Dispersed Camping in Johnson County, Tennessee
Showing 14 locations in Johnson County.
Backbone Rock Campground
A scenic and historic U.S. Forest Service developed campground nestled alongside Beaverdam Creek in the northern Cherokee National Forest. Famous for its proximity to Backbone Rock—a striking natural ridge tunnel blasted through for a historic railroad line—the area offers shaded single and double campsites. Campers have direct access to excellent trout fishing, swimming holes, and the Backbone Rock hiking trail, which connects to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Facilities are exceptionally clean and well-maintained by the forest service.
Bald Knob Road Dispersed
Scenic dispersed camping corridor located along Bald Knob Road in the Cherokee National Forest. Sites are nestled in a dense forest setting, accessible seasonally to vehicles during late autumn and early winter months.
Cross Mountain Road & AT Lot
Dispersed camping and parking options along Cross Mountain Road (FR 4015) near the Appalachian Trail crossing. A large gravel parking lot at the crest offers ample room for various rigs, with peaceful surroundings occasionally shared with local livestock. Additional primitive campsites are located in the adjacent woods.
Denton Valley Forest Road Dispersed
A quiet dispersed camping corridor along Denton Valley road winding through Cherokee National Forest.
Dogwood Bench Forest Road
Dispersed camping opportunities located along the Dogwood Bench forest road corridor within the Cherokee National Forest.
Forest Camp Site
A primitive, dispersed campsite nestled in the woods off Cross Mountain Road, offering a quieter and more shaded alternative to the open trailhead lot.
Old Gentry Creek Road Dispersed
Quiet, wooded dispersed camping spots along Old Gentry Creek Road within the Cherokee National Forest.
Parks Branch Forest Road
Dispersed camping corridor along Parks Branch road in Cherokee National Forest, featuring seasonal windows for overnight stays.
Robbins Hollow Dispersed Camp
A seasonal dispersed camping area in the Cherokee National Forest, located along a quiet dirt road.
Sink Mountain Road Dispersed
Dispersed camping corridor along Sink Mountain Road within Cherokee National Forest, offering quiet forested surroundings.
South Church Street Parking Lot
A basic paved lot in Mountain City suitable for quick overnight stays. Positioned directly on South Church Street, this location offers convenient access to local shops and services, though it experiences ongoing traffic noise.
State Line Road Dispersed Camping
A scenic corridor along State Line Road offering dispersed camping opportunities along the ridge separating Tennessee and Virginia.
Watauga District, Cherokee National Forest
Spot
Whetstone Branch Road Dispersed
A quiet dispersed camping corridor along Whetstone Branch Road within the Cherokee National Forest. Offers isolated primitive sites in a scenic wooded valley setting.