Prentice Cooper State Forest provides several dispersed camping opportunities near Tracy City, Tennessee, with two main locations located along a network of forest roads. The 24,000-acre woodland sits at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,900 feet, creating diverse camping conditions across the property. Seasonal restrictions significantly impact camping availability, with most areas closed between December and March.
What to do
Hiking trails: Several paths through Prentice Cooper offer backpacking opportunities. "We ran a bunch of the trails - enjoyed the views - wonderful spot," notes one visitor at Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed.
Fishing opportunities: Davis Pond within the forest provides a small but productive fishing spot. One camper reports, "Caught 4 largemouth bass in about 15 minutes of fishing on the pond, largest being about a 1lb," while staying at Prentice Cooper.
Cave exploration: The region features interesting geological formations. Near Blue Hole Dispersed, one camper mentions "It has a blue hole an caves no electricity or running water but the camp sites are pretty good."
What campers like
Solitude in nature: Many visitors appreciate the remote feeling of camping in this area. "If you want to stay at Davis Pond you have to get there before dark, and there is not access for vehicles to get into the campground so it's just tents... I pulled off just off one of the trails and set up. It was quiet and private," reports a camper at Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp.
Fall colors: The forest transforms with seasonal changes. One visitor to Prentice Cooper notes, "We came here to camp among the turning trees one September. It is a huge area and I didn't see any camping other than primitive tent sites... The fall colors were off the hook but might be even better in October."
Wildlife management areas: The conservation focus creates unique camping experiences. "It's basically like having your own small park in the middle of the mountains on a small bass pond," describes a visitor about their experience at Prentice Cooper.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Winter access is severely limited throughout the forest. "This is a beautiful WMA area with tons of offshoots along a service road for camping, but please note, 99% of areas are closed between December and March," warns one visitor who had to find alternative camping.
Primitive conditions: Facilities at campsites are minimal. At Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite, a camper explains, "This is primitive camping so no bathhouse, but there is a porta-john in the trailhead parking lot. The site is a good distance from any convenient stores or grocery stores so plan accordingly."
Recreation traffic: Weekend use by off-road enthusiasts affects noise levels. "You will deal with some ATV/Jeep traffic during the weekends which can cause some dust to deal with," reports one camper. Another mentions, "There's no riding after dusk, so at Davis Pond it's very quiet and peaceful with only the sounds of nature!"
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Several natural water features provide recreation for children. At Tennessee Wall Camp, a visitor shares, "We really enjoyed our night tent camping here. There is a parking lot right off the road after a fun ~30 minute drive through residential roads right on the water."
Hammock camping: Some sites accommodate alternative sleeping arrangements. "This is a great spot and great for hammocks as well," notes one Tennessee Wall Camp visitor, which can be appealing for families with older children.
Site selection: Finding the right spot requires planning. "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," advises one visitor to Prentice Cooper.
Tips from RVers
Access restrictions: Many dispersed sites have limitations for larger vehicles. "We stayed 3 days 2 nights here in our 21' pop up camper with our generator. Road is pretty well maintained, spots are good size, some only large enough for tent/car camping," shares a visitor to Blue Hole Dispersed.
Vehicle clearance: Forest roads can present challenges. "It's a big area and I didn't see any camping other than primitive tent sites," reports a camper, suggesting limited options for RVs beyond designated areas.
Campsite availability: Finding suitable spots requires timing and flexibility. "This is a 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," notes a visitor to Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp.
