Established Camping
Little Oak Campground
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
This location is closed until further notice due to significant impacts from Hurricane Helene. Please continue to monitor this locations facility page on Recreation.gov for status updates or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/cherokee for details. Keep in mind, local personnel may be attending to this urgent situation and not available to provide updates immediately.
Little Oak Campground, near Elizabethton, Tennessee, is a charming spot tucked away in the Cherokee National Forest, perfect for those looking to unwind in nature. With its scenic views of South Holston Lake, this campground offers a peaceful escape where you can kick back and enjoy the great outdoors.
The sites here are spacious and well-kept, making it easy to find a cozy spot for your tent or RV. Campers rave about the clean facilities, including restrooms and a bathhouse, which add a touch of comfort to your stay. As one visitor noted, “The campground was nice and clean,” highlighting the attention to detail in maintaining the area.
For those who love water activities, the campground provides easy access to the lake, where you can fish, swim, or simply relax by the shore. Many campers appreciate the tranquility that sets in after the boat traffic dies down, making it an ideal time for a sunset swim or a quiet evening by the campfire. Just be mindful of the local squirrels; they’re known to be quite the food thieves!
If you’re planning a visit, keep in mind that the campground operates from April to October, and it’s a good idea to arrive early, especially during peak times. With its friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, Little Oak Campground is a great choice for a weekend getaway or a longer retreat into nature.
Description
National Forest
Cherokee National Forest
Overview
LITTLE OAK CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE. CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. 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 69 universally accessible campsites improved in 2012 including warm showers and a paved access road. Campground hosts are available on site to answer your questions.
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.
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.
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 past Backbone Rock is Damascus, Virginia. Jacobs Creek Campground and Swim Area is 25 minutes away for another view of South Holston Lake.
Location
Little Oak Campground is located 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.
Address
1051 Little Oak Rd
Bristol, TN 37620
Coordinates
36.5195389 N
82.0608167 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiPoor
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileFair
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump