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Tammy F.
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GuideLake Chatuge Dispersed
A sign on the gate says that the area has been closed "due to vandalism and unauthorized activity".
Camping near Tallassee, TN
623 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping opportunities in eastern Tennessee's Tallassee area include both developed facilities and dispersed options within the nearby Cherokee National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The region encompasses campgrounds like Citico Creek Area offering primitive sites along streams, while Jake Best Campground provides basic facilities with vault toilets. Established campgrounds such as Indian Boundary feature electric hookups and picnic tables. Calderwood Lake offers primitive waterfront camping accessible by boat or hiking trail. From tent sites to cabins and RV spots, the area supports varied camping styles and needs.
Road conditions vary significantly across the camping areas, with many sites accessible via unpaved forest roads that may have potholes or require higher clearance vehicles. Most developed campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October, particularly those at higher elevations in the Smokies. Dispersed camping in Cherokee National Forest typically allows up to 14-day stays. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in more remote areas such as Citico Creek. Many campsites require payment through self-registration drop boxes. A visitor noted about Jake Best Campground: "The campground is on the river, and I have never seen such crystal clear water anywhere on this side of the country."
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with creek-side and lakefront sites being highly sought after. Citico Creek campsites are noted for their privacy and spaciousness, though visitor reviews indicate inconsistent site cleanliness. Several campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, fishing, and swimming opportunities. Jake Best Campground users highlight the peaceful setting and trout fishing possibilities. More remote options like Calderwood Lake Primitive Campground require additional effort but reward visitors with solitude. As one camper described their experience at Calderwood: "If you are willing to bring everything with you, pack everything out, and paddle multiple miles on a nonmotorized finger lake, this is the place for you." Visitors frequently mention the area's scenic beauty and the opportunity to disconnect from technology.
Best Campgrounds near Tallassee (623)
1. Cades Cove Campground
"You can easily bike through the loop, or drive. Nice spot to see wildlife as well. Cades Cove is well known for spotting bears, deer and turkey."
"We camped in the middle of a hot sticky Tennessee summer and felt just fine in all of the shade."
from $30 / night
Check Availability2. Indian Boundary
"The lake is great for kayaking and swimming, with an easy trail around the perimeter. The gorgeous Cherohala Skyway is very close by (highly recommend!)."
"The surrounding mountains and water were breathtaking. This camp ground is close to the water if you stay in loop A. Just a short walk the water and beach."
from $20 / night
Check Availability3. Abrams Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"We were in site 11, nice but next to a group site so a little louder than I like. There are trails near by but I was unable to experience. Bear boxes and trash bins. Centrally located water."
"Sites are close to one another, but arranged great. My family of 5 had plenty of room for two tents, chairs, picnic tables, etc."
from $30 / night
Check Availability4. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."
"We stayed 3 nights so we could hike the surrounding trails! Loved learning about the history of the area while checking out the old cabins."
from $30 / night
Check Availability5. Look Rock Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"There was barely anyone here and just a short/walk drive down the road are tons of overlooks and a short hike to a watch tower. I definitely recommend this place."
"It was nearly empty during my stay. My site was not remotely level, but no big deal to me. The views around the area made it all worthwhile to me."
from $30 - $36 / night
Check Availability6. Cades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"There is a camp store with firewood (you are required to buy it from an authorized location!). Nice roomy campsites, but not as much plant cover as at Elkmont in my experience."
"I wanted to see if there was a difference in the camping experience at the two locations."
from $50 - $94 / night
Check Availability7. Jake Best Campground
"Purchased wood and some other things from the nearby camp store at nearby Indian Boundary Campground (IBC)when I arrived."
"Hiking trail near by and close enough to Tellico if supplies are needed. Recommend bringing firewood although we found burnable wood nearby. Also bring small bills as the fee is $6 per night."
8. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA
"The Lizard Lounge has a separate WiFi but you have to be inside or just outside to use it. Amazing river views and very close to the entrance of the National park."
"Right next to the entrance to the Great Smokey mountains. Townsend is a lovely town for eating and lots of walking trails. It is a short drive into pigeon forge if you want more activities to do."
9. Horse Cove
"This cute little national forest roadside campground is situated in the Nantahala National Forest, just due south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park."
"River running next to it made for great view. Vaulted toilet close by and very quiet. No showers though."
10. Lake Santeetlah Dispersed
"Nice lakeside side with good lake views. Park next to site. Toilet facility available, site next to marina on north side. Cellphone service with Verizon ok 1or 2 bars."
"Our site has been very well-kept and is right next to the boat launch on Lake Santeetlah, at Avey Creek."
