202 Campgrounds · 4,967 Campsites · 15 Dispersed Areas · 53 CountiesTennessee camping today
States
Tennessee
TennesseeState Camping Spots

Home › Tennessee › Free camping

Tennessee · Dispersed and free sites

Free and Dispersed Camping in Tennessee

Where you can camp outside developed campgrounds or for free in Tennessee, county by county, with each agency’s rules and stay limits.

Photo: Brian Stansberry (CC BY 3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Free and dispersed camping in Tennessee by county

Blount County

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park backcountry campsites and sheltersNational Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A permit and advance reservations are required for all backcountry camping. Camping is permitted only at designated backcountry campsites and shelters. No more than 3 consecutive nights at any campsite; no consecutive nights at campsite 113 or at any shelter. Maximum party size is 8 (special permits for a few sites up to 12). Fires only in existing fire ring Fee: $8 per person per night plus a $6 non-refundable permit fee; Appalachian Trail thru-hiker pass $44.50; the $40 cap was removed.. Source
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: camping outside designated sitesNational Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Frontcountry: camping is permitted in designated campsites only, not in pull outs or parking lots. Backcountry: camping is permitted only at designated backcountry campsites and shelters. Source

Carter County

  • Cherokee National Forest general forest dispersed campingUSDA Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest. If camping in general forest areas outside of developed recreation areas ("dispersed camping"), on the 14th consecutive day the camper and party must move to another location at least ten miles in any direction for a minimum of 7 days before returning for another stay in the previous location. Forest Order 08-04-17-421 (Food and Refuse Storage Requirements) Source

Clay County

  • Dale Hollow Lake, Primitive Camping (free campground)U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. $0 to $5 per night (2026 recreation.gov rates). Peak Season: BOAT IN $5; Peak Season: EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC $5; Peak Season: Geiger Island Group Hill Top $5; Peak Season: STANDARD NONELECTRIC $0; Peak Season: TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC $5 Source

Cocke County

  • Cherokee National Forest general forest dispersed campingUSDA Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest. If camping in general forest areas outside of developed recreation areas ("dispersed camping"), on the 14th consecutive day the camper and party must move to another location at least ten miles in any direction for a minimum of 7 days before returning for another stay in the previous location. Forest Order 08-04-17-421 (Food and Refuse Storage Requirements) Source
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park backcountry campsites and sheltersNational Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A permit and advance reservations are required for all backcountry camping. Camping is permitted only at designated backcountry campsites and shelters. No more than 3 consecutive nights at any campsite; no consecutive nights at campsite 113 or at any shelter. Maximum party size is 8 (special permits for a few sites up to 12). Fires only in existing fire ring Fee: $8 per person per night plus a $6 non-refundable permit fee; Appalachian Trail thru-hiker pass $44.50; the $40 cap was removed.. Source
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: camping outside designated sitesNational Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Frontcountry: camping is permitted in designated campsites only, not in pull outs or parking lots. Backcountry: camping is permitted only at designated backcountry campsites and shelters. Source

Greene County

  • Cherokee National Forest general forest dispersed campingUSDA Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest. If camping in general forest areas outside of developed recreation areas ("dispersed camping"), on the 14th consecutive day the camper and party must move to another location at least ten miles in any direction for a minimum of 7 days before returning for another stay in the previous location. Forest Order 08-04-17-421 (Food and Refuse Storage Requirements) Source
  • Paint Creek Corridor designated dispersed sitesUSDA Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest. Dispersed camping along Paint Creek Corridor is permitted in designated sites only. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the Paint Creek Corridor. Forest Road #41 parallels Paint Creek five miles between Paint Creek Campground and the French Broad River. Update 8/1/2026: the main travel route using Rollins Chapel Road is closed due to flood damage; the corr Fee: There is no fee for dispersed camping or day use within the Paint Creek Corridor.. Source

Johnson County

  • Cherokee National Forest general forest dispersed campingUSDA Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest. If camping in general forest areas outside of developed recreation areas ("dispersed camping"), on the 14th consecutive day the camper and party must move to another location at least ten miles in any direction for a minimum of 7 days before returning for another stay in the previous location. Forest Order 08-04-17-421 (Food and Refuse Storage Requirements) Source

