Dispersed camping in Tennessee

Overview Abram's Creek Campground is located in a relatively remote area of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The secluded setting offers visitors the ability to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities like hiking and fishing, without the crowds, which are sometimes common in other areas of the park.

Overview Anderson Road Campground is a lakeside oasis in the green hills of Tennessee, providing campers with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands. Recreation The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors

Overview Backbone Rock Campground will open for the 2026 season on 4/27/26. The pavilion and vault toilets in the day-use area will open on 3/16/26. Backbone Rock is a small campground situated along the beautiful Beaverdam Creek at an elevation of 2,100 feet in northern Johnson County. This developed campg

Most of the area is remote backcountry, including Bald Mountain Ridge Scenic Area and Sampson Mountain Wilderness. Roads are limited, but forty-plus miles of trail access the fores

Overview Bandy Creek is a spacious and modern campground, situated in The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area--a vast and scenic expanse of land that offers visitors countless recreational activities. Recreation Numerous trails snake through the Recreation Area, offering mountain biking,

Overview Bear Creek Horse Camp is located in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Recreation Numerous trails snake through the recreation area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors. Facilities Bear Creek combines the exper

Overview Big Creek Campground is located in a remote portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Backcountry camping in a front country setting. There are flushing toilets and potable water. This is a tent only campground with a short walk from the parking area. The beautiful flowing waters of Big Creek

This area is known for solitude and backcountry adventure, with Big Frog Wilderness being a destination for backpacking, day-hiking and hunting. The area offers abou

Looking to camp where you can wake at the crack of dawn and start fishing? The cool waters of the Tellico River just feet away will ease you to sleep each night. This is one of several small campgrounds on Tellico River Road (FS Rd 210). This campground offers 11 campsites with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern

Overview Blue Heron Campground is a rustic and spacious campground, situated on the Kentucky side of The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area--a vast and scenic expanse of land that offers visitors countless recreational activities. Recreation Numerous trails snake through the Recreation A

Overview Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures, popular biking and hiking trails and scenic waterfalls and streams. Tucked in the mountains under a lush, shaded canopy, this group campground offers the best that the Great Smoky Mountains

Overview Cages Bend Campground is located on the shores of Old Hickory Lake, offering campers the opportunity to enjoy activities with a beautiful scenic backdrop. Water recreation is the major attraction for lake-goers, but with white-tailed deer, migratory song birds and waterfowl abundant in the area, birdi

Overview Located in the Chilhowee Recreation Area, Chilhowee Group Camp offers camping for up to 75 individuals. Nearby McKamy Lake offers a swim area with a sandy beach and fishing from the bank. On the drive up to the campground, stop at one of the many observation overlooks to enjoy the beautiful mountains.

This area provides opportunities for solitude and backcountry experiences. You will find ample opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, camping, and hiking. With more than

Overview Cook Day Use Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands. Recreation The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each

Overview Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade beside Cosby Creek. This group campground creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a h

Overview Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping is a unique series of 32 locations with a total of over 70 individually designated family campsites dispersed over 620 miles of shoreline. Campsites are located in both the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Primitive camping offers a unique rustic lake front campi

Overview Defeated Creek Park Campground sits along the banks of Cordell Hull Lake on the Cumberland River System, just seven miles from Carthage, Tennessee. The lake was named after Cordell Hull, a politician that was born in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains. Hull is best known for being the longest r

Overview Dennis Cove Campground is a secluded campground along Laurel Fork Creek at an elevation of 2,650 feet in Carter County. This remote developed campground is popular with those seeking a rustic experience. The altitude, creek side location and lush forest surroundings make Dennis Cove particularly de

Overview Donley Cabin is a primitive and historic structure in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest, offering visitors a glimpse of the past. The cabin does not have electricity, running water or locks on the door. Guests should be aware that visitors often frequent the cabin during tours of the area. It

Overview Dover is a day-use area that overlooks the lovely Lake Barkley. Whether it's a gathering of family or friends, visitors can enjoy nature at its best in one of the country's greatest freshwater recreational complexes. Recreation Boating, fishing and picnicking are popular activities at Dover d

Overview Situated in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this site offers an ideal setting for group camping excursions and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Recreation Visitors can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the nearby Little River and countless other st

Overview Floating Mill Park is located on the shores of the scenic Center Hill Lake on central Tennessee's Highland Rim. The lake stretches 64 miles up the Caney Fork River, where visitors come to enjoy boating, fishing and water sports. The 415 miles of forested shoreline provide excellent hiking,

This area’s wooded mountainsides and creek gorges are linked by an extensive road and trail system. Activities include fishing, hiking, horseback riding, creek play and camping.