Top Free Dispersed Camping near Tellico Plains, TN

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Tellico Plains? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Tennessee camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Tellico Plains, TN (38)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

    1. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

    9 Reviews
    18 Photos
    268 Saves

    Lost Creek Campground is located along the banks of Big Lost Creek. This primitive campground offers remote camping and is surrounded by dense forest and creeks. Lost Creek Campground is open year round. Sites are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. While staying at Lost Creek, campers can enjoy fishing in Big Lost Creek (note: special regulations are in effect for fishing in Big Lost Creek).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah

    2. Lake Santeetlah

    10 Reviews
    51 Photos
    581 Saves

    Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Citico Creek Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Citico Creek Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Citico Creek Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Citico Creek Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Citico Creek Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Citico Creek Area

    3. Citico Creek Area

    6 Reviews
    12 Photos
    135 Saves

    View of Citico Creek in Cherokee National Forest This area provides opportunities for solitude and backcountry experiences. You will find ample opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, camping, and hiking. With more than 20,000 acres of Wilderness in Citico Creek and Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock, this area provides ample opportunities for solitude and backcountry experiences. Catch both native and stocked trout in Citico Creek and its rugged tributaries, and fish for small-mouth bass and catfish in the creek’s lower reaches. Citico Creek Area Map Citico Creek Area Guide

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
    Camper-submitted photo from Sourwood Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sourwood Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sourwood Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sourwood Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sourwood Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sourwood Campground

    5. Sourwood Campground

    4 Reviews
    9 Photos
    271 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Yurts
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Top Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Top Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Top Dispersed Site

    6. Panther Top Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    108 Saves

    Dispersed campsites are primitive camping areas that don't have bathrooms or many of the other amenities you will find at developed campgrounds. Dispersed camping is only allowed at designated areas.

    For site-specific information, call the local ranger station.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground A
    Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground A
    Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground A
    Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground A
    Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground A
    Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground A

    7. Goforth Creek Campground A

    2 Reviews
    15 Photos
    39 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Drinking Water
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry

    8. Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry

    1 Review
    12 Photos
    21 Saves

    For hikers and backpackers, the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness presents a variety of recreational hiking opportunities. There is a relatively easy two-mile long Memorial Loop Trail in the Memorial Forest, which annually greets more than 35,000 visitors, or there is a complex of hiking trails that cater to more experienced hikers, such as the 13.3 mile long Slickrock Creek Trail, considered as one of the ten toughest trails in the United States. With a 3,700 foot climb overall and 13 stream crossings, this trail is seldom completely traversed, but used in conjunction with the other trails in the Wilderness to provide excellent backpacking trips.

    Other than at trailheads, camping is allowed anywhere within the Wilderness using Leave No Trace principles, but given the steepness of the topography, there are a few relatively heavily used back country camping areas. Many fishermen enter the Wilderness from the north using the Slickrock Creek Trail, Ike Branch Trail or hike down to the creek from Big Fat Gap, camping along the creek. Backpackers use the area at Naked Ground on the southern ridge, and there is an area near the Hangover that offers excellent views, but an unreliable water source. Nichols Cove area has good camping spots with abundant water, and some hikers camp near Wildcat Falls, but long sections of the various trails lack suitable spots for camping.

    As a designated Wilderness, there are no trail blazes, just signs at trail junctions, so it is essential that hikers carry maps and compass, and know how to use them. It is not uncommon for very experienced hikers to get “confused” for a while in the creek area due to the multiplicity of real trails, unofficial trails, old logging trails, etc. Along the ridge, the trails are well-defined, but physically demanding.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Jack's River Falls Trail/Cohutta Wilderness Backcountry Group Camp
Showing results 1-10 of 38 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Tellico Plains

79 Reviews of 38 Tellico Plains Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Top Dispersed Site
    May. 17, 2024

    Panther Top Dispersed Site

    Amazing spot with GREAT views

    I had 3 bars of AT&T which worked well. The view from the shore was amazing and in my opinion comparable to some spots in Hawaii. It was nice and quiet, chilly at night, and not too far from murphy. We also hiked up to a nearby fire tower and it was a fun little hike. 10/10 will be returning.

    (I just got a new drone and I made a fun little video of the campsite and the hike we did.)

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
    Apr. 14, 2024

    Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed

    Beautiful, but stuff stolen

    Beautiful spot, early - mid April plenty of room & privacy.

    Left to go on a hike & came back to our chairs & wood being stolen. Disappointing, but also the chance you take when leaving your personal items unattended.

    They took 2 bundles of wood, but left us some. Plenty of wood on the ground to use. Felt safe overall.

  • amanda R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Great site!

