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Best Campgrounds near Tellico Plains, TN

1,906 Reviews

Tellico Plains, Tennessee serves as a gateway to varied camping experiences in the Cherokee National Forest and surrounding areas. Established campgrounds like Indian Boundary provide tent and RV sites with amenities including electric hookups, drinking water, and reservable sites, while Citico Creek Area offers free dispersed camping with more primitive facilities. The camping landscape includes specialty options like Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground with cabin accommodations and Top of the World RV with full hookups specifically for recreational vehicles. Most campgrounds in this region provide access to outdoor recreation opportunities in the nearby mountains, forests, and waterways.

Road access and seasonal availability vary significantly across the Tellico Plains area, with many campgrounds operating only from spring through fall. Indian Boundary typically opens from April to November, while some dispersed camping areas remain accessible year-round. "This campground has 13 sites on the opposite side of the road from the lake, and several spots flanking Santeetlah. If you are a tent camper, my suggestion is go for the opposite side of the lake," noted one visitor about nearby Horse Cove Campground. Cell service is limited throughout the region, particularly in the deeper mountain valleys and gorges. Visitors should prepare for potentially muddy conditions after rainfall, especially at primitive sites, and check current fire restrictions before planning campfires.

Waterfront camping locations receive particularly positive feedback from visitors to the Tellico Plains region. Campers highlight the soothing sounds of nearby creeks and rivers as enhancing their overnight experience. One reviewer commented that they chose their site "for its privacy and the beautiful rushing water to sleep by and watch while sitting beside the fire and enjoying morning coffee." The area draws outdoor enthusiasts pursuing specific activities, with some campgrounds becoming popular bases for motorcyclists exploring the Cherohala Skyway or kayakers watching release schedules for whitewater opportunities. Wildlife viewing opportunities include potential bear sightings, making proper food storage essential at all camping locations in the region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Tellico Plains, Tennessee (575)

    1. Indian Boundary

    28 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 253-8400

    $20 / night

    "The lake is great for kayaking and swimming, with an easy trail around the perimeter. The gorgeous Cherohala Skyway is very close by (highly recommend!)."

    "The surrounding mountains and water were breathtaking. This camp ground is close to the water if you stay in loop A. Just a short walk the water and beach."

    2. Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

    29 Reviews
    Delano, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 263-0050

    $35 - $85 / night

    "Bath house is relatively nice for a state park campground. 1 mile walking path surrounding the grounds is nice. Safe area for bicycle riding. Great proximity to many outdoor activities."

    "This sweet state park campground is tucked into a spot along Gee Creek, which is great for boating, fishing, and swimming in the summertime heat of Tennessee. "

    3. Top of the World RV

    8 Reviews
    Coker Creek, TN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 519-2967

    $45 / night

    "This place is a true gem hidden in the Tennessee mountains."

    "Close to grocery stores & TONS of mountain goodness."

    4. Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground

    5 Reviews
    Tellico Plains, TN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 253-6061

    "Great base camp for close to adventures in the national forest. Go do the hike by bald river falls 30 min away."

    "Great location and great food! This is my go to spot when out riding."

    5. Tellico Plains/Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday

    5 Reviews
    Tellico Plains, TN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 253-3513

    $40 - $60 / night

    "Close to fun things in Tellico , not too far from Athens , Etowah , Madisonville , and many near by attractions in the mountains. We drove to Cleveland quite a bit too, about 45 min."

    6. Cades Cove Campground

    98 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "You can easily bike through the loop, or drive. Nice spot to see wildlife as well. Cades Cove is well known for spotting bears, deer and turkey."

    "We camped in the middle of a hot sticky Tennessee summer and felt just fine in all of the shade."

    7. Chilhowee Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Benton, TN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-3300

    $12 - $30 / night

    "My partner and I headed to nearby Chilhowie Campground in the Cherokee National Forest last year to try out our new teardrop camper.  We chose site 1 in the A Loop as it had shore power."

    "It has clean bathrooms with showers, fire rings with grill grates, lots of hiking, hike to a beautiful waterfall, huge lake to swim or float on a raft, and the lightning bugs were breath taking!!"

    8. Jake Best Campground

    6 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    12 miles
    Website

    "Purchased wood and some other things from the nearby camp store at nearby Indian Boundary Campground (IBC)when I arrived."

    "Hiking trail near by and close enough to Tellico if supplies are needed. Recommend bringing firewood although we found burnable wood nearby. Also bring small bills as the fee is $6 per night."

