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Tellico Plains, Tennessee is a gateway to campgrounds ranging from developed sites with electric hookups to free dispersed camping in the surrounding national forest. Campgrounds like Indian Boundary offer tent and RV sites with electric hookups, drinking water, and reservable sites, while Citico Creek Area offers free dispersed camping with more primitive facilities. The camping landscape includes specialty options like Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground with cabin accommodations and Top of the World RV with full hookups specifically for recreational vehicles. Most campgrounds in this region provide access to outdoor recreation opportunities in the nearby mountains, forests, and waterways.
Road access and seasonal availability vary significantly across the Tellico Plains area, with many campgrounds operating only from spring through fall. Indian Boundary typically opens from April to November, while some dispersed camping areas remain accessible year-round. "This campground has 13 sites on the opposite side of the road from the lake, and several spots flanking Santeetlah. If you are a tent camper, my suggestion is go for the opposite side of the lake," noted one visitor about nearby Horse Cove Campground. Cell service is limited throughout the region, particularly in the deeper mountain valleys and gorges. Visitors should prepare for potentially muddy conditions after rainfall, especially at primitive sites, and check current fire restrictions before planning campfires.
Waterfront camping locations receive particularly positive feedback from visitors to the Tellico Plains region. Campers highlight the soothing sounds of nearby creeks and rivers as enhancing their overnight experience. One reviewer commented that they chose their site "for its privacy and the beautiful rushing water to sleep by and watch while sitting beside the fire and enjoying morning coffee." The area draws outdoor enthusiasts pursuing specific activities, with some campgrounds becoming popular bases for motorcyclists exploring the Cherohala Skyway or kayakers watching release schedules for whitewater opportunities. Wildlife viewing opportunities include potential bear sightings, making proper food storage essential at all camping locations in the region.
"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"Bath house is relatively nice for a state park campground. 1 mile walking path surrounding the grounds is nice. Safe area for bicycle riding. Great proximity to many outdoor activities."
"This sweet state park campground is tucked into a spot along Gee Creek, which is great for boating, fishing, and swimming in the summertime heat of Tennessee. "
"Close to grocery stores & TONS of mountain goodness."
"As close to heaven as it gets"
from $50 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Great base camp for close to adventures in the national forest. Go do the hike by bald river falls 30 min away."
"Great location and great food! This is my go to spot when out riding."
"Close to fun things in Tellico , not too far from Athens , Etowah , Madisonville , and many near by attractions in the mountains. We drove to Cleveland quite a bit too, about 45 min."
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Will definitely stay here again when passing through Tellico Plains."
"I found this awesome campground close to the beginning of the Cherohala skyway in Tellico Plains."
from $20 / 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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"My partner and I headed to nearby Chilhowie Campground in the Cherokee National Forest last year to try out our new teardrop camper. We chose site 1 in the A Loop as it had shore power."
"It has clean bathrooms with showers, fire rings with grill grates, lots of hiking, hike to a beautiful waterfall, huge lake to swim or float on a raft, and the lightning bugs were breath taking!!"
from $12 - $30 / 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."
"Bathrooms are relatively clean nice fishing close by. Twra fish hatchery just a short drive away. Lots to do for hiking fishing and just exploring the outdoors."
"The closeness to the river is the main attraction here. It’s ever-present sounds make it easy to forget everything."
RangerFirst thing--be sure you check your route here. Do not end up on Happy Valley Rd with a big rig. My RV life app took me that way with a 30ft TT and the park explicitly says to avoid it. The campground itself is somewhat unremarkable. 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.
GuideHopefully they open it up soon but we drove about an hour to get here just for it to be closed. The whole road seems to be closed for the time being for road work. I hope this helps someone!.
The 5-8 miles up to this area do seem a little sketchy but we were hoping the actually site would be nice and hopefully it will be after the work they are doing right now.
ScoutShakedown trip. Offered lots of help, friendly staff, clean campground, plenty of amenities, safe good views. Traveled with a pet and it worked well.
GuideBeautiful views from the trails. I went during the summer in July so it was on the busier side. There is a lake with a beach with boat and paddle board rentals. Seemed like a great spot to fish. Prepare for possibilities of bears as they were around. One night I must have not fully secured my bear box and a bear found my cooler. I tent camped on a pad where I can find some service (T-Mobile) but most spots are spotty. Next time I come, I want to try the back country locations. Trails are awesome with a cool story about the place around the tower and fortification. Attendants at the camp store were really nice. If groceries are needed there is grocery stores in the nearest town of Chatsworth down the mountain
RangerOur campsite: #9
⛺️ First site on the left. It’s a shaded, pull-through site, and I believe it’s the most private site in the campground. Only about half the sites were occupied during our visit, and it was incredibly peaceful and quiet.
