Tennessee is a wonderful place to visit, and Free Tennessee boondocking lets you to do so on the cheap. Tennessee, dubbed “The Volunteer State”. One of the biggest draws for Free Tennessee boondocking is that it has an abundance of hiking, sightseeing, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Below are the top places for free Tennessee Camping Spots and Free Tennessee RV Parking sites. These are what we concentrated on when searching for the best Free Tennessee Boondocking Locations.
Tennessee Dispersed Camping
Free camping near Nashville Tennessee: In Tennessee, there are many great sites to go boondocking. To experience the splendor of the Cumberland Mountains, travel to Knoxville and Chattanooga on the state’s east side. Alternatively, consider camping for free near Nashville, Tennessee. There’s lots to see and do in Tennessee, from Graceland to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Hiking, boating, fishing, biking, rock climbing, and picnicking are all available at Tennessee’s 56 state parks, providing enough diversity to fulfill any adventurer’s soul. Tennessee travelers can get a sense of the sublime landscape that inspired music legends from Nashville to Memphis by camping in Tennessee. With tremendously high Appalachian peaks and plunging caverns, Tennessee travelers can get a sense of the sublime landscape that inspired music legends from Nashville to Memphis.
East Tennessee is home to the Great Smoky Mountains, the world’s oldest mountain range. The peaks are frequently enveloped in fog, as the name implies, but that doesn’t make the view from Clingmans Dome any less breathtaking. Clingmans Dome is the highest point in Tennessee and the third highest point east of the Mississippi River, standing at 6,643 feet. Make a point of greeting the serious hikers; many people hiking the entire Appalachian Trail will halt at this unforgettable viewpoint.
The heights-averse camper may be put off by all of the mountain peak hikes. Tennessee, on the other hand, provides something for everyone. Ruby Falls, the nation’s largest and deepest underground waterfall, is also located on Lookout Mountain, although it is located below ground level.
As long as you know where to look, scenic sights and stunning natural landscapes are a part of any Tennessee camping trip.
11 Western Tennessee Boondocking Locations
1. Free Tennessee Boondocking – Prentice Cooper SF – Tennessee Wall
Address
9794-12824 River Canyon Road
Chattanooga, Tennessee
GPS: 35.067872, -85.403551
Elevation: 771′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Unofficial)
Very few spots available at this location. Easy access from River Canyon Rd. No access to water or toilets, no tent pads or lantern poles. Spots are designated by rock fire rings. Year round access. Rock climbing at TN Wall very close.
2. Free Tennessee Boondocking Locations – Prentice Cooper SF – Davis Pond
Address
Davis Pond Road
Chattanooga, Tennessee
GPS: 35.081949, -85.429917
Elevation: 1847′
Management: Public – State Park (Official)
Dispersed camp spots, no access to water or toilets, no tables or lantern poles. Camping spots are marked with rock fire rings. Easy dirt road access. Main gate closes at dark. Property is closed, permit only, during controlled management hunts.
3. Free Tennessee Boondocking Spots – Franklin State Forest – Lake Road
Address
Lake Road
Saint Andrews, Tennessee
GPS: 35.116819, -85.873468
Elevation: 1804′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 1 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 Tennessee boondocking locations at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. Located in Franklin State Forest, this is a little known spot for even long-time locals. A few campsites located around a little pond, there’s a pit toilet, a few fire pits, and two picnic tables.
4. Free Tennessee Camping Spots – Franklin State Forest – New Hotel Point
Address
New Hotel Point Road
Sherwood, Tennessee
GPS: 35.06795, -85.86525
Elevation: 1762′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
The forest has been traditionally used for hunting. Other recreational uses include horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and camping.
5. Free Tennessee RV Parking – Cave Spring Fire Tower
Address
Orme, Tennessee
GPS: 35.0756, -85.84204
Elevation: 1857′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Gravel. Cave Spring Fire Tower is open year round. There are 1-5 Tennessee boondocking locations at this location. You may stay 14 days at Cave Spring. Makes a good base location for exploring the Franklin State Forrest and Carter State Natural Area. The paved road is only a hundred yards away, so there is some road noise, but otherwise very quiet. No water or toilet facilities, unpaved.