    9. Smitty's Lodge Motorcycle Campground

    3 Reviews
    Tellico Plains, TN
    2 miles
    +1 (423) 253-2918

    $20 / night

    "I found this awesome campground close to the beginning of the Cherohala skyway in Tellico Plains."

    10. Citico Creek Area

    6 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    12 miles
    Website

    "This campground is great for being right next to great day hikes and easy access to Citico Creek, which was just across the gravel road from our site."

    "My only complaint was there were cars frequently driving by throughout the night on the dirt road. Other than that, really enjoyed this place."

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Recent Camping Photos near Tellico Plains, TN

817 Photos of 575 Tellico Plains Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Tellico Plains, TN

1906 Reviews of 575 Tellico Plains Campgrounds

  • Liz M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Rough Creek Dispersed

    Only 2 Sites

    Gorgeous area at the end of the road. Only 2 sites and one intense drive to get here. It takes about 35 minutes to go 4 miles. Ground clearance and off road tires needed

  • Laur H.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Clabough's Campground

    Good for families

    Our stay was good. It was our first time camping in Pigeon Forge, we usually stay closer to Nashville in state parks. The campsites are extremely close together - everyone is packed in like sardines. We knew it would be tight from when we looked at the map when booking but whew - if you don’t know your neighbors, you will! This seems par for the course in the area. The location here compared to attractions in PF was so convenient it made it worth it.

    We really appreciated the amenities - the bath house was super clean and the laundry room was nice. We loved that the campground picks up trash daily. There was an issue with the sewer in the area where we were and the campground was quick to resolve it. We also appreciated having campground staff escort us to our site so we did not have to wander with a map.

    The playground is big and nice, and my nephew loved the bouncy pillow. The pool and lazy river looked really neat but we didn’t have swim gear with us since it’s fall, although we saw some people swimming so maybe it is heated?

    On the other hand - The staff does not answer any email inquiries, apparently. The cancellation policy is really awfully strict. We didn’t necessarily feel super welcomed at check in.

    There seem to be a LOT of long-term/permanent residents here. That always makes me uncomfortable since I feel like I’m in other peoples space, but no one was unfriendly. It did seem like the rules (which I read carefully prior to arrival) are selectively applied.

    Overall it was a good trip and we wouldn’t be opposed to staying here again, but this definitely isn’t our preferred type of campground.

  • Liz M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Little Gassaway Creek

    1 Campsite off 4 x 4 Road

    Found this site on the way to another. Only one campsite and requires either off-road tires or 4 x 4

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Grumpy Bear Campground

    Nice but small

    The attraction here is the river. It is absolutely gorgeous. Riverside are small and close together.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    Lake view but live in campers

    So there’s another site on Dyrt with the same name however it’s on the other side of the lake. Both sites are full of mainly people who live here it appears. Tents and tarps all along the river. Not a lot of drive in spots mainly tent walk ins. We showed up pretty late so not a spot but like I said. The campers looked like they lived in the majority of the spots. Zero signal at both areas for Verizon and T-Mobile. The road like most around here was beautiful driving in. The next nearby free dispersed spot is long hungry dog camp(I left a review on there for anyone needing it!)

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Two seperate areas

    So there’s another site on Dyrt with the same name however it’s on the other side of the lake. Both sites are full of mainly people who live here it appears. Tents and tarps all along the river. Not a lot of drive in spots mainly tent walk ins. We showed up pretty late so not a spot but like I said. The campers looked like they lived in the majority of the spots. Zero signal at both areas for Verizon and T-Mobile. The road like most around here was beautiful driving in. The next nearby free dispersed spot is long hungry dog camp(I left a review on there for anyone needing it!)

  • George M.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Mulky Campground

    Great location for fishing

    A lot of the campsites are right on the water, so it's super easy to fish. But if you want something more private, there are also some secluded spots up the road.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Trash..

    This area was easy to find with Apple Maps and T-Mobile and Verizon had signal. When we drove in it was around 9pm in a Saturday night and all sites was taken with what looked like people living there. And the road dead ends. All along the water. Tents and tarps everywhere. We found one spot not on the water and set up. Fire rings and picnic tables are at every spot. But when I woke up and it wasn't pitch black my heart broke. There was bags of trash and litter everywhere around us and tossed in the forest around us. The forest had a lot of thorns but I was able to get three large kitchen bags of trash out. From propane tanks to over twenty cans of food. Just tossed into the woods. We camp all over the United States, and this is our first place close to home and it broke my heart to see how our state treats these beautiful places. Please don't come if you don't appreciate nature enough to not use it as your trash can.

