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Dispersed Camping

Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed, near Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a bit of wilderness. This area offers a true escape into nature, with plenty of room for tent camping and a peaceful atmosphere, especially if you venture out during the week when it’s less crowded.

The location features a lovely pond, perfect for setting up camp and enjoying the sounds of nature. Visitors have noted that the sites are spacious, with multiple fire pits available for those cozy campfire evenings. If you're into off-roading, there are several OHV trails nearby, but be prepared for some rough access roads—especially if you're driving a standard car.

Campers appreciate the seclusion and the chance to fish in the pond, with some even catching bass during their stay. Just a heads up, the restroom facilities leave much to be desired, so come prepared for a more rustic experience. As one camper put it, “You are truly roughing it!” Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just soaking in the serene surroundings, Prentice Cooper is a solid choice for a back-to-nature getaway.

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Location

Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed is located in Tennessee

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.15481089 N
85.42724036 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Fair
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed needs a permit.

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General Info

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Reviews

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11 Reviews

Reviewed May. 18, 2023

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.

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed May. 14, 2021

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.

Reviewed Jan. 26, 2021

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.

  • Review photo of Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed by Marguerite S., January 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed by Marguerite S., January 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed by Marguerite S., January 26, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2020

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

  • Review photo of Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed by Benjamin C., August 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed by Benjamin C., August 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed by Benjamin C., August 22, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Mar. 20, 2020

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

Reviewed May. 27, 2019

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.

  • Review photo of Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed by Nate H., May 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed by Nate H., May 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed by Nate H., May 27, 2019
  • (16) View All
Reviewed May. 27, 2019

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!

  • Review photo of Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed by Lori H., May 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed by Lori H., May 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed by Lori H., May 27, 2019
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2018

Expansive forest with gorgeous fall colors

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. Worked for us! I would like to go back when it's swimming season and jump in the sweet little falls. The fall colors were off the hook but might be even better in October. True to its name it is 'dispersed' with no 'main attraction' site- which is actually awesome if you're looking for seclusion, since people are spread out across the area.

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2018

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.

Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2016

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.

  • Review photo of Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed by Sarah N., July 16, 2016
  • Review photo of Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed by Sarah N., July 16, 2016
  • Review photo of Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed by Sarah N., July 16, 2016
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is fair, and T-Mobile is unknown.