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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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!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...

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...

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. 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...

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...

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...

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...

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?Read more...

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...