By:
Submission
Camping is permitted at the Hunter's Check Station Camping area on a first-come, first-served basis. These primitive campsites have no sanitation facilities.
Prentice Cooper State Forest is located in southeastern Tennessee, in Marion County. The forest is approximately 10 miles west of Chattanooga and is heavily utilized by the public. It is situated on the scenic Tennessee River Gorge. The property for Prentice Cooper was acquired by simple purchase between 1938 and 1944. The site was proclaimed a State Forest in 1945. Sixty-nine percent of the forest is in multiple-use regulated forests and the remainder is in conservation areas. Approximately 6,939 acres are designated as unregulated scenic zones that protect this view shed and other scenic areas of the forest. Hicks Gap Natural Area (350 acres) also occurs in the forest and was developed to protect the federally endangered Large-flowered Skullcap. The forest also includes several in-holdings owned by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and 3 cemeteries. Management activities of the forest focus primarily on sustainable timber management, forest management demonstration and wildlife habitat improvement while maintaining recreational opportunities for the public. There are 35 miles of hiking trails, including the south end of the Cumberland Trail State Park. There also are two designated camping areas. Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division has provided labor and portions of the forest for various types of research in collaboration with the University of Tennessee. Hunting has been a traditional use of the forest. Other recreational activities include OHV use in designated areas, rock climbing, hiking, Mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching, and camping.
It's a campground that leads into prentice cooper wma. A lot of hunting goes on up here, and I believe there is a lake that is only open for like two or three months
Nice campground if you have ATV’s, your hunting or plan on just hanging out at camp in the off season. There’s no trail heads within walking distance or water access. The bathroom is ok. Our neighbors stayed up all night and were so loud.
I stayed here without reading the reviews unfortunately, and had all of my things stolen from my campsite as I was out hiking. They literally cleaned us out--firewood, camp cooking supplies, my shoes and clothes, everything. Do not stay at this campsite unless you plan not to leave your things here. There isn't even a phone number to call to contact a ranger or someone for help. The forest number just rings and nobody ever calls back.
When it comes to a free camp, it's hard to imagine a better one than this. The views in are incredible. Just outside the state park station is about 10 dispersed sites. You can pull your vehicle right up to the fire pit. Quiet. Well except for the critters that go bump in the night, of which there are plenty. But that's why we get out there, right? Highly recommend this.
