3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent camping options in the Cherokee National Forest surrounding Delano, Tennessee include both established and dispersed sites with varying levels of amenities. Lost Creek Campground in the Cherokee National Forest offers free tent-only sites approximately 7 miles down a gravel forest road. This primitive campground provides concrete picnic tables, fire rings, and creek access with sites that accommodate tents in a quiet, forested setting.
Most tent sites near Delano feature basic amenities with limited services. The Lost Creek area includes primitive toilet facilities but no drinking water, requiring campers to either filter from nearby creeks or bring their own supply. Sites typically have concrete or natural surfaces with some offering direct creek access. As one review noted, "This campground is incredibly clean and quiet—and completely free. It's in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by forest, with easy creek access." Walk-in tent locations like those in the Big Frog Area require hikers to carry gear in from trailheads but reward with greater solitude.
Tent-only camping experiences in this region provide exceptional access to natural features and recreation opportunities. Areas along creek beds offer the pleasant sound of running water throughout the night, while forest sites provide ample shade during summer months. According to a visitor, "All you hear is the river at night. No cell service and it's first come first served for a spot." Many tent campsites connect to hiking trails, including the Benton McKaye trail which runs directly beside Lost Creek Campground. The area supports various outdoor activities from fishing in the clear creeks to day hiking and backpacking deeper into the wilderness. Most sites are available year-round, though spring and fall typically offer the most comfortable temperatures for tent camping.
"The state park/campground adjoins the Cherokee National Forest and sits on the north bank of the Hiwassee River outside of Benton, TN."
"Very nice campground with large tent sites with fairly level ground capable of sitting 2 or 3 tents. Most have mature trees to hang hammocks. Very quiet during weekdays."
Available this weekend
"It's in the middle of nowhere (7 miles down a gravel forest road), surrounded by forest, with easy creek access (some sites are right beside the creek), and the Benton McKaye trail running directly beside"
"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. We had to clean ours when we arrived."
"The trail isn’t really a trail but it’s so worth it. if you enter through gee creek rd it’s only about half a mile to the top. It is an off beat path and there are no markings."
"Hammock camping is ideal here, unsure of tent camping possibilities. Come prepared to hike hard and to experience unexpected weather if it occurs"
"Our site was clean, shaded and level."
"Mountaintop campground with exceptional views, mountain lake/beach, waterfall, and hiking trails. We went in the spring for a work retreat."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $50 / night
"A ranger drove by while I was having coffee the next morning and was very laid back and completely unbothered that I had arrived after hours."
"Our first time here at the Hiwassee Outfitter camping area in Reliance, Tennessee. Most campsites have river view or stream view. One large circle, mostly tent camping. No electric hookup."
"This is a popular location for the regional university students so expect a bit of a hootenanny to surround and welcome you."
"We stayed in the Tent camping area recently."
"There are picnic tables and fire rings at every site but they recently removed the trash cans due to a racoon problem. There is a large central dumpster available though."
Available this weekend
"There are several places for primitive camping spots that I’ve seen along the bank. 10/10 would recommend for your next adventure spot if you haven’t been."
"It has hiking trails bycyclin trails it also has local horse back riding that takes you up near Chilhowee Lake once to the top you get a really beautiful overlook of Parksville lake at one of the centered"
"I found this awesome campground close to the beginning of the Cherohala skyway in Tellico Plains."
from $20 / night
ScoutI camped here with a friend last weekend and absolutely loved this place! It's a cute little site with a great host, clean bathrooms, free firewood, and super friendly dogs, goats, and people. I would for sure stay here again and recommend.
GuideParksville Lake RV Campground is an absolute gem! I had a fantastic stay here. The campground is beautifully maintained, and the sites are nice, spacious, and wonderfully shaded by the trees. We loved the layout of the RV loop, especially the outer section where a peaceful creek flows right past the sites—the sound of the water at night was perfect. The restrooms and showers were exceptionally clean and well-kept. I had Starlink connectivity at my site and my WeBoost cell signal booster gave me up to three bars on AT&T. The campground host was incredibly nice, welcoming, and helpful. It's a wonderful, relaxing spot, and I will definitely be back!
GuideA sign on the gate says that the area has been closed "due to vandalism and unauthorized activity".
ScoutI was worried that I would arrive and find all the campsites occupied. This was not the case. When I got there around 5:30 there was only one other site taken. I didn’t see them until the next morning. By morning, there were two other sites occupied.
GuideThis is one of several USFS campgrounds that are within a few miles of each other. The cost is only $8/night, first come first served. The sites are fairly large with about half of them on a wide, clear creek. There is no running water, but there are bear proof trash cans and vault toilets that were fairly clean, but didn't smell great.
There is free potable water and an RV dump station about a mile away at the North River Game Checking Station on River Road near the Spivey Cove campground..
The campsite was clean with picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern post. The fire ring was almost full of ashes and it appears that campers have to clean them out themselves.
The Green Cove Angler store is a couple miles away and has ice, firewood and other camper things.
Unfortunately, while we were there, it was bear hunting season and another camper had multiple barking and baying dogs that went on and on for hours.
TravelerHard to find, really busy but most of them were hikers let left at nightfall.