6. Free Tennessee RV Boondocking – Polly Branch Falls (hike-in)
Address
Sparta, Tennessee
GPS: 35.85614, -85.28323
Elevation: 1795′
Management: Public – Unknown (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 2 miles from a paved road. Polly Branch Falls (hike-in) is open 24/7/365. There are 6-15 Tennessee boondocking locations at this location. Campsites along the trail going back to Polly Branch Falls. I was unable to find ANY info online regarding whether or not camping here is free but I’m 99% sure it is – no info on the management of this area on google.
7. Free Tennessee Boondocking Locations – Cordell Hull Lake Horse Trail
Address
Granville, Tennessee
GPS: 36.316715, -85.793297
Elevation: 514′
Management: Public – Corps of Engineers (Official)
Lots of room for horse trailers. It is very quiet during the week but is full of riders on the weekends.
8. Free Tennessee Dispersed Camping Locations – Outside Centennial Park – Nashville
Address
Nashville, Tennessee
GPS: 36.14816, -86.81473
Elevation: 541′
Management: Public – Street Parking (Unofficial)
Although parking within the park is limited in time during the day, staying overnight on the roads beside the park is possible. We stayed 2 nights on a section with other RV’s. The first night had some road noise and the second night was much quieter. Close to Vanderbilt University.
9. Free Tennessee Boondocking – Yanahli East
Address
Columbia, Tennessee
GPS: 35.568546, -86.86969
Elevation: 643′
Management: Public – Fish and Wildlife Service (Official)
The road in is Dirt. Tennessee boondocking locations in Yanahli East is open. Closed during hunts. Yanahli Wildlife Management Area Some Tennessee WMAs require permission from the WMA’s manager in order to camp. A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite. I see a closed gate on google maps street view. Ask the manager about accessibility when you call. From I-65, the area can be accessed from either US 412 or state Hwy. 50.
10. Free Tennessee Boondocking Locations – Merriwether Lewis Campground
Address
Hohenwald, Tennessee
GPS: 35.522797, -87.455078
Elevation: 955′
Management: Public – National Park Service (Official)
The road in is Paved. Merriwether Lewis Campground is open Year-round. There are 30 or more Tennessee boondocking locations at this location and the maximum RV length is Any. You may stay 14 Nights at Merriwether Lewis Campground. Natchez Trace Parkway mile post 385.
Monument and grave site of Meriwether Lewis (Lewis and Clark). 32 Sites (about1/2 are pull thru). No water hookups at sites.
11. Free Tennessee Boondocking Spots – Laurel Hill Lake
Address
Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
GPS: 35.336834, -87.548416
Elevation: 890′
Management: Public – Fish and Wildlife Service (Official)
Camping is for people fishing and you must obtain permission to do so. Contact the Manager and you will be allowed during periods of low activity even if not fishing.
23 Eastern Tennessee Boondocking Locations
1. Free Tennessee Boondocking – Tumbling Creek Campground
Address
1299 Tumbling Creek Rd
Copper Hill, Tennessee
GPS: 35.01741, -84.467308
Elevation: 1527′
Management: Public – Forest Service (USDA) (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 6-15 Tennessee camping spots at this location. You may stay 14 days at Tumbling Creek Campground. The area is designated as a campground but is lacking any facilities. The fire rings, picnic tables and pit toilet have all been removed. Read more about the removal and is effect on the locals.
2. Free Tennessee Boondocking Locations – Big Creek Primitive Campground
Address
Copperhill, Tennessee
GPS: 35.046342, -84.543606
Elevation: 1457′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 8 miles from a paved road. Big Creek Primitive Campground is open year round. There are 6-15 Tennessee camping spots at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. You may stay 14 days at Big Creek Primitive Campground. I found this jewel last month after talking with some of the locals. It’s 8 miles of fairly decent graded gravel road (15-30 mph) but it’s in the heart of the mountains with a beautiful creek and trails galore everywhere.
