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Lost Creek Campground in Cherokee National Forest permits dogs throughout its primitive, remote campsites located 7 miles down a gravel forest road near Reliance. This free dispersed camping area features concrete picnic tables, fire rings, tent platforms, and creek access at select sites, with pit toilets but no potable water or cell service. The grounds remain pet-friendly with no specific restrictions noted for dogs, though owners should follow standard national forest leash regulations. Campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. The campground's concrete tables and fire rings have periodically needed cleaning upon arrival according to some visitors.
Dogs can cool off in the small creek that runs alongside portions of the campground, offering shallow wading spots during warmer months. The nearby Benton McKaye hiking trail provides additional pet exercise opportunities directly adjacent to the camping area. No generators are permitted, creating a quieter environment for pets sensitive to noise. Bear-proof trash receptacles help minimize wildlife encounters that could endanger pets. Many visitors note the friendly atmosphere among fellow campers with dogs. The campground's remote location requires preparation when traveling with pets as the nearest veterinary services are located back in Benton. Winter camping remains available as the site operates year-round, though the access road could become challenging after heavy storms. Dog-friendly campgrounds near Reliance vary in their specific pet policies, so confirming leash rules and any breed or size restrictions before arrival is recommended.
"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. "
"Best thing to us was the hiking trail that we walked with fresh blueberry bushes on our side. Fairly easy trail to see beautiful waterfall. Pet friendly"
"Well-maintained, pet-friendly, and close access to lots of great trails. There is a nearby lake, perfect for swimming."
from $12 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Campsites are close to one another. If you camp at a site near the water, it is really nice, but everyone will walk by your campsite so they can go down the path to the river."
"Easy access off Hwy 64, so close to stores for food and firewood. Well maintained campsite with clean bathrooms and very clean, nice showers. Alcohol prohibited as think county is dry."
from $12 - $20 / night
Check Availability"While I was walking my dogs, a truck drove the wrong way in the loop to get to his spot. A camp host quickly reminded him to drive the right way."
"Each site is a good distance away from the other and there is the constant sound of the creek flowing right next to it. The bathrooms are clean and right in the middle a perfect spot for a getaway"
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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"
"This little site was a great get away, except for the dogs. We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived."
"Scenic views the whole drive up, followed by a safe, cozy campground with clean facilities and a great grouping of trails."
"Great hiking trails. A handful of great views. The waterfall is breathtaking and a great photo opportunity."
from $12 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Adventures Unlimited is located in Ocoee, TN, just outside of Chattanooga, and is one of the coolest river towns I’ve been to. The Ocoee River was the site for the 1996 Olympics whitewater events."
"We could walk down from the cabin to check-in for white water rafting excursion. There is a campground store at the check-in, as well."
from $10 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Vanlife and dog friendly! Clean bathrooms, showers, trash, firewood, there are hookups/water or you can do a no hookup site for less. Coffee and pastries in the morning."
"Great location and great food! This is my go to spot when out riding."
"New construction but very nice and the makings of a well maintained location. Not much area for pets or stuff for kiddos yet."
"Great spot to wander a little with a pet & great WiFi. Bring your computer so you can stream whatever TV or movies you want. Close to grocery stores & TONS of mountain goodness."
from $50 - $60 / night
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GuideLeft Pigeon Forge Tn. GPS took us on an adventure, route 129 The Tail of the Dragon 318 curves switchback and hairpins I was nervous but slayed it. Lol. Peachtree Cove RV Park is perfect for quiet camping. Dog run area stream or river at most sites. I had a reservation at Andrew’s Valley Railway Tour highly recommend both of these
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.
ScoutBeautiful view on the water. Not very full, which was nice. I came for some quiet and privacy and while it worked, there were just some that were very social. Haha
TravelerWater was very low and poor quality. Host was friendly but don’t buy his wood - it doesn’t burn well. County water tasted funny, probably minimal treatment. We had quite a hike to the restroom, which wasn’t regularly cleaned.
