Lost Creek - Cherokee NF, near Reliance, Tennessee, is a fantastic spot for those seeking a true escape into nature. This location offers a primitive camping experience with concrete picnic tables and fire rings, making it easy to enjoy meals and evenings around the fire.

Visitors rave about the serene atmosphere, with many noting the soothing sounds of the nearby creek. The area is perfect for fishing and hiking, with trails that lead you deeper into the beautiful Cherokee National Forest. One camper mentioned, “Each campsite has a concrete table, fire pit, and tent platform,” highlighting the thoughtful amenities available.

While the campground is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, it can get crowded on weekends. However, the friendly vibe among campers adds to the charm, as many have met fellow nature lovers during their stay. Just remember, there’s no drinking water or cell service, so come prepared to unplug and enjoy the great outdoors.

Lost Creek Campground is located along the banks of Big Lost Creek. This primitive campground offers remote camping and is surrounded by dense forest and creeks. Lost Creek Campground is open year round. Sites are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. While staying at Lost Creek, campers can enjoy fishing in Big Lost Creek (note: special regulations are in effect for fishing in Big Lost Creek).

Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

Reliance, TN is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Reliance campgrounds just for you. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Reliance and user-submitted reviews.

Reliance

The Best Camping Near Reliance, Tennessee

This campground is incredibly clean + quiet—and completely free. It's in the middle of nowhere (7 miles down a gravel forest road), surrounded by forest, with easy creek access (some sites are right beside the creek), and the Benton McKaye trail running directly beside it. Sites can accommodate tents and small RVs, complete with concrete picnic tables and a fire ring. The restroom, although primitive (no water—bring along some hand sanitizer), is incredibly clean. Sites are pet friendly and relatively private. Really fantastic place to stay!

Fantastic Free Campground

Your classic primitive campground. No generators,  water, or porta potties. How camping in the forest should be!

Primitive bliss

The lost cove campground can be found deep in the wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest outside of Benton, TN. The campground is operated and maintained by the USFS. Once leaving the pavement of the main road and traversing a well maintained gravel road for 7 miles you will reach the Lost Cove Campground.  A portion of campground adjoins a small creek. The creek can be used for shallow water wading or fishing. During our visit in Mid January there were no other visitors at the campground. The campground offers concrete picnic tables, lantern post, a pit toilet and bear safe trash receptacles. There is no potable water available from a spicket and no Verizon cell reception. 

USFS Remote Campground

Small, off the beaten path campground. Nice creek on one side, seems lightly used.

Quiet and out of the way

This little site was a great get away, except for the dogs.
We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived. Sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad. We had to clean ours when we arrived. There are rest rooms and bear proof trash bins, we chose to set up our own restroom. The highlight would definitely be the creek. There are spots that you can swim around in.
We apparently went during hunting season. Had to have been a dog sport. Too many dogs running around and barking throughout the night. Other than that we enjoyed our stay.

Out of the way

This is a great spot in the river. Picnic tables, fire ring, pit toilet and all you hear is the river at night.  No cell service and its first come first served for a spot

A good spot

I’ve ridden a bike through here several times over the years and finally we got to stay here . Super quiet when we were there in March . Toilet could be cleaner but at least it’s there . Nice creek view  through the side of the campground , likely no cell service unless you go one way or another up the mountain . Many places to explore on bike or hiking . Super remote area , ride were in decent shape , I could see them being bad after a heavy storm . Gravel 7 miles to here . 

Great Backcountry Area

It’s a free campsite so it’s first come first serve and everyone we’ve met so far there have been the friendliest of people. There’s a drop toilet which are pretty still smell though. Each campsite has a concrete table, fire pit, and tent platform. Some have direct access to the creek. Great hikes around and good place to fish and hunt.

Photos of Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

Real photos from real campers