10 Epic Free Campsites in Tennessee

AvatarByDale Richard Camping

Are you looking for a free camping spot in Tennessee? You’re in luck! There are plenty of beautiful places to camp for free in the Volunteer State. From secluded mountaintop campgrounds to rustic riverside spots, you’re sure to find a free campsite that’s perfect for your next outdoor adventure.

In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite free camping spots in Tennessee. We’ll cover everything from the best places to go stargazing to the most dog-friendly campgrounds. So whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer camping trip, read on for some great ideas!

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Campground Location Amenities
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area Cumberland County Campsites, hiking trails, fishing, swimming
Mt. LeConte State Park Sevier County Campsites, hiking trails, fishing, swimming
Pickett State Park Overton County Campsites, hiking trails, fishing, swimming
Reelfoot Lake State Park Lake County Campsites, hiking trails, fishing, boating

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Tennessee is a beautiful state with a wide variety of landscapes, from the mountains of the Appalachians to the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. There are also many opportunities for camping, both on public and private land. In this article, we will explore the best places to camp for free in Tennessee.

Public Land Camping

There are many great places to camp for free on public land in Tennessee. Here are a few of the best options:

  • National Forests. The Tennessee National Forests offer a variety of camping options, including backcountry camping, developed campgrounds, and group campsites. Backcountry camping is allowed in most areas of the national forests, but you must obtain a permit from the forest service. Developed campgrounds typically have amenities such as restrooms, water, and picnic tables. Group campsites are available for larger groups of people.
  • National Parks. There are three national parks in Tennessee: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Natchez Trace National Parkway, and Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. All three parks offer camping opportunities, but the facilities vary. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a variety of campgrounds, including backcountry campsites, developed campgrounds, and group campsites. Natchez Trace National Parkway has a few campgrounds along the parkway, but most of the camping is in backcountry areas. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park has a single campground located near the battlefield.
  • State Parks. Tennessee has over 50 state parks, many of which offer camping opportunities. State parks typically have developed campgrounds with amenities such as restrooms, water, and picnic tables. Some state parks also have backcountry camping areas.
  • Wildlife Refuges. There are over 50 wildlife refuges in Tennessee, many of which offer camping opportunities. Wildlife refuges typically have backcountry camping areas, but some also have developed campgrounds.
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages over 3 million acres of land in Tennessee. BLM land is open to public use, including camping. Most BLM land is suitable for backcountry camping, but there are also a few developed campgrounds.
  • Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Land. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) manages over 2 million acres of land in Tennessee. TVA land is open to public use, including camping. Most TVA land is suitable for backcountry camping, but there are also a few developed campgrounds.
  • Other Public Land. There are also a number of other public lands in Tennessee that offer camping opportunities. These include state forests, county parks, and municipal parks.

Private Land Camping

In addition to public land, there are also many opportunities to camp for free on private land in Tennessee. Here are a few of the best options:

  • Farms. Many farms in Tennessee allow people to camp on their land for a fee. This is a great option for people who want to experience the rural lifestyle and get close to nature.
  • Forests. There are also a number of forests in Tennessee that allow people to camp on their land for a fee. These forests are typically located in remote areas and offer stunning scenery.
  • Ranches. There are also a number of ranches in Tennessee that allow people to camp on their land for a fee. This is a great option for people who want to experience the cowboy lifestyle and go horseback riding.
  • RV Parks. There are a number of RV parks in Tennessee that offer free camping for people who have their own RVs. These parks typically have amenities such as restrooms, water, and electricity.
  • Campgrounds. There are also a number of campgrounds in Tennessee that offer free camping for people who have their own tents. These campgrounds typically have amenities such as restrooms, water, and picnic tables.
  • Hunting Lodges. There are also a number of hunting lodges in Tennessee that offer free camping for people who are hunting on their property. These lodges typically have amenities such as restrooms, water, and electricity.

There are many great places to camp for free in Tennessee, both on public and private land. Whether you are looking for a primitive backcountry experience or a more developed campground, you are sure to find something to suit your needs.

Additional Resources

  • [Tennessee Department of Agriculture: Camping on Private Land](https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/divisions/forestry/hunting-and-fishing/camping-on-private-land.html)
  • [Tennessee State Parks: Camping](https://tnstateparks.com/camping/)
  • [National Forests of Tennessee: Camping](https://www.fs.usda.gov/tennessee/maps-and-publications/camping)
  • [National Parks Service:

3. Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping is a great way to experience the great outdoors without having to pay for a campsite. In Tennessee, there are many different places where you can dispersed camp, including on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, in national forests, in national parks, in state parks, in wildlife refuges, on TVA land, and on other public land.

BLM Land

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages over 1 million acres of land in Tennessee, and much of this land is open to dispersed camping. BLM land is typically located in remote areas, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the wilderness. There are no amenities on BLM land, so you will need to bring your own water, food, and shelter.

National Forests

The U.S. Forest Service manages over 5 million acres of land in Tennessee, and much of this land is open to dispersed camping. National forests are typically located in mountainous areas, so you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. There are some amenities on national forest land, such as restrooms and picnic tables, but you will need to bring your own water and food.

