Jake Best Campground, near Tellico Plains, Tennessee, is a primitive camping location that offers a true escape into nature. Situated in the beautiful Citico Creek Wilderness, this spot is perfect for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The campground features spacious sites right by the crystal-clear river, making it a prime spot for fishing and enjoying the great outdoors. Visitors have noted the clean vault toilet facilities and the well-maintained environment, which adds to the overall experience. As one camper put it, “If you are looking to escape civilization and get out in the woods, this place is perfect!”

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of hiking trails nearby, and Bald River Falls is just a short drive away for those wanting to explore more stunning scenery. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with a modest fee for overnight stays, making it accessible for spontaneous trips. 

While there are no electric hookups or showers, the peaceful surroundings and the chance to immerse yourself in nature make Jake Best Campground a favorite among those seeking tranquility and adventure. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or just relaxing by the river, this campground has a lot to offer for a memorable outdoor getaway.

## Overview

 This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

Jake Best Campground

Tallassee, TN is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Tallassee, TN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Tallassee

The Best Camping Near Tallassee, Tennessee

Secluded primitive camping. No bath houses. Plenty of hiking and horseback trails, fishing and swimming!!

Secluded

I stayed two nights.  Purchased wood and some other things from the nearby camp store at nearby Indian Boundary Campground (IBC)when I arrived.  So if you need anything the store is close by during season with friendly staff.  We also swam at IBC beach area.

The campsites at Jake Best Campground (JBC)was clean and the fee was small.  Other nearby primitive sites are free and their are several just off Citico Creek.  Our stay was over July 4th weekend and only 3 of the 9 sites were being used.  The US Forestry Service was in and out of JBC a few times and visible along Citico Creek.
We chose a Creekside site with access via short trails.  
Plenty of good fishing/swimming/just sitting to be had from the site.  Saw several locals that trout fish this creek.
We skipped rocks, hammocked, swam in the nearby lake, and finished the trip at nearby Bald River Falls.
Good place for a quick getaway.



Plenty of options from here

Met my son at Jake Best last week. Camp was empty. 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. Recommend bringing firewood although we found burnable wood nearby. Also bring small bills as the fee is $6 per night. This is a very family friendly  primitive campground .  Fire pits and pad for tents. Road is somewhat narrow and last 1.6 miles is unpacked but easy to access. Highly recommended And we will be back.

Jake Best - Amazing

It is located within the Cherokee National Forest in the Citico Creek area. It has a toilet house, but no hookups. Several sites that are first come first serve. Great campground. Rough gravel road with many potholes to get to it. 

Great Campground 

Jake Best Campground is a small primitive campground in the Citico Creek area. The spots are $8 a night and well worth that and more. The campground is first come, first served, and you can't make reservations. Fees are paid in the drop box at the campground.  There is hunting allowed in the area, so look up open season dates before planning. All the sites looked pretty level, and all had plenty of space. The campground is on the river, and I have never seen such crystal clear water anywhere on this side of the country. I did not fish while I was there, but I'm told there is excellent trout fishing here. The area is pretty remote, and you will not have cell service, which is a blessing sometimes. There is a vault toilet at the campground, and it was clean and seemed to be maintained regularly. Bald River Falls is nearby, and Indian Boundry. This is one of my favorite campgrounds for relaxing in the woods, and I can't wait to back.

Peace & Quiet, Pristine River

  Jake Best was a campground I had been wanting to visit for a while and I was not disappointed. The campground is in the Citico creek wilderness, and is right on the river. The area is absolutely beautiful. The water is crystal clear, and the area is known for trout fishing and big game hunting, in fact the campground is regularly full of hunters. The campground is small, and has a vault toilet. The campground is first come first served, and is $8 per night. 
  
  The sites are spacious, and all looked mostly level. There is no water or electric hookups, it is primative. There is no cell service here, but you can get radio reception. If you are looking to escape civilization and get out in the woods, this place is perfect! 

Photos of Jake Best Campground

Real photos from real campers