Dispersed Camping

For visitors wanting to get away from it all, dispersed camping outside of developed campgrounds is allowed throughout Cherokee National Forest unless posted otherwise. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of water, trails, trailhead parking lots and developed recreation areas. Dispersed camping is free and no permits are required.

Dispersed Camping Areas

Citico Creek Area
This area provides opportunities for solitude and backcountry experiences. You will find ample opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, camping, and hiking.

With more than 20,000 acres of Wilderness in Citico Creek and Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock, this area provides ample opportunities for solitude and backcountry experiences. Catch both native and stocked trout in Citico Creek and its rugged tributaries, and fish for small-mouth bass and catfish in the creek’s lower reaches.
- Citico Creek Area Map
- Citico Creek Area Guide
French Broad River Area
This area’s wooded mountainsides and creek gorges are linked by an extensive road and trail system. Activities include fishing, hiking, horseback riding, creek play and camping.

At Paint Creek, camping, fishing, swimming and picnicking are popular activities. Other water-based opportunities include driving along scenic Brush Creek or exploring warm-water Allen Branch or Paint Creek ponds. Enjoy the scenery from horseback on 35 miles of multi-use trails, also open to mountain bikers and hikers. The Appalachian Scenic Trail lies along the eastern edge of this area.
- French Broad River Area Map
- French Broad River Area Guide
Paint Creek Corridor
Picnicking and many other recreation opportunities are available along scenic Paint Creek Corridor. Forest Road #41 parallels Paint Creek five miles between Paint Creek Campground and the French Broad River. Driving for pleasure is one of the most popular activities along the corridor, though bicycling is becoming increasingly more common. Paint Creek is stocked with trout during the summer months, and fly fishing is another favorite activity. Along the corridor, you’ll also find overlooks to observe Kelly and Dudley Falls, a warm water fishing pond, hiking trails and opportunities for dispersed camping.
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

Dispersed Camping

Dispersed Camping Areas

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities