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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
Scout
