Group Camping

Several opportunities exist for group camping in the Cherokee National Forest. 

Group Camping Areas

• Holston Mountain Area

  

  Holston Mountain provides a scenic backdrop for South Holston Lake and is a venue for boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing and horseback riding.

  A horse trail complex winds for more than 30 miles along both sides of Holston Mountain.  Visit the scenic Blue Hole waterfall located off TN Highway 91.

  Camp on the lakeshore at Jacob’s Creek and Little Oak Recreation Areas.

  • Holston Mountain Area Map
  • Holston Mountain Area Guide
• Little Oak Campground
• Iron Mountains

  

  Rugged mountain solitude can be experienced throughout this area. Long distance backpacking, trout fishing and the shortest tunnel in the world are a few features you can find here.

  The Osborne Farm offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains from the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.). From there, take a multi-day backpack trip along the A.T. and Iron Mountain Trail.  Try your hand at trout fishing in Beaverdam and Laurel Creeks.  Camp at Backbone Rock Recreation Area and explore what is known locally as the shortest tunnel in the world.

  • Iron Mountains Map
  • Iron Mountains Guide
• Backbone Rock Recreation Area
• Ocoee River Area

  

  World class whitewater, mountain biking trail systems, environmental education programs, highly developed camping, and scenic byways are a few activities featured in the Ocoee River area.  

  Local outfitters offer rafting excursions in the Ocoee River’s world-class whitewater. The Ocoee Whitewater Center is a hub for outdoor adventure and offers regional information, environmental education, trails and picnic sites. Bike the 30-mile Tanasi Trail complex and trails at Chilhowee Recreation Area or take a scenic drive along the Ocoee Scenic Byway (US 64 and Forest Road 77). Popular camping areas include Parksville and Thunder Rock Campgrounds, as well as Chilhowee Recreation Area.

  • Ocoee River Area Map
  • Ocoee River Area Guide
• Chilhowee Recreation Area

  

  Located in the Chilhowee Recreation Area, Chilhowee Campground offers more than 70 campsites, electric hookups, RV sites, tent-only sites and multiple bathhouses.The campground is usually open from early April to late October, with an overflow area and day use area open year-round. 7-acre McKamy Lake offers a swim area with a sand beach, and fishing from the bank. Boats are allowed, but gasoline motors are not. Also, within the recreation area are approximately 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a scenic waterfall. On the drive up to the campground, stop at one of the many observation overlooks to see beautiful mountain settings. Wildlife is abundant in this area, so have your camera ready and tread lightly.

  Chilhowee Recreation Area Map and Guide

• Parksville Lake Campground
• Thunder Rock Campground
• Tellico River Area

  

  This area provides outstanding opportunities for fishing, camping, hiking, and scenic driving.  It is also home to the popular Indian Boundary Recreation Area and the Cherohala Skyway.

  Nearly 30,000 acres of remote backcountry surround three rivers and their tributaries, where fishing for brown, rainbow and brook trout is excellent. Cherohala Skyway (TN 165/NC143), a 43-mile National Scenic Byway, winds between Tellico Plains, Tenn. and Robbinsville, N.C. Tellico River Road (FR 210) offers intimate views of the river and 90-foot Bald River Falls.

  Spend the night at the historic Donley Cabin and check out CCC structures at Tellico Ranger Station and Dam Creek Picnic Area. Hike across the area on the Benton MacKaye Trail. Camp at sites along Tellico River or in Indian Boundary Recreation Area just off Cherohala Skyway.

  • Tellico River Area Map
  • Tellico River Area Guide
• Indian Boundary Recreation Area

  

  If you are looking for a base camp to explore the vicinity or a destination campground with modern facilities and a family atmosphere, try Indian Boundary Recreation Area (IBRA), accessed off Cherohala Skyway.

  Over 87 campsites are equipped with firerings, picnic tables, lantern posts and electrical hookups, with easy access to drinking water, showers, flush toilet facilities and an on-site dump station.

  Day use facilities include a 96-acre lake, swim beach, small boat launch, accessible fishing pier and 3.6 mile hike/bike trail around the lake. Did you forget something? Don't sweat it! The Indian Boundary General Store can meet your camping supply needs ranging from bread to firewood, as well as a souvenir for you to remember your trip to IBRA.

  Indian Boundary Recreation Area Map

  Indian Boundary Recreation Area Guide

• Indian Boundary Overflow Campground
• McNabb Group Camp
• Rough Ridge Campground
• State Line Campground
• Watauga Lake Area

  

  Water recreation is abundant in this area, featuring Watauga Lake; the Doe, Elk and Watauga rivers;  several streams and seven waterfalls.

  Highly developed recreation areas along Watauga Lake provide facilities for fishing, picnicking, swimming and boat launching. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs through the area's backcountry.  Camp on the lakeshore at Cardens Bluff or in the backcountry along Laurel Fork Creek at Dennis Cove.

  • Watuaga Lake Area Map
  • Watuaga Lake Area Guide
• Dennis Cove Recreation Area