Explore Cherokee National Forest: Top Camping Picks in Ocoee, Unaka, and Tellico Ranger Districts
Experience the natural beauty of Cherokee National Forest with a variety of camping options suited for all outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the vibrant Cherokee and Ocoee Ranger Districts, offering scenic campgrounds like Indian Boundary and Thunder Rock, perfect for both families and solo adventurers. The lush surroundings provide a stunning backdrop for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. For those seeking a rustic experience, backcountry sites are available for a true wilderness immersion. Be sure to check out the picturesque rivers and pristine trails that define this remarkable landscape. Discover your next camping getaway in Cherokee National Forest and immerse yourself in the serenity of nature.
Backbone Rock Campground is located in the Watauga Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest (49 min east of Bristol, TN) with an elevation of 2,238 feet. There are a total of 11 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 30 and 90 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $10.00 to $20.00. Some amenities include swimming, flush toilets. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails, rock climbing.
Cardens Bluff Campground is located in the Watauga Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest (32 min east of Johnson City, TN) with an elevation of 2,031 feet. There are a total of 40 campsites including 36 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to mid October. 4 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $12.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, swimming, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Chilhowee Campground is located in the Ocoee Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest (39 min east of Cleveland, TN) with an elevation of 2,093 feet. There are a total of 59 campsites including 11 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid April to the beginning of November. 48 sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 90 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 33 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $12.00 to $30.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, swimming, amphitheater, flush toilets. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Dennis Cove Campground is located in the Watauga Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest (40 min east of Johnson City, TN) with an elevation of 2,620 feet. There are a total of 14 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to mid October. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $10.00 to $20.00. Some amenities include swimming, flush toilets. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Indian Boundary Campground is located in the Tellico Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest (1 hr 36 min south of Knoxville, TN) with an elevation of 1,839 feet. There are a total of 86 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid April to the beginning of November. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 26 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. All sites have electric hookups. Prices start at $20.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, dump station, general store, boat ramp, swimming, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Little Oak Campground is located in the Watauga Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest (43 min east of Bristol, TN) with an elevation of 1,773 feet. There are a total of 65 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of April to the beginning of November. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $12.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, dump station, boat ramp, swimming, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Parksville Lake Rv Campground is located in the Ocoee Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest (just 25 min east of Cleveland, TN) with an elevation of 872 feet. There are a total of 16 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 32 and 122 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. All sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $20.00 to $40.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, swimming, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Rock Creek Rec Area is located in the Unaka Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest (just 26 min south of Johnson City, TN) with an elevation of 2,422 feet. There are a total of 34 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of October. 24 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 70 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 1 site has electric and water hookups. 32 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $20.00 to $50.00. Some amenities include shower, playground, swimming, amphitheater, flush toilets. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Thunder Rock Campground is located in the Ocoee Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest (40 min east of Cleveland, TN) with an elevation of 1,156 feet. There are a total of 38 campsites including 4 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 34 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 35 and 80 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. 1 site has electric hookups. Fees range from $12.00 to $20.00. Some amenities include flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
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