Cabin camping near Jellico, Tennessee offers direct access to over 600 miles of ATV trails across the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area. Located near the Tennessee-Kentucky border at around 1,500 feet elevation, this region features heavily forested hills with mixed hardwoods that provide good shade for campers during summer months. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing with occasional snow between December and February.
What to do
ATV trail riding: Royal Blue RV Park provides direct access to hundreds of miles of ATV trails. "Level dry gravel pull through camper pads. I think all were full hook ups, some may have only been water and electric. Very clean and well maintained, quiet and no interstate noise. Safe for families, great for kids. The trails are well maintained and all levels of riders will have a full week of fun here!!"
Fishing opportunities: Patrick's Point River Camp offers riverside sites for anglers. The campground features "strong WiFi, pet friendly, and a beautiful, peaceful spot with very friendly owners!" This smaller campground provides water and electric hookups with 30-amp service.
Hiking trails: At Holly Bay, campers can access forest trails surrounding Laurel Lake. One visitor notes, "Holly Bay is a great campground in the beautiful, but not very well known Daniel Boone National Forest. The campsites are semi-private with a fire ring, electricity, water (at each campsite), lantern pole, bathrooms and bath house."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Blue Heron Campground offers well-separated campsites with nature views. According to a camper, "I think lots number 712 and 13 are the best because they are situated right around a beautiful pond with massive lily pads and dragonflies. The trees are mature so there is plenty of shade and lofty space between each lot."
Clean facilities: Loyston Point Campground maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. One reviewer shared, "The bathrooms were always very clean and had nice hot water showers. But above anything else, the customer service was amazing. The lady helped us in any way she could."
Lake access: Big Ridge State Park Campground provides water recreation options. "This is a great place to camp. Clean and friendly, quiet and relaxing. There is truly something for everyone here. Back country camp sites as well as camp ground with electric and bathrooms."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most cabin rentals in the area remain open year-round, but amenities may be limited during winter months. At Blue Heron Campground, campers note that "it gets quiet! It gets dark! For $20, it is unbeatable."
Limited cell service: Several campgrounds have spotty or no cell coverage. One visitor to Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort reported, "Our Verizon cell signal was terrible and the campground wifi was not much better. No cell or wifi service would probably keep us from staying here again as it was impossible to get any work done."
Reservation requirements: Most cabins require advance booking, especially during peak seasons from April through October. Campsites at Loyston Point Campground fill quickly during summer. "Booked the last remaining camp site along the lake and we couldn't be happier. Great place for kids to hang out, play in the water, and pull the boat right up to our camp site."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Loyston Point Campground offers supervised swimming areas appropriate for children. As one family mentioned, "Our first camping trip as a camping family in a pull behind. We loved it and everyone was so nice! The views were amazing and we will for sure visit again."
Kid-friendly trails: Blue Heron Campground features accessible walking paths suitable for children. "Very nice campground. Some sites have walkways going to the fishing pond. Overall clean restrooms and showers."
Playground options: Eagle Rock Resort & Campground provides play areas for children while adults can prepare meals. A visitor notes, "Eagle Rock Resort & Campground is amazing. If you are looking for a place to ride trails and relax, this is the place."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Royal Blue RV Park has some challenging spots for leveling. One RVer cautioned, "Where we parked which was 9 is not [level]. It's uphill and was very difficult to level out the rv. Ours like many is self leveling and it just couldn't make it happen."
Hookup access: For RVers, Holly Bay offers strategic hookup placement. "Sites are level and pretty spacious, if not some a little tight together. Campsites have a picnic table and a firepit. Our campsite was very nice and private with a big grassy area."
Length limitations: Many cabin campgrounds near Jellico have site restrictions for larger vehicles. At Ride Royal Blue ATV Resort, travelers note the campground is "approximately 4 miles off of exit 144, from I~75. Easy to locate, and a well maintained RV campground! Website has all the info on the different types of sites, cabins and ATVs."
