Cherokee National Forest

Get high at Cardens Bluff Campground, which sits at nearly 2,000 feet of elevation and looks over the glassy waters of Watauga Lake. Bring out the kayak and fishing rod or throw on the swim trunks and get to enjoying the pure refreshment that only the lakes of Tennessee can provide. Surrounded by forested beauty and undeveloped mountain ranges, th Read more...

Little Oak Campground sits on a peninsula along the eastern shore of beautiful South Holston Lake. The campground is in a designated “Watchable Wildlife Area,” and there are two interpretive trails nearby, so you can get your learn on. The lake is great for both motorized and non-motorized boats—there is a concrete boat ramp nearby. Paddle your ca Read more...

The campground at Backbone Rock Recreation Area sits along the shady banks of Beaverdam Creek, popular for trout fishing. Follow the nearby trail of stone steps through a wooded area to the top of Backbone Rock and continue on to Backbone Rock Falls. This campground is located near the Tennessee-Virginia border, and there is no cell phone coverage Read more...

The campground at Jacobs Creek Recreation Area sits on a peninsula in Little Jacob Creek, which is part of South Holston Lake. This campground is ideal for water lovers, as swimming, fishing, and canoeing are popular here. Spread out on the grass along the creek for a picnic or a round of frisbee. If you have a boat, head a few miles west on US 42 Read more...

Hidden away near Rock Creek, its namesake recreation area offers the perfect camping opportunities for rugged adventurers and RV-lovers alike. With a creek-fed swimming hole just waiting for you, and plenty of other outdoor activities in which to engage, this spot is hard to beat. Rock Creek gets especially popular when that sweltering summer heat Read more...

Come enjoy the primitive campground in Old Forge Recreation Area, on the banks of Jennings Creek. In the early 1900s, this site was an iron forge, where iron ore was smelted for the railroad. Today, this campground is a small and quiet spot for walk-in tent campers only. The campsites are large and separated by native vegetation, allowing campers Read more...

Want to get some welcome reprieve from the summer heat? Escape to Dennis Cove Recreation Area for a bit and you will be good to go. This secluded campground is found right alongside the trickling waters of Laurel Fork Creek. For those in need of a rustic getaway, this will hit the spot. If you are in dire need of a prime fishing spot, just hike al Read more...

Hey equestrians! Camp at Horse Creek Recreation Area, where there are both walk-in tent sites and RV sites. The campground sits in a hardwood cove next to Horse Creek. Enjoy the large picnic pavilion or spend a warm afternoon cooling off in the swimming area. Fishing in Horse Creek is popular—see if you can catch some native rainbow and brook trou Read more...

Paint Creek Campground is tucked away in a mountain cove along the banks of Paint Creek. Frequented by families, the campsites are widely spaced and separated by native vegetation, offering privacy for campers. You can view the creek from most campsites, which is stocked with trout seasonally, so try your luck at fishing!

Being free and all certainly makes Paint Creek Corridor pretty popular, but there is definitely more to it than that. With scenic beauty and lush forested areas abounding, it is hard to beat the good times you’ll find here. Most people come out just to drive along the roads and drink in the picturesque scenery. But you are here for that good stuff Read more...

Wander off the beaten path to find the secluded gem known as Round Mountain Campground. This spot is tucked away in a seemingly secret corner of the Bald Mountains. The journey up here is not for the faint of heart, with twisting gravel roads taking you up the mountain to get to this hidden beauty. Experience the tranquil setting with a chilled be Read more...

The campground at Houston Valley Recreation Area is ideal for tent campers. The sites are widely spaced, offering some privacy from your neighbors. The campground is near Paint Creek and Weaver Bend—spend the morning fishing, then head back to the campground for a meal of fresh catch at the covered picnic pavilion.

Known to be one of the most popular and beloved areas in the Cherokee National Forest, Indian Boundary Recreation Area has it all. Kick back on the sandy shores of the swimming beach, explore the rugged area along the 3. 2 mile hiking/biking trail that takes you around the scenic lake, or just drink in the camp vibes from around the fire. Whatever Read more...

Hop on that faithful horse of yours and head out to Young Branch Campground. Tucked away along the trickling waters of Citico Creek, this is the base camp for those exploring the Little Citico Horse Trails, which follow adventurous ridgelines and cross over creeks. From horseback riding to fishing, you can enjoy it all. Set back in a densely woode Read more...

Known as a hub for anglers, adventurers, and camp vibe lovers alike, McNabb Group Camp is the prime place for you and all your closest buddies to crash. Set in the heart of the North River, you’ll find plenty of those classic campground activities to be had here. From fishing to s’mores consuming, you can enjoy it all. Probably one of the most cov Read more...

If you’re looking for a primitive and secluded cabin in Cherokee National Forest, then this is your place. Donley Cabin has no water or electricity, and mice and other critters occasionally visit. Inside, you’ll find a full bed, two bunk beds, and a kitchen table and chairs. Gather ‘round the fireplace if it’s chilly, or enjoy the serene setting f Read more...

Okay, so you have a family now and you're stoked! But the inner “rugged adventurer” of your youth can’t quite submit to the glamping lifestyle. Well, no worries! A middle ground exists in the Cherokee National Forest, and it's called North River Campground. Situated just far enough off the beaten path for your peace of mind, this quiet little camp Read more...

Hidden away in a hollow near the refreshing waters of Tellico River, Spivey Cove Campground is a secret gem. With all the scenic beauty of the forest surrounding you, this place will fill you up to the brim with good old-fashioned camp vibes in no time. Bring out the s’mores to melt your away troubles around the campfire with a nice, chilled beer Read more...