⛺️ Very level and stayed dry with no puddling during our visit.
⛺️ The creek can be seen from the picnic table, and listening to the water was so relaxing. We even spotted a pileated woodpecker and a couple of herons across the creek.
⛺️ Direct creek access—it’s steep, but doable!
⛺️ The fire ring had quite a bit of ash left in it, although we didn’t need to use it.
⛺️ Farthest site from the fishing area and kayak launch, but it’s still an easy, short walk!
⛺️ Close to the restrooms, but we didn’t notice any unpleasant smells from our site or elsewhere in the campground.
⛺️ Trash cans are located along the way to the fishing area.
Kayak Ramp & Fishing Area:
🛶 Concrete ramp makes creek access easy. It was muddy and slightly slippery during our visit, so watch your step!
🥾 The creek was cold and refreshing in August. Wear water shoes for grip on the smooth stones—and protection from any lost fishing hooks hiding on the creek bottom. Ouch!
🎣 The fishing area is next to the kayak ramp and has two wooden benches.
🦦 We saw an otter playing along the creek while we were fishing!
Restrooms:
🚽 Bring a lantern or flashlight—even during the daytime, it’s DARK inside!
🚽 There are hooks to hang your lantern or bag.
🚽 No running water at the campground, so bring soap and water for washing your hands at your campsite.
🛒 Cooper’s Creek Store is nearby and worth a stop! Firewood, ice, bait, snacks, souvenirs, Wi-Fi, food, and plenty of fishing/camping essentials you may have forgotten.
🌲 If you’re looking for a quiet, shaded creekside site with privacy and water access, Site #9 is an excellent pick.
ScoutSpent a nice 5 days relaxing. Camp host was very friendly. Shower house and toilets well maintained and clean.
GuideIt is difficult to find a spot. It appears a lot of unhoused people live here full time. There is a lot of trash littering the trees and down by the lake. There is good cell service and overall it is a nice area.
GuideGreat campsite. No cell service at all. Has nice toilets and dish washing area.
GuideThe Smoker Holler campground has convenient access off of hwy 321 in Wears Valley. Close to the Smoky Mountain national park. It's a decent place for an overnight stop but not a destination campground. The good points: The sites are level and we'll graveled. There are full hookups. The restroom/shower facilities are well kept. The not so good: not a lot of shaded sites so summer is hot. Sites are very close together and the campground is small o there is not a lot of area to walk dogs. (The qualifier is that I walk my dogs 4-6 miles most days) There is a field adjacent to the campground that is fine for potty walks but not big enough for exercise. We were just passing through on a covered bridge tour so we only stayed one night and it was ok.
Dispersed camping sites near Tellico Plains, Tennessee provide direct creek access with widely spaced sites that feel remote despite proximity to roads. The Cherokee National Forest elevation ranges from 700 to 5,400 feet, creating distinct camping environments with temperature variations of up to 10-15 degrees between valley floors and mountain ridges. Primitive sites along Citico Creek accommodate tent campers without reservations year-round.
Bike rentals at Indian Boundary: The 3.5-mile trail around the lake is suitable for family biking with rentals available on-site. "The lake with a sandy area, and a beautiful mountain range to enjoy. It's my favorite camping spot!" notes Alison B. about Indian Boundary.
Motorcycle touring: The Cherohala Skyway attracts riders who use local campgrounds as base camps. "This is one of the best maintained campgrounds I've been too. Beautiful area, quiet, clean and lots to do," shares Jill W. about their experience before riding the scenic roads.
Trout fishing: Citico Creek offers clear water fishing opportunities with minimal crowds during weekdays. One visitor to Citico Creek Area explains, "These campsites are extremely spread out, allowing for private camping. No hookups, but a majority of the 14 sites are on the creek itself."
Horseback riding: Multiple trail systems accommodate equestrians throughout the national forest. The Citico wilderness features trails that connect to campgrounds for riders seeking multi-day trips.
Creek-side sites: The sound of running water enhances camping experiences along Citico Creek. "We chose our site for its privacy and the beautiful rushing water to sleep by," mentions a camper who appreciated the natural white noise.
Hot showers at Cherohala Mountain Trails: Unlike many forest service sites, this campground offers comfortable facilities. "Bathrooms are clean. Firewood is free. They also have free meals that depend on the day of the week," states Jon D. about Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground.
Flat camping pads: Well-maintained sites with level areas for tents reduce setup frustrations. According to Ted N. at Jake Best Campground, "Very well kept. Trash cans available and very clean toilet. Citico down a small slope. Hiking trail near by and close enough to Tellico if supplies are needed."
