Monnhill Bridge Boondocking in Dandridge, TN
Guide to Quiet Riverside Camping
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Dandridge, TN GPS: 35.954075, -83.368755 Elevation: 984′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public (Official) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Monnhill Bridge boondocking: The road in is Gravel. Campsites are on both sides of the highway. Some are next to the boat ramp on the north side of the highway. Monnhill Bridge is open May till September. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 14 at Monnhill Bridge.
About This Location
Monnhill Bridge boondocking area in Dandridge, TN, gives you a straightforward, free spot for boondocking on TVA land. You’ll find up to 15 campsites with easy access, and you can stay for up to 14 days without paying a dime. It’s a solid pick if you want to soak up some nature without worrying about reservations or permits.
You can camp on both sides of the highway near the boat ramp, and there’s room for RVs up to 45 feet. The area’s open from May through September, so you get a decent window for your trip. It’s a primitive setup, so you’ll have to bring your own supplies and plan for a rugged little adventure.
The quiet, natural setting makes it easy to explore the water and the woods nearby. Whether you’re rolling in with a trailer or a big RV, Monnhill Bridge boondocking area is a practical, budget-friendly spot to hang out and enjoy the outdoors.
Key Takeaways
- Free campsites on both sides of the highway
- RVs up to 45 feet fit just fine
- Stay up to 14 days, open May–September
Monnhill Bridge Boondocking in Dandridge, TN
Monnhill Bridge boondocking area sits on TVA land near Dandridge, TN, and offers free boondocking. You’ll find campsites on both sides of the highway, with several right next to the boat ramp on the north side. Water access is a breeze if you’re into boating or fishing.
There are usually 6 to 15 campsites here, and they work for tents or RVs. If you’ve got a big rig, just know the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You can stay for up to 14 days at a time.
Each spot comes with a fire ring, so you can have a campfire (as long as you’re careful). With no hookups or facilities, you’ll need to bring your own water, food, and a way to deal with trash.
The campground runs from May through September, which lines up nicely for summer trips. It’s a quiet, simple spot to boondock, close to nature and not far from Dandridge.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Both sides of the highway |
| Number of Sites | 6-15 |
| Max RV Length | 45 feet |
| Max Stay | 14 days |
| Season | May – September |
| Facilities | Fire rings, no hookups |
| Cost | Free |
Things to Do
At Monnhill Bridge, you can keep things simple and peaceful. It’s classic boondocking—no frills, just you and the outdoors. Bring everything you’ll need, and seriously, stick to the “pack in, pack out” rule to keep the place nice for everyone.
The river’s right there, so fishing and boating are easy options. Some sites sit close to the boat ramp, so launching a kayak or small boat is no big deal. If you’re into water, you’ll probably like it here.
Both sides of the highway offer parking and camping spots. Since it’s government land, you might need a permit for certain activities, but for camping, you’re usually good for up to 14 days. That’s plenty of time to relax and just enjoy the quiet.
If you like to walk, you can wander nearby trails or just stroll around the dispersed camping area. It’s a good excuse to stretch your legs and breathe some fresh air.
On a clear night, setting up a campfire where allowed and watching the stars is pretty hard to beat. Just play it safe and follow all fire rules.
Things to bring:
- Food and water
- Camping gear
- Fishing stuff (if you want to fish)
- Safety stuff like a first aid kit
If you show up ready, you’ll probably have a solid time at Monnhill Bridge.
Directions
To get to Monnhill Bridge boondocking area in Dandridge, TN, start out on Interstate 40. Take exit 417—the main way in.
From there, drive south on Highway 92 for about 8.5 miles. You’ll spot the Indian Creek convenience store just before you hit the bridge.
Monnhill Bridge boondocking area sits on Chestnut Hill Road, and the camping areas are easy to find right off the highway.
Campsites are on both sides of the road, and some are right by the boat ramp on the north side if you want water access.
Don’t forget: there aren’t many services, so pack everything you’ll need. Depending on what you plan to do, you might need a permit.
Here’s a quick table with the basics:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Interstate Exit | 417 off I-40 |
| Highway Travel | South on Highway 92, 8.5 mi |
| Nearby Landmark | Indian Creek store |
| Exact Location | Chestnut Hill Rd, Dandridge |
That route should get you straight to Monnhill Bridge boondocking area and the camping spots.
Vehicle Access
You can bring vehicles up to 20 feet long to Monnhill Bridge. That covers most small campers, trucks, and vans. If you’ve got a bigger RV, you might have a rough time maneuvering around.
Campsites are on both sides of the highway, so you’ve got options based on your setup. The north side, close to the boat ramp, is easy to reach by car or truck.
The turnoff is just about 8.5 miles south of Exit 417 on I-40, right off Highway 92. The road’s paved, so getting in isn’t much trouble for most vehicles.
Just make sure to park right and follow any posted rules. Keeping your stay to 14 days or less helps everyone get a turn.
Vehicle access here is pretty no-nonsense—best for smaller rigs and folks looking for a free, easy spot to camp.
RV and Camping Trailer Information
At Moonhill Bridge, you can bring your RV or camping trailer and stay for free. The place is primitive, so don’t count on water, electricity, or sewage hookups. Plan to be totally self-contained.
Campsites are on both sides of the highway. Some sit close to the boat ramp on the north side, which is handy if you’re boating. You can stay up to 14 days, so you have time to unwind.
With no formal services, you’ll need to pack in all your supplies and pack out all your trash. Sometimes there’s a Porta Potty, but honestly, don’t count on it.
Your trailer or RV should be able to handle a primitive setting. The roads and sites are usually fine for travel trailers, but double-check your size and clearance before you show up. You’ll need to manage your own water and waste.
Key things to remember:
- No hookups for electric or water
- No dump station
- Bring all your own essentials
- Stay limit: 14 days
- Facilities are limited or nonexistent—maybe a Porta Potty, maybe not
Respect the land, follow Leave No Trace, and be ready for a simple camping trip without the usual amenities. That’s kind of the whole point, right?
Paid or Permit Sites
At Monnhill Bridge, you’ll find most camping spots are dispersed and free to use. Still, some areas might ask for a permit, especially if you’re planning to stay more than a few days. I’d recommend checking local rules before setting up camp—nobody likes a surprise fine.
There aren’t any official paid campgrounds right at Monnhill Bridge. The sites feel pretty primitive, with little to no services. You’ll need to bring everything you need and, yeah, pack out all your stuff when you leave.
If you do need a permit, you can usually get one through a local government or forest service office. The process doesn’t take long, and honestly, it helps keep things organized and protects the place for everyone.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Mostly free camping spots
- Some areas might need permits
- No formal pay stations
- Maximum stay is usually 14 days
- No hookups or bathrooms
Before you settle in, double-check if your spot needs a permit. It’s just easier than dealing with a ticket and helps keep the area open for the next folks who want to enjoy it.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Fire Ring | RV Parking Tent Camping Boating Fishing Water Sports Wildlife Viewing |
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