Tent camping near Apison, Tennessee offers access to the Cherokee National Forest's rich hardwood ecosystem at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,000 feet. Weather patterns vary significantly with sudden afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months. Winter camping remains viable at lower elevations with temperatures typically 10-15 degrees warmer than surrounding mountain peaks.
What to do
**Waterfall exploration: Visit Foster Falls Campground where a short hike leads to swimming opportunities. According to a camper, "Really beautiful scenery on somewhat strenuous hikes to waterfalls, some good sport climbing, and a few trails that will take you really high up so you can look down at the beautiful green canopy."
**Creek wading: Hickey Gap in Cohutta WMA features accessible creek spots ideal for cooling off. A visitor noted, "There's a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas!"
**Fishing: The small pond at Davis Pond Campsite provides quiet fishing opportunities. "Down a long and winding (and dusty) gravel road into the WMA is the Davis Pond camp site, a real gem with shady trees and a fishing pond," reports one camper.
**Rock climbing: Several campsites serve as bases for accessing popular climbing routes. A camper explains Foster Falls "is a great spot to camp if you want to feel like you aren't really at a campground because all sites are rustic (no RV hookups)."
What campers like
**Secluded creek-side camping: Lost Creek Campground offers sites directly beside flowing water. A camper shares, "We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived. Sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad."
**Free camping options: Several dispersed sites charge no fees. "This is a free campsite so it's first come first serve and everyone we've met so far there have been the friendliest of people," notes a Lost Creek visitor.
**Trail access: Big Frog Area provides multiple primitive sites along popular hiking routes. A hiker reports, "On my hike up Big Frog trail this weekend I came across this great site. Lots of shade, on a beautiful stretch of trail around 1 mile north of Big Frog summit."
**Clean facilities: Despite primitive conditions, many campgrounds maintain basic amenities. A Lost Creek visitor mentions, "There are rest rooms and bear proof trash bins, we chose to set up our own restroom. The highlight would definitely be the creek."
What you should know
**Road conditions: Many campgrounds require driving on unpaved forest roads. At Hickey Gap, a camper warns, "One long rocky road and an active bear warning later we were rocking it by the creek."
**Bear activity: Several campgrounds report active bear populations. A visitor to Big Frog Area advises, "It is however in the middle of nowhere and there are no bathrooms or facilities or running water so it's not a good place to have like small small children and watch out for bears."
**Water sources: Most primitive sites lack running water. At Davis Pond, "While there is a two-station pit toilet, it's a bit of a horror show with a lot of trash accumulating in the structure."
**Cell coverage: Service is limited or nonexistent at most remote sites. A Lost Creek visitor reports, "No cell service and its first come first served for a spot."
Tips for camping with families
**Choose developed campgrounds: Chilhowee Campground offers more amenities suitable for children. A visitor notes, "Mountaintop campground with exceptional views, mountain lake/beach, waterfall, and hiking trails."
**Plan for limited facilities: Most tent sites have basic amenities only. A camper at Lost Creek shares, "Your classic primitive campground. No generators, water, or porta potties. How camping in the forest should be!"
**Consider site spacing: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. At Foster Falls, "The outer loop sites have more underbrush between them providing a buffer. Sites 17-26 all have relative privacy from each other."
**Pack for unexpected weather: Temperature drops can be significant after sunset. Bring extra layers even in summer months when overnight lows can drop into the 50s.
Tips from RVers
**Vehicle clearance matters: Forest roads can challenge standard vehicles. Regarding Davis Pond, a camper warns, "The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance."
**Limited RV options: Most primitive sites accommodate small trailers only. At Hunter's Check Station Campground, while RVs are permitted, a visitor cautions, "Most of the camp spots are littered with peoples leftovers (clothes and trash). Not a quiet camping area lots of road noise and traffic."
**Consider nearby alternatives: When tent camping near Apison, Outdoor Adventure Rafting Campground offers more developed facilities for small trailers. A visitor comments, "They got some cool abandoned buses. They do tubing too. They have an awesome bathroom facility."
