- Cherokee National Forest
The best camping in Cherokee National Forest, TN
96% (49)
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Richie
5 days ago
Weekend Trip to Camp Faith
Our stay at Camp Faith has always been a wonderful experience, and the property itself is beautiful. Darren is an outstanding host, and very little is needed when staying at any of his locations. I have stayed in his cabins twice before—each one is comfortable and well-maintained, as are the community bathhouse and kitchen.
This was our first time staying in the cottage, and it did not disappoint. Whether you choose a cabin or the cottage, both provide a peaceful, relaxing place to unwind after a long day of hiking.
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Clay
1 week ago
Tent
With kids
My boys and I stayed at Greener Acres for three nights and had an awesome experience. The restroom access and Wi-Fi were super convenient, and Brian was a thoughtful host who pointed us toward some great local spots. The location made it easy to get to Roan Mountain State Park, which was perfect for our trip. We’d definitely stay here again.
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Thadeus
2 weeks ago
20 ft campervan
Great experience camping at the hidden haven! Loved getting to use the fire pit they provided too 🙂
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Caleb
2 weeks ago
16 ft campervan
With pets
Easy to get to and great views! Fire and porta potty are great.
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Nathan
3 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Site was clean and had great camping amenities.
Had a picnic table, a camp fire pit and lots of pretty decorations
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Kay
3 weeks ago
Tent
Great place to set up and tent camp, they tree's give you lot's of set up options and the bath house was very nice and close. There are RV spots as well and the folks there were all very nice. Got to meet the owner and his brother and both made sure we had everything we needed as it was a cold wet weekend.
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Abigail
3 weeks ago
20 ft campervan
With pets
Lovely campground. Well maintained, beautiful setting, clean bathrooms and hot water at the dishwashing station. Would highly recommend.
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Kevin
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Blue Bear Mountain Camp
This is one of the best campgrounds we have stayed at. Mike was a great host, very friendly and easy to talk to. The bathhouse gets 5 stars from us. Heated water as well as heated room. We stayed in Dome #3 and it was clean and comfortable. The heated blanket was a very helpful for our cold evenings. We stayed 11/7-11/9 and have already started planning another trip to try the backpack sites. It is a beautiful property.
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Alaya
November 2025
With pets
Had a blast staying in this tiny cabin! Super private and peaceful and had lots of room for our pup to run around. The creek nearby is super fun to explore. We were even visited by a very sweet horse that lives on the property! Will definitely be booking again.
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Makayla
November 2025
Tent
There was plenty of space to paek and sent up a tent, on a flat open area with privacy. I felt safe. It was close to cafes, restaurants and out door adventures. And I appreciated the picnic table and fire pit. The only draw back for me was the street light (pro-helped with lighting the drive way for better visibility to find it, con-bright light at night slightly impacted my sleep and ambiance at night). Ted was responsive and helpful to any questions I had throughout the arrival and weekend process. Overall, grateful for the experience.
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Thomas
October 2025
6 nights at Tri Mountain View
We loved it there it is so peaceful the views are spectacular people are so down to earth..
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Albro
October 2025
Tent
Very nice bathrooms and shower facilities. Mike was very friendly and accommodating. Had many different campsites with different views available.
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William
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Camp Faith
Loved my stay in the cozy mountain cabin. Great place to re-connect with nature, along side some creature comforts of home.
Beautiful property and Darren was kind and gave me great recommendations for nearby hikes!
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Daniel
October 2025
22 ft Class B
With pets
Perfect little hidden hideaway right next to Grandfather mountain. An old parking lot made it easy to pull in and set up for the night. 10/10 will be back again!
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Bryan
October 2025
18 ft travel trailer
Fun relaxing low key place. Nice moderate hike on the grounds. Ready to visit again.
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Skyler
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Our group loved camping here! The host was so nice and helpful and we got to enjoy time around the fire chatting, laughing and hanging out which is what we truly came for. Would 100% camp here again!
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Paige
October 2025
1 night at The North Star Dome at Compass Rose
We had a wonderful stay at the Compass Rose! Temps were down in the 30s but we stayed toasty warm with the propane heater and were very comfortable. The doggies were very sweet and well behaved and Eva was a kind and gracious host. 10/10 would recommend!
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Doris
October 2025
Tent
Lovely and peaceful space. Whimsical creek side fire pit sitting area. Super convenient location to our activities at the Creeper Trail and the Channels.
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kaydence
October 2025
Tent
This was an awesome tent site with beautiful views of the mountains and autumn scenery. Thank you Cameron
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Kaila
October 2025
Tent
The place is beautiful, accessible, clean and quiet. I hope to get to make a tradition of staying here every fall.