Lewis County

  • Natchez Trace Parkway: no dispersed campingNational Park Service, Natchez Trace Parkway. All camping must take place within designated campgrounds. The Natchez Trace Parkway does not allow dispersed camping. Source
  • Meriwether Lewis Campground (free campground)National Park Service. No fee: $0.00 (Campground sites are on a first come first served basis, no reservations. Campgrounds are typically busiest during the spring and fall, especially during holiday weekends.) Source

Monroe County

  • Cherokee National Forest general forest dispersed campingUSDA Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest. If camping in general forest areas outside of developed recreation areas ("dispersed camping"), on the 14th consecutive day the camper and party must move to another location at least ten miles in any direction for a minimum of 7 days before returning for another stay in the previous location. Forest Order 08-04-17-421 (Food and Refuse Storage Requirements) Source
  • Citico Creek corridor dispersed campsitesUSDA Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest. The Jake Best Campground page notes several dispersed campsites along Citico Creek Road. Citico Campsite #14 (Warden Field) is day use only (no entry 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) from May 12 through September 8, 2026 (Order 08-04-04-26-01). Equestrian animals are prohibited in the critical habitat portion of Citico Creek (Order 08-04-00-23-186). Citico Creek Flood Clo Source
  • Cherohala Skyway (TN 165) roadside camping restrictionUSDA Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest. Forest Order 08-04-04-22-179 prohibits camping within 300 feet of the Cherohala Skyway (State Highway 165), Tellico Ranger District. The alert summary line says 'beyond 300 yards'; the order text says 300 feet. Source

Morgan County

  • Obed Wild and Scenic River backcountry campingNational Park Service, Obed Wild and Scenic River. Camping outside of Rock Creek Campground is prohibited without a properly completed backcountry camping permit. Except at designated sites, camping is prohibited within 200 feet or in sight of any road, parking lot or developed area; within 200 feet or in sight of the Lilly Overlook Trail, Lilly Overlook platform or Bridge Trail; within 200 feet of Lilly Bou Source

Polk County

  • Cherokee National Forest general forest dispersed campingUSDA Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest. If camping in general forest areas outside of developed recreation areas ("dispersed camping"), on the 14th consecutive day the camper and party must move to another location at least ten miles in any direction for a minimum of 7 days before returning for another stay in the previous location. Forest Order 08-04-17-421 (Food and Refuse Storage Requirements) Source
  • Starr Mountain: Spring Creek Road and horse trails dispersed campingUSDA Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest. Dispersed camping is allowed alongside Spring Creek Road or off one of the many horse trails on Starr Mountain. Camping is not allowed in Gee Creek Wilderness, and possessing camping equipment within Gee Creek Wilderness is prohibited (Order 08-04-00-22-184). Spring Creek Road (NFSR 27) has a two-phase construction access interruption that began September 22 Source
  • John Muir National Recreation Trail east of Apalachia PowerhouseUSDA Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest. Dispersed camping is allowed on the section of the John Muir National Recreation Trail #152 located east of the Apalachia Powerhouse (Hiwassee River region). Source
  • Lost Creek Campground (free campground)USDA Forest Service. No Fee. Source
  • Tumbling Creek Campground (free campground)USDA Forest Service. No Fee. Source

Scott County

  • Big South Fork NRRA backcountry camping (Tennessee portion)National Park Service, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Backcountry camping permits are required. There are no designated backcountry sites; use an existing site. No campsite may be left unattended more than 24 hours. No camping within 100 feet of the centerline of or visible from any paved road; none at developed parking areas (camping allowed at least 100 feet from and out of sight of them); none within 300 fee Fee: 1-6 persons $5.00; 7-12 $10.00; 13-18 $15.00; 19-24 $20.00 (half price with Senior/Access pass).. Source

Sevier County

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park backcountry campsites and sheltersNational Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A permit and advance reservations are required for all backcountry camping. Camping is permitted only at designated backcountry campsites and shelters. No more than 3 consecutive nights at any campsite; no consecutive nights at campsite 113 or at any shelter. Maximum party size is 8 (special permits for a few sites up to 12). Fires only in existing fire ring Fee: $8 per person per night plus a $6 non-refundable permit fee; Appalachian Trail thru-hiker pass $44.50; the $40 cap was removed.. Source
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: camping outside designated sitesNational Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Frontcountry: camping is permitted in designated campsites only, not in pull outs or parking lots. Backcountry: camping is permitted only at designated backcountry campsites and shelters. Source