3. Free Tennessee Boondocking Spots – Sylco Campground
Address
Parksville, Tennessee
GPS: 35.026939, -84.601387
Elevation: 1175′
Management: Public – Forest Service (USDA) (Official)
There are 6-15 Tennessee camping spots at this location. Cherokee National Forest. This beautiful remote area offers mountain vistas, waterfalls and clear mountain streams and is a sanctuary for black bears.
4. Free Tennessee Camping Spots – Conasauga River
Address
Conasauga, Tennessee
GPS: 34.989388, -84.635292
Elevation: 955′
Management: Public – Forest Service (USDA) (Unofficial)
Part of the Cherokee National Forest.
5. Free Tennessee RV Parking – Lost Creek Campground
Address
Lost Creek Road
Benton, Tennessee
GPS: 35.159134, -84.469048
Elevation: 979′
Management: Public – Forest Service (USDA) (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 7 miles from a paved road. Lost Creek Campground is open Year Round. There are 6-15 Tennessee camping spots at this location. You may stay 14 Days at Lost Creek Campground. This primitive campground offers remote camping and is surrounded by dense forest and creeks. Lost Creek Campground is open year round.
6. Free Tennessee RV Boondocking – Cherokee National Forest Campsite #2
Address
Delano, Tennessee
GPS: 35.22946, -84.496014
Elevation: 794′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Gravel. Cherokee national forset campsite #2 is open year round. There are 1-5 Tennessee camping spots at this location. You may stay 14 at Cherokee national forset campsite #2.
7. Free Tennessee Boondocking Locations – Gee Creek Rd
Address
Unnamed Road
Reliance, Tennessee
GPS: 35.252304, -84.50018
Elevation: 2484′
Management: Public – Forest Service
Free Dispersed camping in the Cherokee National Forest’s Ocoee Ranger District. This campsite does not use a reservation system. First come, first served. Beware that the Gee Creek Road is really rough in places. I did see a couple of sedan cars make it. Go slow.
8. Free Tennessee Dispersed Camping Locations – Sourwood Campground (campsite #3)
Address
River Road
Tellico Plains, Tennessee
GPS: 35.31882, -84.138201
Elevation: 1820′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Dirt and .25 miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 Tennessee camping spots at this location. You may stay 14 at Sourwood Campground (campsite #3). A few miles past Bald River Falls on River Road, you will pass a small RV/cabin town, then it will be located on your right. There are no services or facilities provided at dispersed camping sites.
9. Free Tennessee Boondocking – Citico Creek Dispersed
Address
Citico Road
Tellico Plains, Tennessee
GPS: 35.428823, -84.106202
Elevation: 1280′
Management: Public – Forest Service
Citico Creek Dispersed is open all year. Free Dispersed camping in the Cherokee National Forest’s Tellico Ranger District. No reservations. First come, first served.
10. Free Tennessee Boondocking Locations – Pikesville Tennessee
Address
Forest Camp Road
Spring City, Tennessee
GPS: 35.701389, -84.954634
Elevation: 1709′
Management: Other
1-4 Tennessee camping spots like this would be a 4wd, pick up, or SUV. Our S10 would barely get up the road we don’t think you can get a big rig up there.
11. Free Tennessee Boondocking Spots – Jackson’s Island
Address
Spring City, Tennessee
GPS: 35.663921, -84.845266
Elevation: 764′
Management: Public – Tennessee Valley Authority Recreational Land. (Official)
The road in is Dirt and Paved right to entrance. Dirt road maybe 1/3 mile long. miles from a paved road. Jackson’s Island is open Seasonally. There are 30 or more Tennessee camping spots at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at Jackson’s Island. Located outside Spring City, TN is a nice primitive campground on TVA land. It’s a peninsula that extends out into Watts Bar Lake so all campsites are waterfront. I would estimate 50 sites.
