2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent campers exploring the Cherokee National Forest near Etowah, Tennessee will find several primitive and established campgrounds within 30 minutes of town, ranging from free tent campsites along creek corridors to backcountry sites requiring a hike to reach. Lost Creek Campground offers free tent sites in a secluded setting along a creek, while Starr Mountain Area provides more challenging backcountry camping experiences that require hiking to access. Other tent camping options include Goforth Creek Campground and the Big Frog Area wilderness.
Most tent sites in the Cherokee National Forest feature concrete picnic tables, established fire rings, and level ground suitable for tents. Lost Creek Campground includes pit toilets and bear-proof trash containers but no potable water sources. According to a review on The Dyrt, "This campground is incredibly clean and quiet—and completely free. It's in the middle of nowhere (7 miles down a gravel forest road), surrounded by forest, with easy creek access." Primitive sites at Starr Mountain and Big Frog areas lack facilities entirely, requiring campers to pack in all water and supplies and practice proper waste disposal techniques.
The tent camping in this region offers genuine woodland immersion with opportunities for creek access, hiking, and mountain views. Many campgrounds feature partial to full shade from the surrounding forest canopy, with several sites positioned directly along streams. A recent review noted that Starr Mountain Area features "very intense hike up the mountain but the views are worth it! Hammock camping is ideal here." Weekday camping typically provides greater solitude, particularly at Lost Creek, though reviewers mention it can become crowded on weekends. Forest roads leading to more remote tent campgrounds may require high-clearance vehicles, and conditions can deteriorate after heavy rainfall. The Benton McKaye hiking trail connects directly to Lost Creek Campground, offering backpacking opportunities for tent campers seeking multi-day adventures.
"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"
"I found this awesome campground close to the beginning of the Cherohala skyway in Tellico Plains."
from $20 / 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."
"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
"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
"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."
"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"
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".
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.
TravelerThis was a last minute stay, the camp was full but accommodations were made for us by the host to park in his front yard and connect to house power. We were invited to join the host and other guests at the massive fire pit that was warming the cool mountain evening. Very pretty here…was a long and winding road up the mountain from our travel direction. Excited to see what it looks like in daylight. I have 3 bars on my T-Mobile but also have StarLink.
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.
GuideThis is a beautiful campground but is unfortunately permanently closed. It's sad.
Cherokee National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping sites near Etowah, Tennessee, with elevations ranging from 700 to 5,000 feet. The area receives approximately 55 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions and occasional trail challenges. Most dispersed camping areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system in place.
Creek exploration: Lost Creek Campground provides direct creek access where campers can wade, fish, or simply relax by the water. According to a review, "There are spots that you can swim around in" and "The highlight would definitely be the creek."
Mountain hiking: Starr Mountain Area offers challenging trails with rewarding views. A camper notes, "This place is amazing. 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."
Whitewater adventures: The Ocoee River Area provides thrilling whitewater experiences for all skill levels. "It is a thrill when you get to go down some of the drops and class 5 rapids," writes one reviewer, while another mentions, "They do tubing too" for those seeking calmer water activities.
Benton McKaye Trail access: Several tent camping areas connect to this long-distance trail, making multi-day backpacking trips possible. The trail runs "directly beside" Lost Creek Campground according to campers, providing an excellent starting point for day hikes or longer treks.
Free camping options: Lost Creek Campground stands out for its no-cost camping with surprising amenities. A camper describes it as "Your classic primitive campground. No generators, water, or porta potties. How camping in the forest should be!"
Privacy and isolation: Many campers value the remote settings. At Lost Creek, one reviewer mentions it's "in the middle of nowhere (7 miles down a gravel forest road)," while another notes, "Super quiet when we were there in March."
Creek proximity: Sites positioned alongside water are particularly popular. A visitor to Lost Creek shares, "Each campsite has a concrete table, fire pit, and tent platform. Some have direct access to the creek."
Mountain views: Big Frog Area offers exceptional scenic rewards for those willing to hike. A camper writes, "One of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Went up there when it was snowing and it was white and just absolutely gorgeous the views are spectacular."
Remote locations: Many camping areas require driving on forest roads. A Lost Creek visitor warns, "I could see them being bad after a heavy storm. Gravel 7 miles to here."
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites lack modern amenities. At Goforth Creek Campground, a camper notes it "had some debris from previous campers" and could be "buggy in the summer but a good option in the fall."
Weekend crowds: Popular sites fill quickly on weekends. A recent Lost Creek visitor reported it was "nice but super crowded on the weekend."
Cell service limitations: Don't expect connectivity at most sites. At Lost Creek, campers report "no Verizon cell reception" and at Hiwassee River Area, one visitor appreciated that there's "No phone signal which is ok with us because we like to unplug."
Bear precautions: The Big Frog Area reviewer advises to "watch out for bears" while another camper at Lost Creek mentions the availability of "bear safe trash receptacles."
Choose established sites: Cherokee National Forest Chilhowee Campground offers more amenities for families with children. A visitor describes it as a "Mountaintop campground with exceptional views, mountain lake/beach, waterfall, and hiking trails."
Consider lake access: Sites near water bodies provide entertainment for children. Chilhowee Lake gets mentioned in reviews as offering beautiful overlooks and water activities.
Plan for weather changes: Mountain conditions can shift rapidly. One Starr Mountain camper advises to "Come prepared to hike hard and to experience unexpected weather if it occurs."
Bring sanitizer: Facilities vary widely between sites. At Lost Creek, a camper notes the "restroom, although primitive (no water—bring along some hand sanitizer), is incredibly clean."
Size restrictions: Most dispersed camping areas can only accommodate smaller RVs or trailers. At Hunts Lodge (now Smitty's Lodge), a reviewer mentions "Campsites are level and spacious" but the area generally caters to tent campers and smaller vehicles.
Road conditions: Forest service roads may present challenges. Lost Creek reviews mention a "well maintained gravel road for 7 miles" but conditions can deteriorate during wet seasons.
Alternative options: When primitive sites won't work, consider established campgrounds with more amenities. One camper at Chilhowee Campground reported, "Our site was clean, shaded and level. We had plenty of space for our 6 x 12 converted cargo trailer camper."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Etowah, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Etowah, 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 Etowah, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 70 tent camping locations near Etowah, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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