to keep the natural environment clean, especially at places like Jackson Island Dispersed Campground, where some visitors have noted trash left behind.
  • Be prepared for a lack of facilities; many areas, such as Bi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA), do not offer drinking water or toilets, so bring your own supplies.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, as some locations can get crowded, particularly during weekends, like Lost Creek - Cherokee NF.

Scenic views for dispersed campers

  • For breathtaking views, consider Citico Creek Area, where many sites are located right by the creek, providing a peaceful backdrop for your camping experience.
  • Campers at Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed can enjoy the beauty of the forest while having access to various hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
  • The Goforth Creek Campground A offers a picturesque setting with easy access to water for swimming and purifying, making it a great choice for those who appreciate nature's beauty.

Dispersed campers should check out Jackson Island

  • Jackson Island Dispersed Campground is known for its spacious sites and privacy, making it an excellent choice for those looking to escape the crowds.
  • Visitors have reported enjoying the natural surroundings and wildlife, with plenty of opportunities for fishing and hiking nearby.
  • Keep in mind that while the area is beautiful, it's essential to secure your belongings, as some campers have experienced theft when leaving items unattended.

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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