Campground stores: Several established sites offer basic supplies so campers don't need to return to town. "There is a camp store in the middle of the campground just in case you forget something or something fails you," notes Jason J. about convenience options.
Access roads vary dramatically: Some campgrounds require navigating rough forest roads. "Rough gravel road with many potholes to get to it," warns Zane P. about Jake Best Campground, while others caution about steep mountain access to higher elevation sites.
Fire regulations change seasonally: Cherokee National Forest implements restrictions during dry periods, especially in fall. Campers should verify current rules before planning campfires.
Pack cash for fees: Many primitive sites require exact payment in drop boxes. "The fee is $8 per night," notes Lori H. about Jake Best, adding that "The campground is first come first served, and you can't make reservations. Fees are paid in the drop box at the campground."
Cell service dead zones: Most forest campgrounds lack connectivity. "There is no cell service here, but you can get radio reception," advises a visitor to Gee Creek Campground, explaining that "If you are looking to escape civilization and get out in the woods, this place is perfect!"
Lake swimming options: Indian Boundary offers a designated beach area with shallow water. "Great camping area, great for family camping. Hiking trail around lake fun to kayak and fish on also has a swimming area and large picnic area that's covered," explains Kaitlyn about Indian Boundary.
Playground access: Some established campgrounds include play structures for children. Mickey L. noted that Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park has "Very friendly staff. Clean facilities and nice playground. Whippoorwill called through the evening which was cool."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Families can spot birds, small mammals, and occasionally bears from safe distances. "Obey the rules about bears! We met people who saw one recently," cautions Amber A. about proper food storage.
Accessible waterfalls: Short hikes lead to impressive cascades suitable for children. "Hiking trail nearby and close enough to Tellico if supplies are needed," mentions Ted N., while another camper adds, "We did the Benton Falls hike and it was lovely! 3 miles RT."
Limited level sites for larger rigs: RV campers should research specific campgrounds before arrival. "Roads around the loops were narrow but there were big 5th wheel rigs so its doable," advises Tracy J. about Chilhowee Recreation Area.
Tank management without full hookups: Several campgrounds offer electric-only sites with scheduled dump service. "They don't have sewer hookup, they come by Mondays and Thursdays to dump your tanks for you with a truck, that's great...but you have to really watch your water usage so you don't overfill your tanks," explains Ginger V. about Top of the World RV.
Mountain road navigation: Access to elevated campgrounds requires careful driving. "Getting to it can be tricky as TN-68 has steep grades and decent curves but is doable for all but the absolute longest of rigs," warns Jeremy B. about Top of the World RV.
Electric access variations: Power options range from none to partial to full service. "Sites are big and level. Power hook ups if you need them and plenty of shade," notes Jim M. about the 30-amp service available at some campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best camping spots in Tellico Plains, Tennessee?
Tellico Plains offers excellent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Indian Boundary is a standout campground with drive-in access, reservable sites, water, and toilets, making it perfect for families. For motorcycle enthusiasts, Smitty's Lodge Motorcycle Campground sits near the beginning of the Cherohala Skyway and provides amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, clean restrooms and showers. Other notable options include Birch Branch Campground along River Road, which offers great access to fishing spots and trails, and Jake Best Campground for a more rustic experience. The Citico Creek Area provides dispersed camping opportunities with creek access, ideal for those seeking a more natural setting.
Can I go camping in Tellico Village, and how does it differ from Tellico Plains?
Tellico Village and Tellico Plains are distinct locations that offer different camping experiences. Tellico Village is a planned residential community on Tellico Lake with limited public camping options, though Harrison Bay State Park Campground is nearby on Chickamauga Lake, offering family-friendly RV and tent camping with lake access, playgrounds, and bicycle paths. In contrast, Tellico Plains is a gateway to wilderness adventures in the Cherokee National Forest, featuring numerous rustic campgrounds like Horse Cove and Starr Mountain Area. Tellico Plains camping tends to be more primitive and nature-focused, while options near Tellico Village typically offer more amenities and are closer to residential areas.
Are there RV rentals available near Tellico Plains for camping trips?
RV rentals aren't widely advertised directly in Tellico Plains, but nearby options exist. Tellico Plains/Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday offers RV-friendly sites with full amenities and may have rental information. Persimmon Creek RV Park just off Highway 64/74 near the Tennessee border provides well-maintained RV sites with amenities but doesn't specifically advertise rentals. For actual RV rentals, your best bet is to check with rental companies in larger nearby cities like Knoxville or Cleveland, Tennessee. These companies typically offer delivery services to campgrounds in the Tellico Plains area for an additional fee.
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