12. Free Tennessee Camping Spots – Rhea Springs Campground
Address
Spring City, Tennessee
GPS: 35.680739, -84.826452
Elevation: 846′
Management: Public – County Park (Official)
The road in is Paved. Rhea Springs Campground is open April 15th – Dec 1st. You may stay 14 days at Rhea Springs Campground. Rhea Springs Campground use to be a park but now everyone uses it as a campground. The land is owned by TVA and they partnered with Rhea County to run and oversee it.
13. Free Tennessee RV Parking – Chuck Swan State Forest
Address
3476 Sharps Cahapel Rd
Sharps Chapel, Tennessee
GPS: 36.371539, -83.888855
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
The road in is Dirt. Chuck Swan State Forest is open year round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 days in Tennessee camping spots at Chuck Swan State Forest.
14. Free Tennessee RV Boondocking – TVA
Address
New Tazewell, Tennessee
GPS: 36.34954, -83.74285
Elevation: 1017′
Management: Public – Tn. Valley Authority (Official)
The road in is Gravel and .6 miles from a paved road. TVA is open all. There are 16-29 Tennessee camping spots at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. You may stay 14 at TVA.
15. Free Tennessee Boondocking Locations – Monnhill Bridge
Address
Dandridge, Tennessee
GPS: 35.954075, -83.368755
Elevation: 984′
Management: Public (Official)
The road in is Gravel. Monnhill Bridge is open May till September. There are 6-15 Tennessee camping spots at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 14 at Monnhill Bridge. App.12 campsites, some spots can hold up to 50″ Rigs. Managed by TVA Has 3 Pit toilets Located at the Lake Nice View, shady trees.
16. Free Tennessee Dispersed Camping Locations – Weaver Bend
Address
Del Rio, Tennessee
GPS: 35.941446, -82.929593
Elevation: 1237′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
Weaver Bend is open year round. There are 1-5 Tennessee camping spots at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 14 days at Weaver Bend. There a several dispersed, primitive sites along the French Broad River in Cherokee National Forest, TN near Hot Springs NC and Paint Rock and Houston Valley. This is a fairly accessible, free camp area. Low use in the Spring and possibly Fall.
17. Free Tennessee Boondocking – Paint Creek Corridor
Address
35.962529,-82.867529
Greeneville, Tennessee
GPS: 35.955429, -82.883735
Elevation: 1611′
Management: – Forest Service (Official)
There are 1-5 Tennessee camping spots at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 14 days at Paint Creek Corridor. Dispersed camping along Paint Creek Corridor is permitted in designated sites only. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the Paint Creek Corridor. From Greeneville, take TN 70 south for 11.2 miles.
18. Free Tennessee Boondocking Locations – Paint Creek Corridor
Address
Lower Paint Creek Road
Greeneville, Tennessee
GPS: 35.963681, -82.866361
Elevation: 1542′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the Paint Creek Corridor. There are 16-29 Tennessee camping spots at this location and the maximum RV length is 40-60 ft. You may stay 14 days at Paint Creek Corridor. There is a main campground in the area which is a small fee. It is close to the entrance of the park through Rollins Chapel rd off of Old Asheville Hwy 70. In addition to that there are some free drive-up camp spots.
19. Free Tennessee Boondocking Spots – Unaka Mountain Overlook
Address
Unicoi, Tennessee
GPS: 36.134132, -82.31065
Elevation: 4847′
Management: Public – Forest Service
Large parking area with abandoned campsites.
20. Free Tennessee Camping Spots – Forest Pullout Red Fork
Address
Unicoi, Tennessee
GPS: 36.133525, -82.272675
Elevation: 3638′
Management: Public – Forest Service
Little pullout along forest road.