Holly' moly, what a beautiful sight! 'Campsite,' that is—nestled snugly along the lush and beautiful eastern side of Tennessee in the Cherokee National Forest sits Holly Flats Campground. Rustic and quaint, Holly Flats is super remote and throws down some seriously gnarly hiking and fishing opportunities. Wildly diverse and astonishingly gorgeous, Read more...

Jake Best Campground sits on the banks of Citico Creek. This campground is popular with trout fishermen, hunters, and…bears! So make sure to bring your bear canisters. There is a campground host here during peak season, and fire rings and picnic tables at each site. What more could you ask for?

Perfect for a lone wolf or a whole darn pack of ya looking for a less developed, granola-packed camping experience, you’ll feel right at home at Indian Boundary Overflow Campground, in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest. Named Eastern Tennessee’s premier lakeside oasis, the grounds sit adjacent to great fishing, a sandy 3. 2 mile loop-trail Read more...

When it comes to finding that perfect camping spot, you gotta go for the essentials: fishing, fire rings, and forested seclusion. Well, you’re in luck, 'cause Holder Cove Campground gives you all three and then some. With just a few sites, you get all the seclusion you need along the rushing beauty known as Tellico River. Throw open your tent flap Read more...

At State Line Campground, you can party with your BFFs from North Carolina and the sweet state of Tennessee! Plopped down right on the edge of both states, this spot offers plenty of forested and natural beauty for your enjoyment. Why settle for one state’s scenery when you can have two, right? The group site here is practically made for state lin Read more...

How does waking up to get your fishing game on the moment the warm sun hits your tent flap sound? All that and more is awaiting you at Birch Branch Campground. With quaint, secluded campsites, this forested haven offers you all the privacy you need. You'll also find yourself right on Tellico River, so you have prime access to all that angler actio Read more...

Located right on the rushing waters of the sultry Tellico River, Davis Branch Campground is quite the fox. It boasts all those perfect campy features—prime fishing spots, forested goodness, and quaint charm—so we have a feeling you’ll find it hard to pack up your tent and move along at the end of your stay. This is the perfect little getaway for a Read more...

Need to escape to the beauty of the forest for a bit? We know how you feel. That’s why we are offering up Dam Creek Walk-In Campground for your consideration. This quite, secluded retreat will do just the trick. You’ll pitch your tent, take a deep breath of that fresh, all-natural air, and instantly feel those curing camp vibes rush in. This area Read more...

So you and all your closest pals are looking for a sweet ass campground where the whole crew can crash. Good news. We’ve got the perfect place. Get rowdy here at Rough Ridge Campground, which offers up a hot dish of camp vibes that you won’t be able to resist. Located right along the rushing waters of Tellico River, you pretty much can’t do better Read more...

Big Oak Cove Campground puts you in the prime location to enjoy the rushing waters of Tellico River. It's right on the banks, so you can pitch your tent near the water, welcoming the calming sound of the river’s flow to ease you to sleep at night. With just a few sites, you can enjoy plenty of privacy in this forested haven, where outdoor adventur Read more...

Just a stone’s throw away from the glistening lake waters, Parksville Lake RV Campground is hidden away under a shady haven with plenty of space between campsites. You may even get lucky and snag a spot along your own secluded stream. With such prime access to the lake, you won’t be able to help but waste your days awaythe best way you know how—fi Read more...

The Chilhowee Group Camp sits near the top of Chilhowee Mountain, at an elevation of 2,000 feet. The campground is nestled in a forested area of hardwood and pine, just a short walk to McKamy Lake. The lake is popular with swimmers, boaters, and anglers. The recreation area also has 25 miles of trails for hikers and bikers, including a short 1. 5- Read more...

On your drive out to Chilhowee Recreation Area, stop at one of the many scenic overlooks for stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Once you arrive at the campground, you can choose between sites with electric hookups, RV sites, and tent-only sites. There are 25 miles of hiking and biking trails in the recreation area, including a 1. 5 mile Read more...

Looking for a primitive, remote campground surrounded by dense forest and creeks? Lost Creek Campground is your place! This quiet and secluded campground sits along the banks of the Big Lost Creek, far from other campgrounds, recreation areas, and any other signs of civilization. You can fish in Big Lost Creek, but make sure to check the website f Read more...

When you're ready to saddle up that horse of yours and get out on the trails, Lost Corral Horse Camp awaits. This campground serves as the perfect home base to those exploring Starr Mountain and Chestnut Mountain Horse Trails. Pitch your tent and hitch up your horse for the night or crash for a few days as you take your time riding through the mil Read more...

Tumbling Creek Campground sits near the banks of the Tumbling Creek, near Ocoee #3 Lake. Near the campground, you’ll find trails for all levels of hikers and mountain bikers. There are some steep and rugged trails, but visitors will be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of the mountain ranges. If you seek solitude, head over to Big Frog Wilde Read more...

Sylco Campground is a great escape if you’re looking for a peaceful, isolated campground. This camping spot sits on the banks of Sylco Creek. During the day you can head over to Big Frog Wilderness to explore, or cast a line in the nearby Conasauga or Jacks Rivers. Spend your evening around a campfire, cook up your fresh fish, and enjoy the solitu Read more...

Tucked away along the banks of the glistening Ocoee River, Thunder Rock Campground offers a top-notch escape for both rugged adventurers and s’mores fanatics. With prime access to great whitewater rafting, many rafters and kayakers flock to this campground. There are plenty of trails to explore on foot or bike, as well, with the Tanasi Trail Syste Read more...