Camping in Tusquitee National Forest ranges from primitive lakeside sites to full-service RV parks with varied elevation levels throughout the region. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing at higher elevations, while summer brings afternoon thunderstorms that can rapidly change trail and access road conditions. Cell service varies dramatically depending on your distance from Murphy, with most dispersed sites offering limited connectivity even during peak visitor season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Panther Top Dispersed Site offers excellent fishing access with visitors reporting success catching largemouth bass using silver spinning lures. "Lots of fish jumping and I caught a 1 pound large mouth bass on a silver spinning lure," notes a camper at Panther Top Dispersed Site.
Mountain biking trails: The Jackrabbit Mountain area features 15 miles of trails for various skill levels with direct access from the campground. "The 15 miles of mountain bike trails are absolutely amazing for all skill levels," reports one visitor, who adds that "There is a 1.5 mile connector dirt trail to the Jackrabbit mountain trail system, so no need to ride on the road."
Horseback riding: Track Rock Campground offers on-site horseback riding with guided experiences. "The highlight of the trip for me" was "a lovely horseback ride on Chubby Checker with Sonya," shared one camper at Track Rock Campgrounds, which also features an equestrian area near the camping facilities.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many sites at Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites offer direct water access for kayaking. "Sites are so spread out it feels like you're the only one on the lake! Most parking next to campsites could fit camper van or tiny trailer," reports a visitor at Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites, who also notes that "each has a picnic table, fire pit/grill, and level area for 1-2 tents."
Cleanliness standards: The bathrooms at Morganton Point Campground receive consistent praise. "The bathrooms looked brand new when we went, and were very well-kept," reports one visitor, while another notes that Morganton Point Campground has "the nicest bathhouse" they encountered in the region.
Year-round access: Many campgrounds in lower elevations remain open through winter. Persimmon Creek Campground stays open all year, with campers noting the friendly ownership: "Very peaceful, great young owners. Spent Labor Day weekend here and it was quiet. The bathhouse was small and rustic but clean and nice."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires careful driving. At Long Hungry Road, a camper advises to "drive carefully (lots of big potholes and blind curves)!" while noting the sites are worth the effort with "lake views (most have lake access if you want to put in a kayak or canoe)."
Site availability: Panther Top Dispersed Site has limited capacity with only two primary camping spots. "There are two main spots right on the lake that are set up for tent camping... Since there are only two spots, definitely have a backup plan, especially on the weekends," warns one visitor at Panther Top Dispersed Site.
Regional noise factors: Some campgrounds may experience noise from nearby activities. At Panther Top, "You can hear the gun range from the Camp Spot, but it is barely noticeable," while at Peachtree Cove RV Park, campers note "the only drawback we've found is the traffic noise, but this is a narrow valley in the Great Smokies so it can't be helped."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Vogel State Park provides multiple water activities for children. "The lake has a beach, you can rent a kayak or paddle boat. There's a beautiful waterfall and the hikes are amazing!" reports a visitor to Vogel State Park Campground, which also features a swimming beach on its 22-acre lake.
Family entertainment options: Persimmon Creek Campground offers a central play area and stream. "The kids played in the creek, and also joined in a soccer game on the field. Sites were spacious," notes a camper at Persimmon Creek RV Park, which features a small catch-and-release pond in the center of the campground.
Space between sites: Look for campgrounds that offer adequate separation between neighbors. Indian Boundary Campground offers "campsites seem close but are pretty private. Lush green sites" with a camper noting it's "one of the best maintained campgrounds I've been to."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Consider length and height limitations when selecting sites. At Peachtree Cove RV Park, one RVer with a 43-foot fifth wheel noted: "Length wise I fit with room to spare. However I am 13'6" in height and there is a cable/power line over this site and site 16 that hangs a bit too low and my AC unit got acquainted with it."
Leveling challenges: Many mountain sites require additional equipment for leveling. At Panther Top, a camper reported: "My overland rig fit in the small parking area fine, but I had to find a few rocks to level my truck so the rooftop tent was level."
Weather preparation: Winter camping requires additional planning in the mountains. "From metro ATL, it's just under a 2 hour drive up," reports a winter RV camper at Indian Boundary, who enjoyed the cold weather camping, noting "The bathrooms were immaculate and heated, plenty of hot water."
