Baker Creek Boondocking in Knoxville, TN
Essential Tips for a Seamless Stay
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Knoxville, TN GPS: 35.94217, -83.89007 Elevation: 892′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – City Park lot (Unofficial) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Baker Creek Boondocking: You may stay overnight at Baker Creek Preserve Lot. Old abandoned church has a flat spot above the main lot. No problems and you can tuck vehicle away in the shadows if needed. My buddy has stayed in main lot overnight. Also no problems as the mountain bike community welcomes overnight trailhead campers. Right near SoKno Cantina. Get some.
About This Location
Looking for a quiet spot to camp near Knoxville? Baker Creek boondocking might just be your answer. It’s tucked away enough to give you that peaceful, unplugged feel, but still close to the city if you need to run out for supplies or a bite to eat. Baker Creek Preserve, just a few miles from downtown Knoxville, offers over 7 miles of trails and scenic views, so you get the best of both worlds—nature and convenience.
The terrain has a bit of everything: hills, meadows, and a laid-back vibe. You can camp here without dealing with permits or hookups, so it’s flexible and easygoing. Whether you’re into biking, hiking, or just want to chill out and listen to the crickets, Baker Creek boondocking has got you covered.
Key Takeaways
- Camp close to Knoxville without hookups at Baker Creek boondocking.
- Trails and natural areas are right by the campsites.
- Town’s close enough for a quick trip if you need anything.
Baker Creek Boondocking In Knoxville, TN
If you like camping out near green spaces, Baker Creek Preserve in Knoxville is worth checking out. The place covers about 100 acres—lots of hills, valleys, and meadows. It sits roughly 3 miles from downtown, so you’re not far from civilization.
Baker Creek boondocking is known for its hiking and biking trails, but you’ll also find public lands nearby where boondocking is possible. Just a heads-up: not every area allows overnight parking, so double-check local rules before setting up camp.
You’ll find more than 7 miles of natural-surface trails to wander or ride. After a day out, you can return to your rig for some quiet downtime.
If you’re planning to boondock here, you’ll need to bring your own water, food, and whatever else you need. There aren’t any facilities, so you’ve got to leave no trace. It’s just good camping etiquette.
Maps and apps that show public lands and free camping are super helpful for finding the best spots around Baker Creek boondocking. People often leave reviews and updates, so you can get a sense of what to expect before you go.
Things To Do
At Baker Creek Boondocking, you’ll have plenty of outdoor activities to pick from. There are over 7 miles of natural-surface hiking and biking trails, winding through hills and meadows. If you’re into mountain biking, you’ll find pump tracks and drop lines—pretty fun for all skill levels. There’s even a mini pump track and Play Forest for kids, so families aren’t left out.
You can hang out by a campfire in the designated areas—nothing fancy, just a good way to unwind and maybe cook up something simple. Always check the local fire rules, though.
If you want a break from the outdoors, Knoxville’s restaurants and bars aren’t far away. Sometimes it’s nice to swap the camp stove for a real meal, right?
Quick rundown of things to do:
- Hiking on natural trails
- Mountain biking—pump tracks, drop lines
- Kids’ spots like the Play Forest and mini pump track
- Campfires and outdoor cooking
- Checking out local restaurants and bars
Directions
To get to Baker Creek Boondocking, hop on I-40 East or West (depends on where you’re coming from).
Take the exit for James White Parkway (TN-71) heading south. That’ll take you over the Tennessee River.
Look for signs for Knoxville Urban Wilderness and follow those—they’ll point you toward the preserve.
Turn onto Lancaster Drive and keep an eye out; the parking and access points for Baker Creek Preserve will be on your right.
Punch this into your GPS:
3700 Lancaster Drive, Knoxville, TN 37920
If you’re using your phone, that address should get you straight to the trailheads and camping areas.
Parking’s right near the entrance, but it fills up fast on weekends or holidays. Plan ahead if you’re coming during a busy time.
You’ll need to walk or bike into the boondocking areas, since cars aren’t allowed past the parking spots.
Bring a map or download trail info if you want to check out the bike trails while you’re there.
Vehicle Access
You’ll get to Baker Creek boondocking by driving on well-maintained gravel roads—these used to be fire service routes, so they’re in decent shape for most vehicles.
No need for a 4×4 here. Standard cars, trucks, and RVs handle the gravel just fine.
You can park near Gateway Park or along Tilson Street. From there, just follow the greenway south to the boondocking area.
If you’ve got an RV or camper van, you’ll usually find enough space at Baker Creek boondocking. The area’s popular for dispersed camping, so it can fill up, especially during peak times.
Heads up: after heavy rain, the gravel can get a bit rough. Take it slow if your vehicle sits low to the ground.
Key points:
- Good gravel roads
- No 4×4 needed
- Parking near Gateway Park and Tilson Street
- Works for cars, trucks, and RVs
- Watch out for rough patches after rain
Most vehicles won’t have trouble getting in. Just think about where you want to park and how close you want to be to the trails.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
Baker Creek boondocking is a boondocking spot that works for small vans, RVs, and camping trailers. There’s space for parking and you’ve got about 30 miles of mountain biking trails nearby. If you want to bring a motorhome or camper, this place is a solid pick.
Just remember, there aren’t any hookups—no water, electric, or sewer. You’ll need to rely on your own supplies for power and water, so top off your tanks before you get there.
You’re only about 3 miles from downtown Knoxville, making it easy to run into town for anything you forgot.
Bring all your essentials: water, food, fuel. Since amenities are basically nonexistent, you’ll need to be self-sufficient.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Types | Small vans, RVs, camping trailers |
| Water/Electric Hookups | None |
| Nearby Activities | Mountain biking (30 miles of trails) |
| Distance to City | 3 miles from downtown Knoxville |
Make sure your camping trailer or motorhome’s in good shape before you arrive. Some roads can be narrow or a little bumpy. Baker Creek boondocking really suits folks who are comfortable with off-grid camping in a motorhome or trailer.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At Baker Creek boondocking in Knoxville, you usually won’t need to pay or get a permit for most camping or parking spots for RVs and vans. If you’re thinking about a longer stay or have a larger rig, though, it’s smart to double-check local rules—those can change.
You won’t find official paid campgrounds right inside Baker Creek Preserve itself. But there are some private sites and parks not far from Knoxville that do charge fees or require permits.
If you’re eyeing the mountain bike launch area for your camper or RV, keep in mind parking’s pretty tight there. Sometimes, especially when it’s busy, you might need a permit for those spots. I’d always verify current regulations before you head out, just to be safe.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Site Type | Fee Required | Permit Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baker Creek Preserve | No | No | Day use and bike trails only |
| Mountain Bike Launch | Possible | Possible | Small van/RV parking, limited availability |
| Nearby Campgrounds | Yes | Yes | Check local campground websites |
I’d recommend reaching out to local authorities or using map apps that show current permitted parking. It’s a hassle to get fined or told to move, so a little prep goes a long way.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| RV Parking Biking |
Helpful Boondocking Information Links:
Over 10,000 Free Boondocking Locations
Boondocking Recipes for 1000’s Of Camping Meals
Bureau of Land Management
Government Recreation Area
National Park Service
Leave No Trace
State Specific Information Links
Tennessee Park Service
Tennessee Fish and Game