Top Free Dispersed Camping near Whiteside, TN

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Whiteside? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Tennessee camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Whiteside, TN (12)

Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Whiteside

31 Reviews of 12 Whiteside Campgrounds


  • Sarah H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    Blue Hole is neat

    Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area. The camp sites are first come, first serve. They are free. Only 2 sites with tables. If you like dispersed camping you'll probably enjoy it. If you prefer a campground, this is not for you.

  • Robyn W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Creek Campground
    Jun. 1, 2024

    Hidden Creek Campground

    Very Decent Primitive Spot

    Overall we enjoyed this stay! GPS wants to take you to where the road dead ends but the actual turn off is before the end of the road on the right where the big wood sign is. The first road is pretty nice but then the road forks. We went right which goes up, passed an open gate followed the road LOTS OF DEEP POTHOLES. The road then opens up to a four way, we kept going straight, followed the road down and then came to three sites all empty. It was quiet and we were alone so overall we enjoyed other than the deep potholes. Our truck is pretty high and 4x4 so wasn’t too bad for us but a low car may not fair as well. We were there on a Friday

  • h
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Creek Campground
    May. 4, 2024

    Hidden Creek Campground

    Pretty Decent Place to Stay

    A little farther off the highway than I wanted to go, but definitely a solid free campsite. There are a few substantial pot holes, so wouldn’t recommend for someone driving a super low vehicle. Also GPS isn’t perfect. It will take u to someone’s private property next door. Look for the big wooden sign that indicates that it is for public use.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    Awesome!

    I loved it there. So peaceful! A couple of other people there and a little bit of trash, but I picked it up. Leave it better than you found it right? It rained, so no bugs, but that’s prob not true for the dry days…

  • richard C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA
    Jun. 4, 2023

    Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    Cool hole, not worth the trip

    The campground was beyond capacity. Went to the Ada site and it looked like it was a cruel joke? Unsure. But there's no way. The spring looked amazing but couldn't camp. Can't add pics atm. Also, stepped out just to see the clearance on a turn and got in with 4 ticks on me.

  • TNWoodsman
    Camper-submitted photo from Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed
    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.

  • Ava R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp
    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.

  • Ava R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA
    May. 13, 2023

    Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    Great FREE spot!

    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. We were never bothered and it’s right down the road from blue hole and Ellison Cave trail.

  • 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.

  • Michael M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    Good dispersed camping at the blue hole

    It has a blue hole an caves no electricity or running water but the camp sites are pretty good. An the do have a handicap access area for rvs to do disperse camping also an parking for the bluehole ...no one to bother you!

  • Steve V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area
    Apr. 19, 2022

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Large Dispersed Camping Field

    This is a large field for dispersed camping along Conasauga Lake Road that is popular with both hikers (Emery Creek Trail and Tear Britches Trail both have trailheads here) and Overlanders (site is on the Big Frog Loop and Georgia Traverse). There are multiple fire rings established around the field and this field can handle many groups. No water or facilities here, but you can go down to the Lake Conasauga Campground about a mile away and use their facilities for a $5 fee. The field is fairly sloped, so you want to have some shoring if you are in a trailer, roof top tent, or van.

  • Roy B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area
    Nov. 6, 2021

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Grassy Field in forested mountainous area.

    This is a primitive group camping area close to Lake Conasauga. GPS is 34.86064073010609,-84.63659794105651. (Photos and this review are from my last stay here on 31 Oct- 02 Nov 2021.) 

    The camping field is at the base of Bald Mountain, altitude 4005'. Nearby Tearbritches Trail will take you to the summit of Bald Mountain and then down to the Conasauga River. The Emery Creek Trail is at the back of the camping area. There are some fire pits in the open field. 

    The cell connection is intermittent and usually only one bar(or no cell). 

    This area is fairly remote and the rough gravel forest service roads are best traveled by a higher clearance vehicle. 2x2 usually works ok though. (It takes patience and a while to get here.) This is a popular mountain bike area and the cyclists can easily hit speeds of 30MPH on the sketchy downhills.

  • Roy B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area
    Oct. 13, 2021

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Remote. Field.

    34.860688452654024,-84.63670121000321

    Stayed here a number of times during each of the four seasons. Fairly remote for eastern U.S, (but I have watched, over the past 2 decades, Atlanta grow northward, and a lot of development in Ellijay and Blue Ridge areas, and it is a little depressing).  Access is by gravel roads. There are bears in the area and they love food. (A fed bear is a dead bear-please don't leave any food out and scare them away if they come around.)

    No amenities. Lake Conasauga is nearby which has some amenities. One can hike up to the top of nearby Bald Mountain and then hike down to the Conasauga River. One can look for butterflies, other insects, birds, flowers, etc. There are many trails in the Cohutta Wilderness, which is just to the north.

