Cherokee National Forest contains several free dispersed camping areas in eastern Tennessee, including Lost Creek Campground near Reliance, Citico Creek Area, and Sourwood Campground. These primitive sites typically offer fire rings and some have picnic tables, but most lack drinking water and shower facilities. Vault toilets are available at selected locations like Lost Creek and Citico Creek.
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) manages Jackson Island Dispersed Campground near Spring City, which accommodates vehicles including larger rigs. The area features trash collection but no water or toilet facilities. Access is available via drive-in or walk-in routes. Road conditions vary by location, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. "There is so much traffic at all times day and night. It gets pretty aggregating other than that they clean the Porta John a couple times a week," noted one camper about Jackson Island.
Prentice Cooper State Forest and Calderwood Lake offer additional backcountry camping options. Calderwood Lake sites are accessible only by water, requiring paddling approximately 30 minutes from the boat launch. Some areas experience seasonal closures or hunting restrictions, particularly in wildlife management areas like Catoosa WMA where Bi-Color Campground provides primitive sites suitable for tent camping.
"Prentice Cooper is an amazing place and offers two campgrounds and several backcountry camping spots."
"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."
"The lost cove campground can be found deep in the wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest outside of Benton, TN. The campground is operated and maintained by the USFS."
"We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived. Sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad. We had to clean ours when we arrived."
"The campground is very easily accessible and has no facilities other than garbage bins."
"Felt safe overall."
"You take a sometimes single lane road to get there. Very windy at points. There is a parking lot to hold 4+ cars. You walk 20’ on trail to first campsite."
"We really enjoyed our night tent camping here."
"There is no hook ups . Can run generator until 11pm"
"Mostly flat near the water and lots of sites to camp. We really enjoyed our spot in the shade on a hot summer weekend."
"Solid location for a night or a whole weekend. There are several porta potties available and the sites are spacious. This camp is perfect for the fam as it can accommodate RV sized vehicles."
"There was no accessible water near by so make sure you bring your own provisions. Haven’t got to explore much around the area by hiking. Found a nice creek a few miles on down the road."
"You could pretty much drive by this place without giving it a second thought. I am glad I didn't. We got there late after 1pm. I was afraid that we were out of luck."
"Google maps brought me to a spot 30 miles away"
"This campground is great for being right next to great day hikes and easy access to Citico Creek, which was just across the gravel road from our site."
"No hookups, but a majority of the 14 sites are on the creek itself. Could not recommend Citico Creek more."
"Lovely little spot next to a very swimmable and warm crystal clear river - very popular with locals, and I imagine would be packed on weekends."
"Remote but could see being busy during warmer seasons. We loved it."
"You are right in the little slickrock cover with waterfalls as white noise. unlike the other sites this one is also very flat which is best for walking. if you enjoy hiking campsite one is right on the"
"If you are willing to bring everything with you, pack everything out, and paddle multiple miles on a nonmotorized finger lake, this is this place for you!"
ScoutI was worried that I would arrive and find all the campsites occupied. This was not the case. When I got there around 5:30 there was only one other site taken. I didn’t see them until the next morning. By morning, there were two other sites occupied.
ScoutBeautiful view on the water. Not very full, which was nice. I came for some quiet and privacy and while it worked, there were just some that were very social. Haha
TravelerHard to find, really busy but most of them were hikers let left at nightfall.
GuideHopefully they open it up soon but we drove about an hour to get here just for it to be closed. The whole road seems to be closed for the time being for road work. I hope this helps someone!.
The 5-8 miles up to this area do seem a little sketchy but we were hoping the actually site would be nice and hopefully it will be after the work they are doing right now.
TravelerNice spot next to a cool little creek. There was a good bit of trash in several of the fire rings, and found human waste and toilet paper about 5 feet from the waterline between a camp and the water, that was pretty disappointing. Leave no trace!! This includes hiking away from camp to bury your business. We still really enjoyed our stay. The road in was a little rougher than onX off-road let on, but had no issues getting in with my 4x4. Lots of wildlife, we even saw a bear a few minutes from camp.
TravelerOnly deducting a star for people not cleaning after themselves, leaving me to yet again to clean a site after someone before I can enjoy myself. Bring trash bags and pack your trash out with you please. Over all very beautiful area. I absolutely recommend if you don’t mind having other sites within 30-50 ft of you. Not usually my style, but the beauty of this area makes it alright. Even 2 wheel drive cars can make it back here.
GuideThe road to get to the sites is long, bumpy, and very curvy (so you’ve got to go slow). The sites themselves were full of trash, graffiti, and a homeless camp. We elected to not stay.
LegendNice spot but a little crowded for my tastes.
TravelerGood fishing, fire pit, gravel road in, peaceful
Tennessee offers a wealth of opportunities for dispersed camping, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the freedom of primitive camping. With stunning landscapes and a variety of amenities, these spots are perfect for those seeking adventure.
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