Drive Time
- 45 min from Knoxville, TN
- 1 hr 14 min from Cleveland, TN
- 1 hr 25 min from Morristown, TN
- 1 hr 39 min from Chattanooga, TN
Recent Camping Photos near Tallassee, TN
928 Photos of 623 Tallassee Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Citico Creek AreaA
Jake Best Campground
Calderwood Lake Primitive campground
Abrams Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Notchy Creek Campground
Indian BoundaryD
Camp BirdsongL
Horse CoveE
Lake Santeetlah Dispersed
Fontana Village Resort and Campground
Nantahala Hideaway Campground & Cabins
Cheoah Point Campgroundj
Recent Reviews near Tallassee, TN
2509 Reviews of 623 Tallassee Campgrounds
Adrian C.GuideNorth River Campground
Peaceful, low cost small campground with some creekside sites
This 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.
- ssheila B.
ScoutJackson Island Dispersed Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Beautiful 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
- NNP
TravelerPigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground
Busy but Nice
This worked well for us while we were visiting Dollywood in our trailer, but we wouldn't stay here if we had been in a different type of site. Cons: Unless you have a site up against the river or on patriot park, you are packed in VERY TIGHT with other people, sometimes with your sliders only a foot or two away from your neighbor's sliders. We were in a site that was "on patriot park", but the few first sites of that type are really just behind the trolley parking lot and pick up with a path behind you (including ours). People are on the other side of the fence walking about two feet behind you all day and pretty late in to the night. Pros: There are lot of trees and campground is very pretty. Super close to Dollywood and other Pigeon Forge points of interest.
Mark 'Tony' Z.TravelerPoteete Creek Campground
Friendly host, crowded camp
Water 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.
Alicia B.ScoutTurkey Creek Campground
NOT FAMILY FRIENDLY
Beautiful Campground, but Absolutely NOT Family-Friendly! I rarely leave negative reviews this strongly, but our experience at Turkey Creek Campground was so disappointing that I feel compelled to warn other families. First, I’ll give credit where it’s due. The campground is beautifully maintained, and the creekside sites are incredibly peaceful and serene. It’s a lovely setting, and during the day, the owner is friendly enough and seemingly hospitable. Unfortunately, the hospitality comes to a screeching halt the moment the clock strikes 10 PM.
We were two families camping together with six well-behaved kids who absolutely love the outdoors. We understand and respect campground quiet hours. We weren’t looking to throw parties, blast music, or disturb anyone. But apparently, at Turkey Creek,“quiet hours” doesn’t mean keeping noise to a respectful minimum. It means absolute silence, complete darkness, and seemingly no normal human activity whatsoever.
I’m not exaggerating.
* We were told to turn off ALL our lights at 10 PM.
* We were confronted for opening our vehicle’s trunk because it made a brief beeping sound.
* Our children were startled by a large spider near the bathhouse, and the owner actually yelled at them to be quiet.
* One evening around 11 PM, we were talking quietly INSIDE OUR OWN TENT, barely above a whisper, when the owner approached our tent door to reprimand us for talking.
* On another occasion, he approached us to complain that our children had left TWO STICKS on the ground near the bathrooms. Two sticks! At a campground surrounded by woods, where the kids had just walked down a wooded trail to reach the bathhouse!
And don’t even think about enjoying a little background music while sitting around your campsite. Music of any kind played through a speaker is prohibited, regardless of volume. Apparently, even a little John Denver played quietly while enjoying the mountains is too much to ask. I fully appreciate that some people camp specifically for peace and quiet. We respect that, too. But there is a massive difference between enforcing reasonable quiet hours and making paying guests feel like they’re constantly being watched, monitored, and reprimanded for simply existing. The owner’s enforcement of these rules felt excessive, confrontational, and completely out of proportion to what was actually happening.
Instead of relaxing and enjoying our family vacation, we found ourselves walking on eggshells, worried that the smallest sound, light, or ordinary childhood behavior would result in another confrontation. What makes this particularly frustrating is that our kids were doing exactly what we’d hope children would do on a camping trip: spending time outside, exploring nature, enjoying each other’s company, and making memories away from screens. Yet somehow, even that seemed unwelcome. If we hadn’t already paid for five nights, we would have packed up and left after the very first night. That’s how uncomfortable the experience became.
If you are someone who wants a meticulously maintained campground where everyone retires to complete silence and darkness by 10 PM, Turkey Creek might be perfect for you. But if you’re a family hoping to enjoy a campfire, share some laughs, quietly socialize in the evening, and let your children experience the simple joys of camping, I cannot recommend this place strongly enough AGAINST it.
There are so many beautiful campgrounds in this area, and I cannot imagine choosing to return somewhere that made our families feel so unwelcome. Beautiful property. Extremely disappointing hospitality. Absolutely terrible experience for families. We will never return.
- LLaura F.Scout
gee creek
Called 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.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Two Rivers Landing RV Resort
Premium Campground
This is a really nice place, my only issue is that I think $110 with Good Sam is too expensive. I needed a place to stay, so I did. They have laundry and restrooms but I didn't use them.
