Best Tent Camping near Reliance, TN
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.