Best Dispersed Camping near Tracy City, TN
Prentice Cooper State Forest offers free dispersed camping near Tracy City, Tennessee with multiple primitive camping areas accessible by forest roads. The main locations include Hunter's Check Station campground near the entrance and Davis Pond campground, requiring a 5-7 mile drive on gravel roads. Both areas accommodate tents, while Davis Pond provides a more secluded setting adjacent to a small fishing pond. Many spots feature fire rings but minimal other amenities.
Access to Davis Pond requires arriving before dark as gates close at sunset, and high-clearance vehicles are recommended for the deeper forest roads. A recent review mentioned, "There are about 12 spots and it wasn't crowded when we came on a Saturday." The forest allows backcountry camping in certain areas, though finding suitable pull-off sites requires exploration. Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions - the restroom facilities at Davis Pond are notoriously poor, with one visitor noting they "should demolish it. Completely disgusting." The forest typically closes most camping areas between December and March, and weekends see increased traffic from OHV users on the forest's trail system.