- CCalea C.Traveler
Quarry Trails Campground
Beautiful Veiws
Me and my cousin and my dog absolutely love staying here, we will be back. It has beautiful views from our campsite, and down a little trail to the quarry. It’s super clean and peaceful. Has a little bit of road noise, but honestly, I like a little bit of white noise
Guide to Tallassee
Camping sites near Tallassee, Tennessee sit within the Cherokee National Forest at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,000 feet, creating varied conditions throughout the year. Spring camping offers moderate temperatures averaging 60-75°F with frequent afternoon rain showers, while summer highs regularly exceed 85°F with high humidity. Forest roads accessing many dispersed camping areas become particularly rutted after rainfall, affecting accessibility for standard passenger vehicles.
What to do
Biking the scenic trails: At Elkmont Campground, rent bikes for the family from the nearby camp store. "I love elkmont! It's located only a short drive from Gatlinburg and several major hiking trails including Chimney Top," notes camper Emma M. The campground offers easy access to paved biking routes suitable for all skill levels.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening hours offer prime wildlife spotting at Cades Cove Campground. "I have never seen more black bear. It was a very safe distance we watched them about a football field away across a field pretty amazing experience," shares Ashley Y. The 11-mile loop road closes to vehicles on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10 am for cyclist and pedestrian wildlife viewing.
Water activities: Fishing for trout in crystal-clear streams is popular from April through October. "The campground is on the river, and I have never seen such crystal clear water anywhere on this side of the country," reports one visitor about Jake Best Campground. Swimming areas at Indian Boundary feature a designated beach area with sandy shorelines.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacious layout at Citico Creek Area dispersed camping. "These campsites are extremely spread out, allowing for private camping. No hookups, but a majority of the 14 sites are on the creek itself," explains Zane P. The free sites provide substantial separation from neighbors.
Waterfront locations: Lake Santeetlah Dispersed camping across the state line offers premium lakeside sites. "Our site was a quarter mile peninsula that we had to ourselves. All the sites very in size, shape, and proximity to the road and lake," shares Andy S., adding that amenities include "a fire ring with cooking grate, picnic table, lantern pole, grill, lots of wood on the ground for fires."
Seasonal amenities: From April through October, camping facilities like Indian Boundary provide additional services. "There's a camp store in the middle of the campground just in case you forget something or something fails you," writes Jason J. The campground also features "a lake for paddling, swimming, or fishing" with equipment rentals available.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many established campgrounds need advance booking through recreation.gov. "Make sure you make reservations BEFORE stunning out there. Way if they beaten path and reservations can ONLY be made online. No cell service no internet for at least ten miles away from camp," warns Jay A. about Abrams Creek Campground.
Road conditions: Forest Service roads leading to remote sites often deteriorate after rainfall. "Rough gravel road with many potholes to get to it," notes Zane P. about Jake Best Campground access. The road to Lake Santeetlah has "endless sharp turns & drop-offs, would not recommend driving this in the dark," cautions Alexandra.
Bear safety protocols: All camping areas enforce strict food storage regulations. "Very strict rules regarding food storage and park has managed to control bears and raccoons," reports Kim L. Bear boxes are provided at walk-in sites, while vehicle storage is required at drive-up locations.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with activities: Look for sites with built-in recreation options. "There is a lake for paddling, swimming, or fishing. For those who like to hike, there is a trail around the lake. One can also use this trail for bike ridding," recommends Jason J. about Indian Boundary.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds provide more serene environments than others. "This is a great campground, but can get a little busy. That doesn't make it good or bad, but you need to know what to plan for. If you want nature and solitude, go somewhere else. If you want nature, love community, and want someone for your kids to play with, this is perfect," advises DrDavid P. about Cades Cove.
Plan for weather changes: Mountain elevations create variable conditions. "Temperature fluctuations can happen throughout the day by 20° or more. Storms czn pop up and bring heavy rain and wind to this area so be prepared," warns Tyler M. about camping in the region. Pack layers and rain gear even during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup availability: For RVers requiring power, options are limited. "Sites are big and level. Power hook ups if you need them and plenty of shade," notes Jim M. about Indian Boundary. Most dispersed camping areas cannot accommodate larger rigs or provide hookups.
Dump station locations: Plan your waste management accordingly. "Dump station on site," confirms Kim L. about Elkmont, but adds "Traffic was a beast but there were good hiking trails from campground." The Sugarlands Visitor Center dump station operates seasonally from late May, while Cades Cove's remains open year-round.
Site dimensions: Research campsite specifications before arrival. "The spot was long and pretty flat. The lake is beautiful to wake up to each morning, definitely looks to be a popular lake in the summer," shares Rocio C. about an RV site at Lake Santeetlah, but cautions "The other sites did not look to be too RV friendly."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Tallassee, TN?
What camping is available near Tallassee, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Tallassee, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 623 campgrounds and RV parks near Tallassee, TN and 40 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Tallassee, TN?
Which is the most popular campground near Tallassee, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tallassee, TN is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 100 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tallassee, TN?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tallassee, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 40 free dispersed camping spots near Tallassee, TN.
What parks are near Tallassee, TN?
What parks are near Tallassee, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Tallassee, TN that allow camping, notably Croatan National Forest and Tusquitee National Forest.
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