ScoutCalled the day of to ask if we could camp and set up after hours for that day and the next the lady told me yes i could pay in the morning i got here set up that night woke up around 8 am to go pay and reserve my campsite for the day and she told me they were booked even though she had told me the day before she had plenty of campsites. Then tried to tell me the only one she had was a $75 site for 4 people which is absolutely insane. She made snarky remarks and was overall incompetent in making sure the guests receive the right information the first time. Absolutely zero care that we set up not even 12 hours before to make us take it down and leave.
ScoutFort Mountain SP offers some great adventures for the outdoorsman. Hiking and Biking are the mainstays. The overlooks are absolutely astounding from the Cool Springs Overlook, which is easily accessible to anyone even the disabled. The overlook on the trail to the wall and tower is equally amazing. The campground is electric and water only, no fhu. All spots are gravel and fairly level. The bathhouses are older and could use updating . We have zero T-Mobile service at the campground, but it works well in other areas of the park. We have Starlink for our 5th Wheel but the heavy tree canopy in our site made it sketchy. The staff is very friendly.
ScoutThis was a very nice campground! The tent areas are partially gravel so it helped the area be less muddy after rain. Beautiful view of the river and would be a great place to fish! Bathrooms are very nice! Comes with a nice fire pit and didn’t have to use own grate! Pet friendly! Staff was very nice and helpful!
Only complaint was some of their quiet hours were confusing. The quiet hours on the email said 10pm to 7am but then sign posted at bathroom was 11pm-7am for quiet hours.
Tent camping near Delano, Tennessee offers primitive wilderness experiences with limited facilities and basic terrain. The region sits within the Cherokee National Forest at elevations ranging from 700 to 2,000 feet, creating varied microclimates across camping areas. Most sites require campers to traverse gravel roads that can become challenging after heavy rainfall, particularly during the spring storm season.
Creek fishing opportunities: Lost Creek Campground provides access to small streams suitable for fishing. "The creek can be used for shallow water wading or fishing," notes one camper who visited during winter when the area was completely empty.
Mountain biking exploration: The remote forest roads surrounding tent sites offer excellent cycling terrain. As one visitor to Lost Creek Campground shared, "Many places to explore on bike or hiking. Super remote area, ride were in decent shape, I could see them being bad after a heavy storm."
Hiking to mountain summits: For experienced hikers seeking views, the Big Frog Area trails lead to impressive vistas. One camper described the winter landscape as "white and just absolutely gorgeous the views are spectacular," though they cautioned about the remote nature and lack of facilities.
Natural creek sounds: Campsites positioned along waterways provide natural soundscapes. At Goforth Creek Campground E, visitors appreciate the "nice site along the creek that has plenty of space for multiple tents," though they note it "could be buggy in the summer but a good option in the fall."
Privacy between sites: Many primitive campsites offer reasonable separation from other campers. The Starr Mountain Area requires "a very intense hike up the mountain but the views are worth it," with campers noting "hammock camping is ideal here, unsure of tent camping possibilities."
Wildlife observation: The remote settings increase chances for wildlife encounters. In the Big Frog Area, campers need to "watch out for bears," making proper food storage essential when tent camping in these secluded locations.
Road conditions: Access to remote sites often involves navigating unpaved forest roads. The 7-mile gravel road to Lost Creek Campground "can be bad after a heavy storm," though typically "ride were in decent shape" according to regular visitors.
Water sources: Many primitive sites have no reliable drinking water. At Hiwassee River Area, "water spigots throughout the campground but not directly at each site," while more remote locations require filtering from streams or bringing sufficient supply.
Weather variability: Mountain elevations create unpredictable conditions. Starr Mountain campers warn to "come prepared to hike hard and to experience unexpected weather if it occurs," particularly important for tent campers without solid shelter.
Site selection priorities: Choose established campgrounds for easier family experiences. At Hiwassee River Area, "each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. Very spacious camping on level dirt or grass ground. We had 2 tents and could have fit 3 more."
Water activity planning: The Hiwassee River offers family-friendly recreation with seasonal considerations. One family noted, "The river is smooth until 11am. We went fly fishing right from the campsite. The water gets released at 11am, so the current picks up and water levels will rise quickly."
Bathroom facilities: Most primitive sites lack restrooms entirely. At Goforth Creek Campground F, there are no facilities, making it "a very small site alongside the trail" that's "probably best suited for hammock camping" rather than family tent setups.
Small vehicle access only: Most tent camping areas near Delano have limited vehicle access. At Lost Creek Campground, "sites can accommodate tents and small RVs," though the 7-mile gravel road makes access challenging for larger vehicles.
Campsite surfaces: RV campers should note ground conditions at primitive sites. Lost Creek offers "concrete picnic tables, lantern post, a pit toilet and bear safe trash receptacles," with some sites featuring concrete pads suitable for small campers.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service is virtually nonexistent at most sites. Visitors to Lost Creek noted "no Verizon cell reception," while Hiwassee River Area campers mentioned "no phone signal which is ok with us because we like to unplug."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Delano, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Delano, TN is Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Delano, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 77 tent camping locations near Delano, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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