Cherokee National Forest Rock Creek Campgrounds

## Overview

Little Oak Campground has closed for the 2021 season. Big Oak and Hemlock loops will open on 4/4/22, and Lone Pine and Poplar loops will open on 4/25/22. Little Oak Campground hugs the shores and inlets of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee. With a view of the Holston Mountain ridgeline and lake islands, Little Oak campsites are a relaxing setting for your vacation. There are 69 universally accessible campsites improved in 2012 including warm showers and a paved access road. Campground hosts are available on site to answer your questions. 

## Recreation

Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Little Oak, with a concrete boat launch within the campground. Numerous campsites have easy access to the lake shore for tying off your boat. There are nearby trails for hiking and horseback riding. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads between camping loops. There is also a lakeside grassy area popular for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout the season, resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the naturalist in your group.

## Facilities

There are 69 universally accessible campsites for tents or RVs within four loops at Little Oak Campground. Each loop has a pair of vault toilets. In addition, there is an accessible shower house with 8 showers for the campground. There is a boat launch within the campground with an additional single vault toilet.

## Natural Features

South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of wildlife including a healthy population of black bear. 

## Nearby Attractions

Little Oak Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30 minutes away up beautiful Shadey Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone Rock is Damascus, Virginia. Jacobs Creek Campground and Swim Area is 25 minutes away for another view of South Holston Lake.

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Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables

[View from Appalachian Trail on Big Firescald Knob](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5270657.jpg) Most of the area is remote backcountry, including Bald Mountain Ridge Scenic Area and Sampson Mountain Wilderness. Roads are limited, but forty-plus miles of trail access the forest. The area is known for its diverse populations of wildflowers and a number of waterfalls, including 60-foot fan-shaped Margarette Falls and Sill Branch Falls. Try fishing Nolichucky River, Horse Creek, Dry Creek and Clark Creek. Horse Creek and Old Forge Recreation areas offer picnicking, water play and camping. Bald Mountains Map Bald Mountains Guide

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The picnic pavilion has three tables and a paved parking area nearby. A large grill and water source is located at the pavilion. Additional tables are located nearby, as are trash containers and a pit toilet. The walkways and many of the sites are accessible; however the restroom has limited accessibility. Horse Creek Pavilion is located close to Horse Creek and adjacent to Sampson Mountain Wilderness. It is located at the base of the Bald Mountains at an elevation of 1,720 feet. Hiking, water-play and fishing are popular activities. Scarlet Oak Trail (#181) is a .2 mile leg-stretcher through the forest bordering the recreation area. A more primitive hiking experience is available on three trails located in the nearby Sampson Mountain Wilderness. A small campground and more picnic sites are located in Horse Creek Recreation Area.

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