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Tent campsites near Reliance, Tennessee range from free primitive sites to established campgrounds within Cherokee National Forest. Lost Creek Campground, located 7 miles down a gravel forest road, offers tent sites beside a creek with concrete picnic tables and fire rings. Other tent camping options include the Hiwassee River Area for walk-in tent sites, Goforth Creek for hike-in tent camping, and the more challenging Starr Mountain Area accessible only by foot.
Most tent sites in the Reliance area feature basic amenities with varying levels of facilities. Lost Creek provides concrete picnic tables, fire rings, pit toilets, and bear-proof trash receptacles, but no potable water or electric hookups. A recent review noted that "sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad" with easy creek access. Goforth Creek Campground offers free primitive tent camping with fire rings but no toilets or water sources. Tent campers should pack in all water and supplies, especially when selecting backcountry sites. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so appropriate gear for potential temperature drops is essential.
The creek-side setting at many of these tent campgrounds provides a natural soundtrack for overnight stays. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, Lost Creek Campground is "incredibly clean and quiet" with easy access to the Benton McKaye trail running directly beside it. Tent sites along creeks offer opportunities for wading, fishing, and cooling off during summer months. While more remote sites like Starr Mountain require difficult hiking to reach, they reward tent campers with exceptional views and greater solitude. Most tent camping areas become crowded on weekends, particularly during summer and early fall, so midweek visits offer better site selection. The surrounding Cherokee National Forest provides extensive hiking opportunities, making these tent campsites excellent bases for day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips.
"The state park/campground adjoins the Cherokee National Forest and sits on the north bank of the Hiwassee River outside of Benton, TN."
"Very nice campground with large tent sites with fairly level ground capable of sitting 2 or 3 tents. Most have mature trees to hang hammocks. Very quiet during weekdays."
"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"
"We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived. Sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad. We had to clean ours when we arrived."
"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."
"There are several places for primitive camping spots that I’ve seen along the bank. 10/10 would recommend for your next adventure spot if you haven’t been."
"It has hiking trails bycyclin trails it also has local horse back riding that takes you up near Chilhowee Lake once to the top you get a really beautiful overlook of Parksville lake at one of the centered"
"Our site was clean, shaded and level."
"Mountaintop campground with exceptional views, mountain lake/beach, waterfall, and hiking trails. We went in the spring for a work retreat."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"The trail isn’t really a trail but it’s so worth it. if you enter through gee creek rd it’s only about half a mile to the top. It is an off beat path and there are no markings."
"Hammock camping is ideal here, unsure of tent camping possibilities. Come prepared to hike hard and to experience unexpected weather if it occurs"
"A ranger drove by while I was having coffee the next morning and was very laid back and completely unbothered that I had arrived after hours."
"About 1.5-2 mi in at the intersection of Rough Creek trail and Big Frog I saw a grassy patch with a fire ring and set up camp."
"Disclaimer: Did not camp here On my hike up Big Frog trail this weekend I came across this great site."
"Nice site along the creek that has plenty of space for multiple tents. It had some debris from previous campers when we were there."
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.
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.
ScoutThis was a very nice campground! The tent areas are partially gravel so it helped the area be less muddy after rain. Beautiful view of the river and would be a great place to fish! Bathrooms are very nice! Comes with a nice fire pit and didn’t have to use own grate! Pet friendly! Staff was very nice and helpful!
Only complaint was some of their quiet hours were confusing. The quiet hours on the email said 10pm to 7am but then sign posted at bathroom was 11pm-7am for quiet hours.
GuideThis is a beautiful campground but is unfortunately permanently closed. It's sad.
ScoutIt was such a great weekend getaway!! The bathrooms were nice and clean. We stayed in spot 20 and it was perfect! The staff were so kind and helpful. Overall great campsite
Tent campsites near Reliance, Tennessee sit within Cherokee National Forest, an area characterized by heavily forested mountain terrain ranging from 1,000 to over 3,000 feet in elevation. These primitive and established camping areas experience significant temperature variations, with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows sometimes dropping into the 20s. Most campsites feature creekside locations, making water crossing skills essential during spring runoff season.
Creek exploration: At Goforth Creek Campground F, campers can access multiple water features. "This is a very small site alongside the trail that you pass closer to the start of the hike. It has an established firepit and a cleared area for a tent but is probably best suited for hammock camping," notes reviewer Asher K.
Mountain biking: The remote forest roads near Lost Creek - Cherokee NF provide challenging terrain for cyclists. "Many places to explore on bike or hiking. Super remote area, ride were in decent shape, I could see them being bad after a heavy storm. Gravel 7 miles to here," shares Chris D.
Tubing: Lower Ocoee River access makes Outdoor Adventure Rafting Campground popular for water activities. "This is a great spot if you either want to go rafting for a weekend or spend the day tubing the lower Ocoee and have a campground all ready for you," says Tyler J.
Remote location: Campers value the isolation at Big Frog Area camping sites. "One of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Went up there when it was snowing and it was white and just absolutely gorgeous the views are spectacular," writes Heidi T., who adds a practical warning: "It is however in the middle of nowhere and there are no bathrooms or facilities or running water."
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate cost-free primitive tent sites. "It's a free campsite so it's first come first serve and everyone we've met so far there have been the friendiest of people," notes Rayley P. about Lost Creek Campground.
No cell service: Many campers value the digital disconnection. "No cell service and its first come first served for a spot," writes Charles H. about his stay at Lost Creek, highlighting the natural soundscape: "all you hear is the river at night."
Bathroom limitations: Most dispersed camping areas have minimal or no facilities. At Creekside Camp, reviewer Bob P. notes: "No picnic tables or pit toilets. Flat campsites next to a very nice creek."
Access challenges: Many campsites require difficult travel. "This campground is in the middle of nowhere (7 miles down a gravel forest road)," explains Gregg G. about Lost Creek Campground, adding that "there is no potable water available from a spicket and no Verizon cell reception."
Weather considerations: Mountain conditions change rapidly. "Watch out for bears. It is however in the middle of nowhere and there are no bathrooms or facilities or running water so it's not a good place to have like small small children," cautions Heidi T. about Big Frog Area.
Easier locations first: Choose established sites with some amenities for younger children. "The lake is beautiful and quiet. The bathrooms could be a little cleaner, and there was no soap in either bathroom during our stay," notes Ken O. about Cherokee National Forest Chilhowee Campground.
Plan for no services: Pack everything you need, especially water. "We apparently went during hunting season. Had to have been a dog sport. Too many dogs running around and barking throughout the night. Other than that we enjoyed our stay," says Scott E. about his Lost Creek experience.
Consider river camping: Sites with water access provide built-in entertainment. "Most campsites have river view or stream view. One large circle, mostly tent camping. No electric hookup. Water spigots throughout the campground but not directly at each site," explains Katrin S. about her stay at Hiwassee River Area.
Size limitations: Most forest roads can't accommodate large rigs. "No big-rig friendly" is listed for nearly all campgrounds in the region.
Consider alternative spots: While most primitive sites don't accommodate RVs, Starr Mountain Area lists RV camping as an option, though access is difficult. "Very intense hike up the mountain but the views are worth it! Hammock camping is ideal here, unsure of tent camping possibilities," notes Sean7.
Water and dumping: No hookups exist at most sites. "The campground offers concrete picnic tables, lantern post, a pit toilet and bear safe trash receptacles. There is no potable water available from a spicket and no Verizon cell reception," explains Gregg G. about the facilities at Lost Creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Reliance, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent 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 tent camping near Reliance, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 86 tent camping locations near Reliance, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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