the dyrt
Cabins
Group
RV Sites
Tent Sites
Fires Allowed
Pets Allowed
Drinking Water
About
Little Oak Campground
Little Oak Campground hugs the shores and inlets of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee. With a view of the Holston Mountain ridgeline and lake islands, Little Oak campsites are a relaxing setting for your vacation. There are 72 universally accessible campsites improved in 2012 including warm showers and a paved access road. Campground hosts are available on site to answer your questions. Natural Features: South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of wildlife including a healthy population of black bear. Recreation: Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Little Oak, with a concrete boat launch within the campground. Numerous campsites have easy access to the lake shore for tying off your boat. There are nearby trails for hiking and horseback riding. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads between camping loops. There is also a lakeside grassy area popular for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout the season, resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the naturalist in your group. Facilities: There are 72 universally accessible campsites for tents or RVs within four loops at Little Oak Campground. Each loop has a pair of vault toilets. In addition, there is an accessible shower house with 8 showers for the campground. There is a boat launch within the campground with an additional single vault toilet. Recycling has been added to the campground, including aluminum, glass and plastic. Nearby Attractions: Little Oak Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30 minutes away up beautiful Shadey Valley and just five minutes from Damascus, Virginia. Jacobs Creek Campground and Swim Area is 15 minutes away for another view of South Holston Lake.
Operator
USDA Forest Service
Access
Drive In
Walk In
Boat In
Features
ADA Accessible
Drinking Water
No Electric Hookups
Fires Allowed
Pets Allowed
Phone Service
Picnic Table
Reservable
Sanitary Dump
Showers
Toilets
Trash Available
Water Hookups
Contact
Location
Little Oak Campground
is located in
Cherokee National Forest
in
Tennessee
Directions
From Bristol, take US 421 south for 12 miles, and turn right onto paved Camp Tom Howard Road. After 0.5 miles, this road becomes Forest Road #87. Continue on Road #87 for six miles. Turn right on Road #87G for 1.5 miles to Little Oak.
8 Reviews of Little Oak Campground
so close, but so far away
This campground is located about an hour or so from our home but it feels like a million miles away — in a good way! Follow the 7 mile trek off the main road to one of the loveliest campgrounds in East Tennessee. We stayed here the first weekend in May 2019 and had the place to ourselves. Stayed again in early June and most of the reserved spots were taken. It’s on the lake, so some of the sites have kayak access and beautiful views. However the second time we stayed, campers next to us had 8 (we counted) kids and made a racket the entire time. We understand kids but after 11 pm, we’d had enough and husband went out and yelled for them to hush. Bathrooms were spotless and showers were wonderful! Nice to walk around the campground, but no major trails that we could find.
Beautiful view, great fishing, close restroom
The campground has plenty of room and space for your truck/boat/ trailer. The campfire setup worked out well and the view of the lake was unbeatable. The staff running the campground was incredible.
Beautiful lake great sites
The only rough thing is no check in help. The place is gorgeous for sure. We go at least 6 times per year!
Lakeside camping in Cherokee National Forest
Holston Lake is absolutely beautiful. The campground is deep in the national forest, out on a series of peninsulas, making all the campsites quite close to the water. Not all have a water view though, since the greenery is so dense. There are some short hiking trails, but plan to spend most of your time on the water. Close to 81 and lots of other campgrounds nearby if this one fills up.
Yay: Nice medium sized campground with basic but excellent amenities.
Nay: Long dirt road not necessarily accessible to all cars if it’s been raining.
Surprise: Really enjoyed walking along the shoreline and the sunset over the lake. There are stables nearby where you can hire horses (we didn’t have time to do so).
Great getaway
Little oak offered a great place to stay for a week. With south Holston lake at your finger tips it offers a great area to fish, boat, kayak, paddle board and swim. Facilities were cleaned everyday so no stinky bathrooms and showers. Only thing I wish they had was cabins for when you don't really want to rough it in a tent.
Wow!
Very kid-friendly super spacious campsites every site is right on the lake with amazing sunsets every night. Only wish they had electricity.
Relaxation at its finest
Little Oak Campground is a small but very private Campground. The spaces are spread out full of gorgeous trees wildflowers and always a view of the amazing Lake. Bathrooms at every Loop. The people are amazing you always make new friends every time you go. Only downside is there's no electricity or water at the campsites I would give it 5 stars if it would upgrade to that.
