Primitive Camping Rules and Requirements

WARNING The level of J. Percy Priest Lake can rise or fall suddenly without warning. Boaters and campers should be aware of possible sudden changes in water elevation and have a plan in place to protect against loss of life and property.

 

• Primitive camping is allowed only on designated islands.  Click here for a map of islands (PDF format).
  

• Site posts indicate available sites for use.
  

• Camping outside of established sites is prohibited.
  

• Mainland camping is permitted only at designated campgrounds and campers must obtain a permit before camping.
  

• Where sanitation facilities are not available, campers are required to have portable sanitation facilities or use appropriate sanitation procedures.
  

• Campers are responsible for removing any garbage from their campsite before they leave.
  

• Cutting of live trees, standing dead timber or other vegetation is prohibited.
  

• No permanent structures, nails or other fixtures are allowed on trees.
  

• Campers are responsible for their campfires and shall not leave them unattended.
  

• There is no fee required for primitive camping.
  

• There are no reservations for sites; each site is available on a first-come first-serve basis.
  

• The placement of camping equipment on a campsite for the purpose of reserving that site for future use is prohibited.  Personal property left for such a purpose is subject to immediate impoundment.  Any property left unattended in excess of twenty-four hours is also subject to impoundment.
  

• There is a two week limit within a consecutive 30 day time period for camping at J. Percy Priest Lake.  This includes the combination of stays on multiple campsites, developed, primitive and otherwise.
  

Campers are encouraged to use developed campgrounds where security and law enforcement services are provided. These services are not provided for primitive camping areas.

Persons camping outside of developed campgrounds do so at their own risk.