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.
Lost Creek Campground in Cherokee National Forest sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation near Reliance, Tennessee. The campground's remote location requires navigating 7 miles of gravel Forest Service Road 108 off Highway 64. Visitors experience moderate temperature variations with summer highs around 85°F and winter lows often below freezing, making seasonal preparation essential.
Hiking the Benton McKaye Trail: Access this historic long-distance trail directly from Lost Creek Campground. "There is a nice nature trail that loops around the park. The park also offers a boat launch for river access," notes Gregg G. about nearby state park options.
Mountain biking nearby: The Tanasi trail system offers excellent rides near Thunder Rock Campground. "Great location and great food! This is my go to spot when out riding," says Charles H. The area provides various difficulty levels across miles of designated bike trails.
River activities: The Hiwassee River offers kayaking, tubing and fishing opportunities. "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," explains Katrin S. about riverside camping options.
Easy creek access: Many sites at Chilhowee Recreation Area feature proximity to water. "The A&B loops are well spaced and mostly shaded with fairly level gravel pads. Bathhouse was clean and well lit," shares Tracy J. The campground provides ample space between sites for privacy.
Wildlife viewing: The Cherokee National Forest area supports diverse wildlife including black bears, deer and numerous bird species. "The highlight would definitely be the creek. There are spots that you can swim around in," notes Scott E. about his Lost Creek experience.
Quiet atmosphere: Most dispersed camping areas maintain quiet environments without generators. "Very beautiful, clean, awesome rangers," reports jessecah W. about Hiwassee River Area, highlighting the peaceful setting found at many dog friendly campgrounds near Reliance.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Campground toilet options range from flush toilets to pit toilets or none at all. "During winter campground is very quiet, no power at sites, it does have hot showers," says Byron R. about Gee Creek Campground at Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park.
Limited connectivity: Most camping areas have minimal or no cell service. "There is no phone signal which is ok with us because we like to unplug. There is free WiFi available at the rafting Outfitter store," Katrin S. reports about Hiwassee River Area facilities.
Weather considerations: The area experiences rapid weather changes, especially in mountains. "We stayed in E loop, but drove the whole park. Loops A&B are closest to the lake and looked great for groups, or folks with kids. Loops E&F were a bit more secluded," shares Manie D. about Chilhowee during summer conditions.
Best campgrounds for children: Look for sites with designated play areas and accessible water features. "The campground also has a playground to keep kids entertained. I definitely recommend if you are looking for a place to stay near the Hiwasee River," Anna M. advises about Gee Creek Campground.
Plan for limited amenities: Many camping areas lack conveniences like stores or potable water. "There is no potable water available from a spicket and no Verizon cell reception," Gregg G. cautions about Lost Creek's basic facilities.
Consider seasonal timing: Spring offers wildflowers while fall provides colorful foliage. "Fall color was just peaking 🍂... The trails are what really makes this an all around great campground. Several hikes for all levels," Tracy J. notes about Chilhowee's seasonal appeal.
Accessibility challenges: Many forest roads present difficulties for larger rigs. "The roads around the loops were narrow but there were big 5th wheel rigs so its doable," explains Tracy J. about Chilhowee Recreation Area's campground layout.
Hookup limitations: Most national forest campgrounds offer minimal hookups. "Very rustic campground. Has water and electric hookups. All of the sites are grass or dirt pads," Chris Y. reports about Adventures Unlimited Campground.
Leveling considerations: Many sites require substantial leveling equipment. "Roads around the loops are narrow and again, some of the turns are sharp when pulling a trailer. There is only one dump station and it's on the other side of the campground," Mike N. warns about navigating certain pet friendly campgrounds near Reliance with larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Reliance, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Reliance, 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 dog-friendly camping near Reliance, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 264 dog-friendly camping locations near Reliance, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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