Best Campgrounds near Tallassee, TN

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 Camping Sites Near Tallassee, Tennessee (586)

    1. Cades Cove Campground

    98 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "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."

    2. Indian Boundary

    28 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 253-8400

    $20 / night

    "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."

    3. Abrams Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    24 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "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."

    4. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    124 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "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."

    5. Cades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    27 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $50 - $94 / night

    "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."

    6. Look Rock Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    14 Reviews
    Maryville, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 436-1261

    $30 - $36 / night

    "There is a state campground near the base, but it was crowded and noisy. Unfortunately I've been informed this campground is no longer in operation, so sad."

    "This place has so many gorgeous camping spits and hiking trails! In the fall there is just so many different hues of oranges reds and yellows"

    7. Jake Best Campground

    6 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    8 miles
    Website

    "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

    28 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-2241

    "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. Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 479-6431

    "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."

    10. Citico Creek Area

    6 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    7 miles
    Website

    "This campground is great for being right next to great day hikes and easy access to Citico Creek, which was just across the gravel road from our site."

    "My only complaint was there were cars frequently driving by throughout the night on the dirt road. Other than that, really enjoyed this place."

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Recent Reviews near Tallassee, TN

2371 Reviews of 586 Tallassee Campgrounds


  • Liz  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Rough Creek Dispersed

    Only 2 Sites

    Gorgeous area at the end of the road. Only 2 sites and one intense drive to get here. It takes about 35 minutes to go 4 miles. Ground clearance and off road tires needed

  • SunnyLake
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Lakeside RV Resort & Marina

    Great Place with Great People

    Under new ownership, this little campground is wonderful.  Easy access and close to the activities on Douglas Lake or a quick drive into Sevierville, Pigeon Forge - Dollywood, and the Great Smoky Mountains.  The views from the lake are amazing and the campground hosts are so helpful and available.  Clean and fun!  Love it here!

  • Laur H.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Clabough's Campground

    Good for families

    Our stay was good. It was our first time camping in Pigeon Forge, we usually stay closer to Nashville in state parks. The campsites are extremely close together - everyone is packed in like sardines. We knew it would be tight from when we looked at the map when booking but whew - if you don’t know your neighbors, you will! This seems par for the course in the area. The location here compared to attractions in PF was so convenient it made it worth it.

    We really appreciated the amenities - the bath house was super clean and the laundry room was nice. We loved that the campground picks up trash daily. There was an issue with the sewer in the area where we were and the campground was quick to resolve it. We also appreciated having campground staff escort us to our site so we did not have to wander with a map.

    The playground is big and nice, and my nephew loved the bouncy pillow. The pool and lazy river looked really neat but we didn’t have swim gear with us since it’s fall, although we saw some people swimming so maybe it is heated?

    On the other hand - The staff does not answer any email inquiries, apparently. The cancellation policy is really awfully strict. We didn’t necessarily feel super welcomed at check in.

    There seem to be a LOT of long-term/permanent residents here. That always makes me uncomfortable since I feel like I’m in other peoples space, but no one was unfriendly. It did seem like the rules (which I read carefully prior to arrival) are selectively applied.

    Overall it was a good trip and we wouldn’t be opposed to staying here again, but this definitely isn’t our preferred type of campground.

  • Liz  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Little Gassaway Creek

    1 Campsite off 4 x 4 Road

    Found this site on the way to another. Only one campsite and requires either off-road tires or 4 x 4

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Grumpy Bear Campground

    Nice but small

    The attraction here is the river. It is absolutely gorgeous. Riverside are small and close together.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    Lake view but live in campers

    So there’s another site on Dyrt with the same name however it’s on the other side of the lake. Both sites are full of mainly people who live here it appears. Tents and tarps all along the river. Not a lot of drive in spots mainly tent walk ins. We showed up pretty late so not a spot but like I said. The campers looked like they lived in the majority of the spots. Zero signal at both areas for Verizon and T-Mobile. The road like most around here was beautiful driving in. The next nearby free dispersed spot is long hungry dog camp(I left a review on there for anyone needing it!)

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Two seperate areas

    So there’s another site on Dyrt with the same name however it’s on the other side of the lake. Both sites are full of mainly people who live here it appears. Tents and tarps all along the river. Not a lot of drive in spots mainly tent walk ins. We showed up pretty late so not a spot but like I said. The campers looked like they lived in the majority of the spots. Zero signal at both areas for Verizon and T-Mobile. The road like most around here was beautiful driving in. The next nearby free dispersed spot is long hungry dog camp(I left a review on there for anyone needing it!)

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Trash..

    This area was easy to find with Apple Maps and T-Mobile and Verizon had signal. When we drove in it was around 9pm in a Saturday night and all sites was taken with what looked like people living there. And the road dead ends. All along the water. Tents and tarps everywhere. We found one spot not on the water and set up. Fire rings and picnic tables are at every spot. But when I woke up and it wasn't pitch black my heart broke. There was bags of trash and litter everywhere around us and tossed in the forest around us. The forest had a lot of thorns but I was able to get three large kitchen bags of trash out. From propane tanks to over twenty cans of food. Just tossed into the woods. We camp all over the United States, and this is our first place close to home and it broke my heart to see how our state treats these beautiful places. Please don't come if you don't appreciate nature enough to not use it as your trash can.

    So on Dyrt there's two sites with this name and same gps but you can follow around the lake and find the other one. Both areas are a lot alike. But definitely more fit for tent camping on the water. Park by the road and walk down sites so none fit for us since we camp in the truck. The sites all looked like the other areas around here where people very much lived there and never left, so not one site at either camping area was open.

  • Sarah and Philip H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Knoxville Campground

    Great Pass through Campground not for staying long term

    Location was great to get to lots of things but campsites are very tight and no room for an actual camping feel.


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?

According to TheDyrt.com, Tallassee, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 586 campgrounds and RV parks near Tallassee, TN and 39 free dispersed camping spots.

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 98 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tallassee, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 39 free dispersed camping spots 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.