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Camping in Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest is a National Forest, where dispersed camping is usually allowed outside developed sites unless posted otherwise. On Birds Of Passage it has 3 free camp spots, 30 paid or permit campgrounds, 1 cabin or lookout, 1 more where the fee isn't confirmed.

Camp spots

• Lost Creek CampgroundFree camping
• Paint Creek CorridorFree camping
• Tumbling Creek CampgroundFree camping
• Backbone Rock Recreation Area PavilionsPaid or permit campsite
• Big Oak Cove CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Birch Branch CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Cardens Bluff CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Chilhowee CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Chilhowee Group CampPaid or permit campsite
• Davis Branch CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Dennis Cove CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Holder Cove CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Holly Flats CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Horse Creek Recreation AreaPaid or permit campsite
• Houston ValleyPaid or permit campsite
• Indian BoundaryPaid or permit campsite
• Jacobs Creek Campground (TN)Paid or permit campsite
• Jake Best CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Little Oak CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Lost Corral Horse CampPaid or permit campsite
• Mcnabb Creek GroupPaid or permit campsite
• North River CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Old Forge CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Paint Creek CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Parksville Lake RV CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, TN)Paid or permit campsite
• Rough Ridge CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Round Mountain CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Spivey Cove CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• State Line CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Thunder Rock CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Watauga Point Recreation AreaPaid or permit campsite
• Young Branch CampgroundPaid or permit campsite
• Donley CabinCabin, lookout or rental
• Dam Creek Walk-In Campground and Picnic AreaFree or paid (not confirmed)

Recent posts from campers

• Thunder Rock CampgroundOct 22, 2026

Fees, seasons and closures change. Check with the managing agency before you go. Official data: Recreation.gov, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Recreation Sites and Trails BC.

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