Skip to main content
Site Closed
Recreation Region: Tellico River

Donley Cabin

Looking for a unique place to stay? The Donley cabin is a primitive cabin, with no running water or electricity. Visits from mice and other wildlife are not uncommon. Inside there is a full size metal bed (with plywood as a base for visitor’s bedding), two bunk beds and kitchen table with chairs. Rocking chairs on the front porch provide the perfect stage to enjoy the secluded setting. The outhouse is just steps away. Wood for the fireplace and outside grill can be gathered in the nearby forest. The parking area is a quarter-mile walk from the cabin and includes a log foot bridge across North River.

Current Conditions
Closed until further notice, due to damage to the bridge crossing North River, caused by flooding during the Easter Weekend 2020 storms.

General Information

Check in: 2:00 p.m.; Check-out: 12:00 p.m.; Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

  • There is a six-person limit, and a 3-day stay limit. The cabin is available year round, but fall months are the most popular.
  • Tent camping is not permitted.
  • Food storage restrictions apply at all areas on the Cherokee National Forest. All food and beverages must be stored in an approved bear-proof container, your locked vehicle or hard-sided camper at all times unless being eaten, prepared, or transported.

Fee is $35 per night by reservation only. Reservations can be made from 1 to 360 days in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at Recreation.gov.  

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 35.3152

Longitude: -84.0981

Directions

From Tellico Plains - turn onto TN 165 for approximately 5 miles, turn right onto FR 210 going past Ranger Station, for about 10 miles. Turn left on FR 217. Parking lot will be approximately 5 miles upstream.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Last updated March 21, 2025