Stewart County

  • Land Between the Lakes backcountry and dispersed camping (Tennessee portion)USDA Forest Service, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Each person 18 and older must possess a Backcountry Camping Permit. Backcountry camping is prohibited within cemeteries, picnic areas and day-use areas; with horses; within nightly fee campgrounds; within Colson Hollow Group Camp and Brandon Spring Group Center; within the Woodlands Nature Watch Area between Mulberry Flat Road and Silver Trail Road east of T Fee: 3-day permit: $10; Annual Permit: $50. Discounts of any kind do not apply.. Source

Sullivan County

  • Cherokee National Forest general forest dispersed campingUSDA Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest. If camping in general forest areas outside of developed recreation areas ("dispersed camping"), on the 14th consecutive day the camper and party must move to another location at least ten miles in any direction for a minimum of 7 days before returning for another stay in the previous location. Forest Order 08-04-17-421 (Food and Refuse Storage Requirements) Source

Unicoi County

  • Cherokee National Forest general forest dispersed campingUSDA Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest. If camping in general forest areas outside of developed recreation areas ("dispersed camping"), on the 14th consecutive day the camper and party must move to another location at least ten miles in any direction for a minimum of 7 days before returning for another stay in the previous location. Forest Order 08-04-17-421 (Food and Refuse Storage Requirements) Source

Statewide or unlisted

  • Cherokee National Forest wilderness areasUSDA Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest. Order 08-04-00-22-184: group size limits of 12 in Bald River Gorge, Big Frog, Citico Creek, Gee Creek and Little Frog Mountain Wildernesses; 10 in Big Laurel Branch, Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock and Pond Mountain Wildernesses; 14 in Sampson Mountain and Unaka Mountain Wildernesses. Wagons, carts and other vehicles (including game carts) are prohibited. Camping and Source
  • Ginger Bay Backcountry Camping Area (Land Between the Lakes)USDA Forest Service, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. A Backcountry Camping Area is an open field area without defined campsites. Amenities might include a vault toilet, trash removal, mowed areas, and a boat ramp; they may or may not have picnic tables and fire rings. You may camp anywhere within the camping area with a Basic Camping Permit. Year-round lakeside camping. Fee: 3-day permit: $10; Annual Permit: $50.. Source
  • Neville Bay Backcountry Camping Area (Land Between the Lakes)USDA Forest Service, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. A Backcountry Camping Area is an open field area without defined campsites. Amenities might include a vault toilet, trash removal, mowed areas, and a boat ramp; they may or may not have picnic tables and fire rings. You may camp anywhere within the camping area with a Basic Camping Permit. Year-round lakeside camping. Fee: 3-day permit: $10; Annual Permit: $50.. Source

Camping on TWRA wildlife management areas

Overnight camping may be permitted in designated areas by permission from the area manager, park ranger, lake manager, park superintendent, or national forest supervisor. Such camping is subject to the limitations prescribed in the permit if required. Camping shall not exceed three (3) weeks in length from the beginning to the end of the camping stay.

TWRA pages for 27 of the 125 areas read mention camping. Areas with no statement are unknown, not open.