    This was such a nice quiet campground. We arrived around 8am and got the first campsite we saw. This is the most established dispersed campsite that I’ve stayed at as it has a fire circle, a grill and a picnic table. It’s very quiet and very few cars passed. There’s a walking/hiking trail across the lake where we saw some hikers and some people on horseback. The site was very clean minus a few pieces of trash that we later picked up. The dogs loved it because our site was right on the lake. We drove down the gravel road to check out the other campsites and they all seem great if you’re tent camping! We car camped and our campsite was perfect because it had a parking space right in front of it whereas the other sites had parking spaces across the road. Overall a great place. I can’t wait to go back!

  • Natalie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
    Feb. 9, 2024

    Lake Santeelah

    Quiet, nice spaces, and clean!

    Such a great find! I was hoping to car camp a little closer to NOC but not in a campground but this is the closest I could find in February. I would definitely stay here again! Very quiet and clean and the sites are very well laid out and maintained! No hook ups of any kind but it’s worth it! Highway Patrol and Park Rangers patrol pretty frequently so I felt really safe as a solo female. I still took all the safety precautions but didn’t feel as necessary as some.

  • WDRoberson The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
    Nov. 7, 2023

    Lake Santeelah

    Well maintained free camping

    We were fortunate to get a site that allowed us to pull the car right into the site for our roof top tent. Not very far to walk to reach the lake and the fishing wasn’t bad at all. Bass and Bluegills. Fairly quiet besides the rice burners heading to Tail of the Dragon. Very good overall.

  • Robert W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
    Oct. 27, 2023

    Lake Santeelah

    Stunning 😍

    GPS coordinates got me exactly to where I wanted to go. Lots of twists and turns going up the dragon with beautiful scenery of the trees changing colors in late October. There are a handful of Lots located right along the lake with a beautiful view of the mountains in the distance. My dog absolutely loved how much space she had to roam around and how clear the water was excellent for swimming.

    Some of the plots you can only fit one tent others you could fit up to three or four

  • Angie A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
    Oct. 19, 2023

    Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed

    Excellent find

    Dispersed camping with a glorious v view. Please pack out what you pack in. Some trash obvious yet cleaner now than past reviews. Camped right on the bank. Fire pits and concrete pads at most sites. Dumpster on site so please use it. Easy to find and private spacious sites available.

  • Robert N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Top Dispersed Site
    Sep. 9, 2023

    Panther Top Dispersed Site

    Panther Top Dispersed

    Great spot right on the little lake. You can hear the gun range from the Camp Spot, but it is barely noticeable. There are two main spots right on the lake that are set up for tent camping. My overland rig fit in the small parking area fine, but I had to find a few rocks to level my truck so the rooftop tent was level. It is obviously a spot that locals come to party on the weekends but I had no issues. There looks like there are only 2 primary camping spots with fire rings and tent pads. My spot had a picnic table and two tent pads, a pole for your lantern and was just feet from the lake. Lots of fish jumping and I caught a 1 pound large mouth bass on a silver spinning lure. Over all a great spot. No bugs, but you will likely need to bring firewood, as all of the fallen trees had been scavenged. Since there are only two spot, definitely have a backup plan, especially on the weekends.

  • Steve K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
    Jul. 16, 2023

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Field test truck camping

    First site(L1)was open so I took it. I spent two nights there. First time dispersed camping in National Forest and truck camping. Even though I've been camping my whole life, all my equipment was new so it was a learning experience. 😁 Parking was pretty level, but behind my rear wheels it declined toward the lake. The tent pad, picnic table and fire ring was on level ground. It was really quiet during the day, but there were some very loud frogs(?) during the night, enough to wake you up. 2nd night I played music and I slept good. Lol If your GPS says that you have reached your destination, you probably have passed the gravel road. Once on gravel road, veer to the right and you will pass the cemetery on your left, then you'll see kiosk. Sign shows you have to register there at the kiosk. I enjoyed my time there and hopefully can go back again this year. Hope y'all are enjoying the great outdoors. LIV'N!

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
    Feb. 25, 2023

    Lake Santeelah

    Great spot

    I will say there isn’t a lot of campsites but the ones they have are great. Fishing from the banks is possible and it was relatively clean and quiet. Definitely worth a visit

  • Ethan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
    Jan. 16, 2023

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Nice camping ground but closed

    This is a good camping ground especially if you get the one right off the lake. When we arrived the campground was closed for vehicles. So we walk in a took around. Great spots right of the lake. They say it won't open till April. There is a another campsite less than 4 miles up the road you can camp at, but over all good area. Any vehicle can get to location its bumpy bit that's bc its half gravel half dirt. Keeeepp exploring the wilderness must be explored. Ps. Clean up after yourself

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
    Jan. 4, 2023

    Lake Santeelah

    Great free place with amazing views

    This camp site is free to use and it is a great little place. The sites are huge like you could probably fit a few different set ups in each site. It’s a little confusing if you get here in the dark while it’s pouring rain but I just took the first right onto the gravel road where the bathrooms are and there is 3 sites down there with greats views of the lake.

  • Andy K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah
    Jan. 2, 2023

    Lake Santeetlah

    Lakeside site with good view

    Nice lakeside side with good lake views. Park next to site. Toilet facility available, site next to marina on north side. Cellphone service with Verizon ok 1or 2 bars.