    So on Dyrt there's two sites with this name and same gps but you can follow around the lake and find the other one. Both areas are a lot alike. But definitely more fit for tent camping on the water. Park by the road and walk down sites so none fit for us since we camp in the truck. The sites all looked like the other areas around here where people very much lived there and never left, so not one site at either camping area was open.

  • S
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Yarberry Campground

    Beautiful views

    Even the non-lake site spots have lake views. Lots of nice amenities, but still rustic. My site was a little tough to back into, but worth it.

Guide to Tellico Plains

Camping near Tellico Plains, Tennessee, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers have enjoyed hikes like the Little River Trail, which offers beautiful views and a gradual uphill path. One reviewer mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Smokemont Campground shared, "I love all the elk and other wildlife," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: The nearby rivers and streams provide excellent fishing opportunities. A visitor noted, "I did fish one pool for about 30 minutes and saw quite a few fish in the pool over the weekend."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning scenery. A review for Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground highlights, "The views are amazing," making it a perfect backdrop for your camping experience.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. One camper at Greenbrier Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were amazing," which adds to the overall comfort of the stay.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Greenbrier Campground offer activities for kids, such as playgrounds and swimming spots. A family reviewer said, "We loved being right between the creek and the playground!"

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Elkmont Campground noted, "All of the campsites are extremely close together," so if privacy is a concern, plan accordingly.
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds in the area have poor cell reception. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "There is no cell service with T-Mobile," so download any necessary information before your trip.
  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. One camper at Harrison Bay State Park Campground shared, "It was great, very nice and peaceful," but temperatures can drop at night.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Greenbrier Campground said, "There were bounce houses, multiple playgrounds," making it a hit for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One family at Cades Cove Campground enjoyed biking the loop, which is a great way to explore the area together.
  • Pack Snacks and Meals: Having food on hand can save time and keep everyone happy. A camper at Harrison Bay State Park Campground mentioned, "We had good cell service and there is great guest wifi," which can help with meal planning.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site dimensions. A reviewer at Fort Mountain State Park Campground advised, "Research the roads if you have a large camper," to avoid any surprises.
  • Use Dump Stations: Many campgrounds have dump stations available. A camper at Cades Cove Campground appreciated the "nice and clean" facilities for RV maintenance.
  • Plan for Power Needs: Some campgrounds may not have electric hookups. A visitor at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground noted, "If you have a big RV, it may be hard to get in and out of the park," so be prepared with alternative power sources if needed.

Camping near Tellico Plains, Tennessee, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the best camping spots in Tellico Plains, Tennessee?

Tellico Plains offers excellent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Indian Boundary is a standout campground with drive-in access, reservable sites, water, and toilets, making it perfect for families. For motorcycle enthusiasts, Smitty's Lodge Motorcycle Campground sits near the beginning of the Cherohala Skyway and provides amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, clean restrooms and showers. Other notable options include Birch Branch Campground along River Road, which offers great access to fishing spots and trails, and Jake Best Campground for a more rustic experience. The Citico Creek Area provides dispersed camping opportunities with creek access, ideal for those seeking a more natural setting.

Can I go camping in Tellico Village, and how does it differ from Tellico Plains?

Tellico Village and Tellico Plains are distinct locations that offer different camping experiences. Tellico Village is a planned residential community on Tellico Lake with limited public camping options, though Harrison Bay State Park Campground is nearby on Chickamauga Lake, offering family-friendly RV and tent camping with lake access, playgrounds, and bicycle paths. In contrast, Tellico Plains is a gateway to wilderness adventures in the Cherokee National Forest, featuring numerous rustic campgrounds like Horse Cove and Starr Mountain Area. Tellico Plains camping tends to be more primitive and nature-focused, while options near Tellico Village typically offer more amenities and are closer to residential areas.

Are there RV rentals available near Tellico Plains for camping trips?

RV rentals aren't widely advertised directly in Tellico Plains, but nearby options exist. Tellico Plains/Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday offers RV-friendly sites with full amenities and may have rental information. Persimmon Creek RV Park just off Highway 64/74 near the Tennessee border provides well-maintained RV sites with amenities but doesn't specifically advertise rentals. For actual RV rentals, your best bet is to check with rental companies in larger nearby cities like Knoxville or Cleveland, Tennessee. These companies typically offer delivery services to campgrounds in the Tellico Plains area for an additional fee.

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