There are many beautiful places to go boondocking in Tennessee. You can choose to head to Knoxville and Chattanooga on the east side of the state to experience the grandeur of the Cumberland Mountains. Alternatively, consider planning a Western Tennessee adventure to explore the Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers and get the chance to hear Memphis’ soul music. From Graceland to the Great Smoky Mountains, there are plenty of amazing spots to explore in Tennessee.
Boondocking Sites in Texas
Paint Creek Corridor
The Paint Creek Corridor in the Cherokee National Forest is a great place to go for a scenic drive. There are areas where you can go for a bike ride or enjoy a picnic while watching Kelly and Dudley Falls. The creek is also a great place to go trout fishing.
This area near Greeneville offers several opportunities for boondocking and vault toilets are scattered throughout the area.
Jackson’s Island
Managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, Jackson’s Island is a lovely peninsula where you can go dispersed camping in Tennessee.
This beautiful spot is located near Spring City and can accommodate big rigs. It is surrounded on three sides by water, so make sure to bring your fishing pole and your water toys. Tall shade trees help keep this campground cool in the summer. Porta potties are available.
Hunter’s Check Station Camping
The Hunter’s Check Station Camping Area is in a beautifully wooded area at Prentice Cooper State Forest’s entrance. Camping is offered here on a first come first served basis, giving RVers an excellent home base to see the forest from.
There are lots of hiking trails nearby and it is also only about 20 minutes from Chattanooga. During the warmer months, campers can use a hand pump to get water at this site. There is a pit toilet at this camping spot near Hixon.
Davis Pond Camping Area
Also located in Prentice Cooper State Forest, Davis Pond Camping Area is a beautiful, flat, grassy campground and is available on a first come first served basis. There is a primitive lavatory onsite, but that is the only amenity that is offered.
As far as recreation goes, you can hike along miles of paths or bring your off-roading vehicles to enjoy the extensive trail system.
Note: This campground is about 20 minutes from the forest’s entrance down a maintained dirt road. Additioanlly, the gate will be locked at sunset and will not open until the following day, except in an emergency.
Meriweather Lewis Campground
The Meriweather Lewis Campground is run by the NPS and is located at milepost 385.9 on the Natchez Trace Parkway. This campground is well maintained and offers designated sites, flush toilets, and drinkable water, but there are no hookups.
There are many hiking trails nearby, and some have interpretative signage along them, meaning you won’t be bored during your visit. On top of that, this campground is only about 77 miles south of Nashville.
Jeff Busby Campground
The Jeff Busby Campground is also run by the NPS and is located near the midway point on the Natchez Trace Parkway. This spot offers stunning views, making it a lovely stopping point. There are pull-through and back-in sites in the campground, and potable water is available.
The campground’s location on top of Lookout Mountain is a fantastic place to start a hiking adventure, and the surrounding area offers plenty to see and do.
Rocky Springs Campground
Also run by the NPS, Rocky Springs Campground is near the southern end of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Old Town is within walking distance, so this is an excellent place for camping in Tennessee if you happen to be a history lover.
Some sites at this campground are wheelchair accessible. The area easily accommodates units up to 55 feet long if they are no wider than 14 feet.
Where to Boondock in Tennessee
- Many Tennessee Valley Authority sites have scenic campsites for tent campers.
- There are also beautiful RV sites along the Natchez Trace Parkway.
- Prentice Cooper State Forest playboys to some Tennessee boondocking sites.
- Some county parks also offer opportunities for boondocking in Tennessee.
There are many great reasons to go boondocking in Tennessee. You will find thrilling attractions to see, exciting events to attend, and quiet spots to explore. Boondocking in your RV is a great way to see and do more. If you do not have an RV, you can rent one on RVshare.