Area Who may camp What TWRA says Source
AEDC WMA and Woods Reservoir Refuge hunters during seasons Camping – Open during deer and turkey seasons to any hunters who are actively hunting the WMA. In designated campground only. TWRA page
Bear Hollow Mountain WMA hunters during seasons Camping – Open during deer and turkey seasons to any hunters actively hunting the WMA. In designated campground only. TWRA page
Beaverdam Creek WMA no camping There is no camping at this WMA. TWRA page
Bridgestone-Firestone Centennial Wilderness hunters during big game hunts Camping is available at primitive camping sites only in designated areas. Camping – During big game hunts, camping is allowed for big game hunters only. TWRA page
Browntown WMA no camping There is no camping at this WMA. TWRA page
Catoosa WMA hunters during big game hunts Camping – Allowed for big game hunters, during big game hunts in designated areas only. TWRA page
Cheatham WMA hunters during seasons Camping – Open during deer and turkey seasons to any hunters who are actively hunting the WMA. In designated campground only. TWRA page
Chickasaw State Forest state park campgrounds Camping – Chickasaw State Park managed campgrounds and cabins. TWRA page
Cordell Hull WMA usace campgrounds Camping – Army Corps of Engineer campgrounds, available seasonally. TWRA page
Eagle Creek WMA hunters during seasons Across Copelan Rd from the cabin is the primitive camping area for hunters, which is first come, first served, no sign-in required. Camping – Open during deer and turkey seasons to any hunters who are actively hunting the WMA. In designated campground only, primitive camping at 35.344943, 87.815234. TWRA page
Fall Creek Falls WMA state park campgrounds Camping – Park managed campgrounds. TWRA page
Happy Hollow WMA hunters during seasons The safety zone and camping area are between Highway 50, Turney Prison Road, and Happy Hollow Creek. Camping – Open during deer and turkey seasons to any hunters actively hunting the WMA. In designated campground only. TWRA page
Hick Hill WMA no camping There is no camping at this WMA. TWRA page
Hiwassee Refuge hunters during deer hunts Camping – During deer hunts only at the check station. TWRA page
John Tully WMA designated sites Camping is permitted in designated campsites only. Camping – Fort Pillow State Park managed campgrounds and two primitive campsites on WMA (first-come, first-served.) TWRA page
Laurel Hill WMA designated campgrounds public There is one primitive campground in the WMA for hunters, which has no electrical or water hookups. Camping – Open during deer and turkey seasons to any hunters who are actively hunting the WMA. In designated campground only. Camping is only allowed in designated camping areas. No backcountry campin TWRA page
Meeman-Shelby Forest WMA and State Park state park campgrounds Camping – State park-managed campgrounds TWRA page
Natchez Trace State Forest and WMA state park campgrounds Camping – Natchez Trace State Park managed campgrounds and cabins. TWRA page
North Cumberland WMA area wide Camping is permitted on the entire area. Camping – Allowed area-wide. TWRA page
Pickett State Forest state forest or state park Camping – State forest regulations apply or a state park-managed campground. TWRA page
Prentice Cooper State Forest and WMA designated campgrounds public There are also two designated camping areas. Other recreational activities include OHV use in designated areas, rock climbing, hiking, Mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching, and camping. Camping – Hunter Check Station Campground is open year-round except closed January 1st-February 28th. TWRA page
Reelfoot WMA state park campgrounds Camping – State park-managed campgrounds TWRA page
South Cherokee WMA usfs campgrounds Camping – On Forest Service sites, available seasonally. TWRA page
Standing Stone State Forest state forest or state park Camping – State forest regulations apply or state park-managed campground, Standing Stone State Park — Tennessee State Parks (tnstateparks.com) TWRA page
Tie Camp no camping There is no camping at this WMA. TWRA page
Williamsport WMA no camping Camping is not allowed at any time during the year. No camping allowed. TWRA page
Yanahli WMA hunters during seasons Lat-Long: 35.59058, -86.99806 There are two (2) camping locations: (1) Highway 50 just west of Fountain Creek: 35.536189, -86.968134 and (2) Sowell Mill Pike just east of Duck River Bridge: 35.568539, -86.869573 Camping Open during deer and turkey seasons to any hunters who are actively hunting the TWRA page

Camping on undeveloped TVA land

You can camp in the wild on undeveloped TVA public lands (tva.com camping page). Stays on undeveloped TVA public lands are limited to 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period; after 14 days users must move outside a 10-mile radius before setting up again.

TVA rules, checked November 14, 2026.

Questions about free camping in Tennessee

Is dispersed camping allowed in Cherokee National Forest?

Yes, in general forest areas outside developed sites, for up to 14 days; then campers must move at least 10 miles for 7 days. The forest-wide food storage order applies.

Can I camp anywhere in the Smokies?

No. Backcountry camping is at designated sites and shelters with a permit ($8 per person per night plus a $6 permit fee).

Can I camp on a TWRA WMA?

Only where TWRA allows it, in designated areas, often only for hunters during seasons. Stays are limited to three weeks.

Is camping free at Land Between the Lakes?

Backcountry camping needs a permit: $10 for 3 days or $50 a year.

Can I camp on TVA land?

TVA allows stays of up to 14 days on undeveloped public land, then you must move.

Is it legal to camp on state land in Tennessee?

Only in designated campgrounds or areas. A 2022 law made camping on other public property and highway rights of way an offense.

Which campgrounds are free?

Campgrounds with a published fee of zero are listed under their county above, such as Meriwether Lewis on the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Know the rules

Stay limits, food storage and where camping is not allowed.

Camping lawsFirewood rules