  • Andy K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah
    Jan. 2, 2023

    Lake Santeetlah

    Nice sites with good views of the lake

    Stayed at the site next to the marina on the North side. Lake sudd access and can park next to the site. Also has a toilet facility. Cell phone service with Verizon was 1 to 2 bars. Sometimes good others not so.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed
    Nov. 1, 2022

    Jackson's Island Campground - Dispersed

    End of season stay in autumn leaves

    We arrived on Oct 30 to find several spaces available, many of which are convenient pull-through spaces. All are right at the waters edge with fire rings. There's trash everywhere; we filled a 10 gal trash bag in a matter of 10 minutes. We've been enjoying our stay but sadly we're informed by a man driving around to be out by Nov 3 as they're closing the site for the season. Luckily this timing is fine for our plans but was a surprise as nothing is mentioned on sites or sign at entrance about this. Beautiful place, peaceful this time of year. Husband caught a bass & dogs enjoyed the shallow edge of the lake at our site. Would stay again!

  • Karen
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
    Oct. 21, 2022

    Lake Santeelah

    Nice serene lakeside spots

    It's an absolutely beautiful lake in the forest. The trees are turning and the sky is blue. Only drawback is the Pine Ridge Rd dispersed camping is along the roadside. Not really private. You have to walk to your site if you want to set up a tent. No room for a large RV. But the scenery is beautiful. AT&T works just fine!

  • Gabrielle D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area
    Oct. 16, 2022

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Group camping

    First location was Hickey Gap, we got there around 1 on a Friday and it was full so we headed to the primitive group camping site. Gravel road, lots of rocks included, and dust but if your not worried about your car do it! We had an suv but I saw a handful of sedans that made it up. We got to the group site at 1:20 or so and there was only one person at first but slowly people start trickling in. We stayed 2 nights but a lot of people stayed for 1. The look out driving up is awesome and the lake it gorgeous. Watch out for bears.

  • Tyler T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah
    Oct. 8, 2022

    Lake Santeelah

    Lake view all around

    There are several camps all just off the road. They all get right up to the lake with area for tent and fire pit

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Goforth Creek Campground G
    Sep. 30, 2022

    Goforth Creek Campground G

    Backup option

    This is an ok option if there are no other sites available. It is just a cleared-out area near the trail but doesn’t have an established fire pit. The only nice feature is that it is further up the trail and more private as well as has easy access to water.

  • Brent L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sourwood Campground
    Jul. 22, 2022

    Sourwood Campground

    Great little spot

    Great area to camp. Only complaints are having to spend an hour picking up others trash that they left. Also reverify your directions. Google maps brought me to a spot 30 miles away



Guide to Tellico Plains

Camping near Tellico Plains, Tennessee, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers have enjoyed hikes like the Little River Trail, which offers beautiful views and a gradual uphill path. One reviewer mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Smokemont Campground shared, "I love all the elk and other wildlife," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: The nearby rivers and streams provide excellent fishing opportunities. A visitor noted, "I did fish one pool for about 30 minutes and saw quite a few fish in the pool over the weekend."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning scenery. A review for Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground highlights, "The views are amazing," making it a perfect backdrop for your camping experience.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. One camper at Greenbrier Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were amazing," which adds to the overall comfort of the stay.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Greenbrier Campground offer activities for kids, such as playgrounds and swimming spots. A family reviewer said, "We loved being right between the creek and the playground!"

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Elkmont Campground noted, "All of the campsites are extremely close together," so if privacy is a concern, plan accordingly.
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds in the area have poor cell reception. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "There is no cell service with T-Mobile," so download any necessary information before your trip.
  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. One camper at Harrison Bay State Park Campground shared, "It was great, very nice and peaceful," but temperatures can drop at night.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Greenbrier Campground said, "There were bounce houses, multiple playgrounds," making it a hit for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One family at Cades Cove Campground enjoyed biking the loop, which is a great way to explore the area together.
  • Pack Snacks and Meals: Having food on hand can save time and keep everyone happy. A camper at Harrison Bay State Park Campground mentioned, "We had good cell service and there is great guest wifi," which can help with meal planning.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site dimensions. A reviewer at Fort Mountain State Park Campground advised, "Research the roads if you have a large camper," to avoid any surprises.
  • Use Dump Stations: Many campgrounds have dump stations available. A camper at Cades Cove Campground appreciated the "nice and clean" facilities for RV maintenance.
  • Plan for Power Needs: Some campgrounds may not have electric hookups. A visitor at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground noted, "If you have a big RV, it may be hard to get in and out of the park," so be prepared with alternative power sources if needed.

Camping near Tellico Plains, Tennessee, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Tellico Plains, TN is Lost Creek - Cherokee NF with a 4.8-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 38 dispersed camping locations near Tellico Plains, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.