    I will post some photos of nearby Bald Mountain and the trail head for Tearbritches Trail. Other photos of the area here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rbinv/albums/72157634085883873

    (N34 51.670 W84 38.120) This leads over the highest western-most mountain in the eastern U.S., and then down to Bray Field at the junction of Tearbritches Creek and the Conasauga River(N34 53.897 W84 37.296)- It is a long steep grade down to the Conasauga(1-way distance is 3.4 miles)| 30 August 2013

    Here are some notes I took about the vegetation in the area:

    The north-northeasterly facing slope of Bald Mountain within a half-mile of the summit, elevation 4005'. Mostly New York Fern(Thelypteris noveboracensis) here, but also saw Hay-scented(Dennstaedtia punctilobula), Cinnamon(Osmundastrum cinnamomeum), and Interrupted Ferns(Osmunda claytoniana) in this immediate area. New York Ferns are common throughout the widerness| Tearbritches Trail, Cohutta Wilderness, N. Georgia Mountains| 30 August 2013

  • Karen
    Camper-submitted photo from Murrays Lake Primitive
    Jun. 5, 2021

    Murrays Lake Primitive

    It's in Georgia, not Tennesse!

    Although there is a Murray's Lake in TN, as you'll note on the location map, this campsite is in Georgia.

  • Karen
    Camper-submitted photo from Murrays Lake Primitive
    Jun. 5, 2021

    Murrays Lake Primitive

    It's Primitive

    There is a lake, but it's not all that pretty. There's a boat ramp, but the lake is small and I doubt it's worth the trouble. There are 2 drive in tent spots, with 2 more at the end of a trail. Secluded. The road in can be handled by a sedan.

  • Cole T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed
    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.

  • William Andrew C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite
    May. 1, 2021

    Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite

    Not a lot of options near the parking lot for hammocks

    The only decent spot for hammocks is the little campsite that is right in front of the parking lot. We went over to the clearing just north of the parking lot, but there were no good spots. The clearing was extremely overgrown, as was the tree line all around the clearing. At the site directly in front of the parking lot, you can really only get two hammocks, unless you want to stack your hammocks vertically. You'll have to tie both hammocks to the same tree at one end, and then use two trees on the other side. There is no water near this site. This site is OK if you need to be near the parking lot or don't want to hike your gear in and out. Otherwise, you're way better off going down to one of the other sites.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite
    Apr. 1, 2021

    Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite

    Small boring site

    This site is 3 separate clearings near the trailhead and parking with small fire pits. They work in a pinch if you get here late and don’t want to hike in or if you want to car camp and hike to the falls without gear. Be aware that you will have to go a little ways down the trail to find water.

  • Marguerite S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed
    Jan. 26, 2021

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    Pond Camping - Long drive

    This really wasn’t bad! Other than us not being sure where to go. We drove for what felt like 20 miles down a well kept unpaved road from the entrance but I think it reality was only 5.5 miles. There’s a gravel lot next to the pond which is where we set up our rooftop tent on surprisingly 0° incline on all sides so we had a very level set up. There grassy are is fenced off but has multiple fire pits for dispersed camping. Not much for a weekend trip unless you want to hike and the hikes are pretty mediocre. There’s an overlook somewhere but we were just testing our gear so didn’t go searching for it. Would camp again if we had to but won’t go out of our way to stay here.

  • Blake C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite
    Nov. 16, 2020

    Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite

    An exercise in packing

    The Walls of Jehrico trail offers a handful of first-come/first-serve primitive campsites set adjacent to two separate water sources (streams).  Any equipment must be carried in and out which makes for a perfect backpacking experience.  

    Your campsite offers little privacy due to trail proximity but that should not distract from a wonderful experience.

    There are minimal places to stock up on necessities along the road so be sure and come equipped.  There is also no cell service so make sure you plan accordingly and have an emergency system in place.

  • Benjamin C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed
    Aug. 22, 2020

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    We loved this place!

    My wife and I are getting into Overlanding and we heard this was a good place for OHV trails and dispersed camping. We came down for just the day to check the Forest out. It was really wet and Sulfur Branch/Braddison was very torn up. We got stuck but was lended a hand. Other than that the place was taken care of and there was plenty of folks out that Saturday. The over looks are beautiful!! If your going to hit the trails either have a winch or wait till it’s dry! Have FUN

  • Tyler J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed
    Mar. 20, 2020

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    Wonderful tn camping

    A secluded spot in a protected forest not far from Chattanooga. You can camp at the ranger station, but your best bet is to drive out to the pond and camp in the middle of the forest

  • Tyler J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area
    Mar. 19, 2020

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Dispersed & wonderful view of Southern sky

    This is one of my favorite types of spots: remote, little light pollution, and deep in the mountains. I searched on terrain maps for some of the best south facing skies for a great view of the belt of the milky way. Go here on a new moon night in the summer and you're sure to have a great night of uninterrupted beauty!

