621 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
GuideNice quiet campground. Big rig friendly. Long pull through sites. Very nice camp host. River along one side. Mostly open. A few shady spots. Great location for being just outside the National Park away from the busy cities.
GuideMan, what a beautiful campground built in 1960s. We had the place to ourselves, right next to the creek. Rough terrain getting there but we have a ford Econoline that had no trouble. Hate I didn’t snag enough pictures.
TravelerOwners were very welcoming, the campsite is beautiful and spacious. With amazing views of the lake , a lot of mosquitoes during the late summer but that’s expected.$20 a night, no reservations required.
GuideLarge lakeside campsites, hot showers, bathrooms, easy pull up, and adequate privacy. Some sites have better views than others but there’s lots of ways to see the lake once you’re here.
ScoutWe’ve been coming at this campground for 13 years and it is always an enjoyable experience. The past owners, Barry and Chong, have turned over the day to day management to their son and daughter-in-law. They are so pleasant and accommodating. It is a small campground but drive thru spaces are big enough for big rigs. They keep the campground in immaculate condition…. Would give it 6 stars out of 5!
GuideGibson Cove campground Bring your water toys as the lake is clean and easily accessible. Gorgeous hiking trail. Very spacious campsites. Quiet campground. Managed and well maintained sites. I would have given five stars but the bathrooms were in desperate need of maintenance and the quantity was not sufficient. Men’s bathroom had 1 toilet for approximately 40 sites. Expect freakishly large bees and plenty of spiders.
ScoutWith only 18 waterfront sites this campground facilitates comradery like no place we have ever experienced. Taco Tuesdays, Margarita Fridays, Soup Sundays, potlucks, on-site bluegrass concerts, sharing stories with new friends with our chairs and feet in the cool river water, watching the lunar eclipse in our best dress pajamas are all events we enjoyed in our two and a half months here. The campground is clean and well maintained at all times. The owners and hosts are outstanding individuals who truly make every effort to make everyone comfortable at their home away from home. Strangers really have become friends, just as advertised.
Guide6 back in campsites, right off a paved road, sites are 20 yards from river, fishing, peaceful, cooler than in town. Outhouse is clean and has TP. Not much traffic on the road, not many campers. There are several campgrounds in the same general area on the river. All are nice, we had our pick and chose Davis. No power, water, or dump but there's a store just down the road that has fishing gear, ice, firewood, drinks, and vices. Good spot in a cool location.
ScoutWe have been coming to this RV park for 5 years, and just keep coming back. It's a beautiful campground with all sites on the river. Jodi & Tim (Owners) are wonderful, and make campers feel like part of their family. The comradery is like having a lot of friends in one beautiful environment. Taco Tuesday, potluck dinners, BBQ's and Margarita Fridays round up the different events provided at the big barn. And, it's only a hop, skip and jump to restaurants, site seeing, downtown Franklin and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 621 campgrounds and RV parks near Tallassee, TN and 40 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 100 reviews.
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Tallassee, TN that allow camping, notably Croatan National Forest and Tusquitee National Forest.
Keep Exploring
