Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Knoxville? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Knoxville just for you.
Dispersed camping sites available
Dispersed campsites are primitive camping areas that don't have bathrooms or many of the other amenities you will find at developed campgrounds. Dispersed camping is only allowed at designated areas.
For site-specific information, call the local ranger station.
Welcome to Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites in North Carolina. This spot is a hidden gem for those who love a bit of solitude and nature. Tucked away near a serene lake, it's perfect for tent camping and offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle.
The campsites here are pretty basic but have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Each site comes with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill. Most of the sites are right by the lake, giving you easy access to the water for a bit of paddling or just enjoying the view. The sites are spread out enough that you won't feel crowded, and the quiet is only interrupted by the sounds of nature.
One thing to note is that there's no running water, electricity, or toilets, so you'll need to come prepared. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? Fires are allowed, and there's firewood available, so you can enjoy a cozy campfire under the stars. Pets are welcome too, so feel free to bring your furry friends along.
Visitors have mentioned that the area is clean and well-maintained, though you might find a bit of trash here and there—nothing a quick cleanup can't fix. The gravel road leading to the campsites can be a bit bumpy, but it's manageable for most vehicles.
If you're into hiking, there's a trail across the lake where you might run into some fellow hikers or even folks on horseback. And if you're lucky, you might snag one of the prime spots right on the lake, which are perfect for a morning coffee with a view.
Overall, Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites offer a great escape into nature with just the right amount of amenities to keep you comfortable. Enjoy your stay and don't forget to leave no trace!
View of Citico Creek in Cherokee National Forest This area provides opportunities for solitude and backcountry experiences. You will find ample opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, camping, and hiking. With more than 20,000 acres of Wilderness in Citico Creek and Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock, this area provides ample opportunities for solitude and backcountry experiences. Catch both native and stocked trout in Citico Creek and its rugged tributaries, and fish for small-mouth bass and catfish in the creek’s lower reaches. Citico Creek Area Map Citico Creek Area Guide
For hikers and backpackers, the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness presents a variety of recreational hiking opportunities. There is a relatively easy two-mile long Memorial Loop Trail in the Memorial Forest, which annually greets more than 35,000 visitors, or there is a complex of hiking trails that cater to more experienced hikers, such as the 13.3 mile long Slickrock Creek Trail, considered as one of the ten toughest trails in the United States. With a 3,700 foot climb overall and 13 stream crossings, this trail is seldom completely traversed, but used in conjunction with the other trails in the Wilderness to provide excellent backpacking trips.
Other than at trailheads, camping is allowed anywhere within the Wilderness using Leave No Trace principles, but given the steepness of the topography, there are a few relatively heavily used back country camping areas. Many fishermen enter the Wilderness from the north using the Slickrock Creek Trail, Ike Branch Trail or hike down to the creek from Big Fat Gap, camping along the creek. Backpackers use the area at Naked Ground on the southern ridge, and there is an area near the Hangover that offers excellent views, but an unreliable water source. Nichols Cove area has good camping spots with abundant water, and some hikers camp near Wildcat Falls, but long sections of the various trails lack suitable spots for camping.
As a designated Wilderness, there are no trail blazes, just signs at trail junctions, so it is essential that hikers carry maps and compass, and know how to use them. It is not uncommon for very experienced hikers to get “confused” for a while in the creek area due to the multiplicity of real trails, unofficial trails, old logging trails, etc. Along the ridge, the trails are well-defined, but physically demanding.
82,000 acres of wild land on the upper Cumberland Plateau in both Morgan and Cumberland counties. This area offers some of the best hunting in East Tennessee! This area is home to deer, wild turkey, wild boar, fox squirrels, gray squirrels, ruffed grouse, raccoons, quail, rabbits, and mourning doves. For your fishermen, the game include smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegill, and muskellunge. Although the area is funded by hunters and fishermen, it is popular with all outdoor enthusiasts! Backpacking is very popular in the area, as well as whitewater rafting! The area has many deep cut canyons created by the rivers and streams, and offers access to beautiful scenery unlike anywhere else. The many trails allow access to the back country, but perhaps the best known path is the Cumberland Trail which passes through the area.
Overnight camping is allowed on designated areas. The area is closed to entry between sunset and sunrise.
Bicolor Entrance N 35.993 W -84.678
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Knoxville, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Knoxville, TN is Lake Santeetlah Dispersed with a 4.8-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Knoxville, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Knoxville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
