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Best Campgrounds near Tellico Plains, TN

1,892 Reviews

Tellico Plains, Tennessee serves as a gateway to varied camping experiences in the Cherokee National Forest and surrounding areas. Established campgrounds like Indian Boundary provide tent and RV sites with amenities including 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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Tellico Plains, Tennessee (573)

    1. Indian Boundary

    28 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    11 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."

    2. Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

    29 Reviews
    Delano, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 263-0050

    $35 - $85 / night

    "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. "

    3. Top of the World RV

    8 Reviews
    Coker Creek, TN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 519-2967

    $45 / night

    "This place is a true gem hidden in the Tennessee mountains."

    "Close to grocery stores & TONS of mountain goodness."

    4. Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground

    5 Reviews
    Tellico Plains, TN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 253-6061

    "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."

    5. Tellico Plains/Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday

    5 Reviews
    Tellico Plains, TN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 253-3513

    $40 - $60 / night

    "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."

    6. Cades Cove Campground

    98 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    33 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."

    7. Chilhowee Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Benton, TN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-3300

    $12 - $30 / night

    "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!!"

    8. Jake Best Campground

    6 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    12 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."

    9. Smitty's Lodge Motorcycle Campground

    3 Reviews
    Tellico Plains, TN
    2 miles
    +1 (423) 253-2918

    $20 / night

    "I found this awesome campground close to the beginning of the Cherohala skyway in Tellico Plains."

    10. Citico Creek Area

    6 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    12 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 Camping Photos near Tellico Plains, TN

814 Photos of 573 Tellico Plains Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Tellico Plains, TN

1892 Reviews of 573 Tellico Plains Campgrounds

  • Katrin M.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    Campground on the lake

    We camped here over the weekend, bc we participated in a dog event near by. At first we booked site B31. The tent pad was super small, there was no way for 2 bigger tents to fit. It's definitely better, if you have a camper. We changed to site A9 and that was much better. We had to set up the tents on concrete, which was awesome, because it rained all Saturday. The bathhouses were kinda outdated, but always clean. The park itself is ok. It's nothing spectacular there. The campsites directly on the water were very nice. All the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. I don't think, I would camp here again. The park was very clean, it has just not really anything nature wise that would catch my interest.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cades Cove Campground

    Quite, beautiful, weekend traffic

    This is one of the quietest campgrounds I’ve stayed at. Sites are nestled in the woods in a cove in the Smokies. No cell service. No internet. No cable tv. Just peace and quiet! This is a national park campgrounds, so no water, electric or hookups. There is a dump station and modern bathrooms. Cold water showers. There is a camp store with basics. There is a lot of traffic especially on weekends with visitors driving the scenic Cades Cove Loop Road.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Little River Campground & RV Resort

    Labor Day weekend

    Overall a positive experience. We stayed in the tent camping area. Absolutely beautiful site with a wonderful river view, but be aware that the direct river bank is considered common area including day use so it had a lot of traffic while we were there. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Being a holiday weekend it was very crowded and very noisy, including a few neighbors without regards to quiet hours. Overall the facilities including bath house are were very nice though I believe the large crowds caused issues with the crew being able to keep up with keeping them clean. The location is very convenient to Townsend and we rode bikes out to explore and get food in the evening. We would definitely go back just probably not on a holiday weekend.

  • Doug S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Persimmon Creek RV Park

    Beautiful Little Camp Ground

    Persimmon Creek is a beautiful and peaceful place. The owner is very friendly and helpful. It is centrally located to some great attractions.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mountaineer Campground

    Pleasant Stay

    Lovely campground on the river and close to amenities. Biking, hiking, tubing, swimming. My favorite experience here has been the pavilion prayer and fellowship on Sunday mornings hosted by Charm ministry volunteers. Very casual with lots of singing and great conversation in a very positive and welcoming atmosphere. The bathrooms and showers were kept very clean as well as the laundry and pool area. The camp hosts were very helpful and work hard to keep the above clean. The campground offers a 50% discount on a 28-day stay which I took advantage of. They allowed me to stay an extra 28 days due to my dog passing away so I could wait for his remains. They were very understanding, thoughtful and gracious during this sad time for me and I am very grateful to the management and hosts for the time, space and respect they extended to me July & August.

  • Kc K.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    Amazing site! See note on hook-ups

    This campground is great. The hosts/camp store workers are so nice. This site is big and has easy walk-in access to water for swimming or fishing. **Only weird thing is the hookups are on the opposite side of the site. Take a 50 ft water hose and a 30 amp extension - ours was 50 ft but I think a 30 ft would work. **

  • A
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Chilhowee

    Clean areas

    Bathrooms always clean. It’s pretty family friendly with adult supervision. Great views and scenery. Swimming lake.

  • J
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA)

    Beautiful and Quiet

    My girls group and I wanted to do a quick weekend glamping trip. One long rocky road and an active bear warning later we were rocking it by the creek. Bring a bathing suit and some good hiking shoes. There’s a giant waterfall down the trail if you can make the trek. There’s no cell service or security so make sure you’re making safe decisions :)

Guide to Tellico Plains

Camping near Tellico Plains, Tennessee, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers have enjoyed hikes like the Little River Trail, which offers beautiful views and a gradual uphill path. One reviewer mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Smokemont Campground shared, "I love all the elk and other wildlife," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: The nearby rivers and streams provide excellent fishing opportunities. A visitor noted, "I did fish one pool for about 30 minutes and saw quite a few fish in the pool over the weekend."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning scenery. A review for Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground highlights, "The views are amazing," making it a perfect backdrop for your camping experience.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. One camper at Greenbrier Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were amazing," which adds to the overall comfort of the stay.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Greenbrier Campground offer activities for kids, such as playgrounds and swimming spots. A family reviewer said, "We loved being right between the creek and the playground!"

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Elkmont Campground noted, "All of the campsites are extremely close together," so if privacy is a concern, plan accordingly.
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds in the area have poor cell reception. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "There is no cell service with T-Mobile," so download any necessary information before your trip.
  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. One camper at Harrison Bay State Park Campground shared, "It was great, very nice and peaceful," but temperatures can drop at night.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Greenbrier Campground said, "There were bounce houses, multiple playgrounds," making it a hit for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One family at Cades Cove Campground enjoyed biking the loop, which is a great way to explore the area together.
  • Pack Snacks and Meals: Having food on hand can save time and keep everyone happy. A camper at Harrison Bay State Park Campground mentioned, "We had good cell service and there is great guest wifi," which can help with meal planning.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site dimensions. A reviewer at Fort Mountain State Park Campground advised, "Research the roads if you have a large camper," to avoid any surprises.
  • Use Dump Stations: Many campgrounds have dump stations available. A camper at Cades Cove Campground appreciated the "nice and clean" facilities for RV maintenance.
  • Plan for Power Needs: Some campgrounds may not have electric hookups. A visitor at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground noted, "If you have a big RV, it may be hard to get in and out of the park," so be prepared with alternative power sources if needed.

Camping near Tellico Plains, Tennessee, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

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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