21. Free Tennessee RV Parking – Low Gap
Address
Forest Route 56
Hunter, Tennessee
GPS: 36.440775, -82.124515
Elevation: 3963′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
Low Gap is open 03/31 – 10/29. You may stay 14 days at Low Gap. GPS is best effort and needs to be corrected. Marker is at junction of FS56 and FS202. Unable to find the campground via satellite imagery.
22. Free Tennessee RV Boondocking – Little Stoney Creek Campground
Address
Hampton, Tennessee
GPS: 36.313742, -82.072935
Elevation: 2005′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
Small gravel lot before gate for about 3-5 cars or vans. I don’t think a class C RV or trailer would make it into the lot. Located beside a stream and lake. Primitive tent sites in the woods with no services of any kind. No water, electric or sewer. No dump station, restroom or showers.
23. Free Tennessee Boondocking Locations – C.R. Doodle White Overlook Park
Address
Hampton, Tennessee
GPS: 36.317599, -82.068905
Elevation: 2169′
Management: Public – Rest Area (Official)
The road in is Paved. C.R. Doodle White Overlook Park is open year round. There are 1-5 Tennessee camping spots at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay overnight at C.R. Doodle White Overlook Park. Picnic area and scenic overlook. Level paved parking lot for about 8-10 regular size vehicles. Class C campers could probably park here. I don’t think trailers could be pulled in and out of the lot easily, since there’s not much room to turn around.
Tennessee Boondocking Locations in the National Parks and Forests
While there is no free camping available within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cherokee National Forest shares a boundary and offers up some amazing places for free wilderness camping. The Cherokee National Forest is the only national forest in Tennessee.
Where can I camp for free in Tennessee: The areas with designated sites for dispersed camping are Citico Creek Area and the French Broad Creek Area. These areas also provide recreational opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and creek-play.
Citico Creek Area is known for its ample fishing opportunities (trout, bass, and catfish). If staying at the French Broad Creek Area, you’ll need to look for signs directing you to the Paint Creek Corridor, as this is where the designated dispersed campsites are located. The Paint Creek Corridor is known for its scenic drive and picturesque picnic opportunities.
All of the dispersed camping sites within the Cherokee National Forest are primitive, without running water or electricity. Be sure to check out the Cherokee National Forest website for any restrictions or warnings before heading out.
Tennessee Dispersed Camping Areas
Camping laws in Tennessee: Unless stated otherwise, scattered camping outside of designated campgrounds is permitted throughout Cherokee National Forest for visitors looking to get away from it all. Within 100 feet of water, trails, trailhead parking lots, and developed recreation areas, camping is prohibited. There are no fees associated with dispersed camping, and no permits are necessary.
Area of Citico Creek:
This region gives isolation as well as backcountry experiences. Fishing, horseback riding, camping, and hiking are all popular activities.
With almost 20,000 acres of Wilderness in Citico Creek and Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock, this location offers plenty of seclusion and backcountry adventures. In Citico Creek and its rocky tributaries, you can catch both native and stocked trout, as well as smallmouth bass and catfish in the creek’s lower levels.
Area of the French Broad River:
An large road and path system connects the area’s wooded mountainsides and creek gorges. Fishing, hiking, horseback riding, creek play, and camping are just a few of the activities available.
Camping, fishing, swimming, and picnicking are all popular activities at Paint Creek. Driving down picturesque Brush Creek or visiting the warm-water Allen Branch or Paint Creek ponds are two other water-based activities. On 35 miles of multi-use trails, which are also open to mountain bikers and hikers, take in the landscape while riding your horse. This area is bordered on the east by the Appalachian Scenic Trail.
Paint Creek Corridor:
Along the picturesque Paint Creek Corridor, there are several options for picnicking and other recreational activities. Between Paint Creek Campground and the French Broad River, Forest Road #41 runs parallel to Paint Creek for five miles. One of the most popular activities along the corridor is driving for pleasure, while bicycling is growing more popular. During the summer, Paint Creek is stocked with trout, and fly fishing is another popular sport. There are additional views to see Kelly and Dudley Falls, a warm water fishing pond, hiking trails, and dispersed camping sites along the route.