  • Steve V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite
    Nov. 20, 2019

    Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite

    Convenient Trailhead Camping

    The trailhead campsite is a short walk from the parking lot, but makes for a great basecamp for exploring the area. The campsite is level and large enough to accommodate many tents. There are also trees that would be suitable for hammock camping. The site is on the edge of an overlook of the canyon and has multiple fire rings if there are multiple groups there. This site and trailhead serves both the Walls of Jericho trail and the Bear Den Point Loop Trail. 

    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. We found good cell phone service with Verizon at this site. Trash cans are located in the trailhead parking lot. Please pack out your trash from the campsite.

  • Nate H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed
    May. 27, 2019

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    If you want seclusion, this is your spot!

    We stayed at the Davis Pond Campground which is about a 15min drive back into the park. If you want to stay here you have to be there before dark as they close the gates at dark. It's basically like having your own small park in the middle of the mountains on a small bass pond. There was one other couple staying there and it was Memorial Day weekend so I would be surprised if you run into many people out there. There are also tons of places to backpack in and camp. We were on the last leg of 3 campgrounds in 3 days so we had our rooftop tent but want to try packing in to one of the many hike in sites. Caught 4 largemouth bass in about 15 minutes of fishing on the pond, largest being about a 1lb. You will deal with some ATV/Jeep traffic during the weekends which can cause some dust to deal with and the pit bathrooms are about as disgusting as I've ever seen. They really should just bulldoze them down and it would make it even better but outside of that this campground is absolutely amazing if you are looking for seclusion. Expect about an hour and a half drive from Knoxville.

  • Lori H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed
    May. 27, 2019

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    Truly roughing it!

    Prentice Cooper WMA is a great place if you’re looking to be in the wilderness. Keep in mind, this is a wildlife management area, so If you are not hunting, might want to avoid it during hunting season, you can find season dates on TWRA website.

    There are only two campground areas in PC, but it looks like you can backcountry camp on the map. Davis Pond and Hunters Check Station Campground and the two campground areas. There aren’t any hookups at either site. Hunters Check is a heavily wooded area, near the big game check building. Davis Pond is more of an open field by the pond, and that’s where we stayed. Only one other then there while we were there! There’s plenty of room for multiple tents and great hammock spots. There’s a trailhead that goes to blowing wind falls from the campground too. My husband caught several large mouth bass in the pond too (catch and release). There a lot of ATV, UTV, dirt bikes, jeeps, etc. riding the area, but there’s no riding after dusk, so at Davis Pond it’s very quiet and peaceful with only the sounds of nature! DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT even think of entering the “restroom” at Davis Pond. They really should demolish it. Completely disgusting. And creepy. So be advised, there is no USABLE restroom, you are truly roughing it! Great area for peace and quiet!



Guide to Whiteside

Camping near Whiteside, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground. "The park is beautiful with a nice modern campground. The sites are very nice," one camper noted, highlighting the breathtaking views and well-maintained trails.
  • Waterfalls: Visit DeSoto State Park Campground to see stunning waterfalls. A visitor shared, "We hit almost all of the trails, saw 4 waterfalls and so many amazing rock formations."
  • Cavern Tours: Check out Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground for a unique experience. One camper mentioned, "The tour of the caverns was well worth the money spent."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. At Harrison Bay State Park Campground, one reviewer said, "The bathrooms and showers get cleaned every afternoon."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA remarked, "The campground is very well maintained, with super friendly and helpful staff."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. At Chester Frost Park, one camper noted, "The lake is beautiful and honestly, any site on the island I think would be a good spot."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can be busy, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are very close together here and you can expect it to usually be booked up."
  • Check-in Confusion: Be prepared for check-in procedures. One visitor noted, "Checking in is confusing because they don’t send you any info on what to do or how to get to your site."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A camper at Foster Falls Campground pointed out, "The bathrooms were ok. Unfortunately, they were never cleaned over the weekend."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. At Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA, one parent said, "The campground has a large pool, playground, and giant in-ground bounce balloon for the kids."
  • Plan for Nature: Bring outdoor games and gear. A camper at DeSoto State Park Campground mentioned, "There are also so many great places to swim when it gets hot."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outings. One visitor at Harrison Bay State Park Campground suggested, "We had good cell service and there is great guest wifi as well so we were able to stay in touch with everyone and watch movies on our phones."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites. A reviewer at Holiday Travel Park said, "The gravel site was very level and the utilities were positioned well."
  • Book Early: Reserve your spot in advance, especially during busy seasons. A camper at Marion County Park noted, "Call and tell them you're coming; they will save a spot for you."
  • Check Amenities: Make sure to check what amenities are available. A visitor at Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground mentioned, "The staff was very friendly and responsive to any needs."

Camping near Whiteside, Tennessee, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Whiteside, TN is Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed with a 4.4-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Whiteside, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.