See moreTop public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in Cherokee National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Cherokee National Forest, TN guide
Overview
About
Follow us to Tennessee and dive into the grandeur of the Cherokee National Forest! It’s filled to the brim with scenic forested trails, rushing rivers, and rainbow trout. During the day you can go rafting, and at night you can bask yourself in moonshine (of various sorts) and brush up on your constellations. If you are in pursuit of some Appalachian Mountain bliss, this is the right place to start. Don’t forget your camera, you're going to want to show these vistas off!
96%
49 ratings · 21 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Great spot on the ocoee.
Mary And Dan C.
32 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Great campground to stay at while boating the ocoee or biking tunasi! Wonderful spots to jump in and swim as well.
Mary And Dan C.
32 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Cherokee National Forest
Beautiful and peaceful. Will definitely return.
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Cat H.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
30 ft Class C ·
Paint Creek Campground
Great place to stay the night.
Steven Keeley S.
9 months on Hipcamp
March 2021
Per ranger still first come first served, fairly primitive. Bring own water.
Lisa F.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2020
Off the beaten path for sure. The cabin is about 1/4 mile uphill from the road. Similar to a trail shelter. Plywood bunks, Plenty of Mice, Nice fireplace. Bring your own mattress, lantern (its dark inside) and water, but table, chairs and rockers are supplied. Don't plan on any heat form the fireplace as it mostly goes up the chimney. Bunks are in a second room so no heat at all. Great Adventure.
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Randy M.
5 years on Hipcamp
January 2020
Accessed this by SUV, I wouldn't recommend a car, the forest road is kinda sketchy. it was kinda remote and I had no company.
Made a fire and hit the water which was about 50 yards from campsite. Brought a super nice 12-13 inch brown to hand on a caddis.
I highly recommend this place if you want to be left alone.
Stephen B.
5 years on Hipcamp
June 2019
My family has RV camped here a couple of times when white water rafting the Ocoee and Nantahala Rivers. You have to drive up into the mountains to reach the campground and there are some beautiful overlooks along the way. There is a small mountain lake with a great beach and swimming area just a short hike from the campground. I would highly recommend this campground.
Leah H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2018
Loved it both times i was there. Great for night kayaking! Just wish it was a little more private. Campsites are about 30 yards apart.
Ben S.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2018
Went in January and had the whole place to ourselves. Was wonderful!
Ben S.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2017
You can camp, rent a cabin, or easy stay. Lots of amenities.
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Angela H.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2017
Super isolated campground. Very few people there during the week. Great sound of the rushing water behind each site. You do hear some highway noise.
J P.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2017
Remote camping if you're the type of person who doesn't want to be around people.
Jenn S.
8 years on Hipcamp
July 2017
Super quiet, super secluded campground. Pit toilets no running water. Gorgeous creek. Alcohol is allowed, but it is very patrolled by wardens after dark so make sure you're legal.. There's really not much to do here, but if you want a relaxing weekend this is the place. Lots of places to hang a hammock. The name comes from all the holly trees and the ground is covered in them. It drove our dog crazy.
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Abby G.
8 years on Hipcamp
June 2017
This campground is permanently closed.
Andrew M.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2017
There are three perfect campgrouds right by this cove, and then there is one absolutely perfect spot that is kind of secluded and has its own little peninsula. All in all a solid 9/10
Savannah W.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2017
You will have to drive to get to some good trails from this campsite. But going in the early spring is interesting as it is frog mating season! This campsite is a minutes walk from the lake, so you will hear a chorus of frogs in the evening. Make sure that you procure a hiking map before you go adventuring as the roads aren't particularly well labeled and it is easy to get confused when trying to find a trailhead. But once you do, beautiful day hikes await!
Bethany C.
8 years on Hipcamp
December 2016
Typically, it's always packed and rangers are always patrolling. Like Gee Creek, don't even think about drinking adult beverages in this campground. There are some dispersed options if you go past the campground up the hill.
Travis C.
9 years on Hipcamp
December 2016
This is great campground with typically clean amenities. Rangers are occasionally seen walking around checking sites but they mostly always leave people be. There are one or two free spots just past the actual campground on the right if you are coming from the main road. The free spots are road side so you'll be dealing with traffic at times but it's worth it if you're into dispersed camping.
Travis C.
9 years on Hipcamp
May 2016
The description is somewhat misleading. North River campground is not located near a lake. It is located beside a lovely stream which is ideal for kids (and adults)! I was there today and everything is in great shape.
Judy E.
9 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
Such a lovely spot! It is quite the trip from when you first enter Cherokee, but man is it worth it! My camp spot was right on South Holston Lake which allowed us to take a nice hike along the waters edge. We made friends with campers at the next spot over, shared some grub and good times. Though in the "Amenities" section it says there are certain things unavailable, our spot had quite a few of those things such as: a picnic table, fire ring, restroom (no shower) as well as bear proof trash/recycling receptacles. I highly recommend this site. The only thing I would have changed would have been to reserve a site further away from RV spots, the generators are a little much when you're trying to enjoy the peace and quite of nature!
Danielle C.
10 years on Hipcamp