Area of the Tellico River:
This location offers fantastic fishing, camping, hiking, and picturesque driving options. The Indian Boundary Recreation Area and the Cherohala Skyway are also located here.
Three rivers and their tributaries are surrounded by about 30,000 acres of rugged terrain, where brown, rainbow, and brook trout fishing is exceptional. Between Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and Robbinsville, North Carolina, the Cherohala Skyway (TN 165/NC143) is a 43-mile National Scenic Byway. Tellico River Road (FR 210) provides close-up views of the river and Bald River Falls, which are 90 feet tall.
Spend the night at the historic Donley Cabin and visit the Tellico Ranger Station and Dam Creek Picnic Area to see CCC constructions. The Benton MacKaye Trail is a great way to go around the area. Camp beside the Tellico River or in the Indian Boundary Recreation Area, which is located right off the Cherohala Skyway.
FAQ’s About Free Tennessee Boondocking, Camp Sites and RV Spots
Is there Boondocking in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, there are many great sites to go boondocking. To experience the splendor of the Cumberland Mountains, travel to Knoxville and Chattanooga on the state’s east side. Alternatively, consider camping for free near Nashville, Tennessee.
Can you Boondock in Cherokee National Forest?
There are no fees associated with dispersed camping, and no permits are necessary. Unless stated otherwise, scattered camping outside of designated campgrounds is permitted throughout Cherokee National Forest for visitors looking to get away from it all.
Can you camp for free in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Cherokee National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, and Pisgah National Forest, as well as the Harmon Den Wildlife Management Area, have the greatest free campsites near Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Camping near Lake Santeetlah is especially lovely and relaxing.
Can you camp anywhere in Pisgah National Forest?
Except within 500 feet of a road or in a designated closed area, camping is permitted anywhere on National Forest property. For possible backpacking circuits, good campsites may be located along several trails in the area, particularly those in the South Mills River section.
Can you camp anywhere in the Smoky Mountains?
Only certified backcountry campsites and shelters are allowed to be used for camping. You are not permitted to stay at any backcountry campground for more than 3 nights in a row. You may not stay at campsite 113 or any shelter for more than one nights.
Tennessee Boondocking Locations in the National Parks and Forests
While there is no free camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cherokee National Forest shares a border with the park and has some wonderful free wilderness camping opportunities. The Cherokee National Forest is Tennessee’s sole national forest.
Citico Creek Area and French Broad Creek Area are two places with permitted scattered camping sites. Hiking, bicycling, and creek-playing are all popular activities in these places.
The Citico Creek Area is well-known for its excellent fishing (trout, bass, and catfish). If you’re staying in the French Broad Creek Area, check for signs pointing to the Paint Creek Corridor, which is where the designated dispersed campsites are. The Paint Creek Corridor is well-known for its gorgeous driving and idyllic picnic spots.
The Cherokee National Forest’s dispersed camping sites are all primitive, with no running water or power. Before going out, make sure to check the Cherokee National Forest website for any limitations or cautions.
Tennessee Camping Spots Managed by the National Park Service
The Natchez Trace Parkway has three campgrounds run by the National Park Service. They’re free, basic, and only accessible on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations are accepted). There is no electricity, no showers, and no garbage station. Restrooms are available at each campground. The following campgrounds are open to tent campers and RVs:
22 locations in Rocky Springs (milepost 54.8)
18 locations – Jeff Busby (milepost 193.1)
32 sites near Meriwether Lewis (milepost 385.9)
Additionally, the parkway offers five bicycle-only campgrounds for riders who are traveling without a backup vehicle:
Kosciusko (milepost 159)
Witch Dance (milepost 234)
Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center (milepost 266)
Colbert Ferry (milepost 327)
Tennessee Highway 50 (milepost 408)
There are also other State Park, National Forest and private campgrounds located near the Natchez Trace including Fall Hollow at milepost 391.
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