National Parks

The National Park Service manages over 100,000 acres of land in Tennessee, and some of this land is open to dispersed camping. National parks are typically located in scenic areas, so you can enjoy stunning views and wildlife viewing. There are some amenities on national park land, such as restrooms and water spigots, but you will need to bring your own food.

State Parks

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) manages over 50 state parks in Tennessee, and some of these parks offer dispersed camping. State parks are typically located in close proximity to major cities, so they are a good option for people who want to enjoy the outdoors without having to travel too far. There are some amenities on state park land, such as restrooms, water spigots, and picnic tables, but you will need to bring your own food.

Wildlife Refuges

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages over 100 wildlife refuges in Tennessee, and some of these refuges offer dispersed camping. Wildlife refuges are typically located in areas where wildlife is protected, so you can enjoy birdwatching, fishing, and other wildlife-related activities. There are some amenities on wildlife refuge land, such as restrooms and water spigots, but you will need to bring your own food.

TVA Land

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) manages over 2 million acres of land in Tennessee, and some of this land is open to dispersed camping. TVA land is typically located in areas that are being restored or rehabilitated, so you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. There are some amenities on TVA land, such as restrooms and picnic tables, but you will need to bring your own water and food.

Other Public Land

In addition to the BLM, national forests, national parks, state parks, wildlife refuges, and TVA land, there are also other public lands in Tennessee where you can dispersed camp. These lands include county parks, city parks, and private land that is open to the public for camping.

Before You Dispersed Camp

Before you dispersed camp, there are a few things you should know. First, you need to make sure that you are allowed to dispersed camp on the land that you are interested in. Second, you need to make sure that you are following all of the rules and regulations for dispersed camping. Third, you need to be prepared for the unexpected.

To make sure that you are allowed to dispersed camp on the land that you are interested in, you should contact the land manager. The land manager can tell you if dispersed camping is allowed on the land and what the rules and regulations are.

To make sure that you are following all of the rules and regulations for dispersed camping, you should read the land management agency’s website or contact the land manager. The land management agency’s website or the land manager can tell you what the rules and regulations are for dispersed camping.

To be prepared for the unexpected, you should bring the following items with you when you dispersed camp:

  • A map of the area
  • A compass
  • A flashlight
  • A first aid kit
  • A fire extinguisher
  • A fire starter
  • A shovel
  • A tarp
  • A tent
  • A sleeping bag
  • A sleeping pad
  • A cooking stove
  • A cooler
  • Food
  • Water
  • Garbage bags

4. Boondocking

Boondocking is a term used to describe camping in a vehicle in a remote area without any hookups. Boondocking

Q: Where can I camp for free in Tennessee?

A: There are many places to camp for free in Tennessee, including state parks, national forests, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Here are a few of the best options:

  • State parks: Most Tennessee state parks offer free camping for tents and/or RVs. Some of the best state parks for free camping include:
  • Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
  • Cherokee National Forest
  • Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • National forests: The U.S. Forest Service offers free camping in designated areas in all of Tennessee’s national forests. Some of the best national forests for free camping include:
  • Cherokee National Forest
  • Cumberland National Forest
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Forest
  • BLM land: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages over 3 million acres of land in Tennessee, much of which is open to free camping. Some of the best BLM land for free camping include:
  • Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
  • Cherokee National Forest
  • Cumberland National Forest
  • Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Q: What are the rules for free camping in Tennessee?

A: The rules for free camping in Tennessee vary depending on the land manager. However, some general rules that apply to all free camping in Tennessee include:

  • Camp in designated areas only.
  • Stay on established trails and roads.
  • Pack out all trash.
  • Leave no trace.
  • Be respectful of wildlife and other campers.

Q: What are the best times to go camping for free in Tennessee?

A: The best times to go camping for free in Tennessee are typically during the shoulder seasons, which are spring and fall. During these times, the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, you can also camp for free in Tennessee during the summer and winter, if you are prepared for the heat or cold.

Q: What gear do I need for free camping in Tennessee?

A: The gear you need for free camping in Tennessee will vary depending on the time of year and the location of your campsite. However, some basic gear that you will need to pack includes:

  • A tent or sleeping bag
  • A sleeping pad
  • A stove or fire pit
  • A cooler or food storage container
  • A water container
  • A first aid kit
  • A flashlight or headlamp
  • A map and compass
  • A fire permit (if required)

Q: What are some tips for free camping in Tennessee?

A: Here are a few tips for free camping in Tennessee:

  • Plan ahead and do your research.
  • Check the weather forecast and be prepared for all conditions.
  • Bring plenty of food and water.
  • Pack out all trash.
  • Be respectful of wildlife and other campers.
  • Enjoy the great outdoors!

    there are many different places to camp for free in Tennessee. Whether you are looking for a secluded spot in the woods or a more accessible campground near a town, you are sure to find something that fits your needs. Just be sure to respect the land and follow the rules of the area, so that everyone can enjoy these free camping spots for years to come.

Here are a few key takeaways from this article:

  • There are over 400 free camping sites in Tennessee.
  • The best time to camp for free in Tennessee is during the shoulder seasons, spring and fall.
  • When camping for free, it is important to be respectful of the land and follow the rules of the area.
  • Free camping is a great way to experience the beauty of Tennessee and save money on your next vacation.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.